I would like to form a small group from within the ranks of DPC membership. Membership should be comprised of 5-6 "aspiring" photographers and 1 "pro". Note: by "pro" I really mean skill level, not career. The purpose of the group would be to develop aspiring photographers through mentorship and to teach mentorship/leadership to those already skilled in the art of photography.
The group members need not be located in the same area. DPC is a great forum for communication and if one group is successful (and others form), it would't be difficult for DPC to create specialized forums for inter-group communication.
All that is really required of anyone is a little interest in learning/mentoring, and a little time involved with each others' photography.
I should note, for the record, that I am not offering myself up as a "pro" - I am most certainly not one. I, like many others, am looking for inspired instruction from those I respect. If this idea goes anywhere, I will help lead the group from concept into reality, at which time I will turn it over to the "pro".
If this concept sounds interesting at all, please respond. I'd really like to take it beyond the drawing board and into reality. If you like the idea and want to participate, please say so. Once we have several people of a like mind together, we can get into the weeds regarding how the group will function and how we will take direction from our group leader.
NOTE: For those just checking in, this thread has nearly reached its conclusion, as many mentorship groups have already formed.
For more information on the groups, or joining as a mentor or student, click here.
Only a few slots are left in the groups. If you'd like to join one, please PM the mentor first. If he/she is comfortable with another student, then PM me as a courtesy so I can keep the master list updated on my profile page.
I'm down. Not sure if I am considered good enough to be one of the 5-6 aspiring photog's...but if you think I am, then I'm in. I always like to help when it's appreciated.
I believe David is trying to form smaller, more intimate type groups within DPC - or outside of DPC, perhaps.
Without a doubt. To some extent, rex is correct. DPC is already a great learning tool. I'm simply looking for something a little more personal - and I'd like to keep it inside DPC.
I am already involved in 2 full-time webmaster projects, a blog, and a graphics-design website. If my online presence is similar to that of others, adding another site to the list is really more of a hassle than help.
I'd really like to keep this within the ranks of DPC. DPC already has sufficient tools for grading/commenting on others' work, and a sufficient user-base for several groups like the one I'm proposing.
I would be really interested in this. Sadly, not all of us have the time to take photography classes or workshops, or the money to pay for said things. And I feel like I've improved a lot since joining, but I still have a LONG way to go.
We have 10 interested people, so far. I'm going to let this run a little longer, as 2 more people would be enough for 2 groups.
Laurie, David, and Colette, I don't know if your intention was to be student or mentor, but you're very good, in my opinion. Would you consider taking the position as mentor(s) for a time?
I think everyone who has responded, thus far, is hoping to be a student.
A few of you are quite good, and it should be noted that "good" is relative. You folks who are already pulling 6-7 in the challenge are probably suitable mentors for "the rest of us"!!
Some of you may want to consider being a mentor, to start. You may find it interesting and educational. Later, if this concept grows, someone YOU respect as a photographer may offer their services as mentor and the cycle can repeat itself.
