The September 2014 Edition of the IPA Mentorship Program begins this week with a diverse group of participants. Here is one preparatory note to kick things off.

#1. IDEAS HAVE TO BE INVITED.
As mentioned in Che’ Ahmad Azhar’s article, ideas have to be invited. You pick a door that may perk your interest for some reason. You open and walk in. The glitter of the chandelier in the living room may first draw your eyes. Then the scent of an almond cake baking in the oven may then lead to the kitchen. The worn and weary father ringing the door bell after a hard day’s work may pull you back out towards the front door. You watch how he interacts with his family. He then gestures his wife to the bedroom away from the children. You follow behind, quietly. Behind closed doors, he tells her the news. Your story unfolds, in the room next door, where the kids are listening in.

It is okay to not entirely understand or know what you’re pursuing or photographing in the beginning. But the curiosity and urge needs to be there, and the willingness to accept discovery.