Coach, Mentor, or Advisor, What Do You Really Need?

If you're a photographer who's feeling stuck, burned out, or unsure how to grow your business—you're not alone. At some point, nearly every experienced creative hits a wall. You’ve poured your energy into building something real, and now you're wondering, "WHAT DO I DO NEXT"? Maybe you're thinking about getting help—but with so many “experts” online, knowing who to trust can feel overwhelming.

The truth is, the coaching world is noisy. Everywhere you turn, someone’s calling themselves a coach —even if they’ve never actually built a successful business themselves. It’s frustrating, and honestly? A little dangerous. 

What I have found is that most people are not coaches.  They fall into the advising category.  There is a distinct difference between a coach, mentor, and advisor and as someone who might be looking for help with your business, it is important that you know the difference, even if they don't. 

This post breaks down the real differences between a coach, mentor, and advisor—so you can make an informed decision about the kind of support that fits your business, your values, and your bank account. Whether you need mindset shifts, step-by-step strategies, or trusted guidance from someone who’s been in your shoes, you deserve the right kind of help from someone qualified to give it.

Whether you’re struggling with marketing, pricing, or simply figuring out what to do next, it might be time to ask for help. But what kind of help do you need?

Let’s break it down.

What Does a Photography Business Coach Do?

A business coach helps you set goals, make a plan, and stay accountable. They don’t necessarily tell you what to do, but they ask the right questions to help you figure it out. Think of a coach as a supportive partner who helps you focus, find clarity, and take consistent action—whether that’s raising your prices, booking more clients, or finally creating that marketing system you've been avoiding.

When a coach is helpful:

• You're spinning your wheels and not making progress

• You want clear goals and accountability

• You’re struggling with confidence or mindset blocks

A coach is not someone who sells you a step by step roadmap outlining exactly what to do to build your business.  

What Can a Mentor Offer You?

A mentor is someone who’s walked the path before you. They’ve built a successful photography business and are willing to share what worked (and what didn’t). A mentor relationship is usually more casual, often unpaid, and built on mutual respect. It’s not always easy to find the right mentor, but when you do, it can be a powerful source of guidance and encouragement.

When a mentor is helpful:

• You want insight from someone who’s “been there”

• You need perspective and long-term support

• You’re looking for connection within the photography industry

Notice how a mentor is NOT PAID, they offer help because they have been in your shoes and want to pay it forward.  

Why Hire a Photography Business Advisor?

An advisor is like a consultant—someone with deep expertise in a specific area, like pricing strategy, contracts, or SEO. Advisors tell you exactly what to do (and sometimes how to do it). This is perfect for photographers who know they need help in one specific area and don’t want to waste time guessing.

When an advisor is helpful:

• You need immediate, expert-level advice

• You’re rebranding, hiring, or scaling up

• You want to avoid costly mistakes

I often tell people who are more experienced in business that they do not need a coach or mentor, what they really need is an advisor who can help in one particular area. 

So… Which One Do You Need?

• If you feel unmotivated, overwhelmed, or unsure of your direction → start with a coach

• If you want to learn from someone who’s built a business like yours → seek out a mentor

• If you have a specific issue like pricing, systems, or contracts → hire an advisor - Me!

You don’t have to figure it all out on your own—and you shouldn’t. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a smart business move. Every successful photographer has had support along the way, and you deserve that too.

You're Not Alone

If your business isn’t growing the way you hoped, don’t beat yourself up. Building a sustainable photography business takes more than talent—it takes strategy, creativity, and sometimes, the right person in your corner. Whether you need a coach, mentor, or advisor, just know this: the help you’re looking for is right here —and it could be the very thing that changes everything.

Need help for your business and you aren't sure where to start or what kind of help you need?  Schedule a quick call with me and let me help you sort it out so you can move confidently toward finding the solutions you are looking for.  I don't work with just anyone and trust me, if I can't help you, I am not going to try and sell you on a coaching package.  I want to see you succeed and if I can't help you do that, I will refer you to one of my friends who can.

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