I KEEP THINKING about all of the wonderful people Alison and I have worked with, in our Mentorship program. I introduced a few in these posts: about Steven Koppel, Jean Schnell, and a few others.

The Mentorship program is done remotely. This means you can have your meetings with us in your pajamas, with a cup of coffee in your favorite mug, and your dog at your feet. Or you can close the door of your office, and spend an hour with Alison or me, and get back to work after our call. This works. We’ve taught 50 people in the Mentorship so far. There are two in-person retreats at our gallery on Martha’s Vineyard. If you just can’t make it, we’ll patch you in remotely to these as well.

First, a quick update. STEVEN KOPPEL has published a book of his gorgeous seascape imagery, called The Brewster Flats, and is still a top seller at the Focus Gallery in Chatham MA. JEAN SCHNELL has had 5 solo exhibits, been part of 11 group exhibits, and her “Framing the Light” series has been profiled in Yankee, Quaker Life (July 2018), and Lenswork (June 2017).

Now, I don’t want you to be intimidated or anything. These folks I’m about to introduce are doing some amazing creative work. They have a clear sense of who they are as artists, and are moving forward in authentic, individual ways. If you’re a serious amateur photographer, and keep thinking it’s time to go to the next level, the Mentorship is a fantastic way to start this process. Here are a few photographers I’d like you to meet:

BROOKE BARTLETTA did the Mentorship in 2017-2018, and is in her second year of the Advanced Mentorship. She can’t seem to stop winning awards – especially for the above image, featured in Luxury London magazine. It was chosen for the 2019 Sony World Photography Awards, culminating in an exhibit in London (which Brooke attended). She also won 1st place in her category for the IPA (International Photography Awards) 2019 competition. Other photographs have been cited in the Martha’s Vineyard Magazine annual photography award competitions twice. Two of her images are in the professionally-curated Martha’s Vineyard Hospital collection, which includes some of the most significant art in public view on the island. She created a new website, and is on Instagram @brookebartletta.

DEB EHRENS did the Mentorship in 2014-2015. Her evocative images feature botanical details with lush colors and dramatic compositions. Deb has done quite a number of solo and group shows, including a recent show called “Visual Conversations” with six other women (Lisa Redburn, Paula Laverty, Jean Schnell, Diane Collins, and Karla Bernstein) who met through our Mentorship. They created a unique show of images representing “communication via the exchange of images rather than words.” Deb tries creative printing styles with her work, including a series of silk scarves and wall hangings. Her studio is part of the Art Drive in the south coast of Massachusetts. Here’s Deb’s website and Instagram @debehrens.

ROB SKINNON did the Mentorship in 2017-2018, and is in his second year of the Advanced Mentorship. A former professional baseball player and triathlon athlete, Rob works full-time, has a family, and somehow finds time to do his incredible “Inland” and “Coastline” projects. Rob has had several successful solo shows, and has sold many fine art prints. He produced his own gorgeous website, and his Instagram is @robskinnon.

ANDREA DAWSON did the Mentorship in 2016-2017, and two years of the Advanced Mentorship. Andrea’s stunning images of her native Ohio landscape were just shown in a solo show near her home in Chagrin Falls. Also a painter, she sometimes paints directly on her photographs, and sells them as one-of-a-kind pieces. Andrea created her website, and can be found on Instagram @andreadawsonphoto.

DENA PORTER did the Mentorship in 2017-2018. Her photo of mailboxes in a snowstorm has just been chosen for the 2019 Fujifilm Photo Exhibition in New York City. Dena has had numerous solo and group shows on Martha’s Vineyard and in New York. A freelance photographer for the Martha’s Vineyard Times, she’s done a website, and her Instagram is @denaporter.

JEREMY DRIESEN did the Mentorship this past year, 2018-2019. Known for his signature black & white portraits and street/scene images, Jeremy is a rock ‘n roll drummer, produces large-scale events (“my day job”), and shoots photographs mostly at night. He was recently profiled by Vineyard Style Magazine, and had a cover photo on Martha’s Vineyard Magazine. His work is available at the Vineyard Arts Gallery in Vineyard Haven, and on his website, but he mostly wants to shoot your event/party/concert/gig. His Instagram is @jeremydriesenphotography.

If you feel a sense of excitement looking at this work, and feel that it’s your time, please consider our Mentorship program. The most important thing we do is help you identify your own unique creative voice. Who are you, as an artist? What makes you unique? Then we, and the group of your peers in the program, nurture you forward. You’ll set goals, and we’ll help you reach them. Here’s what you’ll get:

• FOCAL POINT TOOLKIT – Set goals, and track your progress through the Mentorship. This sets your intention for the six months, and creates the velocity for your experience.
• SEVEN CALL HOURS with ALISON – These calls will be all about you and your work – developing your own unique creative style, staying consistent and keeping focused. You’ll send Alison jpegs of your latest work before each call. During the call, you’ll see her screen live on your computer, as you both discuss your photos, and she makes suggestions shown in Adobe Lightroom. Learn how to be your best editor, get custom training, feedback, motivation, and brainstorm ideas. Alison will give you customized assignments that will keep you inspired, and define your next steps toward your goals.
• FOUR CALL HOURS with SUE – Get an Art Director/Gallery Owner’s eye on your body of work, and advice on your portfolio, graphic identity, website, book ideas, writing, and marketing. Sue’s signature Intuitive Interview will help you identify what makes your photography distinctly your own. Discovering what drives your creative work helps you write and talk about your unique motivation, and gives you a framework for your creative process as you pursue your work.
• SEVEN TRAININGS – Our in-depth trainings cover a number of topics,which have included: getting in touch with your deepest creative self; writing an artist statement and bio; marketing your work; communicating with galleries, and having a show of your work; Alison’s digital workflow; publishing a book of your photography; and a fine art printing Q&A with a master printer.
• TWO 2-DAY RETREATS on MARTHA’S VINEYARD – Experience the island off-season, when all the locals can relax and truly enjoy this unique place. Starting with a Friday-evening drinks and hors d’oeuvres get-together, and culminating in student Masterminds on Saturday and Sunday, you’ll meet other students, learn a lot, and have the unique opportunity to get feedback from the group. Develop your artist statement, body of work, and project ideas with the support of other artists. Alison often talks in-depth about her work, sometimes showing edits, images that didn’t make the cut (and why), and her creative process. Sue will bring her designer’s eye to the discussion.
• YOUR OWN PASSWORD-PROTECTED PAGE – You’ll have your own page accessible via our website, where you can find all program info, upcoming appointments you’ve scheduled, your list of goals, downloadable notes from your calls with us, and a personalized to-do list for your reference.
• PRIVATE FACEBOOK GROUP – This is a great opportunity for feedback and technical support, from all past and present Mentorship students. Post your photos and questions, and get feedback, answers, and encouragement on your progress. Sue and Alison monitor the group page regularly.
• 20% OFF IN THE GALLERY – For the duration of the Mentorship, you’ll get our best discount on all fine art prints, books, posters, and cards.
• YOUR WORK ON OUR WEBSITE – Take advantage of our international audience. After the Mentorship ends, we’ll post a photo of you, your artist statement, and a slideshow of your best work during our six months together, with a link to your website if you have one.

We start this Monday evening, with your first email from me. You can join the group within the coming week, as long as space is available. Alison and I do the Mentorship just once each year, and do not guarantee that we’ll do the program next year. Click here for more information on the Mentorship. Email sue@alisonshaw.com with any questions you have. I’ll be answering emails all weekend. And, just in case you’re wondering, you can do a payment plan. Easy peasy.

TODAY IS THE FIRST chilly day on the island, and it really feels like fall. Funny, yesterday it was 77 degrees out there, and folks were still posting photos of their bare feet in the sand on social media. But today, it’s time for down vests and cozy warm drinks.

It’s also the time of year when we’re gearing up to begin our 6-month Mentorship program. Since 2013, 50 photographers have done the Mentorship, and some have gone on to do one or more years of the Advanced Mentorship as well. I’ve written blog posts about some of the awesome work that’s being done by our alumni, such as Jean Schnell, Steve Koppel, and many more.

Alison and I make a conscious decision each year to teach this program. It’s a huge commitment for us, and we don’t take it lightly.

We understand that it’s a huge commitment for you too.

I read a lot about inspiration and creativity, and just love this quote by Dr Brene Brown, who writes and speaks about the importance of creative expression in our lives. It’s always a risk to put yourself out there. Honestly, I think the hardest part is making the decision to sign up. I picked this new image of Alison’s to show what I mean. You can’t even see the end of the pier.

But trust me. That’s where the good stuff is… the fog (for you photographers out there) … and the insights.

Call me at the gallery between 11 and 4, Mon-Sat. Or email so we can set up a time to talk.

Here’s some of what you’ll receive in the Mentorship…

• FOCAL POINT TOOLKIT – Set goals, and track your progress through the Mentorship. This sets your intention for the six months, and creates the velocity for your experience.
• SEVEN CALL HOURS with ALISON – These calls will be all about you and your work – developing your own unique creative style, staying consistent and keeping focused. You’ll send Alison jpegs of your latest work before each call. During the call, you’ll see her screen live on your computer, as you both discuss your photos, and she makes suggestions shown in Adobe Lightroom. Learn how to be your best editor, get custom training, feedback, motivation, and brainstorm ideas. Alison will give you customized assignments that will keep you inspired, and define your next steps toward your goals.
• FOUR CALL HOURS with SUE – Get an Art Director/Gallery Owner’s eye on your body of work, and advice on your portfolio, graphic identity, website, book ideas, writing, and marketing. Sue’s signature Intuitive Interview will help you identify what makes your photography distinctly your own. Discovering what drives your creative work helps you write and talk about your unique motivation, and gives you a framework for your creative process as you pursue your work.
• SEVEN TRAININGS – Our in-depth trainings cover a number of topics,which have included: getting in touch with your deepest creative self; writing an artist statement and bio; marketing your work; communicating with galleries, and having a show of your work; Alison’s digital workflow; what you need to know about creating a website or publishing a book of your photography; and a fine art printing Q&A with a master printer.
• TWO 2-DAY RETREATS on MARTHA’S VINEYARD – Experience the island off-season, when all the locals can relax and truly enjoy this unique place. Starting with a Friday-evening drinks and hors d’oeuvres get-together, and culminating in student Masterminds on Saturday and Sunday, you’ll meet other students, learn a lot, and have the unique opportunity to get feedback from the group. Develop your artist statement, body of work, and project ideas with the support of other artists. Alison often talks in-depth about her work, sometimes showing edits, images that didn’t make the cut (and why), and her creative process. Sue leads a meditation at the start of each day together, brings her designer’s eye to the Masterminds, and opens the book on marketing your images.
• YOUR OWN PASSWORD-PROTECTED PAGE – You’ll have your own page accessible via our website, where you can find all program info, upcoming appointments you’ve scheduled, your list of goals, downloadable notes from your calls with us, and a personalized to-do list for your reference.
• PRIVATE FACEBOOK GROUP – This is a great opportunity for feedback and technical support, from all past and present Mentorship students. Post your photos and questions, and get feedback, answers, and encouragement on your progress. Sue and Alison monitor the group page regularly.
• 20% OFF IN THE GALLERY – For the duration of the Mentorship, you’ll get our best discount on all fine art prints, books, posters, and cards.
• YOUR WORK ON OUR WEBSITE – Take advantage of our international audience. After the Mentorship ends, we’ll post a photo of you, your artist statement, and a slideshow of your best work during our six months together, with a link to your website if you have one.

We start on October 21st, at around 5pm, with your first email from me, with all you need to know. Let’s do this!

I JUST ASKED Alison, “What have I not said about the Mentorship, that might help people decide whether it’s a good fit for them?” She responded that we have so many past and present students who have unique, stunning images – why not show a few?

So here you go:

LISA REDBURN did the Mentorship in 2014-2015, and the Advanced Mentorship the following year. Part of her initial submission to Alison, for her first 1:1 call, were images of puddles in Paris, a city that’s dear to her heart. As her work progressed, Lisa focused on her “Garden Afterparty” series, of flowers and vegetation that are “letting go.” And I just found these stunners on her site, which she calls “In the Garden: Seasonal stories from the garden, floating through time” (above). As Lisa’s work has progressed, you can see her working the same themes in different ways, with evocative images that still resonate with the insights she had during the Mentorship. Lisa has entered numerous juried shows, and often wins awards for her work.

DAVID MATTHEWS was in our first Mentorship group in 2013-2014, and did the Advanced Mentorship for several years after that. David came into the program with a high level of technical knowledge and proficiency, and a quirky creative sensibility that he continued to build through his time with us. My favorites are his series of salty, snowy asphalt that he showed in our gallery in 2015, a series of an airport tarmac, and a fantastic series of urban textural abstracts with the same basic composition (above). David’s compositions are technically brilliant. He’s had four solo shows, and four group shows, mostly in Pennsylvania galleries, and has sold a number of limited-edition prints.

JEAN SCHNELL, also in our first Mentorship and the Advanced group for a couple of years, developed a beautiful technique for shooting interior spaces that’s incredibly unique. I’ve written about her work before, including her series on Quaker Meetinghouses, and the old Marine Hospital that’s now the Martha’s Vineyard Museum in Vineyard Haven. Jean produced two gorgeous Blurb books as her Meetinghouse portfolio, within the Advanced Mentorship program. She’s had a number of gallery shows (she was the top seller at our Advanced Mentorship group show), and her work has been featured in Lenswork and Yankee Magazines.

LUCY DAHL did the Mentorship two years ago, and is now in her second year of the Advanced program. Her self-portraits with the same black dress, in lots of different settings, are provocative, and tell a very personal story. All black & white, and done with available light and a self-timer, Lucy’s work is beautiful, raw, and deeply affecting. Lucy’s first group show was in our gallery this past May, where she was the top seller.

BROOKE BARTLETTA did the Mentorship last year, and is in our Advanced program now. She’s fascinated by scenes that may be depressing at first glance, but are immensely powerful social commentaries – especially through her lens. Abandoned urban buildings, broken fences, and paint peeling off boats in local shipyards are favorite themes. Her latest winner, done in dense fog, is an evocative image of a high school running team, above. Brooke has just begun entering juried shows, and winning awards. She just launched her website last week.

STEVE KOPPEL, who took the first Mentorship 6 years ago, and did the Advanced program for several years, is now represented by the Focus Gallery in Chatham. He focuses on the tidal flats outside his home on the Cape and the National Seashore, shooting aerial images with a drone, or early morning seascapes with his camera on a tripod. His images are expansive, peaceful, and gorgeous. I wrote about Steve’s experience in the Mentorship here. He has two websites that began within the Mentorship programs, including one for his EDI Institute, where he donates proceeds from all of his print sales.

KATE GRISWOLD was also in our first group, and a couple of Advanced years after that. Most of her work at the beginning was black & white images of animals taken during trips to Africa, and lovely studio portraits of animals, from dogs to horses. I think it was Kate’s second year with us, when Alison and I were in South Carolina – we visited her home there, and she took us on a tour of the area, pointing out the birds she saw along the way. Alison asked if she’d ever taken pictures of the birds, and she said no, but that they were spiritually significant to her. With Alison’s encouragement, Kate started taking photos of her birds, which has evolved into stunning portraits like the one above. Kate’s sold a number of limited-edition prints, and has had several gallery shows of her work.

I could go on and on. There are so many more talented photographers we’ve worked with, and we’re so proud of their accomplishments.

If you feel a sense of excitement looking at this work, and feel that it’s time to develop your own unique creative photography, please consider our Mentorship program. Here’s what you’ll get:

• FOCAL POINT TOOLKIT – Set goals, and track your progress through the Mentorship. This sets your intention for the six months, and creates the velocity for your experience.
• SEVEN CALL HOURS with ALISON – These calls will be all about you and your work – developing your own unique creative style, staying consistent and keeping focused. You’ll send Alison jpegs of your latest work before each call. During the call, you’ll see her screen live on your computer, as you both discuss your photos, and she makes suggestions shown in Adobe Lightroom. Learn how to be your best editor, get custom training, feedback, motivation, and brainstorm ideas. Alison will give you customized assignments that will keep you inspired, and define your next steps toward your goals.
• FOUR CALL HOURS with SUE – Get an Art Director/Gallery Owner’s eye on your body of work, and advice on your portfolio, graphic identity, website, book ideas, writing, and marketing. Sue’s signature Intuitive Interview will help you identify what makes your photography distinctly your own. Discovering what drives your creative work helps you write and talk about your unique motivation, and gives you a framework for your creative process as you pursue your work.
• SEVEN TRAININGS – Our in-depth trainings cover a number of topics,which have included: getting in touch with your deepest creative self; writing an artist statement and bio; marketing your work; communicating with galleries, and having a show of your work; Alison’s digital workflow; publishing a book of your photography; and a fine art printing Q&A with a master printer.
• TWO 2-DAY RETREATS on MARTHA’S VINEYARD – Experience the island off-season, when all the locals can relax and truly enjoy this unique place. Starting with a Friday-evening drinks and hors d’oeuvres get-together, and culminating in student Masterminds on Saturday and Sunday, you’ll meet other students, learn a lot, and have the unique opportunity to get feedback from the group. Develop your artist statement, body of work, and project ideas with the support of other artists. Alison often talks in-depth about her work, sometimes showing edits, images that didn’t make the cut (and why), and her creative process. Sue will bring her designer’s eye to the discussion.
• YOUR OWN PASSWORD-PROTECTED PAGE – You’ll have your own page accessible via our website, where you can find all program info, upcoming appointments you’ve scheduled, your list of goals, downloadable notes from your calls with us, and a personalized to-do list for your reference.
• PRIVATE FACEBOOK GROUP – This is a great opportunity for feedback and technical support, from all past and present Mentorship students. Post your photos and questions, and get feedback, answers, and encouragement on your progress. Sue and Alison monitor the group page regularly.
• 20% OFF IN THE GALLERY – For the duration of the Mentorship, you’ll get our best discount on all fine art prints, books, posters, and cards.
• YOUR WORK ON OUR WEBSITE – Take advantage of our international audience. After the Mentorship ends, we’ll post a photo of you, your artist statement, and a slideshow of your best work during our six months together, with a link to your website if you have one.

Click here for more information on the Mentorship. We start this coming Monday evening, so I’m booking times for calls this week, to answer your questions about the program. Please email info@alisonshaw.com or call us at 508-693-4429, to set up a time. We do the Mentorship just once each year, so if you’re interested, now’s the time to jump in. As of this writing, there are 4 spots left. I have over 100 people on my “interested” list, with 10 of them seriously considering joining this year. 

I LOVE this photo of Alison’s from last winter, with snow illuminating the path forward. I happen to know there’s a beach at the end of this path, but for the sake of discussion, let’s assume we don’t know what’s at the end. We’re just supposed to walk forward, and have faith that we’ve picked the right path.

In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr,

“Faith is taking the first step,

even when you don’t see

the whole staircase.”

I’m thinking a lot about the journey forward, and how we often don’t know what’s to come. Both of our kids are at the beginning of adulthood, thinking about such things every single day. My job as a parent is not to walk the path for them, or even with them. My job is to help when I’m needed, to step back when I’m not, and to allow them the freedom of discovery, choice, and experience.

It works this way for all of us, when we’re venturing out into new areas, discovering new things, learning, and growing. I sometimes need help and expert advice from a mentor, whose job is to help when needed, and to step back when not – to allow me the freedom of personal discovery and experience, while guiding me with honest feedback, and cheering me along from the sidelines.

When contemplating a new journey, I could see how it might feel easier if my chosen mentor is standing at the end of the path, or walking in front of me with our destination clearly in sight. All he/she’d have to do is move me along, like those folks waving fluorescent orange lamps to guide huge planes into the airport gate. I’d arrive safely at my destination, dust myself off, and look to my mentor for the next step.

Thing is, steering according to someone else’s directions would deprive me of the inevitable successes and failures that lead to my own growth and insight. It might feel safer at first. But I’d be ceding my power to someone else, putting him in the driver’s seat, letting him pick the music we listen to along the way. It wouldn’t be my own journey anymore. And it wouldn’t necessarily be my own destination either.

When Alison and I designed our Mentorship program, we talked a lot about our roles, and how we’d approach mentoring others. Over the five years we’ve taught the program, we’ve come back to this discussion again and again. Our goal is clear. We don’t have fluorescent orange lamps that guide you to the gate. Because your gate is going to be different from everyone else’s gate – different from Alison’s, mine, and your peers in the Mentorship. Our job is to help discover, define, and nurture your unique creative voice. Through a number of trainings, techniques, and critiques, we’ll find your path together. We’ll be on the sidelines, cheering you on with honest and constructive feedback. The others in the program will be there too, offering feedback that helps you see your way forward.

The way I see it, rather than directing you to a specific place with those orange lamps, Alison and I are wearing headlamps – like miners wear – standing behind you and shining our light to illuminate your path. You’ll walk where you choose, at the pace you want, on your terms. We are not there to steer. You’re in the driver’s seat. In order to grow as an artist, you must learn to walk your own way forward. We’ll just be there to shed some light.

Click here for more information on the Mentorship program. Sunday is the last day of the season for our gallery, so I’m booking times for calls next week, to answer your questions about the Mentorship. Please email info@alisonshaw.com or call us at 508-693-4429, to set up a time. We do the Mentorship just once each year – the 2018-2019 program begins October 22nd.