Refining the Eye: Private Mentorship & Narrative Reviews
"We won't just talk about shutter speeds. We’ll talk about the rhythm of the frame, why a certain image 'breathes' while another feels stagnant, and how to build a body of work that feels like a story rather than just a collection of shots."
After three decades navigating the fast-paced world of UK photojournalism and the storied streets of Venice, I’ve realized that the most profound growth often happens away from the shutter button. It happens in the quiet moments of reflection—the curation, the critique, and the refinement of vision.
My perspective is shaped by more than 25 years as a Getty Images photographer and by the unique experience of founding and successfully selling my own photo agency. I understand not just how to capture a moment, but how that moment fits into the global visual marketplace and the long arc of a narrative.
I’ve opened this Digital Studio to offer that same one-on-one mentorship I give in my field workshops, available to you wherever you are in the world.
Let’s move beyond the settings, tap into decades of professional industry insight, and find your story.
Consulting for Photographers Ready to Grow
Strong photography is essential, but building a sustainable career also requires clear positioning, commercial awareness and an effective way to reach the right audience.
I help photographers strengthen their work, communicate its value and create better commercial opportunities.
My advice draws on more than 30 years of experience as a photographer and editor, building a six-figure photography business, licensing more than £100,000 in images on Alamy alone, and developing an audience of approximately 100,000 across publishing and social platforms.
My work is direct, practical and tailored to the individual photographer. I do not offer generic formulas or promise instant results.
Photography Business and Audience Strategy
Social media is no longer simply a place to display photographs. Used intelligently, it can build authority, attract clients, generate bookings and create a valuable community around your work.
I help photographers develop a sustainable online presence that reflects who they are, what they photograph and why their work matters.
The objective is not to chase trends or constantly feed algorithms. It is to create a clear position, publish useful and distinctive content, reach the right people and connect that visibility to meaningful professional opportunities.
Experience Behind the Strategy
My approach is based on current, practical experience.
I have built an audience of more than 30,000 on Flipboard and a community of approximately 12,000 followers, subscribers and paid members around my Substack publication, Through the Lens.
During a recent 12-month period, these platforms contributed approximately €50,000 in photography-related work—including commissions and workshop bookings—alongside approximately €15,000 in subscription revenue.
These are my own results, not a promise of what every photographer will achieve. They demonstrate what clear positioning, consistent content and genuine audience engagement can make possible.
What We Can Work On
Depending on your objectives, our work may include:
Clarifying your professional positioning
Reviewing your website, portfolio and visual identity
Identifying the most appropriate audience for your work
Developing photography services or offers
Improving pricing and commercial presentation
Building an effective content strategy
Using Substack, Flipboard and selected social platforms
Creating a sustainable publishing rhythm
Converting attention into enquiries, bookings or sales
Strengthening your biography, messaging and calls to action
This is for photographers who are prepared to implement the strategy themselves. I do not manage accounts or post content on your behalf. I teach you what to do, explain why it matters and help you develop a practical plan that you can sustain.
Consulting engagements begin at €1,000.
I accept only a limited number of clients so that every engagement receives serious attention. New consultancy places are currently limited.
Join the Consulting Waitlist
The Editor’s Desk: A Narrative Portfolio Review
Option 1 — Written Review (The Red Pen)
A structured editorial critique of your portfolio.
Includes initial selection refinement, as needed, to establish a clear standard.
This is not a light critique. Expect a direct, considered assessment of both the images and the selection itself.
You will receive:
– A clear assessment of your work and current direction
– Notes on sequencing, consistency and visual coherence
– Targeted feedback on key images
– Practical direction on what to refine, remove or develop next
This is designed as a working document you can return to as your work evolves.
Format: Written report (PDF or document)
Preparation: Submit up to 30 images—a curated selection is helpful but not essential
Investment: €150
Option 2 — Full Editorial Review
Where decisions are made, not just feedback given.
This is a deeper, more complete process combining written analysis with direct discussion.
You receive:
– The full written critique
– A 60-minute live session to review the work together
The session allows us to go beyond feedback and into decisions: refining the edit, challenging assumptions and connecting the review directly to how you shoot and select.
Investment: €250
This is not a passive review. Expect direct, constructive feedback.
Who This Is For
Photographers approaching agencies or editors
Professionals repositioning their work for a new market
Photographers developing a long-term project or visual narrative
Serious enthusiasts preparing to enter the professional market
Anyone who wants honest editorial feedback rather than reassurance
The Private Atelier: Online Mentorship
If you can’t join me on the cobblestones of Venice or the quiet trails of Transylvania, we bring the workshop experience to you.
This is a bespoke process designed for the photographer who wants to learn properly, focusing on the experience of making a photograph rather than simply discussing camera settings.
The Workflow: The “Marco” Method
The Briefing: A curated, high-impact essay sent to you first. Digest the philosophy on a flight or between meetings to set the stage.
The Session: A focused 60-minute one-to-one Zoom session. We review your images and bridge the gap between theory and your specific eye.
The Mission: A specific assignment based on our conversation, designed to get you shooting with purpose.
The Review: A final 30-minute follow-up for a professional “Getty-standard” critique of your results.
Option A — The Single Sprint
Focus on one specific area: B&W Storytelling, The Prime Trio or Street Narrative—with many other possibilities based on your current level and what you want to achieve.
Includes: 1 essay, 1 strategy session, 1 assignment and 1 review.
Investment: €300
Option B — The Foundation Trio (Best Value)
A comprehensive three-stage journey designed to develop your photography across three different themes over several months.
Includes: 3 essays, 3 strategy sessions, 3 assignments and 3 reviews.
Investment: €820
Paid Substack members and returning workshop participants may ask about the community rate when booking.
Starting Your Journey: How It Works
I’ve designed these sessions to be as fluid and focused as my in-person workshops. Whether you are in London, New York or Budapest, getting started is a simple three-step process.
1. The Connection
Click the “Inquire to Book” button below to send me a brief message.
Tell me a little about your photography, your goals and which option interests you: The Editor’s Desk or The Private Atelier.
2. The Preparation
Once we’ve set a date, I’ll ask you to share a selection of your work or the specific topics you would like to master.
This allows me to explore your visual voice before we meet, ensuring that every minute of our session is focused on your development.
3. The Dialogue
We’ll meet through a private video link using Zoom or Google Meet for a focused, conversational session.
You’ll receive direct, honest feedback and a clear action plan to take your work to the next level. No clinical lectures—just a professional dialogue between two photographers.
To check availability, please complete the form below or contact me directly by email.
If you would like to check for availability, please fill out the form below, or you can send me an email click here
Online masterclass
Portfolio Review
photograhy Online Class
