7 Things to Look For (and Avoid) in Photography Education
Your feed is full of educators promising overnight success, “secret” presets, and six-figure shortcuts. But not every course—or coach—is built to serve you, your clients, or your bottom line. In Episode 6 of The Work Between we outline the seven qualities that separate game-changing education from expensive distraction, so you can invest with confidence and skip the shiny-object regret.
Why Choosing the Right Education Matters
Education shapes profit, process, and peace. The mentor you follow today becomes the blueprint you build on tomorrow.
Relevance matters as much as reputation. A huge following doesn’t equal business acumen—or alignment with your values.
Resources are finite. Time, energy, and tuition all come at a cost. Let’s spend them wisely.
7 Things to Look For—And the Red Flags to Dodge
1. They Still Photograph and Prosper
If an educator hasn’t taken a paying client in years—or can’t run a profitable studio themselves—pause. Real-world experience keeps advice current, practical, and proven.
2. Income Transparency
Multiple revenue streams are great, but context is crucial. You deserve to know whether a teacher’s strategies are funded by portrait sales or by selling courses about portrait sales.
3. Systems Over Pep Talks
Inspiration fades; frameworks scale. Seek educators who hand you proven workflows, templates, and metrics—not just motivational mantras.
4. Original (or Credited) Methodology
Ask where they learned what they’re teaching. Crediting mentors shows integrity and signals they value continuous learning, not recycled content.
5. Shared Values & Ethics
Watch for non-negotiables like:
Written contracts for every client
Clear pricing before commitment
Zero high-pressure tactics at ordering appointments
If it feels icky, it probably is.
6. A Business Model You Actually Want
Love their vibe but not their volume? If their success relies on a huge team, mass outsourcing, or ten weddings a month, make sure that aligns with your own vision of success.
7. Community & Continued Support
Learning in isolation stalls momentum. Look for programs that foster peer discussion, accountability, and instructor interaction well beyond the “module drop.”
Weekly Ask Us Anything Highlight
“I signed up for mentoring, but they made me sign a contract saying I couldn’t leave a bad review if I was unhappy. Is that normal?”
We unpack why honest feedback is essential, how gag clauses undermine trust, and what to request instead.
Listen & Level Up
🎧 Tune in to Episode 6: 7 Things to Look For (and Avoid) in Photography Education
Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and your favorite player.
📎 Free Resource: Download our Educator Vetting Checklist in the show notes to evaluate any course or coach before you pay.
💡 Craving clear, no-fluff business education backed by a thriving community? That’s exactly what you’ll find inside MOTIV. Start your 7-day free trial through the link and build the business that fits your life.
If this episode helps you choose smarter education, share it with a friend or leave a review. Your support fuels the honest conversations we host every week on The Work Between.
