Master the Craft of Black & White Street Photography with Personalised Mentoring

Street photography, especially in black and white, has been my lifelong passion and the way I connect with the world. Over the years, I’ve developed an instinct for capturing the raw, unguarded moments that happen in everyday life. Now, through personalised mentoring, I’m here to help you elevate your own photography to new levels. As many have said before, “Peter Pickering helped me see the streets in a whole new way.”

This isn’t about following generic lessons or trends—it’s about working with me to develop your unique style, at your own pace, and with a clear focus on pure, timeless black-and-white imagery. If you’re passionate about street photography and want to move away from over-edited, commercialised styles, you’ll find this is the perfect space to explore the true art of capturing the streets as they really are.

Why Black & White Street Photography?

In black and white, every shadow, contrast, and line becomes more profound. Colour distractions fall away, and what’s left is the pure emotion and story of the streets. Through this mentoring, you’ll learn how to use light, contrast, and composition to create powerful, timeless images that resonate.

A Mentoring Experience Tailored to You

There’s no one-size-fits-all here. You’ll receive personalised, in-depth critiques, targeted assignments, and continuous guidance, all designed to help you refine your vision and approach. We’ll work together over email—giving you the freedom to engage on your own schedule, without the pressure of live calls.

What You’ll Gain

• Customised Feedback: No generic tips. I’ll review your work with a focus on what truly matters to your style and goals.

• Assignments Built for Growth: I’ll create assignments designed to push your boundaries and develop your craft.

• Ongoing Support: Have questions about a recent shoot? Need advice on composition? I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Ready to Elevate Your Photography?

If you’re ready to see the streets through a new, purist perspective and uncover the depth of black and white street photography, explore the mentoring packages below. This journey is about more than just taking photos—it’s about mastering the art of capturing life as it truly is.

One-Question Mentoring Package – $39

Not sure if you're ready for a full mentoring package? Try my One-Question Mentoring service! For just $39, you can ask a specific question about street photography—whether it's about technique, composition, gear, or creative direction—and receive a detailed, personalised response. This is a great way to test the service and experience the value of my 60 years of expertise before committing to a full package. Get thoughtful feedback and take your photography one step further.

Q&A Mentoring Package – $185

Designed for photographers seeking targeted advice on street photography, this package is ideal for answering your specific questions. Whether you’re curious about techniques, choosing the right gear, improving composition, or tackling creative roadblocks, you’ll receive comprehensive, personalised feedback. This package includes responses to up to 5 detailed questions via email, with ongoing support for clarification if needed. No portfolio submission is required, making it perfect for those looking for expert insights without the need for a full image review. Flexible and focused, it’s all about getting the answers you need to move forward.

Beginner's Package – $290

Ideal for those just starting out or photographers looking to hone their skills, this package offers two thorough email critiques of a portfolio of 8 images each (16 images in total). You’ll receive in-depth feedback on your use of composition, lighting, and narrative, as well as actionable tips for enhancing your craft. Follow-up emails are provided to address any lingering questions or offer further clarification. Whether you're refining your approach or exploring new techniques, this package is designed to elevate your street photography to the next level.

Street Photography Mentoring – Growth Package – $520

The Growth Package is perfect for intermediate photographers looking to refine and enhance their street photography. Through three detailed portfolio reviews, I’ll offer personalised, expert feedback on critical aspects like composition, lighting, and storytelling, helping you achieve a higher level of proficiency in your work.

This package is all about advancing beyond the basics, focusing on both identifying areas for improvement and sharpening the unique skills that define your style. Whether your goal is to improve technical accuracy or bring more narrative depth to your images, the Growth Package provides the customised guidance and insights needed to elevate your street photography to new heights.

Street Photography Mentoring – Mastery Package - $850.00

Elevate your street photography to its highest potential with the Mastery Package. Tailored for seasoned photographers looking to fine-tune their craft, this package includes five extensive portfolio reviews. Each review offers in-depth critiques that not only focus on technical accuracy but also delve into the artistic and narrative aspects that set exceptional street photography apart.

Along with personalised feedback, you’ll receive advanced assignments designed to push your creative boundaries and challenge your skills. Whether you’re working to perfect composition, master lighting, or craft more compelling visual stories, the Mastery Package offers the expert support you need to truly master the art of black and white street photography.

If you have any questions or need further clarification before signing up, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to answer any queries you may have. Click the button below and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Packages & Prices

Q: What makes black-and-white street photography different from colour photography?

A: Black-and-white street photography strips away distractions and focuses on light, contrast, and composition. It helps to highlight emotion, structure, and storytelling in a way that colour sometimes masks. With over 60 years of experience, I’ll help you explore these subtle but powerful differences.

Q: How can mentoring help me if I’ve already been shooting for years?

A: Even experienced photographers hit creative plateaus or struggle with certain aspects of their craft. My mentoring is designed to help you refine your vision, break through creative blocks, and push your work to new levels. Whether it’s mastering advanced composition or exploring deeper narrative techniques, I’ll offer fresh perspectives and challenges to elevate your photography.

Q: Do I need to know a lot about editing or post-processing?

A: Not at all. My focus is on capturing the most authentic and powerful moments directly from the streets. While some editing tips may be offered to enhance your images, the primary goal is for you to master the craft of street photography in-camera, where it counts the most.

Q: How will mentoring help me develop confidence as a street photographer?

A: Confidence comes from understanding your strengths and knowing how to capture meaningful moments on the street. Through constructive feedback and practical assignments, I’ll help you build a foundation of skills that allow you to feel more assured in your abilities, making you more confident to approach and shoot in dynamic street environments.

Q: Can mentoring help me with long-term projects or street photography series?

A: Absolutely. If you’re working on a series or a longer-term project, I’ll guide you on how to build a cohesive narrative, maintain consistency, and refine the theme throughout your work. Together, we’ll ensure that your vision comes through clearly across multiple images or even an entire body of work.

Q: How do you approach mentoring for photographers with different learning styles?

A: Every photographer learns differently. Some are more technical, while others are more intuitive or narrative-driven. My mentoring is flexible and personalised, adapting to your individual learning style—whether you prefer structured assignments or open-ended exploration. We’ll work together to find the approach that suits you best.

Q: Can I focus on specific themes or subjects during my mentoring?

A: Yes, mentoring is fully customisable to your needs. If you want to concentrate on particular themes like urban life, portraits, or capturing motion, I’ll tailor your feedback and assignments to those areas. This is your mentoring experience, and we’ll focus on what excites and challenges you the most.

Q: How is Peter Pickering’s mentoring different from other photography mentorships?

A: My mentoring is deeply rooted in decades of experience and a focus on black-and-white, purist street photography. Unlike many others, I don’t rely on over-processing or artificial techniques. My approach is authentic, focused on storytelling, and grounded in the classical traditions of street photography. If you’re looking for genuine, real-world advice that comes from living the craft, this is where you'll find it.

Q: Can Peter Pickering help me prepare for photography competitions or exhibitions?

A: Definitely. If you're planning to enter competitions or exhibit your work, I can help you select your strongest images, ensure they fit your narrative, and offer advice on how to present them cohesively. We'll also discuss how to communicate your artistic vision to judges or viewers in a clear and compelling way.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mentoring

When you join one of my black-and-white street photography mentoring packages, the process is straightforward, flexible, and built to suit your schedule. Here's a step-by-step guide to what you can expect:

Step 1: Choose Your Package

Once you’ve selected the package that aligns with your goals, you'll receive a confirmation email with all the details to get started. My mentoring is tailored to your needs, whether you're seeking portfolio critiques or focused advice.

Step 2: Submit Your Work or Questions

For portfolio-based mentoring, you'll submit your images through email or via a file-sharing service like Dropbox. If you're opting for the Q&A package, simply send your specific questions directly to me. Whether it’s a set of photos or detailed questions, this step allows us to dive straight into the areas where you want to improve.

Step 3: Receive Personalised Feedback

I take time to review your portfolio or address your questions, providing in-depth feedback that covers composition, lighting, visual storytelling, and technical aspects specific to black-and-white street photography. You’ll receive your first round of feedback within 7–10 days, fully customised to help you grow as a photographer.

Step 4: Clarifications and Follow-Up

After receiving my critique or responses, feel free to reach out for any further clarification or deeper insights. I’m committed to ensuring you fully understand my feedback and how to apply it effectively to your work. My goal is to support you every step of the way.

Step 5: Ongoing Growth and Development

For packages that include multiple reviews or assignments, you’ll continue to receive guidance as you progress. With each submission, I’ll track your growth, challenge you with new ideas, and help you sharpen your street photography skills. The process is designed to work around your schedule and learning pace, allowing you to develop without feeling rushed.

How Peter Pickering's Mentoring Process Works