Photography courses and mentors are everywhere right now from Instagram ads and free webinars to high-ticket masterminds and group coaching programmes.

In this episode of The Loud Lens, photographer and mentor Khandie Rees takes a calm, honest look at the rise of photography education and what photographers should actually check before spending their money.

This isn’t an anti-course episode but a reality check. We talk about how to assess photography courses and mentors properly, how to spot smoke-and-mirrors marketing, and how to tell the difference between ethical education and overpromising sales funnels.

You’ll learn:

• What questions to ask before buying a photography course or mentorship
• How income claims and testimonials can be misleading without context
• The difference between learning from a working photographer vs a full-time educator
• When mentorship can genuinely help your photography business grow
• How to avoid pressure-based sales tactics and rushed decisions

If you’re a beginner photographer, a hobbyist looking to go professional, or a working photographer considering investing in education, this episode will help you make informed decisions — without shame, hype, or fear of missing out.

The Loud Lens is a blunt, honest photography podcast for creatives who want transparency, better business practices, and real conversations about the industry.