mentoring

January, 2009
For many years, I have been interested in the idea of working with individuals to help them attain their next step photographically. So, this year I have started to do individual mentoring. This program offers the chance to work one-on-one with me over a period of time (6 or 12 months) in order to help you define your own "visual fingerprint". Besides enhancing your personal vision, the hourly sessions will allow us to explore a variety of other topics pertaining to your photographic interests, including photo projects, exhibitions, books, the business of photography, and so on. We will begin with a discussion of your photographic aspirations and a review of your work. Based on our initial session, I'll give you assignments, following up with critiques to strengthen your style as well as help you achieve your other photographic goals. Over time, my hope is to guide and inspire you and by working together diligently, I believe we can accomplish this.

For more information please contact us at studio@arthurmeyerson.com.

QUOTES FROM THOSE I'VE MENTORED:

"Arthur has a talent for not only capturing compelling images but to successfully guide others in that pursuit. The change in my photographs while under his guidance is notable. My post-Arthur efforts are more selective of what isn't included within the frame and very deliberate of what is. If that weren't enough, Arthur is one hell of a nice guy. He has a way of telling you your photograph is crap that makes you want to go try again. I have offered him the highest compliment by "re-upping" the mentorship again." George Howard, Houston

"Last summer I was a participant in Jay Maisel's New York workshop. While I was there, I met Arthur who was one of the guest speakers that week. Recently, I just completed a mentorship with him. For me, my sessions with Arthur were everything a mentorship should be – full of encouragement, feedback, suggestions, guidance and humor presented in a way that I could understand and sometimes actually remember. He’s my Goldilocks mentor – not too much, not too little, just right. Arthur has an amazing ability to figure out what I should work on next – everything from techniques to strategy to process to that ‘vision’ thing. His reviews of my photos always made my head spin – pointing out the strengths (some that I hadn’t even noticed) and the two or three (or thirty) things I could have tried to make a better image. There is, of course, never a ‘right answer’ but especially for those ‘decisive moments’, there are always lots more that could be tried and eventually his suggestions start to sink in. I really started this journey one year ago and even now barely recognize how much I don’t know and how far I have to go but have already made far more progress that I ever expected – mostly from lot of work, a little talent and a lot of hand-holding. Arthur is also, of course, an amazing photographer and a damn fine human being. If you really, really want to become a better photographer and are willing to listen, learn, work a lot, push yourself, fail constantly and hit a few ‘home runs’, then Arthur is your guy." Doug Johnson, Marlborough, MA

"When I enquired about the mentorship program at Santa Fe Workshops with Arthur Meyerson, I was looking to be challenged. I needed this challenge if my photo-life was to move forward in both the technical and the ‘seeing’ aspects. From my view, Arthur’s attitude towards photography and life was fun and insightful and straightforward. For the last year I have had the amazing opportunity to work with Arthur. He has challenged me and guided me in a most positive and gentle manner, yet he is very direct which I so appreciate. He is a wise and humble man. And not only did I learn a lot about photography, I learned a lot about myself in the process. Thank you Arthur." Marie Snippa, Calgary, Alberta

"Arthur is everything a mentor should be—knowledgeable, committed, honest, considerate, responsive, enthusiastic, and encouraging. He is not only a master photographer but also has a gift for teaching, inspiring, and bringing out the best in others." Virginia Catherine Fairchild, Houston, TX

“It has been an enormous honor, privilege and joy working with you this year! Your feedback, coaching, encouragement and standards of excellence have all greatly improved my performance as a photographer and as an artist. You’ve helped me see the potential in my work and have guided me along the path of reaching that potential. For all this, I will be forever grateful to you.” Marjorie Pierson, Durham, NC

“Under your mentorship, I have learned and developed more photographically than with anything else I have tried” Tim Frederick, Houston, TX

“Choosing to pursue photography seriously during the course of a year’s travel made it a challenge to study the craft in any ‘traditional’ sense. Being able to undertake Arthur’s mentorship program over Skype from three different countries has been a fantastic way to consistently receive the benefit of his invaluable expertise, experience and critiques – something I would otherwise not have been able to find. While challenging at times, my sessions with Arthur greatly accelerated my (ongoing!) photographic growth, strengthened my confidence in my photographic eye and ultimately reinforced my conviction in the path I’m treading.” Nyani Quarmyne, Accra, Ghana

"Arthur is a cool guy. He can make you laugh and he can make you cuss. But most of all, he makes you want to create better images... and shows you how to do it." Dewey Ervin, Florence, South Carolina

"Exceptional photographer; exceptional teacher. Arthur Meyerson's mentoring developed my ability from taking photos into making photographs. An exceptional experience!" Larry Tawa, Costa Mesa, CA.

"Arthur helped me to sharpen my thinking as a photographer -- giving me both broad and specific insights on everything from composition, color, and technique to lens selection, shoot preparation, and the discipline of never going anywhere without my 'third eye'." Jay Heifetz, Perth, Australia