Mentorship Program

Image: © Jessie Prince

2025 Applications Open

Many photographers agree that connecting with an industry professional they admire is an invaluable source of guidance and inspiration, helping them chart their path to success while fostering lasting relationships and friendships. There's something uniquely impactful about a genuine, one-on-one connection.

Mentorship is about cultivating long-term relationships and exchanging knowledge.

All Student, Assistant/Emerging Members who join Image Makers Association Australia on or before 31st May 2025 are eligible to apply to be mentored by one of Australia’s pre-eminent photographers.

As the exclusive sponsor of the Assistant/Emerging Membership category Nikon awards one successful applicant $5,000 worth of Nikon camera gear of their choice.

Five mentorships are offered each year, made possible through the invaluable support of Nikon and the mentors who generously dedicate their time to nurture and guide emerging talent, supporting growth and development within Australia’s photography community.

Assistants Apply Here

Students Apply Here

2025 Mentorship Program

Mentors

Saskia Wilson

Isamu Sawa

John Tsiavis

Prue Ruscoe

Sam Scoufos

Timeline

31st Jan 2025

31st May 2025

30th June 2025

July 2025 - June 2026

1st April 2026

April - May 2026

18th May 2026

30th June 2026

Applications open

Submissions close

Successful applicants are announced

Mentoring

Image sumbissions and mentor feedback due

Committee Review

Nikon award winner announced

Completion of Mentor program

All applications submitted on or before 31/5/25 are carefully considered by the mentors. The Program of Mentorship will commence at a time agreed between mentor and the successful candidate and will include:

12 Months mentoring
Monthly 1 hour mentoring sessions to be mutually arranged (in person or via zoom)
2 photo shoot attendances over the course of the year providing an opportunity to observe and understand the mentor’s processes and professional practice.
After 10 months of working with their mentor, each mentee will be asked to present 5-10 images which have come about as a result of their engagement/relationship; they will also present a brief outline of how these images were informed by mentor feedback and complete a brief survey about their experience. Feedback will also be sought directly from the mentors.
The IMAA Committee will select one outstanding mentee for the Nikon award based on their initiative, engagement, and the quality and impact of their photographic work submitted, recognising the efforts of those who have made the most of this mentorship opportunity.

“The Mentorship Program aligns closely with my experience that ‘on the tools’ training is some of the most beneﬁcial. I have always found assisting extremely helpful in this way – every shoot I will always learn something new. Whether its practical tips or tricks, or less tangible things, like the pace of the day, or the way the photographer will communicate with their client or home owner. The framework of committing to the year of development is something that has also worked well for me. The mentorship program has provided a key educational component to my photographic journey and the learnings from the program will certainly support my future in image-making.”

Ashley Sorensen
“If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” - Isaac Newton. “I knew that if I was lucky enough to be chosen for the Image Makers Association Mentoring program, I would stand on the shoulders of a photography industry giant, and it would propel me into the industry with the speed that I simply could not achieve on my own. The calibre of established industry professionals participating in the 12-month mentorship is phenomenal. Obtaining a photography mentor has always been a goal, however, the opportunity only fell into place now. I was excited by the logical, substantial 12-month outline. The fact that you would be able to attend at least two of the mentor's photography shoots and that they would meet me for an hour once a month seemed like it would bring accountable, tangible results. A mentor would mean having a sounding board to guide me, ensuring I spent time developing the most valuable skills efficiently, and pursuing ideas in a well-defined process.”

Tonina Ryan
“During my mentorship with Sharyn Cairns, I gained valuable insights by observing her in action on one of her shoots. Witnessing a variety of approaches to photography in a working environment, both via assisting and the mentorship program has enhanced my own methods, prompting me to experiment with new techniques. This mentorship has not only reﬁned my technical abilities but also instilled a resilient and flexible approach crucial in the dynamic ﬁeld of photography.”

Courtney Stockdale
“Martina has been fantastic in helping me talk through my photography goals and encouraging me to pursue my areas of interest. Through this I was able to crystalise that I want to explore product photography, and editorial photo stories about issues, experiences and creatives in the Yarra Valley community.”

Lauren Bertacchini
“Mentorship is something I feel is incredibly important for any creative career and I hadn’t had this opportunity previously.”

Matthew Sherren
“Through our discussion and critique of nearly 20 new images and past work, I have arrived at a clearer understanding of key areas of strength in my image making. Deliberate exploration of areas that are less familiar or comfortable serves as a means to challenge myself and expand my skills and approach to image making.”

Elizabeth Macovaz
“What drew me in was the opportunity to learn from Dion as I have admired his work for a long time.”

Sharna James
“I’ve always wanted to be a professional photographer but felt like I lacked the hands-on guidance and direction from an industry professional. Growing up in a newsagency, I was surrounded by magazines all the time – I would constantly ask myself ‘how did they take this photo?’ or, ‘how did they edit this?’ I saw the mentorship program as an incredible opportunity to have these questions answered and gain real experience with an industry professional. I wanted to start getting into interiors and architectural photography but really had no clue where to start. It has been so refreshing, afﬁrming and insightful being mentored by Lucas, and him seeing me for where I’m at and giving me actionable steps for professional growth.”

Stephanie Duncan
“I was attracted to the mentorship program because it gave me the privilege of connecting with an experienced photographer, something that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise. I’ve no doubt this connection will help me in the future.”

Simon McClure