Maine & New Hampshire Wedding Photographer // Mentor Series: Pick the Right Mentor (So You Don’t Blow Thousands Like I Did)
Alright, fam. Let’s talk about something that every photographer eventually realizes the hard way: picking the right mentor is just as important as picking the right lens. You screw it up, and suddenly you're out thousands of dollars, with nothing but a Canva PDF and some vague “believe in yourself” advice to show for it.
Ask me how I know. 😅
Learn Through My Mistakes (So You Don’t Have to Cry Into Your Coffee)
Look, I’ve spent way more than I care to admit on continuing education, courses, mentorships, masterminds, and all the shiny “grow your business fast” stuff. And I’m not mad about all of it—some of those experiences were legit game-changers. I’ve learned so much from photographers who actually care about helping people grow and who walk the walk in their own businesses.
But... I’ve also bought into the hype. You know the type: flashy marketing, curated aesthetic, lots of “just charge more because you’re worth it” energy with absolutely zero direction on how the hell to attract clients who will actually pay those prices.
Spoiler alert: If your mentor’s business plan is just “charge more,” and there’s no real marketing strategy behind it? That’s not a mentor. That’s a walking Pinterest quote.
Here’s What You Really Need to Look For in a Mentor:
1. They’re Still In It & where you want to be in business.
And I mean actually in it. Shooting. Booking clients. Running a business in today’s market. If they haven’t touched their camera since Instagram stopped being chronological, I’m begging you, don’t hand them your money.
Being a great photographer ten years ago doesn’t mean they’re relevant now. This industry moves fast and what worked in 2015 doesn’t fly in 2025. You need someone who understands SEO, shifting client expectations, new tools, changing platforms, and the fact that nobody reads emails longer than 3 sentences anymore.
2. They Can Actually Teach.
Some people are amazing at what they do... and absolute garbage at explaining it. You need a mentor who doesn’t just tell you what to do, but why—and how to adapt it to your own business.
It’s not about giving you a copy-paste formula. It’s about helping you build something that’s yours.
3. Marketing Matters.
If they can’t walk you through how to reach your actual ideal client—one who knows your value and pays for it without trying to Venmo you in installments, then move along. Raising your prices isn’t a magical act of manifestation. It’s about building a business that supports that price point.
You need someone who can break that down step by step.
4. One-on-One Guidance is Gold.
Group programs can be great, but if you’re just another face in a Zoom room of 200 people and never get actual feedback on your business, you’re probably not getting what you need.
The best mentors create space for real conversation. They listen. They adapt. They help you problem-solve, not just copy what worked for them.
5. They Don’t Do the Work For You.
A good mentor will guide you, but they won’t hold your hand and carry you across the finish line. And that’s a good thing. You want someone with real experience—not just someone who’s gonna throw a template at you and wish you luck.
Pick a mentor who is:
✅ Actively working in the industry
✅ Transparent about their own business practices
✅ Focused on teaching you how to market
✅ Available for real, personalized feedback
✅ Not just riding the “charge more” bandwagon with no receipts
I’ve wasted enough time and cash for the both of us—learn from my expensive trial-and-error. There are amazing mentors out there, and when you find the right one? Game. Freakin’. On.
