With nearly 20 years of professional wedding photography experience I now offer bespoke mentoring to both new and established photographers.
Wedding image-makers are navigating a working landscape that is evolving faster than ever. Keeping up with the latest trends can be exhausting, especially when all you want to do is take pictures.
I’d be lying if I said there was a quick and easy fix to not just get ahead of the pack but to stay there. There isn’t, despite some of the rhetoric shared by influencers on social media.
After what feels like a lifetime in the industry and observing all the changes that have lead us to now, I truly believe that the only way to give yourself a fighting chance is to build a strong foundation of fundamental approaches to the craft.
Only then can one have a chance at the opportunity to create a fulfilling career with a real world income.
Way above the latest fancy equipment and post-production tools I’ve purchased, education, one-on-one mentoring and portfolio critiques have proven the single most valuable investment in my career so far. The resulting elevation in my craft has allowed me to increase my fees leading me to high value commissions at many stunning venues across the UK and Europe.
In tandem with my wedding-focussed work I’ve been able to develop a wide-ranging and successful commercial, editorial and brand advertising studio (www.simonbuck.com) which now makes up the majority of my income and allows for many more free weekends.
This experience has enabled me to help established wedding photographers who are perhaps looking to broaden their range and seeking a sounding board for ideas and direction.
I’m not saying I have all the answers nor will I make promises of success, fame, fortune. What I will commit to is giving you 100% of my attention and energy, provide you with real world insights and do everything I can to assist you on your way to being the photographer you know you can be.
I can help you:
Show you how to create images that will last beyond the latest trend and that your couples will cherish;
Refine your posing and direction to make it fast and easy;
Find and use the best light available (including flash);
Work out an attractive fee structure;
Streamline a stress-free, wedding day schedule and build a mental checklist to ensure you cover all the important elements;
Develop your post-production techniques away from actions to truly reflect your own vision and artistry…
… and much more.
Mentoring
Mentoring spaces are limited and usually offered as either 6 or 12 monthly plans beginning with a 1hr discovery session where you tell me all about your business, where you’re at on your journey and where you’d like to be. We’ll establish your level of technical ability, confidence with technique and what you’re delivering to your clients.
From that I’ll produce a one page report with a summary of goals and objectives to which I will hold you accountable along the way.
Please note, this is mentoring in its purest form, based around conversations and with no fancy workbooks, downloadable cheat-sheets or freebie filter action sets.
The full value received is in me and the bespoke nature of the delivery. There is no syllabus as each mentee is catered for on an individual basis. I expect you to come with questions.
Portfolio critiques are included and reviewed as we progress. It’s likely you will be given a personal project or two to complete especially if you choose the 12 month plan. There are no hidden charges and I will never up-sell.
1x 20min icebreaker phone call/Facetime ahead of commitment - no charge.
6x1hr session/6 month mentoring plan - £900.00
12x1hr session/12 month mentoring plan - £1800.00
Extended time sessions, bespoke plans and one-off portfolio reviews also available from £250.00 - contact me to discuss.
Sessions are booked at mutual convenience depending on availability. If a mentee cancels a date an alternative may be offered but no refunds are given. In the event Simon cancels/postpones then an alternative date or a refund for that session will be given.
All sessions can take place online or in-person in Norwich at a neutral, public, cafe-based location. I’m happy to travel and can quote for this on an individual basis.