People are often surprised when I tell them that I’ve been doing one-on-one mentoring online for well over a decade now. Long before 2020 made Zoom a household word, long before everyone was sharing screens and doing virtual meetings in pajama bottoms, I was already sitting down with photographers around the world, talking shop, going deep into retouching, vision, business strategy, or just helping them figure out where the hell they even want to go with their art.
Most people know me for the photo retouching stuff — and yes, that’s usually what I’m booked for in these sessions — but I’ve had countless calls where we spent 90 minutes digging into business plans, client relationships, portfolio direction, or the ever-elusive beast known as “artistic identity.” Whatever it is, the sessions are always tailored, always personal, and always real. No generic tutorials. No one-size-fits-all advice.
Since 2012, I’ve had the honor of teaching several thousand photographers — through conventions, workshops, conferences, and of course these one-on-one sessions. And I can tell you with complete sincerity: one focused hour together can do more than weeks (or months) of scrolling YouTube tutorials or reading endless blog posts. Online content can be great, no doubt — but it’s passive. Mentoring is active. You get answers specific to you. We talk directly about your work, your strengths, your blocks, your goals.
It's a co-study more than a lecture. You bring your questions, I bring my experience — and together we find some clarity and direction.
So if you’ve ever thought about reaching out, now’s a good time. I’m back to doing these regularly again this year. Doesn’t matter if you’re brand new or 20 years deep — all that matters is that you’re ready to take the next step, and maybe need a little nudge. I’ve been there. I get it.
Let’s chat: nino@ninobatista.com or find me on social media and say hi.
