Photography Mentorship: Creative and Business Strategy

Alumni: Alfield Reeves

The recipient of my first mentorship in Business and Creative Strategy was Alfield Reeves–a working artist in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I was drawn to Alfield because his work and process is full of depth and introspection. His warm images are quiet while being bold and bridges traditional divides between photojournalism, portraiture and fashion. Alfield is was born in Monrovia, Liberia West Africa.

Summer 2022

Application date TBA

For working artists who've either studied photography in a college setting or are self-taught. I am interested in passionate and curious image makers ready to rise to their next level. Qualified photographer applicants need to demonstrate their present level of professional experience, have inspiration, integrity and accountability to themselves.

Especially encouraged to apply are Chicagoland individuals who identify as BIPOC or from underrepresented groups. Open and free to all artists.

This is an 8-week mentorship program with minimum of 8 weekly 90 minute check-ins and the possibility for on-set experience for Chicago area residents. It’s geared to emerging artists to gain essential relationship experience commercial photography thrives upon, while developing their creative and professional skills. Our work is guided entirely by your needs and interests.

Some topics we might explore:

o Developing your personal vision.

o Technical proficiency and lighting

o Website/ portfolio presentation

o Marketing and exposure

o Estimating and budget management

o Invoicing and bookkeeping

o Professional communication

o Delegation and crewing

About me:

In 17 years as an award winning advertising photographer, I’ve led an array of commercial digital image productions. As a creative business leader of my own company, I consistently develop photography and motion content for brands with narrative concepts, on budget while providing a rewarding environment for my teams.