Mentors for Photojournalism students. Sign up now and January 1st we will assign you a student. Count me in!

We all had someone in our early career who took us under their wing and showed us the ropes. Join fellow Pro members who will be paired with a random photojournalism student member and work on their portfolio. This is a one-year commitment. The amount of time you dedicate depends of your available time and the student’s willingness to learn. Students must be a PPAGLA Student Member, 18-years old and an sign a liability waiver stating covering the news can be dangerous. Students must sign to participate. Help sessions can be online or in person.

 These Pros have already committed to be a mentor to a PPAGLA student:

Don Bartletti. Los Angeles Times retired.

Gary Brainard. KTTV retired.

Sean Browning. Photojournalist KNBCLA.

Mentor fine print

The goal of the mentorship is to build the students portfolio. The Pro members who volunteer are called the Portfolio SWAT Team. The mentorship lasts one year. You can’t be requested as a specific Pro Member.  We are capping the number of mentorships at 50. Mentors can only be PPAGLA Pro Members in good standing. Deadline for applications in 1-1-2026. Hopefully we get enough students and Pros to sign up.

Tips for mentor photographers:

It’s probably a good practice to meet your student in an open environment and not at your home.

Use technology to meet students and look at their portfolios. WeTransfer is a great way to send photos.

Always suggest ways to make a photo better, not what is wrong.

Suggest that a photo story have a beginning, middle and end.

Remember the rule of thirds when framing a photo.

Crop with your feet, not with the zoom lens.

Explain the risk and rewards for various assignments, If you cover a demo you may get shot with a rubber bullet.  Explain the safety gear that might be needed of various types of coverage, (brush jacket, goggles, helmet, boots etc).

If you and your student hit it off, suggest assignments for them to cover. Do as much coaching as you can. Consider meeting them at assignments for more in the field experience.

The PPAGLA will support the student with frequent handouts related to our profession.

Contact Mentor Directors: Ted Soqui 213 361-4364 (cell) tedsoqui@gmail.com

              Rick Meyer 818 480-0918 (cell) laphotog@aol.com