A Day With A Mentor: Investing In Your Interests

Spending time with a creative mentor has magical results. I have always had an interest in photography and when my clients started asking me to capture images of their staff and the interior of their boutiques, I jumped at the chance to add this visual option to my list of services.

I researched taking photography classes at local colleges. While I am a supporter of continuing one’s education, what I really wanted was some one-on-one attention. I was really craving a mentor; I selfishly wanted to have the teacher all to myself.

Enter Brandi Lee, All Things Girl columnist and owner of Balee Images.

I have always been drawn to Brandi’s work and even though my clientele is different than hers,  learning the ins and outs of my fancy camera was just what I needed to compliment and bring life to my personal creative eye.

Before Brandi, I just snapped pictures, hoping they would be nice, and many would sing to me. But I knew the images had the potential to be so much better. Back then, I stuck with the basic settings on my camera and kind of knew natural light was the way to go. I had no idea how to work with light and what each setting on my camera was used for.

Photography is not just randomly snapping pictures, praying something will turn out. Brandi’s camera is almost an extension of herself, and enthusiastically aware of the vibe in her immediate environment, I wanted to learn from this connoisseur and lover of light.

Brandi’s love for her craft ignited an excitement in me to gobble up the information and expertise she graciously shared with me. The time she spent with me was purposeful, patient and just what I needed to learn the basics of my camera.

While I am taking pictures of product and employees as opposed to families and intimate moments, I still need to capture the style of my client and tell their story through my images.

Brandi taught me:

• lighting is not just KEY, it’s almost everything
• to become more than friendly with my ISO setting
• how to relax and have fun with my camera

After my time with Brandi, I feel like my shots are really starting to tell a story and sing. This particular head shot is that of lawyer, CPA and writer, Fern Ronay who writes Stop and Blog the Roses for ChicagoNow and is the talent and producer for Chicago3Media.

Now, I find myself able to step into the intimate life of my client and whether I am shooting handbags or head shots, a distinctive story needs to be told.

Partnering with Brandi was just the boost I needed to nourish my creative appetite and push me forward toward being a better photographer. Whatever you are craving in your life, spend some time with a master who can draw out your expressive spirit. This investment will bring about happiness and contentment.

I promise, you won’t be disappointed…