Today is the day I announce the 2025 Mentees for my Annual Photography Mentorship Program! A heartfelt thank you to everyone who took the time to apply – I am again honoured by all the applications I received and that so many people would consider being mentored by me. I read through every single application.
I will be opening the 2026 applications at the start of Jan 2026 for those thinking ahead. If you want to get right to reading about my new mentees, scroll down. For those curious about the selection process, I’ll share a few tidbits here. First, I read the application answers, then looked at who it was, and finally reviewed their links/portfolios (even if I know them, I review everything again). The people who made it into the top 10 gave thoughtful answers and indicated they would communicate openly. To me, this is very important because we will be working together a lot, need to build trust, and people should be transparent about their aspirations and limitations so the guidance can be effective. Narrowing down to the final two candidates was even more difficult. I not only had to choose two people that I would be able to help and get along with, but I also thought they should be a good fit together in their goals, paths in photography, what foundations they were starting with, and also be able to learn from each other.
I am thrilled to announce that I will be working with Alisa Peckham and Tracey Halladay in 2025!
Alisa Peckham
Alisa Peckham is a photographer and artist based in Edmonton, Alberta. Her photography focus is nature and wildlife photography, and I’ve always loved her images and style. She is one of those photographers who has refined her eye and editing style so distinctly that her images are instantly recognizable as her own. In her application, she said she “loves to shoot subjects that invite contemplation and reflection on the world around us”. This sentiment is clearly reflected in her work, showcasing the dedication and effort she has invested in mastering her craft. Alisa also recognizes the value of the connections we make throughout our journeys as photographers. She understands that the people we meet and collaborate with – whether fellow photographers or others – can inspire and create meaningful learning opportunities for all involved.
Alisa’s goals include improving on marketing her photography business, education and lecturing, and gaining tools to advocate for nature, contribute to the conversation around conservation, and inspire others to appreciate and protect the natural world through the art of photography. Using photography to promote conservation and foster a deeper appreciation for nature is a powerful way to contribute and create meaningful change.
Tracey Halladay
Tracey Halladay is a photographer and speaker (and metalhead!) based in the Southeast Rockies of British Columbia. She has an incredible and inspiring story that had a profound effect on her photography and how she sees the world around her. You can hear her story, in her own words in a great podcast episode with Matt Payne of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen. Over the past year, Tracey has focused on showcasing herself and her work with genuine authenticity and made some big leaps. In 2024, Tracey delivered her talk, “Emerging from the Shadows: A Journey from Darkness to Light & Somewhere in Between,” at the Lightchasers Nature Photography Conference. This marked the first time she shared her story with a large audience, using the platform to inspire and connect through her powerful journey. She has told me this is one of the things she is most proud of (yes, it’s huge!).
Some of Trace’s goals include slowing down in her own photography, speaking more, and teaching others. When it comes to teaching, she adds something of herself into the style of her instruction – she wants to share how to be more mindful in photography and be aware of everything in nature, from the smaller scenes as well as the obvious.
The mentorship program will be back for 2026! Every year I look for something different. If you’re interested in the program make sure you sign up for my newsletter below to get notified when applications are open. I also offer virtual mentorships that can be used for anything from editing, to portfolio review, to business development. These are fully tailored to what you want and need to work on.