Often I am asked…”How do I become a National Geographic photographer?”, and “I want to do what you’re doing!”

Well, there is no one answer to the first question. It is about powerful, long-form, visual storytelling, not just pretty pictures. And there is so much more...

And no, you do not, nor will want to do what I do. In this life, you are here for what you do. What you are willing to give to, in finding your own voice and being.

What I can give to you is guidance, and inspiration. Offering insights from 30 years in this profession. Not in past tense. In the present, of one who regularly works for the world’s foremost publications.

Most importantly, I can lift and give support, with reason and meaning. How we must go deep within ourselves, to become better photographers, better people.

Career building and mentoring also connect to the art of editing. Not in liking or don’t like, keep or let go…that is too simple. Each moment we create with our cameras has meaning. Often, we are overly connected, unable to detach ourselves from the narrative to see, to feel the narrative and our meanings in telling stories through photography and visual pacing.

Each mentor and career guidance session is different. So profound, I prefer to call them, Therapy Sessions.

We may only need an hour together to help edit a story you are working on. You might be in a slump, needing energy, love and support. Re-inspiring why you are here in this life, reconnecting to your purpose through and with photography. Or you have questions on how to meet and build relationships with editors, starting off in this profession or expanding your existing career, or wanting to understand how to enter what seems like a labyrinth.

Because I am often on the road, in-person gatherings, held at my home of 24 Windows in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts, need to occur around my assignment schedule. While I am on assignment, or during these continued COVID days, our time together will be virtual, using Skype or Zoom.

Below is a message form. Please write and let me know what you are seeking, where you need support, guidance, love, or just a polite bowl of fire placed under your bum, inspiring you to make the leap of faith in what you believe in. What you know you want and need to do ~ John

Please note: To make such giving accessible to everyone on our home, this planet, there are two pricing scales. For the Minority World (the United States, most of Europe, certain parts of Asia, South America and the Middle East), Photography Therapy Sessions are $150 per hour. For those in the Majority World, the rate varies from $10-$50 an hour.

Scholarships: Four times a year I offer scholarships to photographers from the Majority World, a two-hour Therapy Session for free. Please message below for further details based upon your primary country of residence.

Thank you for helping me support education and career guidance, for everyone.