Why I Mentor Wedding Photographers
April 25, 2025
There’s something sacred about walking alongside someone in their creative journey. Something awesome about seeing a person step into their confidence, refine their voice, and build a business that supports the life they dream of. Many inspiring, encouraging people have poured their experience into my learning over the years and that’s why I mentor professional wedding photographers.
Not because I’ve “made it,” definitely not because I know it all—but because I know what it’s like to be on the other side of the lens, unsure, hopeful, scrappy, and full of dreams. I’ve had people see something in me before I ever saw it in myself, and it changed everything. I’ve now had my photographs on screens in the Royal Albert Hall, had them printed in Italian Vogue, had them purchased all around the world and been featured in Profession Photographer magazine.
So now I get to do the same for others.
The Long Line of People Who I Learned From
My journey didn’t begin with a business plan or even a camera bag full of pro kit. It began in my childhood, with my dad.
He was a Nikon man and (currently!) I am too. He got me my first camera, a Nikon D3000, when I started college and he showed me the ropes with analogue.
He shot film for fun—always had a camera slung over his shoulder. He had photographs printed around my grandparents house that he had developed in a dark room himself, and I thought that was mega impressive. It was a quiet influence at first, but now I shoot film at weddings too, and it feels like coming full circle every time I load a roll. There’s something deeply nostalgic and almost like I’m walking in my father’s footsteps.
At college, it was my teacher, Lalo Borja, who first opened my eyes to the magic of portraiture. He had a way of making people feel seen, not just through the lens, but in how he taught. He was mega quirky but lovely, and it was never just about technical skill—it was about what the work meant.
Then at university at UCA in Canterbury, it was John Dargan, my lens-based media tutor, who gave me permission to push the boat out in my work. To create images that made me artsy, that challenged me, that pulled me into new territory. He believed in my ability to make work with soul—and that pushed me further than any final major project ever could.
The Photographer Academy came next. They took a chance on me as a young fashion photographer and awarded me their apprenticeship out of over 800 photographers worldwide. That year was tough, but it taught me all I needed to know to work in studio. I learned how to use light, work with models, work to a client given brief—it was fast-paced and not for the faint of heart. I found myself surrounded by people who pushed me to be better, sharper, bolder.
I also had the privilege of working with fashion photographers Simon Lipman and Rossella Vanon on shoots across London. Both of them were generous with their time and knowledge—rare in this industry—and I soaked up every ounce. I saw what it meant to work with luxury clients, high-end clients and still make a team that was warm and lovely. I played my part in showing them new equipment that their agencies had given them, I photographed behind the scenes and got a bigger sense of how to lead something like this in the future. Which I did!
And then my wonderful wife. Aside from my parents, Beth has always been my greatest encourager. When I couldn’t see what I was capable of, she could. She saw the spark before I ever did. Every time I doubted myself or thought about giving up, she gently but firmly told me to keep going. Her belief, partnered with my faith in Jesus, became the foundation. It gave me the courage to take risks and grow my business into what it is today.
Mentoring Is My Calling in Discipleship & Photography
The reason why I mentor professional wedding photographers is because it feels like something I’m meant to do.
It’s rooted in gratitude. How could I not give back when others have given so much to me? Mentoring is my way of honouring the investment others made in me.
Without getting mega church-y, Jesus was the ultimate mentor. He poured into people, walked with them, challenged them, lifted them up, and believed in their potential. That’s the model I try to follow. I want the photographers I mentor to know that their work matters, their story matters, and there is room for them in this industry.
There’s Enough Work to Go Around
Let’s say it louder for the people at the back: there is enough work to go around!
We don’t need to compete. We need to collaborate.
Every couple is looking for something different. Every wedding has a budget, a vibe, a set of needs. And that diversity is actually a gift. It means there’s space for all of us to thrive—whether you’re just starting out or charging top-tier rates.
The reason why I mentor professional wedding photographers is because I want photographers to build sustainable businesses that support their families, light them up creatively, and reflect their values. I want them to stop undercharging, over-busying themselves, and burning out. I want them to do work that feels real and honest and fulfilling.
And I want them to know that they’re not alone.
Authenticity for Each Professional Wedding Photographer
In a world of perfectly curated grids and trending reels, it’s easy to feel like you have to morph into someone else just to be seen. But the truth? Your uniqueness is what draws clients to you. It’s just about showing up well.
Mentoring isn’t about turning people into clones of me. It’s about helping them discover and refine what makes them them. Their eye, their rhythm, their tone of voice. The kind of clients that light them up. The kind of work that doesn’t just pay the bills but fills their creative tank.
This is what we dive into together in mentoring sessions. Strategy, yes. Systems, yes that too. But also soul. Because that’s the bit that’s unique about your business.
The Practical Side of Mentoring
Let’s talk logistics for a sec.
When I mentor photographers, we can cover any of the following (and more):
- How to price your work confidently and sustainably
- Attracting your ideal clients
- Getting natural portraits
- Culling and editing efficiently
- Managing client expectations
- Portfolio reviews
- Creating a website that is SEO rich
- Balancing business with family life
- Maintaining faith and integrity in your work
Whether it’s a one-off Zoom session or a longer-term coaching relationship, I tailor everything to where you’re at and where you want to go. It’s honest, practical, encouraging, and rooted in real-world experience.
Why Mentorship Makes Better Art (And Better Character)
I believe the best photographers aren’t just the most talented. They’re the most supported.
It’s hard to make art when you’re anxious about money, unsure of your voice, or feeling like everyone else is ahead of you. Mentorship provides clarity, accountability, and encouragement. It gives you space to ask questions without fear of judgement. To experiment. To fail forward. To dream bigger.
It’s also not just about skill—it’s about character. The industry doesn’t just need more good photographers. It needs kind ones. Reliable ones. Humble ones. Artists who show up, who serve their couples with heart, who support their peers rather than tearing them down. That’s the kind of community I want to be part of—and why mentorship matters more than ever.
Shout out to any photographers in Thanet – I’m part of an awesome community, get in touch if you’d like to get involved.
Business Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
If you’re reading this, wondering why I mentor professional wedding photographers and you’re in year one or two wondering how the heck you’re going to make this thing work—I see you. I’ve been there. I know our circumstances are different but I still remember the quiet panic when approaching a shoot, or the sting of comparison when everyone else’s work seemed shinier.
It gets easier. You get stronger. You can change your perspective.
But you don’t have to white-knuckle it alone. Mentorship offers perspective and pace. It helps you zoom out, make smart decisions, and keep your eyes on your own lane. No shortcuts—just steady, intentional growth.
Your Business Should Work for You
It’s easy to accidentally build a business that becomes a burden.
You say yes to everything. Your calendar fills. Your weekends vanish. You’re editing late into the night, churning out galleries, barely pausing to breathe.
I’ve been there. It’s not sustainable.
Some love that kind of life, but I’m about balance.
Mentoring gives us the space to ask: What do you want your life to look like? Because your business should support your life—not the other way around. Let’s build something that’s life-giving, not life-draining. That’s built around your family, your rhythms and your values.
My Approach: Gentle, Honest, and Encouraging
I’m not a shouty coach. I’m not going to tell you you’re not working hard enough. I’ll be honest, but kind and practical.
I’m more interested in helping you build a business that reflects who you are.
That means I’ll cheer you on, ask good questions, and point things out (gently) when needed. I’ll share everything I know—from workflows to pricing to how I approach wedding days—because I believe in generosity. What’s the point of hoarding knowledge? We rise by lifting others.
Your Success Doesn’t Threaten Mine—It Adds To It
Here’s the truth why I mentor professional wedding photographers: I’m super proud when a mentee books their dream wedding. When they finally raise their prices. When they send me a gallery that they’re stoked about.
I don’t feel threatened by their success. I feel energised by it.
Because their win is a win for all of us—for the industry, for photographers and for the next generation of photographers coming up behind us.
Final Thoughts: Why This Work Matters
Mentoring matters because people matter.
Because creativity needs community. Because behind every “professional photographer” is a person—trying their best, hoping they’re good enough, wanting to create something meaningful.
And if I can be a small part of their story—if I can encourage, equip, and walk alongside them—then that’s a privilege I’ll never take lightly.
Want to Be Mentored by a Professional Wedding Photographer?
If anything here (and there is a lot) has resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you.
Whether you’re just getting started or you’re a few years in and ready to level up, I offer mentoring that’s tailored to where you’re at—and grounded in kindness, clarity, and real-world experience.
Send me a message and let’s chat about where you’re at and how I can help you move forward with confidence and purpose.
