Part 3: Mentorship vs Workshops vs Content Days—What’s Right for You?

I often get asked, “Should I start with a mentorship or join a workshop?” The truth is: they both help, but in different ways.

Mentorship sessions are personal and targeted. They adapt to your exact struggles—lighting issues, posing, editing style, business questions.
Workshops are immersive, usually group settings where you learn multiple topics and connect with peers.

If you’re brand new, mentorship often gives you the solid footing you need. Workshops then become a great way to expand your skills, network, and get inspired. I wish I had done both early on, instead of piecing it all together alone. As you start looking at ways to grow, you’ll notice three main paths: mentorships, workshops, and content days. Each one has a purpose, and understanding the differences will help you decide what you actually need.

As you grow as a photographer, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the ways you “should” be learning—mentorships, workshops, content days… the options feel endless. Each approach has its benefits, but knowing the differences can save you time, frustration, and energy.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

Mentorships are personalized, one-on-one learning experiences. They’re designed around your needs, your struggles, and your goals. A mentor helps you develop confidence, improve your systems, and refine your creative eye with ongoing support.
Workshops are group-based, often multi-day events. They’re focused on education and community—deep dives into topics like posing, storytelling, editing, or business. Workshops are incredible for learning and connection, but can feel overwhelming without follow-up.
Content Days are different. They’re not about education but about shooting. You walk away with styled images for your portfolio, which is great for beginners looking to attract clients fast. However, without the education piece, content days won’t necessarily help you with workflow, posing confidence, or business strategy.

Each has pros and cons, and often, photographers benefit from a combination of them at different stages of their journey. And all will be an investment to you and your business.

Every photographer’s journey looks different. Some thrive with the accountability of a mentor, others love the collaborative learning of a workshop, and some need content days to fill gaps in their portfolio. The most important thing? Choosing the support system that shortens your learning curve and builds your confidence as a creative.

If you’re ready to explore mentorship and step into your photography career with clarity, I’d love to be that guide for you.

👉 Learn more about my 1:1 mentorship sessions here: Mentorship Page

How to Get the Most Out of a Mentorship Session

I always tell my mentees: your growth depends on how you show up.

Come prepared with examples of your work and specific questions.
Set goals so you leave with clear next steps.
Stay open to critique—it’s not about tearing down, it’s about building up.
Practice right away so the lessons stick.
Follow up if you need clarification or to share progress.

This cycle of learning, applying, and refining is what takes you from feeling like an imposter to feeling like a confident professional.

Confidence, Creativity, and Cutting the Learning Curve

The truth is, you don’t have to spend years in trial-and-error like I did. Mentorship doesn’t just teach you technical skills—it gives you permission to step into your role as a photographer with confidence. It shortens the learning curve, helps you avoid the mistakes I made, and lets you focus on creating art you’re proud of.

If you’re passionate about wedding or elopement photography, and you want clarity instead of overwhelm, mentorship may be exactly what you need to move forward. The journey is still yours, but you don’t have to walk it alone.