Mentorship Program
Mentoring is thought of by AZPPA to be one of the most useful ways to share knowledge and learn from our other members. Whether it’s photography, marketing, sales, SEO or just about anything else you might have questions about, it’s certain there is someone in our organization that can help. AZPPA continues to support the growth of the art and businesses of our members. We promote maintaining safe and healthy alternatives to in-person meetings if either mentor or mentee is inclined.
All Mentor and Student associations will be monitored by the Mentorship Committee with monthly calls or visits. AZPPA wants both Mentor and Student to feel comfortable and safe and we will make every effort to pair both with the best match.
Please read through the following guidelines and click on the appropriate link indicating your interest in applying and your understanding of the information provided.
General Information - Students/Mentees:
This is an all-volunteer organization. In order to participate in this Program, you must be an active AzPPA member. All members of AZPPA (whether amateur, retired, working professional, etc.) are eligible to participate. The Program is intended to provide guidance and recommendations to assist mentees in the development of their photographic or business skill sets. Mentors will be asking tough questions as well as communicating the unwritten rules of how the industry works. Mentors are here to help and assist in photographic growth, not provide a complete education on photography. For general growth in photographic skills and knowledge, please also consider attending and participating in photography workshops, online training classes, and AZPPA meetings and training events. You may also consider volunteering occasionally for various AZPPA activities and meetings.
As a Mentee/Student participating in the AZPPA Mentoring Program, you should:
- Take advantage of opportunities presented by the mentor; you’ll get out of it twofold what you put into it.
- Actively participate in the mentoring relationship
- Respect the Mentor’s time
- Maintain confidentiality at all times
- Be receptive to feedback and coaching
- Openly share successes and failures
- Follow through on commitments and goals set during the mentoring sessions
- Develop and utilize the skills you've learned after the conclusion of the Program
- Commit to, and uphold, our industry’s professional and ethical standards
Mentee Benefits:
- Assistance in defining a path to continue your photographic development.
- Guidance on how and where to improve your photography skills.
- A sounding board for ideas and techniques.
- Further development of a artistic and professional network
- Feedback on your images from qualified professionals
Application for Mentee/Students
This is a free program that is run by volunteers, and Mentor/Student pairings are intended to last for a minimum of six months and a minimum of one hour a month. It is hoped the relationships developed during the program will continue on afterwards in an unofficial manner.
If you are interested in being introduced to a mentor and have additional questions please click the appropriate link.
General Information - Mentors:
Mentors Qualifications:
Current CPP’s (Certified Professional Photographer) or Degreed Photographers (Master Photographer, Master Artist, Craftsman or Master of Wedding Photography) in PPA can volunteer as a Mentor for this program.
You may also qualify to mentor after an informal interview with at least two of the Board Directors overseeing Mentorship if:
You are a working professional within the industry
OR you have retired from within the industry
OR if you are a current member in good standing of AZPPA
The AZPPA Mentoring Program is intended to provide guidance and recommendations to assist a developing photographer refine his or her photographic or business skill set. A mentor should also ask tough questions and communicate the unwritten rules of how the industry works. The AZPPA Mentoring Program is not intended to provide a complete education on photography.
In general, an AzPPA Mentor should offer some or all of the following:
- A resource about the art and profession of photography
- Assistance in honing or refining a technical skill
- Actively listens and communicates with the Student, but is careful not to lecture
- Challenge the Student, then assist and provide guidance on how, to develop a new skill
- Establish and cultivate a relationship with the Student based on trust and confidentiality
- Share unique experiences and lessons learned
- Provide constructive and meaningful feedback
- Serve as a role model that upholds our industry’s high standards and ethics
Benefits: Some of the rewards of mentoring can include:
- The personal satisfaction of giving back to our community
- Continuing to "raise the bar" of professional photographers
- Contributing to a higher standard of service in our industry
- Further development of your photography network
- The earning of state service merits
- Bi-annual Volunteer Appreciation Event
This is a free Program that is run by volunteers, and Mentor/Student pairings are intended to last for a minimum of six months with a minimum of one hour per month. It is hoped the relationships developed during the Program will continue on afterwards in an unofficial manner.
If you are interested in being a mentor to a member that is looking to grow their business or improve their craft or have additional questions please contact: [email protected]
