Mentoring for Qualifications in Portraiture

I provide tailored support for portrait photographers pursuing associateship and fellowship photographic society distinctions. My services include portfolio reviews, creative guidance, and technical advice. I help you craft a cohesive body of work and a compelling statement of intent, ensuring your submission meets the society’s standards and showcases your unique vision.

Judges typically look for technical excellence, originality, and consistency in all aspects of your photography.

Why pursue photography qualifications?

There are many reasons why people seek to gain an associateship or fellowship in photography. Qualifications are not for everyone, it’s quite possible to be thoroughly professional and expert at photography without a degree or other distinction. Achieving proficiency requires a comprehensive learning process, and pursuing a qualification is one effective path toward this goal.

Some reasons to qualify

1. Professional recognition

  • Earning distinctions from respected photography associations demonstrates your advanced technical and creative abilities.
  • They enhance your credibility and reputation, gaining recognition from clients, galleries, and industry peers.

2. Personal achievement

  • These qualifications represent a significant milestone, affirming your dedication, skill, and artistic vision.
  • They give you a sense of pride and accomplishment in reaching a recognised standard of excellence.

3. Career advancement

  • Distinctions can open up new professional opportunities, such as teaching, exhibiting, or judging.
  • They add weight to applications for grants, residencies, and other competitive opportunities in photography.

4. Portfolio development

  • The qualification process encourages you to create a cohesive, high-quality body of work, refining both your technical and creative skills.
  • It offers a structured approach to developing your distinctive artistic style and exploring deeper narratives.

5. Inspiration and growth

  • Working towards a qualification pushes you to experiment with new ideas, photographic techniques, and perspectives.
  • It fosters ongoing learning and personal growth, inspiring further creativity and innovation.

If you have had your complimentary initial consultation over Zoom you can book follow-up sessions here.

Book a mentoring session here

£125.00

Our initial consultation over Zoom

We start the process with an initial complimentary 30-minute meeting over Zoom, discussing which distinction you want to gain, with which body and why. Understanding your motivation and the impact that qualification will have on your photography or career is an important part of the process. We then look at your existing body of work to identify themes or narratives that run through your portraiture.

We will establish and discuss the specific requirements and guidelines set out by your professional body or organisation.

A typical fellowship application involves:

  • Submitting a cohesive body of work (20–30 images) that showcases a distinctive style.
  • Providing a written statement of intent that outlines your creative vision behind the work.
  • Demonstrating a significant contribution to photography as an art form or scientific discipline.

During our chat over Zoom we then discuss your current portfolio in light of the requirements that need to be met. We identify any gaps in your work, such as technical weaknesses, lack of narrative, or insufficient cohesion. After our discussion, I propose a roadmap for the process and establish my role in your path to success.

Are you ready to get started?

In the first instance, book your complimentary, no obligation, 30-minute call over Zoom.

Book your initial call here

What happens next?

Over several follow-up sessions on Zoom, we will:

    1. Review your portfolio.
    2. Define a central theme or narrative.
    3. Refine the technical and creative elements.
    4. Craft your statement of intent.
    5. Demonstrate your contribution to photography.
    6. Prepare your submission and final review.

These sessions are designed to be flexible and tailored to your progress, ensuring you’re fully prepared for each step of the process. Each mentoring session lasts one hour and costs £125

A little about me

I began my career as a BBC lighting cameraman, later advancing to lighting director. My expertise led to an invitation to teach lighting at the prestigious BBC Training Academy in Evesham.

After my time at the BBC, I built a highly successful career in wedding and portrait photography, earning numerous accolades, including Portrait Photographer of the Year awards from both the MPA and BIPP.

In addition to my photography work, I dedicated several years to coaching professional photographers across the UK and as far away as Australia, sharing my knowledge and helping others achieve excellence. In 2008, I was honoured with the prestigious Master Craftsman Distinction from the Guild of Photographers, recognising my contribution to photography.

Your mentor: Damien Lovegrove