AN ORGANIC SPACE FOR THOSE THAT VALUE THE SMALL MOMENTS.

Sydney Rose Portraits logo with an oval emblem containing initials SR, and the text 'SYDNEY ROSE PORTRAITS' underneath.
A groom helping his bride with her shoe with a woman in a white dress sitting in the background.
A woman photographs a couple sitting on the steps in an urban setting with tall buildings, a lamp post, and a tree nearby.
A person with curly hair is taking a black-and-white photograph of a man in an outdoor wooded area, with trees in the background, using a professional camera.
A bride and groom kissing beside a vintage white convertible car decorated with flowers in a desert landscape during sunset.

Mentoring

What Would It Mean to Build a Photography Practice That Feels Like YOU?

Mentorship is one of the most important things I offer because it’s how I grew and how I believe our industry grows best. I built my business with the help of generous mentors, and now I’m here to offer that same clarity and support to photographers who want more confidence, direction, and momentum.

What sets my mentorships apart is that they’re not one-size-fits-all. I don’t teach a formula or ask you to copy my work. Instead, we focus on your goals, your voice, and the real challenges you’re facing right now. We’ll work through both the creative and technical sides of photography, refine your vision, and build systems that actually support the life and work you want.

My mentees choose me because I create a space that feels supportive, honest, and practical. You’ll leave with clarity, actionable next steps, and a renewed sense of trust in your work, not more overwhelm.

A young woman and man dressed in formal attire standing inside a room near a window with patterned curtains. The woman is wearing a white blouse with a bow tie and a floral skirt, holding a bouquet of purple and red flowers. The man is wearing a black jacket with a boutonniere, pearl necklaces, and grey pants, with his hands in his pockets.

Fig. 1. A styled shoot couple posed on a corner at Canon Event

A logo with the initials 'SR' inside an oval outline.
A bride and groom holding hands during a wedding ceremony, with a officiant speaking and reading from a book in front of a floral background.

Mentorships

  • Let’s sit down over a Zoom call to dive into your photography business! I’m here to answer your questions and discuss whatever will help you the most! We’ll tailor our session to address the areas that will have the biggest impact on you and your work, no matter what stage you are in. I want to make this as beneficial as possible for your specific needs. When you sign up, I'll send you a questionnaire to understand where you are, where you're stuck, and your top five questions/topics you’d like to cover.

    $150/hr

  • Sometimes all it takes is pulling out your camera and shooting something that inspires you! Let’s collaborate and put together a session that excites you and gives you a chance to try new things. We can walk through our session and discuss any questions you have about settings, posing, and more. Styled shoots aren’t just for newcomers—they’re beneficial for photographers at any stage of their career, so let’s use my connections to get you what you need!

    Starting at $250/hr

  • Join me in-person to dive into your photography business. We'll cover everything you need to succeed, from style and equipment to your website and Instagram. We’ll tailor our session to address what will have the biggest impact on your work. We'll start by discussing your goals and then move to hands-on experience with a live session customized for YOU. Feel free to ask any questions—nothing is off the table. I’m here to help you succeed.

    Starting at $300

Freebie Tips and Helpful Blogs

Your questions . . . answered
Building a brand that feels like YOU
how to build your portfolio
Book your mentorship today

Some of the topics that we can cover:

Portfolio Review, Web Site Review, Posing and Directing, Client Experience, Business Basics, SEO Basics, Workflow, Lighting Techniques, Editing and Style Consistency, Branding and Marketing, Off and On Camera Flash, Composition, Film Photography, Film Developing, Pricing, Backup and Archiving, Client Experience, Location Scouting, Creating GIFS, and MORE

“Since the first day she has been extremely open to any questions we have. She caters to what we need and meets us where we're at skill wise. Sydney is someone that I can talk to like a friend but respect and learn from as a mentor, but she doesn’t make me feel "small" when explaining what should be obvious things when I ask ahah” -Rosie, 2024

• “Since the first day she has been extremely open to any questions we have. She caters to what we need and meets us where we're at skill wise. Sydney is someone that I can talk to like a friend but respect and learn from as a mentor, but she doesn’t make me feel "small" when explaining what should be obvious things when I ask ahah” -Rosie, 2024 •

A woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a black sweater, and light blue jeans, is sitting on the floor of a dimly lit restaurant or diner holding a camera with a flash attachment, smiling and looking down, with her legs extended and crossed at the ankles.

You’ve got questions? I’ve got answers.

Why do you require a non-refundable deposit?
The non-refundable deposit is for you to know that I will not book anyone over you, and that time slot is 100% yours.

What happens if we need to reschedule?
If the weather is un-photograph-able, on your portfolio shoot day, I will email you before your session to reschedule. You will have one month to reschedule for a later date. For Zoom meetings, you are free to reschedule up until 7 days prior to our appointment! However, the deposit will not be refunded if you cancel or do not show up.

How does the process work?
Inquire: Do you feel like we’d make a perfect match? Fill out my inquiry form & let’s get connected.

Introductions: I’ll email you back and confirm the mentorship while we choose a date and time that works for both of us!

Make It Official: Once we’ve finalized your mentorship I’ll send over the contract and deposit invoice to secure your date. Once you have all of that filled out, I’ll send over a questionnaire to get to know you and where you are in your photography journey. This is the time to put down all of your questions so we can come up with a game plan on what we will be covering!

Am I going to get the exact same thing as everyone else?
No two photographers are the same, and each one is on their own unique journey. That's why I design a personalized program just for YOU. We’ll explore your current goals and achievements, and together, we'll create a customized outline designed to take you further in your career. Whether you need portfolio images to show clients or just want to shoot something fun, this space is for you. Perhaps you want to learn more about storytelling during a couple shoot or how to execute a concept. Let’s do this together.

Do you charge travel fees?
Travel fees are vital for me if we are planning on heading somewhere out of the 35 mile radius from my home base of Clemson, SC. These fees cover my travel, potential lodging and car rentals.
 

A woman sitting inside a fast-food restaurant at a booth, looking at a menu, with a photographer taking her picture through the window outside at night.
A logo with the initials 'SR' inside an oval shape, featuring a double outlined border, in black and beige colors.

Fig. 2 M+S working on some creative direction at a Waffle House styled shoot

Don’t just listen to anyone. See what Indigo Editorial has to say about their experience with Sydney Rose Portraits!

“What have I NOT gained?... honestly.. I have grown exponentially as both a photographer and and artist.

1. Photographer- I learned how to use/manipulate light, how to use a camera in manual, how to use flash, what it looks like to speak to crowds and leaders of organizations, how to stay calm in extremely overstimulating environments, the difference between certain lenses (when to use each in different settings), how to use Lightroom Classic

2. Grown as an artist - the shear amount of hours that I put into taking photos has impacted the way that I view an environment, how to spot a good "frame", learned what my preferences are considering editing, my personal brand image. Through this exposure I have gained the confidence that I could see myself in a position like this in my future post-grad (which I thought was impossible prior this summer).”

THE SEARCH FOR YOUR DREAM MENTOR ENDS HERE.

A woman with dark, curly hair looks at a collage of photos, notes, and magazine clippings spread on a white wall. The collection includes black and white wedding photos, a picture of a woman in a wedding dress in front of an architectural building, vintage botanical illustrations, and handwritten notes that say "Love you" and "I'm here for you! Xoxo." There are also film strips and a small card with a thank you message.

INQUIRE HERE 

Let’s do this thing!

Sydney was involved every step of the way when I needed her. She taught me all the basics, and as I gained confidence, she was less hands-on and always let me figure things out by learning.

Sydney was involved every step of the way when I needed her. She taught me all the basics, and as I gained confidence, she was less hands-on and always let me figure things out by learning.