About a year ago, I started offering mentor meetings as a way to explore the joy of teaching photography and to give back to this wonderful industry that has given so much to me. Where would I be today without all the willing, caring and excited photographers who share their life, experiences and knowledge on a daily and constant basis? It’s because of them that I’m able to be a self-taught photographer, and in turn, be inspired to help others in the exact same way. It’s really a lovely cycle. 🙂

So the teaching side of my business was launched and I’ve seen a pretty good response since then. I’ve had many mentor meetings throughout the year, including two at my new home in Garrett County, MD. I love that I now have an actual office and outdoor space to use to teach other photographers. Having a meeting at my home and then hopping outside (or using our awesome window light if it’s cold, which is common here) is such a great feeling, and I love that others are willing to come here and learn…from me!

I also recently held the first ever “Cabin Fever” Photog Q&A event at my house. Photographers of all levels were invited for a cozy evening by the fire to simply talk about photography and small business. They asked and I answered! It was a very casual, intimate setting that allowed us to talk about everything from equipment to posing to branding! As we were ending the evening, I asked the attendees if they had anymore questions and one person asked, “When can we do this again?” It was so nice receiving confirmation that the event had been a success! (I took a few detail pictures at the event, but forgot to take a group shot, just like I always seem to do during photography-teaching-related things!).

One of the reasons I put together the Q&A was to continue exploring the idea of hosting a large workshop. The mentor meetings have gone well, the style shoot went well last summer and the Q&A was a success. Plus, the recent mention of creatives needing such learning opportunities in this area have all pushed me a little further towards holding a large workshop here at my home. It would be an all-day event for photographers and would include marketing/branding/posing/lighting content, time for Q&A and actual shooting. But before I put logistics together and really try to make this happen, I want some feedback from my followers and readers! Would you be interested in an all-day photography workshop? If not, why? If yes, why? What workshop elements would you be most interested in (content, shooting)? Leave me a comment so I can keep evaluating whether or not my idea is something worthwhile. 🙂

Here are some head shots from my two most recent mentor meetings with Sherry and Beth. Both ladies traveled from Eastern Maryland to meet with me, which was a huge honor! And both turned their trip into weekends vacationing with their husbands at nearby Deep Creek Lake. Maybe you and your spouse need a getaway, too?? Maybe a mentor meeting in Garrett County?? 😉

So what do you think about an all-day workshop with JFP?? I’d love to know! Leave me a comment below. 🙂 Muchas gracias!