So here we are. It’s National Mentoring Month, and you’re staring at your business wondering, “Is this… it?” You’ve binge-watched free YouTube tutorials, downloaded 27 lead magnets, and maybe even signed up for a few free challenges that left you more inspired—but still confused.
If you’ve hit that awkward in-between space where you’re doing okay but not great, mentorship might be exactly what you need. But here’s the thing: mentorship for photographers isn’t one-size-fits-all. And choosing the wrong mentor? It’s like asking your barista to do your taxes—technically possible, but not a great idea.
Let’s talk about how to find the right mentor for you—not just the loudest voice on Instagram.
National Mentoring Month was created to celebrate the power of relationships and expand access to mentorship, especially for young people who need guidance and encouragement to pursue their dreams. While this blog post is focused on finding the right fit for your own photography journey, I also believe in paying it forward.
Throughout my career, I volunteer with high school photography classes and clubs, as well as, equestrian clubs, mentoring students onsite during sessions and answering their many (many!) questions about what it’s really like to be a photographer.
Whether they’re exploring photography as a hobby or considering it as a career, I love being part of those early lightbulb moments. Because everyone deserves someone in their corner—especially when they’re just starting out.
Why Mentorship for Photographers Is a Game-Changer
Here’s the truth: I wouldn’t be where I am today without mentorship. And not just one mentor—several, for very different reasons.
Some helped me with niche areas like image competition coaching. Others helped me completely shift how I run my business.
One even helped me pivot and merge two businesses into one without triggering a full-blown sobfest on the floor, complete with imposter syndrome and dark chocolate overload.
Not every mentor is good at everything. And that’s okay.
What matters is that they’re the right fit for where you are—and where you want to go.
The best mentorship for photographers isn’t about finding someone “famous” or with the biggest following. It’s about finding someone who can help you bridge the gap between stuck and scaling. Who sees your potential and has the experience—and patience—to walk the path with you.
What to Look For in a Photography Mentor
Choosing a mentor should feel a little like dating—with way fewer red flags and a lot more spreadsheets (if we’re working together, at least). Here’s what to look for:
Specific Experience in What You Need Help With: If you’re struggling to switch from digital downloads to an in-person sales model, don’t hire someone who only works with high-volume sports photography. You want someone who’s walked the path you’re trying to navigate—not someone with a completely different map.
Values Alignment: Do they get what matters to you? If you care about sustainability, accessibility, or building a life-first business, will they support that—or push you to hustle harder “because that’s how it’s done”?
Real-World Results: Have they built something similar to what you want to build? Do they have mentees who’ve seen success?
Communication Style: Do you leave sessions feeling empowered and clear—or confused and low-key judged?
Structure + Strategy: Is it mentorship or just vibes? A good mentor gives you tools and a plan—not just motivational quotes and vibes.
Red Flags to Run From (Fast)
🚩 Generic “just do what I did” advice: Your business, life, and goals are not a carbon copy of theirs. You need guidance that’s tailored to you, not a one-size-fits-all template.
🚩 Pressure to join before they even ask about you: A mentor who pushes their program before learning about your goals is focused on filling seats—not helping you grow.
🚩 No portfolio, no testimonials, no proof: If they can’t show how they’ve helped other photographers—or haven’t built anything similar themselves—hit pause.
🚩 All mindset, no action (or all action, no mindset): You need both. A mentor should help you handle self-doubt and offer tactical next steps—not just one or the other.
Great mentorship for photographers is a balance of knowledge, empathy, accountability, and structure. And if you’re only getting half of that… it’s not a full picture.
How to Know You’re Ready for a Mentor
- You’re tired of duct-taping your business together with free advice
- You’ve got big goals, but no clear path to reach them
- You’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or low-key resentful of your camera
- You’re finally ready to invest in support that’s aligned with you
If you’re nodding along to more than one of those, you’re not just “ready”—you’re overdue.
Mentorship isn’t about fixing you. It’s about helping you see what’s already working, what needs a nudge, and what’s possible when you’re not going at it alone.
The Fit Factor: Why Not Every Mentor Is Your Mentor
Let’s be honest. I’m not the right mentor for everyone. And I don’t want to be. You deserve a mentor who aligns with your energy, your learning style, and your goals—not someone trying to turn you into a mini version of them.
My style? It’s honest, structured, supportive, and a little bit snarky. You’ll get tools, tough love, and tangible progress. You’ll also get spreadsheets, celebration emojis, and zero judgment for whatever level of chaos you’re working with.
If that sounds like your vibe, maybe we’re a fit. And if not? That’s cool too. (But please, don’t settle for someone who doesn’t “get” you.)
Choose the Mentor That Moves You Forward
Mentorship for photographers isn’t a luxury—it’s a strategy. But the right mentor? That’s a business accelerator.
So if you’re tired of doing it all alone, confused by conflicting advice, or just want a partner who can help you sort through the mess and get to what works…
I’d love to hear from you. Let’s see if we’d be a good fit. No pressure, no weird sales pitch—just a conversation to explore what you need and whether I can help.
Not quite ready? That’s cool. Join the Herd and get free tips, resources, and insights on how to grow your photography business delivered straight to your inbox.
Betsy Bird, M.Photog.Cr., CPP, TPM, TSD, of Ride the Sky Equine Photography, spends her days doing insane things to make animals look at her. Clearly, she’s desperate for attention. When she’s not mentoring photographers, wrangling teenagers, or acting like a total goofball, she’s hanging with Derby—the puppy currently training to be office assistant (jury’s still out on whether “chewing cords” counts as a legitimate job skill).
Betsy has earned both her Master of Photography and Photographic Craftsman degrees from the Professional Photographers of America (PPA). She also holds the CPP, TPM, and TSD designations and currently serves on the Board of Directors of both the Professional Photographers of East Tennessee (PPETN) and the Tennessee Professional Photographers Assocation (TNPPA).
An award-winning photographer, Betsy is also a published author, national presenter, and frequent podcast guest. Her book, Equine & Equestrian Photography Poses that Sell, has become a resource for photographers, and she’s been featured on The Profitable Photographer Podcast, The Business Animal Podcast, Cowgirls with Cameras Podcast, The Focal Points Podcast, and more.
Through her digital tools, courses, and mentoring programs, Betsy teaches photographers how to build profitable businesses without the overwhelm. She is an expert in her field (which isn’t that surprising given how much time she actually spends outstanding in a field… get it?).