Image Makers Association Australia announce Mentorship Program 2026

By Tim Levy | 3 February 2026

The Image Makers Association Australia (IMAA) is a not-for-profit body dedicated to championing professional and emerging photographers through industry advocacy, educational programs, and meaningful connection.

The organisation works on behalf of its members to enhance the business landscape for the photography profession, fostering confidence in the value of photography and ensuring it remains a sustainable career path for the future.

Image: © Jeremy Shaw

How do they help fellow photographers?

There are a number of ways the IMAA helps it's members:

• A Professional Safety Net: They act as a collective voice to stand up for photographers' rights, making sure they are treated fairly and paid properly in the business world.

• Veterans helping the emerging: They run programs – like the Mentorship Program – where famous, established photographers take beginners under their wing to show them the ropes of the industry.

• A Knowledge Hub: They provide education on the ‘boring but important’ side of photography, like how to run a business, handle contracts, and stay sustainable in a changing market.

• A Social & Professional Network: They host events and celebrations to help photographers meet each other, share ideas, and feel like they are part of a real community rather than just competitors.

The Mentorship program

Five emerging photographers have the opportunity to kick-start their careers by learning from industry leaders, gaining invaluable insights while receiving personal guidance on their individual projects.

The program is open to all Student and Assistant/Emerging Members of the Image Makers Association Australia. You can see the members subscription prices here. Prospective participants who are not yet members have until 31 May 2026 to join the association and secure their eligibility to apply for mentorship from one of Australia’s leading photographers.

To be eligible for the Mentorship Program, applicants must hold an Assistant/Emerging Membership. Additionally, candidates must earn less than 50% of their income from their own photography commissions and possess fewer than five years of paid work experience within the industry.

 This year’s mentors include:

  • Jessie Prince

  • Lisa Cohen

  • Sean Fennessy

  • Cieran Murphy

  • Jeremy Shaw

The process

All applications submitted on or before 31 May 2026 will undergo careful consideration by the panel of mentors. The Mentorship Program is scheduled to commence in July 2026, with specific schedules to be coordinated between the mentors and their successful candidates.

The year-long program is designed to provide comprehensive professional development, including:

  • Twelve months of dedicated mentoring.

  • Monthly one-hour sessions, arranged mutually between the pair to take place either in person or via Zoom.

  • Two photo shoot attendances, offering mentees a rare opportunity to observe and understand their mentor’s creative processes and professional practice firsthand.

Following ten months of collaboration, each mentee will be required to present a selection of five to ten images produced as a result of the partnership. This presentation will include a brief outline detailing how the work was informed by mentor feedback. To ensure the program’s ongoing success, mentees will complete a survey regarding their experience, and feedback will be sought directly from the mentors.

In recognition of exceptional dedication, the IMAA Committee will select one outstanding mentee for the Nikon Award. The recipient will be chosen based on their initiative, level of engagement, and the quality and impact of their submitted photographic work, celebrating those who have made the most of this unique career-building opportunity.

You can apply for the Mentorship on the IMAA website.