Image Makers Association Australia announces mentorship program

The Image Makers Association Australia (IMAA) has opened applications for its 2026 Mentorship Program, offering emerging photographers the opportunity to learn directly from some of the country’s most established industry figures.

IMAA is a not-for-profit organisation that represents professional and emerging photographers across Australia, advocating for fair treatment, sustainable business practices, and greater recognition of photography’s value as a profession.

Through education, industry advocacy, and community-building initiatives, the association works to strengthen the long-term viability of photography as a career path.

One of its flagship initiatives, the Mentorship Program, is designed to support early-career photographers as they navigate the transition into professional practice. For 2026, five emerging photographers will be selected to take part in the year-long program, receiving one-on-one guidance tailored to their individual creative and professional goals.

This year’s mentors include Jessie Prince, Lisa Cohen, Sean Fennessy, Cieran Murphy, and Jeremy Shaw, each bringing extensive experience across commercial, editorial, and fine art photography.

The program is open to Student and Assistant/Emerging Members of IMAA. Applicants must earn less than 50 per cent of their income from photography commissions and have fewer than five years of paid industry experience.

Photographers who are not yet members have until 31 May 2026 to join the association and become eligible to apply.

Successful applicants will receive twelve months of dedicated mentoring, including monthly one-hour sessions held either in person or via Zoom.

Mentees will also have the opportunity to attend two of their mentor’s photo shoots, providing first-hand insight into professional workflows, client interactions, and creative decision-making.

After ten months of collaboration, participants will present a portfolio of five to ten images developed during the mentorship, accompanied by a short reflection on how mentor feedback informed the work. Both mentors and mentees will also provide feedback to help shape future iterations of the program.

In addition, one participant will be selected by the IMAA Committee to receive the Nikon Award, recognising exceptional engagement, initiative, and the quality of work produced throughout the mentorship.

Applications close on 31 May 2026, with the program scheduled to commence in July 2026.

Full details and application information are available via the IMAA website.