Any current NPPA member can use the Mentoring Program database to locate and establish a mentoring relationship. Go to the Mentor Listings to pick the person you feel can offer the best one-on-one instruction and tutelage for you.
Student chapter representative Denise Mangen waits for Rocky Mountain News photographer Todd Heisler's comments on her portfolio during a critique session at the 2003 convention in Itasca, Illinois. Photo by H. Rick Bamman. While the Mentoring Program is not a critique service, both provide a context in which experienced photographers and editors can share their craft. |
A mentoring associate must have the desire to improve their craft by building a one-on-one relationship with a veteran member of the NPPA. It will be up to the mentoring associate to decide what they want from the program, and to work with their mentor to achieve their desired goals. This could be anything; from learning what it takes to work in a large market, to how one goes about approaching a particular subject matter, or how to develop a certain specialty in their chosen photographic field.
A mentor can be anyone who is a current member of the NPPA with a minimum of ten years experience. Street-smarts, life experience, and the desire to pass on those lessons are all that is required. An interest in the organization's competitions is not necessary, just the desire to perpetuate the highest standards of photojournalism. A mentor should be someone interested in furthering their own personal development through the education of others. If you are interested in sharing your knowledge, Fill out the database information form to Become a Mentor.
Both parties should be prepared to fulfill the following criteria:
(Such contacts are discouraged during normal business hours if they interfere with, or are prohibited by work. Permission from an employer is strongly suggested if NPPA mentoring activities are to be performed during working hours.)
A mentorship is not geographically limited. A mentor can be chosen from any area of the country the mentoring associate wishes.
Mentoring associates may change mentors at any time; or may have more than one.
Mentors may accept as many associates as they feel they have time for.
A mentorship can be ended at any time by either participating party.
The mentoring program is not a critique service; there is one already provided by the NPPA. It is intended for professional enhancement and education.
The mentoring program is not an avenue for employment possibilities. Employment from a mentor's shop should not be expected by the mentoring associate.
