Why Do I Offer Photographer Mentorships? | Photography Education in San Francisco Bay Area

Hey look, here’s me at a photography session last year. I’m using this image here as a reminder that sometimes our livelihoods are difficult and chaotic and can leave us feeling like we’re grasping at straws. I think this is true for all kinds of livelihoods and I think it’s especially true for folks who have jobs that straddle multiple skill sets that require a fair amount of mental switching. For those of us who identify as photographers, the balancing act of staying true to our art and “doing our job well” can often leave us feeling incompetent or like imposters.

Many people who want to start a photography business have the passion for photography, they (hopefully) already have a super solid skill foundation, they have some big ideas for how they want their business to run, but they don’t necessarily have a background that will support them in knowing how to run that business. Newsflash: if you’re making a go at being a self-employed professional photgrapher, you’re now a small business owner. ;)

I opened Allison Busch Photography in 2011 with a lot of passion and a good technical skill set. And that’s about all. In the past 11 years, through trial and error, a lot of continuing education, and great advice from the best mentors and colleagues in my field, I’ve learned how to smoothly run a small photography business WITHOUT burning myself out AND without feeling like a sellout.

Mentoring sessions with me can look a variety of ways. Some folks are wanting a portfolio and content rehaul. Some folks are trying to get a better handle on marketing and pricing for sustainability. Some folks are just starting out and wanting a broad overview of all the moving pieces. Some folks are looking for technical skill support with shooting or editing. I tailor each mentoring session to what the photographer most wants and needs.

So to my fellow photographers out there: If you have a list of things you wish you knew more about or if you want someone to give you supportive critical feedback or if you just want to have an extended coffee date with someone where you ask them all your burning photography or photography business-related questions, hit me up. You can schedule yourself by clicking on SCHEDULE SESSION button at the top right corner of this screen.