Photographers come to the NPPE Mentor Program at different points in their lives and creative journeys—but all of them share several common traits. There is a deep, perhaps raw sense that they can do more with their photography. They feel the need to create work that is a vision—their vision—that exceeds documentation. In the back of their minds, there is a burning desire to say something with their images, to share their feelings and stories, and to expand the emotional range of their work.
In every case, they are driven by a passion for the art of photography.
While their goals may be vague at first, our mentor candidates soon learn to develop their visual voice through developing several coherent bodies of work. Success can be defined in various ways, such as gaining peer recognition, being regularly featured in art magazines, showcasing work in galleries and exhibitions, or reaching fine art and décor collectors through personal online art stores.
The NPPE Mentor program is a unique art development system, akin to how Renaissance artists learned their craft while also developing a visual voice. These artists were mentored by successful artists who had the desire and skills to teach others how to develop a visual voice and find their creative path forward. Just like our Renaissance forbears, NPPE Mentors patiently encourage, teach, and support our students through a unique hands-on modular program.
This is not video learning.
This is a one-on-one, hands-on development customized to the student's creative growth and goals. Through modules that emphasize art-making skills, art philosophy, and creative thinking to develop narrative themes and gallery-level work. NPPE mentors foster a supportive, creative relationship that promotes successful student development.
What Happens When Photographers Commit to the Process
Our Mentor graduates don’t all start the same way.
But with guidance, structure, and persistence, they go on to create meaningful work — and achieve recognition in the broader art world.
We are proud of their work, excited about their growth, and continue to support their success.
Developed powerful bodies of work that have been featured in international art publications such as Dodho and Lens Work magazine, and gallery exhibitions.
Robert’s work has been featured in Dodho Art Magazine and numerous other international art publications. Retail galleries such as Decode (Tucson) have featured his work, as well as numerous online galleries. Collectors purchase work from these emerging growth artists.
Accepted into international juried exhibitions, portfolio reviews, and gallery exhibitions.
Known for her metaphors that explore isolation and human nature relationships. Produced a thesis-level body of work with strong academic recognition and featured in Art Doc.
A Creative Community
Ricky Workman Golden Companions
New Mexico Landscape Artist
Ian Muirhead Resonance
Australian Minimalist
Deirdre Grimm Blue Oaks 3
Symbolic Tree Forms
Rob De Bara Blooming Sands
Meditative Dune Impressions
Marcia Levetown Copper Nights
Impressionist Reflections
Dave Welch Memory in Wood and Glass
Visual Narrator
Scott and Marilyn Korsten Leading Away One
South Dakota Art Team
What the Mentor Program Includes
The Mentor Program is a structured, long-term art education program designed to help emerging artists develop cohesive bodies of fine artwork. The pace and subject matter are customer-tailored to fit each student's journey starting place and goals.
Is This Program Right for You?
This program is about your passion for fine art photography, for learning to express yourself through meaningful images, and developing an innovative visual voice. Thus, you can self-qualify by answering these questions.