Mentor It Forward
Posted on 29 August 2011
Most people have heard of the movie Pay It Forward from a few years back. The main concept in the movie is that frequently when someone does something nice for us, we aren’t always in a position to repay that person for their kindness. Sometimes it’s actually impossible to “pay it back.” So “pay it forward” simply means to do something equally nice for someone else.
Today my post isn’t a long one. It doesn’t require a lot of details or background information. Today’s post is just a simple request. Find someone in your industry, or someone who shares a similar interest with you, maybe someone in your local camera club, and who isn’t yet at your level of proficiency. Then see if you can help them. Maybe you have lots of time and can really coach them. Maybe all you have time for is a helpful tip or two from time to time. — The goal is not to look for anything in return. Instead, the goal is just to simply help someone else. The ironic thing is that most of the time you learn something new or receive something in return you never expected. If nothing else, it will make you feel better about yourself and it’s hard to top good karma.
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6 responses to Mentor It Forward
Excellent!!!!! Everyone should do this.
I have mentor several people from our camera club recently and it really felt good. More people need to be doing this.
Very well said Larry and hope you don’t mind if I use your post as I have to tell you this is exactly what my (our) photography group is successful at and known for! It is the exact philosophy and reason our group got started and why it is so successful today… A group that less than 2 years ago started with a handful of people doing just that sharing a passion and the desire to mentor and help other like minded people… we take mentoring forward very seriously and now have a membership of nearly 500 and growing daily.
Would love to have you come out and do some mentoring forward with our local Tamp Bay Strobist photog group!
Thanks for sharing this excellent concept and hope to see you soon!
I agree! Along my path of learning i have had several people lend me some of their knowledge. Some of which is something as simple as a quick adjustment in camera or a (That looks good but try moving you subject over a bit) To more advanced things like new ways to do things in photoshop. While i am no Pro i have come a long way thanks to good people doing good things like this.
I try to return the favor as often as i can and the best that i can. After all isn’t that what our great hobby is all about. I really enjoy attending Kelbys events, And the great group of photographers and photoshop guys that have taken the time to make great videos for kelby training. Cliff Mautner,Matt, Jeremy Cowart, Dave Black, Joe Mcnally, Dave Cross for opening up his studio for our use and education, Kathy and RC offering their time to lead our group and helping everyone grow, Not forgetting you Larry, You are coming to my town to lead Scott Kelbys 4th annual photo walk. Sorry if this sounds like a Kelby Promo, But its great to have such a great network of people and resources so close to home. I will continue to give back what i receive from others, Thats just the way it should be.
I love this! I am new to photography & it’s those around me who inspire me and mentor me and are taking me seriously that keep me going I hope to return the good karma & inspire others who may be shy or afraid to go in front of the camera because I have the unique view of both sides. I see the beauty in everyone, especially the beauty in being human. Thank-you for this post!
Very well put…I agree wholehartedly…just do it with absolutely nothing expected in return except for the sheer joy of doing it…It’s a win/win situation by my standards.