Today is the day I announce the 2026 Mentees for my Annual Photography Mentorship Program! A heartfelt thank you to everyone who took the time to apply and consider the program. Reading your applications was incredibly meaningful, and I appreciate the honesty, reflection, and intention in sharing where you are and where you hope to go. Scroll down to meet this year’s mentees! I’ve also shared a bit about my selection process below.
I read through every single application. It’s always difficult to start narrowing things down, but I usually begin by looking at where applicants want to go with their photography and business, and whether I can genuinely help them reach those goals.
For the other questions, I’m drawn to answers that are thoughtful and open. When I work with people in this program, trust is essential. We need to be transparent about aspirations and limitations so the guidance I give can be as effective as possible.
Narrowing it down to the final two candidates is always tricky. I’m not only choosing people I believe I can help and get along with, but also considering whether they’ll be a good fit for each other, be able to learn from one another, share space, and grow together without losing what makes their work and approach unique. It’s important that each mentee is able to remain their authentic self and develop a path that works for them, rather than trying to fit into someone else’s mold.
I am thrilled to announce that I will be working with Alicia Patiño and Soroush Khazraei in 2026!
Alicia Patiño
Alicia is a math teacher by day and an explorer of the night sky after dark. She is a Milky Way enthusiast who also enjoys macrophotography, artistic portraiture, nature, and sports photography. Based in Cordoba, Spain, she has access to dark skies and unique landscapes and architecture. She is drawn to using abandoned heritages in her compositions, including castles, deserted farmhouses, reservoirs and solitary trees – “places that carry memory, silence, and a strong emotional presence, and I give them life with light.”
In her application, Alicia said, “For me, photography is about interpretation rather than replication,” and as someone who champions individuality and authenticity in photography, those words really stood out. That mindset shows a commitment to developing a personal voice rather than chasing trends, which is something I strongly encourage throughout the mentorship.
Alicia’s goals include leading astrophotography tours and building a brand that is recognized for artistic quality and emotional impact. Her aim is to offer more than technical instruction, though. She’d like for her participants to connect with the landscape, the night sky, and the cultural richness of Southern Spain. Inspiring people to explore, appreciate, and protect the landscape guides her photography and ambitions.
Soroush Khazraei
Soroush, an ex-Engineer (it’s math nerd year in the mentorship program!), has recently left his corporate job to pursue his passions in arts and photography. This is something I have a little bit of experience with. He is now focused on what brings him clarity and fulfillment: being outdoors, immersed in nature, observing and learning, and telling stories about it. Soroush’s work in photography is nature-focused, and he enjoys photographing landscapes, wildlife, night skies, and intimate details and patterns in nature. He has a strong affinity for work that emphasizes emotion, behaviour, and subtle, quiet moments, rather than spectacle alone.
I first met Soroush in person at my Abraham Lake Bubbles Workshop in 2025, and I immediately saw his drive and passion for his photography and goals. He was genuine, friendly, and connected easily with everyone in the group. I also saw his willingness to learn and his curiosity for so many things. He asked thoughtful questions (about photography and business), and was willing to be open about his challenges even back then when we barely knew each other.
Soroush has many goals with his photography, some of which include conservation and education. In his application, he said, “I want to continue exploring the world and enjoy its natural beauties while telling grounded, honest stories about it through my photography; stories that foster connection rather than consumption.” I think connection is so important – whether that is with people or with nature – and his dedication to it will make a big difference as we work together in the program.
Follow along with Soroush:
Instagram
The mentorship program will be back for 2027! 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.