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.

Running a Business is Hard

Newsflash: If you’re making a go at being a self-employed professional photographer, you’re now a small business owner. 😉 When I opened Allison Busch Photography in 2011, I had lots of passion and good technical skills, but I had no background in small business ownership. This is true for many new professional photographers. There is just so much to learn and the hardest part is that you don’t know what you don’t know.

You have to either learn through your mistakes, or get yourself a mentor and/or join a wider learning community. I know for me, after a lot of trial and error, I finally invested in a mentor and it was the best decision for me and for my business. I’ve since learned how to smoothly run a small photography business WITHOUT burning myself out AND without feeling like a sellout.

Every Photographer Has Unique Needs

That is why one-on-one 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 they’re 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. And if you don’t know what your biggest blind spots are, I can help you find them.

Mentoring sessions happen over video call for folks living anywhere in the world. If you’re local to the San Francisco Bay Area, we can meet in-person.

Mentoring Can Help, Regardless of Your Experience Level

Mentoring isn’t only for the newly minted professionals. It can help veteran folks who want to change things up, pivot their focus, or refine their practices for more sustainability. The adage of never stop learning is especially true when you’re running a small creative business. And, you don’t even need to be a professional photographer to seek a photography mentorship. I have helped many people who are hobbyist photographers who want to up their skill set or learn how to shoot or edit in a different way.

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.