What Happens During a Photography Mentor Session?

If you’re new to the idea of a photography mentor session or you’re curious about how it works, you’re in the right place! Whether you’re just starting your photography business or looking to refine your style and systems, a mentor session can be a total game-changer.

Recently, I had the pleasure of mentoring Taylor from Breurkers Creative, and I wanted to give you a behind-the-scenes look at what one of these sessions actually involves.

 

The Flow of a Photography Mentor Session

Taylor and I began our mentor session by simply chatting and getting to know each other. It’s incredibly important to me that my mentees feel completely comfortable asking any and all questions. Taking the time to connect and build trust makes a huge difference. It transforms the session into a safe space for learning and growth.

We then headed to Thetis Lake to meet our lovely couple, Isabella and William. They graciously volunteered to be our models for the evening. Follow me on instagram to stay in the loop about modelling opportunities!

Taylor started by shadowing me for the first 15 minutes of the shoot. She observed how I introduced myself, how I interacted with the couple, and how I used prompts to guide them into natural, emotion-filled moments.

From there, Taylor jumped in and confidently started directing the couple herself, using the prompts and techniques she had prepared during her homework leading up to our session. I stayed close, offering support, answering questions, and capturing a few images over her shoulder so she could see how I framed similar moments.

We then alternated directing and shooting, making sure Taylor walked away with a complete gallery of images for her portfolio and social media.

After the shoot, we stayed up chatting until midnight, diving into the business side of photography. Everything from photo editing, blogging, and licensing, to pricing strategies, website SEO, and client experience. It was a full, inspiring evening of learning and growing together.

 

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Photography Mentor Session FAQ

 

What is a photography mentor?

A photography mentor is an experienced photographer who offers guidance, feedback, and support to help you grow your skills and your business. They act as a resource for both creative development and the behind-the-scenes work that goes into running a successful photography brand.

 

What happens in a mentoring session?

Mentor sessions typically include a mix of education, shadowing, and hands-on experience. You’ll learn about everything from posing and lighting to workflow, editing, and business strategy. Each session is tailored to the mentee’s goals. Whether that’s improving camera confidence, building a portfolio, or getting clarity on pricing and marketing.

 

What should I discuss in a photography mentoring session?

Anything you’re struggling with or curious about! Topics might include client communication, posing techniques, camera settings, editing workflow, social media strategy, branding, or building a portfolio. A good mentor will help you work through roadblocks and refine your systems.

 

What questions should I ask a photographer mentor?

Here are a few great starting points:

• How did you grow your client base?
• What does your editing workflow look like?
• How do you price your packages?
• What marketing strategies have worked best for you?
• How do you keep sessions feeling natural and fun for your clients?

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Interested in Your Own Mentor Session?

If you’re ready to level up your photography and business skills in a personalized, encouraging space, I’d love to connect with you! Every photography mentor session is tailored to your unique goals and questions, so you leave feeling more confident, inspired, and equipped. Send an email to megan@meganmaundrellphotography.ca and I can write you up a custom package. If you’re looking to learn at your own pace, check out my online photography course.

Let’s make magic happen ✨