PPANI's Member Mentorship Program
The PPANI Member Mentorship Program connects members with experienced Professional Photographers of Northern Illinois photographers who have been invited to share their recognized expertise in specific areas of photography and business.
Designed to encourage growth, collaboration, and community, the program provides mentees with the opportunity to learn from accomplished professionals through individualized guidance and meaningful conversations. Topics may include lighting, posing, workflow, sales, marketing, business practices, specialty genres, and more.
Each mentorship is tailored to the mentor's area of expertise and includes 3–6 hours of interaction over a period of 2–3 months.
Mentorship experiences may take place through phone calls, Zoom meetings, image critiques, demonstrations, portfolio reviews, or in-person sessions.
If you are intertested in becoming a mentor please complete this form: Mentor Applicational and Snapshot
Below are current mentoring opportunities. Please complete the Mentee Application and the mentorship committee will help connect the participants.
Whether you are looking to strengthen your craft, grow your business, or gain insight from seasoned professionals, the PPANI Peer Mentorship Program offers a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and grow alongside fellow members.
| John Tulipano, CPP, M.Photog. For more than 12 years, John Tulipano has combined his passion for photography with a dedication to serving his clients and community. A PPA Master Photographer and Certified Professional Photographer, John has built a reputation and won awards and credentials for creating meaningful imagery that tells the stories of the people and organizations he photographs. John specializes in public safety and first responder portraiture, including fire service photography, formal dress uniform portraits, event coverage, and custom artwork for fire stations. He is also recognized for his expertise in volume headshots for organizations and professionals. John enjoys helping fellow photographers grow their craft and build successful businesses. John is offering to mentor on the following: Volume Headshots & Niche Service Opportunities MATCH IN PROCESS Introduction to Reportage Photography
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 | Rhonda Johnson Over the past 20+ years Rhonda has built a reputation for both excellence and compassion. Rhonda has won multiple awards for her studio newborn portraiture. She is known for creating beautiful, timeless images and a caring experience for the families she serves. In addition to her work with clients, Rhonda is a volunteer photographer with Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. Her work reflects the compassion and empathy she brings to both her clients and the photographic community. Rhonda is offering to mentor on the following. Excelling at Newborn Photography
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 | Michael Lee, CPP, M.Photog.Cr., F-PPANI Michael Lee has built a diverse photography career serving clients throughout the Chicago area for 24 years. A Master Photographer, Photographic Craftsman, Certified Professional Photographer, and Fellow of PPANI, Michael has earned numerous awards for both his landscape photography and client work. Michael is offering to mentor on the following topics: Landscape-Nature-Wildlife Photography The Path to Successful Image Competition MATCH IN PROCESS
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| Rob Wehmeier Rob has enjoyed a 40-year career in commercial photography, serving clients throughout the Chicago and Midwest markets and working with local companies to Fortune 500 corporations. A graduate of Valparaiso University, he has also spent more than 25 years creating portraits of families and children in the southwest suburbs. Rob has been a longtime leader within both the photographic and business communities. He served on the board of the American Society of Media Photographers Chicago/Midwest Chapter, the Associated Professional Photographers of Illinois, PPANI, and his local Chamber of Commerce. Known for his practical approach to business and visual storytelling, Rob is passionate about helping photographers develop the skills needed to build thriving, sustainable businesses. Rob is offering to mentor on: Commercial Photography Business Practices
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| Kelly Fitzgerald Kelly Fitzgerald earned her B.A. in Commercial Photography from Columbia College Chicago in 2004 and, after gaining experience in portrait studios, commercial photography, and medical photography, opened her own business in 2010. She established her studio in 2017 and has built a reputation for creating authentic portrait and branding imagery for families and businesses. Kelly's client work has earned multiple merited images through PPANI, reflecting her commitment to craftsmanship and excellence. As both a photographer and a mother, she understands the importance of preserving meaningful moments and creating images that become part of a family's legacy. Kelly is passionate about sharing her knowledge and helping fellow photographers grow in their craft, confidence, and businesses. Selling Artwork with Experience Sessions
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