Creative Photography Mentoring and Portfolio Reviews

"Launching my photography book was both an exciting and daunting process, and the mentorship I received made all the difference. During the earliest stages, guidance I received from Morag and Kaisa was nothing short of exceptional. 

Before my interaction, I had a clear vision and direction, but these two ladies helped me refine the narrative arc of the book, ensuring that each image contributed to a cohesive story. Beyond creative input, they offered invaluable advice on sequencing, and presentation—details that elevated the book from a collection of photographs to a more solid piece of work. 

All my previous engagements and project work with the ICM Academy have been a perfect balance of constructive critique with genuine encouragement. And this mentorship transformed my early efforts into a milestone of achievement."

— Kate Ryan, USA

"Before I signed up for mentoring I was very lost and confused as to which direction to take my photography career. ICM was new to me, but it was some of the first work I was creating that felt like a body of work I just didn’t know what to do with it. Kaisa was such a great mentor. She helped me refine my thoughts and gave me direction. She helped me understand how to write my artist statement, and understand how to apply to shows. She critiqued my work, and helped me name some of my pieces. She helped illuminate what the work of a gallery artist looks like. To work directly with another artist was such a boon to me personally. I highly recommend mentoring with Kaisa. What I got out of it was far greater than the cost I put in. "

— Kayla Crouch, US

"Just wanted to say a huge Thanks to ICM Photo Academy for offering up, in addition to the many superb classes, and have taken many, the opportunity to learn, enhance my skills, one on one Photoshop skills with Laura Haapamäki. I've meet via zoom, with Laura, several times now and can’t say enough wonderful things about our meet-ups. Laura is so patient, knowledgeable, and very skilled in her craft and teachings, and I look forward to many more meetings with her. There is a huge time zone difference between Finland and Chicago, and I so very much appreciate how flexible Laura has been in scheduling zoom sessions with what works best for me. Thanks again ICM Academy and Laura!"

— Jan Terry, USA

"I wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for today. It was so helpful to have your insight, perspective and experience to get to a portfolio of six images and the artist statement. Your guidance was invaluable."

— Asmita Kapadia, UK

"I have been photographing for years, different topics with different techniques, ICM among others. However, having an opportunity to discuss my project with an experienced and creative photographer such as Kaisa gave an extra boost to my photography. Being able to avail of her artistic talent, helped me to look at my photographs from a fresh perspective and find new ways to develop my own creativity. The portfolio review I did with her was a very productive hour indeed."

— Tuula Sakaranaho, Finland

"I just wanted to thank you so very much, Kaisa, for the portfolio review you did with me yesterday. As you will recall, I had requested help with curating a set of images for an upcoming exhibition I am taking part in. I was at a loss over how to make rational choices so that I could display a cohesive and compelling set of images. Your insight and knowledge are amazing as is your obvious absolute enthusiasm for curation and exhibiting. I finished our meeting feeling so positive and upbeat about the process that lies ahead of me which was all down to your wonderful explanations, descriptions and encouragement. I simply can't thank you enough."

— Noelle Bennett, USA