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Why Mentors Mentor

Bruna Mentrup-Nortje • Nov 18, 2021

In this article, I want to discuss why I think mentorship is essential, why mentors mentor, what mentors gain and what they expect from their mentees.

For me, mentorship can provide numerous benefits for mentors and their mentees. Developing this relationship can help both to learn new things, build networks and grow as professionals. 

Good mentors usually do not seek payment. They offer to serve this role because they genuinely believe that the mentee wants to become a successful photographer. The lack of payment also opens up mentorship for all types, rather than restricting this resource to only those who can afford it. In other words, mentors are a free resource.



For mentors, the achievements of the mentees who follow them are equally essential to bring in business. Mentors expect mentees to acknowledge their effort and their role in making a success in their own career as a photographer. Proper attitudes would include recognition of the value of mentoring, and gratitude for mentoring. Far too often, I have seen mentees take their mentor for granted in the photography industry. 

By Bruna Mentrup-Nortje 18 Nov, 2021
A mentor acts as an advisor to a less experienced individual, known as their mentee. Typically, individuals seek mentors who work in their same or desired field. The mentor helps this individual grow and develop as a professional, often offering advice based on their more advanced knowledge or experience. Mentorship for me is a relationship built through networking, personal connections or formal mentorship programs. A mentor can help focus their efforts by setting goals and giving feedback. Most successful photographers have many people who help them and whom they help. A successful mentor will likely have the experience and confidence you may need to help you to accomplish your ambitions. Mentors help expand your vision, help you see new possibilities for action, help increase your knowledge and skills in photography. Mentors can also share the mistakes they made along their journeys. The mentee benefits because they learn lessons about the mistakes' negative impacts but do not have to suffer the consequences themselves. Learning about these experiences can also help prepare the mentee for the challenges they can expect to face and provide demonstrable advice on how to overcome them.
The Brave Wildebeest
By Bruna Mentrup-Nortje 18 Nov, 2021
I have enjoyed capturing many memorable moments in nature; however, only a few stand out; I would like to share some of them with you in this series. This image is one of them.
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