Well yesterday saw me in Chester with my mentor Damian McGuillicuddy at his new studio in Oakbase. Although I have trained to degree level I find it is important to constantly train and learn new skills as a photographer, to push yourself to be the best you can be. Our mentoring session always begins with critique of our images which I find invaluable and this helps me grow as a photographer.

After this we were in his new shooting space with the lovely model Paula Vickers. Damian once more reinforced to us how important it was to visualise an image before setting up and shooting. The lighting, styling and pose should all marry together to produce an image which tells the story you are trying to portray.

We started by capturing Paula in a lovely soft feel where the lighting, posing and styling all combine effortlessly together to tell the story.

After this we moved onto a completely different style, lighting and pose to produce more contrast and create a more dramatic feel to the image.

I find my mentoring sessions one of the important factors, which have helped me on my journey as a photographer. This month I achieved my Licentiateship with the Societies of Wedding and Portrait Photographers which I have to put down to my constant mentoring and support from one of the best in the industry. After all he is a Grand Master!