What is a LiveVoiceIntro?
It is a free phone call to the tutor to make sure that they can communicate well with you. This is a short (usually just one minute) phone call via a phone call (we recommend you do this via Skype) and so it will cost a student and the tutor nothing but a minute of time, but it may be the start of a very rewarding relationship. You should consider this a simple communication check or verification.
In that minute the Tutor or Teacher or Mentor will ask a few questions to make it clear that the relationship is the right one for the student. This will also help the student have higher level of confidence that the tutor is someone who communicates well in English. We recommend this because we are a global organization.
Don’t expect to ask questions about your photos or your technique or ask for tips on the LiveVoiceIntro call. It is merely a quick check to verify that you can connect well via Skype and that the communications are clear and both parties can understand each other.
This is important because while we are offering connections to people in any country around the world, using English as the language of communication (at this time), we want to make sure that both parties can understand each other. Most of these calls will last just one minute or less.
How do I know if this Tutor or Teacher or Mentor is a good one?
At PhotoMentors, it is our goal to have only the best and most experienced photography Tutors, Teachers, Consultants, and Mentors available on the planet! To do that, we are actively screening the people who want to become one of our special contacts, whether they are a Tutor, Teacher, Consultant or Mentor.
PhotoMentors will do a screening of the Tutors and Teachers, prior to listing them or recommending them to you. PhotoMentors is not just a phone directory. We are focused on delivering the best possible expertise at your call.
Each Tutor and Teacher will be interviewed by Steadman Uhlich to get a sense of their experience level, communication skills, command of English, and level of motivation and background. Each one will have to demonstrate their professionalism and their ability to talk about photography in a way that will help you.
However, as with any “remote” service via the internet, we cannot tell you their address, or cel phone number or things like that, in accordance with our Privacy Policy. We do have a Privacy Policy that helps protect both parties. Also, using PhotoMentors to connect to a Tutor, Teacher, Consultant, or Mentor is a service of convenience to you. You are still responsible for making prudent judgments. See our “How to Pick Your Mentor” pages and our Disclaimer page for more advice on this.
What about the credentials of the Tutors or Mentors?
You can read the credentials in their PhotoMentor Profile page. You can also listen to a short audio and video introduction by the Tutor so you can confirm for yourself that they communicate well in English. You will be able (in the future) to watch short video clips about the Tutor and their lessons and style. You will also be able to read testimonials that other past and current students have sent to PhotoMentors too.
If the Tutor or Mentor has published a book or articles, you can look for those at our Store and Library.
Some of our Tutors will provide free downloadable lessons, articles, and tips and those can be found in our online Library too. You will also find links to their websites or online portfolios in case you want to see their photographs.
However, bear in mind that not all Tutors have online work that will match your personal style, yet they may have the answers you need to know to the questions facing you. For example, a commercial photographer may be able to help you start your career in commercial photography, but have a portfolio that is completely different from the direction you take. Or, some Tutors or Mentors may have a limited view of their career work shown on any one online portfolio or website. Due to this, don’t make make the mistake of overlooking some highly skilled and experienced photography Tutors or Mentors that could help you, but may not have images that match your current style.
This is such an important point that you should strongly consider this. Don’t make your choice of a Tutor strictly by looking for examples of work that match your own current work. The high value a Tutor can give you is to teach you something that may not be represented by his or her own photos and it may be something new to you. The value a Mentor may give you is helping you develop in your own personal style and that may be vastly different from the Mentor’s own work or images. Our goal here is to share knowledge, experience, techniques, and even more importantly, share a passion for unique personal creativity. Don’t expect to find a mirror image of you or your work. You may gain more by working with a Tutor or Mentor who has a completely different approach to photography.
Do I need any special software to participate in a session?
As a student or protege mentee, you will need an Internet connection (broadband speed is recommended highly) and a web browser. You will need to have flash installed on your computer. That is it. But, we highly recommend you also use the free Skype software to make your calls over the internet. Why Skype? Because it works and is free. You can talk Skype to Skype and not spend a penny even if you talk for hours. Skype also allows you to quickly send files and perform other useful tasks. See our Skype Fundamentals Page for more information and tips and recommendations.
Do I need to have a headset?
A headset is highly recommended. Most of the communications with PhotoMentors Tutors, Teachers, Consultants, or Mentors will take place using voice or voice and video (webcam) communication. It is very important to have clear communication. Since our system uses the Internet and usually your computer, it is important to do everything possible to make sure the voice clarity is as high as possible. Even if your laptop or PC has a built-in microphone, we still recommend using a headset, instead of the built-in microphone on a laptop. You will want to select a headset that has a noise canceling microphone and is optimized for use with Skype. These can be purchased for as little as $22 via the Skype Store or you can find one in a local electronics store. See our store and affiliates pages for recommended headsets and other items you may wish to purchase that will make your experience better for you.
Do I need a Webcam?
You do not have to have a Webcam. We highly recommend them. Being able to see the face and expressions of your teacher or tutor will greatly increase the clarity of any communications by them. Web cams will also allow you to show your tutor or teacher things they may want to see. Web cams are not expensive, but there are differences in quality and functionality. See our store and affiliates pages for recommended Web cams. Our strong suggestion is to get a webcam that has the ability to transmit “High Quality” video. This is something relatively new on the market and is a level of resolution. See our Store Page for more information. You can also visit the SKYPE Store and see detailed product descriptions there for a variety of webcams and headsets.
How much does a session cost?
The price for a session depends upon the individual Tutor, Teacher, Consultant, or Mentor. Each is different. Each may have different types or levels of services and classes that they are offering. So check carefully prior to making a commitment. You will find the price for the various services and classes clearly indicated in the profile for the respective Tutor, Teacher, Consultant, or Mentor.
Do I have to sign a long-term contract?
No. This is a pay-as-you-go service. There are NO long-term contracts or commitments necessary on your part. You simply pay for the amount of time you want to use prior to using it. There is a one hour minimum purchase.
Through this method, you can begin learning via PhotoMentors with no significant investment. This minimizes any risk to you. It also means you are able to pay for the service only as you need it.
Some LiveOnline group classes that last longer than an hour will require payment for the entire class in order to hold a spot open for you. This is a first-come-first-served situation and some classes or Session times may be booked. Non-refundable deposits may be necessary for some classes to hold a space for you.
Our suggestion is to find what you want to learn, identify your Tutors and Mentor and then make arrangements as far in advance as possible in order to make sure your Session can take place when you want it to.
You can also pay for several hours with a Tutor or Mentor in advance. You can pay for a long-term program IF you want to and there will be significant advantages if you do so. But this is not necessary. It is optional.
How do I pay for a session?
You can use Paypal or a major credit card, bank transfer, or use existing PayPal funds. If you do not want to use PayPal, other arrangements can be made. PayPal is our preferred method. Paypal is used for millions of transactions every day by millions of users. We use it regularly and have had no problems. It is not perfect, but it is one of the best available methods for online payments and easy to use.
What about privacy and security?
We take your privacy and security seriously. You should view our Privacy Policy here.
How good is the sound of the voice if I use Skype?
In most cases, the sound quality is as good as a typical cel-phone call. In many cases the sound is so clear you will think the person is in the room with you. It can be that good. In fact, in most calls we have made via Skype, the sound quality was better than typical cel phone calls. We have tested this with calls via Skype going around the planet and gotten such clear voice quality that we were surprised. Occasionally, you may hear some residual sounds or a possible echo. Read below on ways to make your call as clear as possible.
I hear an echo during our session. What should I do?
This usually happens when either the tutor or a student is not wearing a headset. This is why we recommend headsets so strongly. What you are hearing is an echo is actually called feedback. To prevent this from causing the session to be difficult to hear or understand, simply purchase a Skype certified headset with a noise canceling microphone. See our Store pages for more information and links to inexpensive headsets that are high quality and will make your session experience as clear as possible.
I want to improve my connection and experience via Skype. What can I do?
You should turn off unnecessary software that may be running in the background and negatively affecting your communications with your teacher. Turn off Peer to Peer and any “Download Clients” such as the following: BitTorrent, iTunes, Remote Desktop, LimeWire, Apple Screen Sharing, iChat, AV, Photobooth. You should pause or close these programs before beginning your Session with PhotoMentors.
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Your First Introductory Call is free, but what you might learn later is priceless!™
If you have Skype, simply click on the “Call Me” button below to make a free Skype-to-Skype call. Before you do, make sure the top button says “I’m Online.”
If you don’t have Skype yet, you can download the free Skype software in minutes via the link below the buttons below.
Or, if you want to call using your own land-line phone or cellular phone, simply dial our Direct Dial number: (646) 233-1511
Our phones are generally answered during our flexible Global Operating hours of 9:00AM to 9:00PM EST (New York City Time Zone). Feel free to call anytime within that 12 hour window, 7 days a week.
If we are not on a call with another photographer, we will be happy to speak with you. If you get our voicemail it means we are on a call with another photographer. In that case, simply leave a detailed message on our voicemail with instructions on how we should contact you.
If you prefer to send an email you may do that by visiting our Contact Page. Or by using the following email address:
steadman@photomentors.com
Most voicemail messages receive a call back within two hours, whenever possible. All emails are answered the same day, whenever possible.
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