Introduction
Welcome to the Washington Park Camera Club’s Peer Mentor Group! Are you looking to enhance your photography skills and learn more about your camera’s functions? Our mentor program is just what you need.
Started during the 2020-2021 camera season, our program was developed after many of our members expressed their desire for sessions where they could learn and grow with like-minded individuals. Our first year during the pandemic was a huge success, and we’re excited to offer it again this year!
Our mentors are dedicated to helping you learn more about your camera, including what to focus on, when to shoot, how to set your camera for different scenes, and how to use programs to enhance your photos. All members who want to improve their photography skills are welcome to join.
If you’re interested in becoming a peer mentor and sharing your love of photography with others, we need you! Simply reach out to Roslyn or Bonnie with your information.
To get started, complete the application on our website under the tab entitled “Peer Mentor Survey.” Please note that you must have a working camera and be willing to commit to working with your mentor. Our meetings will take place on Zoom, so you can join us from the comfort of your own home.
Join our community of photography enthusiasts and take your skills to the next level with the Washington Park Camera Club’s Mentor Group. We can’t wait to see you there!
Preston
Mentoring Style: As mentor, Preston and his mentees utilize the small group coaching approach.
Mentoring Focus: General Photography & Practical Skills
Preston has been a member of the Club since 2014 and served as it’s Vice President (2018-2020). He also serves as the chairperson of the By-Laws committee. His interest in photography started in high school.
Preston says, “I have shot with a Sony 717, Canon Rebel XTi, and a Canon 7D. Now I’m shooting with a Canon R6 and Fujifilm X-T30. I love the fact that you freeze time with photography. I enjoy looking at and taking great-looking images. I do not specialize in any particular discipline of photography. I like shooting whatever catches my interest. After joining the camera club my photography skills grew 100%. In addition, I’ve significantly improved my Lightroom and Photoshop skills.
With this mentoring program, I hope to give back some of the things I have learned to someone else.
Mentee Feedback:
“… Our mentor works very well with us explaining techniques at our levels on our field trips shooting the same objects.”
“It’s a great learning experience and refreshing my memory on a lot of things.”
Rebekah
My Style: I prefer to teach 3-5 people through Zoom sessions. 1:1 troubleshooting session could be arranged as needed.
My Focus: creative art photography, contemplative photography and Lightroom. Open to working with complete novices or more advanced students seeking to improve their visual skills.
Discover the captivating story of Rebekah, one of the newest members of our community. Her passion for photography lies in teaching and helping others understand the art and science of photography from a creative perspective.
Rebekah’s style of teaching involves working with 3-5 people through Zoom sessions. She is open to working with complete novices or more advanced students seeking to improve their visual skills. Additionally, Rebekah is available for 1:1 troubleshooting sessions as needed.
Her focus is on creative art photography, contemplative photography, and Lightroom. She believes that the art of photography is a journey of self-discovery and expression, and she strives to help her students develop their unique visual style and voice.
Rebekah’s approach to teaching is patient, compassionate, and supportive. She understands that learning and growth take time, and she encourages her students to experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them.
Join us in exploring the world of photography through Rebekah’s eyes. Whether you’re a complete novice or an experienced photographer seeking to improve your skills, Rebekah’s expertise and guidance will help you develop your creative vision and express yourself through the art of photography.
Dennis
Mentoring Style: TBD
Mentoring Focus: TBD
Charles
Mentoring Style: TBD
Mentoring Focus: TBD
Sherry
Mentoring Style: I prefer working one-on-one with photographers, allowing for personalized instruction, focused feedback, and guidance tailored to each person’s goals and skill level.
Mentoring Focus: Achieving Sharp Focus; Understanding and Finding Light; Post-Processing Techniques
“A great photograph starts with seeing the light, capturing the moment with intention, and bringing your vision to life through thoughtful editing.” — Sherry
Sherry is a professional photographer based in the Washington, D.C. area, specializing in portraits, headshots, and wildlife photography. Through her work, she has had the opportunity to photograph a wide variety of subjects, from fashion events and professional portrait sessions to wildlife encountered during her travels.
As a mentor, Sherry is passionate about sharing the knowledge and experiences she has gained throughout her photographic journey, including lessons learned from fellow Washington Park Camera Club mentors. She believes that photography is a continual learning process and that growth is best achieved when photographers support and learn from one another.
Her mentoring focuses on helping photographers build a strong foundation by mastering focus, learning to recognize and work with available light, and developing effective post-processing techniques. Through personalized guidance, she helps photographers understand not only how to create technically sound images, but also how to express their unique perspective through their work.
Sherry’s goal is to help mentees build confidence behind the camera, strengthen their technical skills, and develop an artistic voice that reflects their individual vision. Whether you’re just beginning your photography journey or looking to refine your craft, Sherry is eager to help you take the next step in your creative development.
Ted
Mentoring Style: I enjoy mentoring in small group settings where photographers can learn together, share experiences, and benefit from collaborative discussions while receiving practical guidance and feedback.
Mentoring Focus: Aperture; Shutter Speed; ISO; Manual Photography; RAW Workflow
“Understanding how aperture, shutter speed, and ISO work together gives you the creative control to make the image you envision, not just the image the camera records.” — Ted Evans
Ted’s passion for photography began during a visit to Havasu Canyon, where he was captivated by the canyon’s breathtaking beauty. Inspired by the experience, he purchased a used Minolta SLR camera from a pawn shop and soon advanced to a Nikormat 35mm film camera. While photography remained an interest throughout the years, it was the emergence of modern smartphone technology and his transition to a Canon EOS R-series mirrorless camera system that reignited his enthusiasm for the craft.
A resident of Chicago and a recently retired technology consultant who worked in enablement services within the City of Chicago’s Department of Finance, Ted joined the Washington Park Camera Club with a simple goal: to become a better photographer. Through his involvement with WPCC, the Chicago Area Camera Clubs Association (CACCA), and the Photographic Society of America (PSA), he has continued to expand his skills and deepen his appreciation for photography.
Ted’s primary interests are bird photography, landscapes, and portraiture. He shoots in Manual mode, processes RAW images, and uses ON1 Photo RAW as his primary editing software. His mentoring focuses on helping photographers develop a solid understanding of exposure fundamentals and how to creatively use aperture, shutter speed, and ISO in available light situations. He also enjoys discussing post-processing techniques and helping photographers gain confidence in their technical decision-making.
Whether you’re new to photography or looking to strengthen your understanding of camera fundamentals, Ted is eager to help you build the technical foundation needed to create more intentional and compelling photographs.
Philip
Mentoring Style: As mentor, Philip and his mentees utilize the small group coaching approach (3-5 mentees). The group collaborates by leverages technology to provide remote sessions (Email, Zoom Screen Sharing, WhatsApp & iMessages).
Mentoring Focus: Photography Fundamentals; Event, Travel, Street and Portraiture photography.
Explore the fascinating journey of Philip, a talented photographer and member of our community since 2012. His passion for photography started at a young age, inspired by the captivating photos from his parent’s and grandparent’s National Geographic magazines. In 2000, he began his self-learning journey into digital photography, experimenting with various styles and genres over the years.
Philip primarily shoots with Nikon mirrorless equipment for art, pleasure and event work, while also leveraging his iPhone for mobile photography. He prefers to use Lightroom as his post-production processing tool. His current focus is on event, portraiture, street, cityscape, and travel photography. He has a keen eye for capturing candid, off-the-cuff moments and loves to share his travel experiences through photography with others.
As the Chairperson for Information Technology, Philip is a valuable member of our community. He served as the club’s Secretary from 2014-2016 and has mentored aspiring photographers, utilizing a group-learning approach. He believes that everyone can teach each other and guides his mentees on their journey of discovery.
Philip’s primary focus as a mentor is to explore the basics of photography, composition, subject matter, objective team/self-critique, and workflow best practices. He helps build confidence in capturing and showing great photos and encourages continuous learning of new ideas, techniques, and inspiration to make the art and science of photography a worthy and enjoyable experience. Above all, he values having fun as a team, creating a welcoming environment for everyone to learn and grow. Join us in discovering the world of photography through Philip’s eyes!
Mentee Feedback:
“My best memory is how we are challenged to try new things, like light writing. I appreciate how Philip always provides written guidance to reinforce what we have discussed.”
“3 Best Memories (not necessarily in this order): the way we meet on Zoom, and Philip’s structuring of the sessions; the sessions in which we reviewed Lightroom; the group outing to Rockefeller Chapel.”
Peer Mentorship Mentee Sign-Up
Washington Park Camera Club is dedicated to fostering the progression of photography to club members who possess varying levels of expertise and interests. To help us understand your needs and potentially match you with a WPCC club mentor, please complete the survey below. Once submitted, the survey responses which will be reviewed by the Mentorship Committee.
A Special Note:
- You should always feel free to approach any WPCC club member for feedback, advice and help.
- The WPCC Mentors have volunteered their time and expertise to mentor fellow club members in various settings (1-to-1 or small-group) for a specific period of time.
- Mentors will primarily be focused on capturing images and providing light post-processing advice as it relates to competition (example: cropping, lighting, color, etc.)
- Learning specific techniques for specific post-processing applications (such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom) is generally outside the scope of this mentorship. For an in-depth knowledge of each of these applications/programs, please consider online classes, YouTube or even courses at your local college.
