21 Oct Why Valerie Eidson Might Be the Photography Mentor You Need
Have you ever looked at an image you envisioned in your head and wondered how to bring it to life? Maybe you want to create more artistic portraits, feel more confident in Photoshop, or learn how to take your photography beyond what you capture in camera.
Sometimes, the best way to grow creatively is to learn from a photography mentor who can help you see new possibilities in your work.
Meet Valerie Eidson: NAPCP Mentor, award-winning portrait photographer, and 2024 NAPCP Photographer of the Year.
Meet Valerie Eidson: Portrait Photographer and Photoshop Artist
Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Valerie specializes in family and senior photography, with a particular passion for creative editing and dreamlike Photoshop composites. Her work blends technical skill with imagination, creating portraits that go beyond documenting a moment to tell a story.
And now, she’s sharing that knowledge with photographers through the NAPCP Mentorship Program.
Valerie’s creative journey began long before she became a professional photographer. After earning her bachelor’s degree in digital media in 2004, she moved to New York City to pursue a career in fashion. Throughout those years, one creative tool remained a constant: Photoshop.
When she picked up a camera after the birth of her second daughter, her background in digital media, artistic interests, and years of editing experience came together in an entirely new way.
Since beginning her portrait photography journey in 2016, Valerie has developed a distinctive artistic style, earned numerous awards, been featured in Inspired Magazine, and been named NAPCP’s 2024 Photographer of the Year.
With more than two decades of Photoshop experience, she understands not only how to create a strong photograph but also how thoughtful post-processing can transform an image into something extraordinary. See more of her work at Valerie Eidson Photography.
5 Reasons Valerie Might Be the Right Photography Mentor for You
1. You Want to Feel More Confident in Photoshop
Photoshop is an incredibly powerful tool, but knowing what’s possible and knowing how to achieve it are two different things.
Valerie has been using Photoshop daily since 2000. Her extensive editing background makes her an excellent resource for photographers looking to strengthen their post-processing skills, refine their editing techniques, or approach Photoshop with more creativity and intention.
Whether you’re trying to bring a particular vision to life or simply want to get more comfortable with your editing process, Valerie brings years of hands-on experience to the conversation.
2. You Want to Explore Composite and Fine Art Photography
Have an idea for an image that seems impossible to capture in a single frame? This is where Valerie’s imagination and technical expertise come together.
Known for her dreamlike Photoshop composites, Valerie understands how to combine photography and digital artistry to create imagery that feels imaginative, intentional, and cohesive.
For photographers interested in exploring composite photography, magical children’s portraits, or more conceptual work, Valerie offers an opportunity to learn from someone who has developed these skills through years of creative exploration.
3. You Want Family and Senior Portraits That Stand Out
Working with families and seniors requires more than simply knowing your camera settings. It takes an understanding of your subjects, a strong artistic vision, and the ability to create images that feel both personal and polished.
As an experienced family and senior portrait photographer, Valerie brings real-world knowledge of these genres to her mentorship.
If you’re looking to elevate your portrait work, introduce more creativity into your sessions, or develop images that distinguish your portfolio, her perspective could be just what you need.
4. You Want to Strengthen Your Artistic Vision
Sometimes, the challenge isn’t learning another technique. It’s figuring out what you want your work to look and feel like.
Valerie’s background spans digital media, fashion, photography, and creative editing. That combination has helped shape her distinctive approach to portraiture.
Working with a mentor who has developed a recognizable artistic style can help you think differently about your own photography, experiment with new ideas, and become more intentional about the images you create.
The goal isn’t to make your work look like Valerie’s. It’s to discover what’s possible in your own.
5. You Want a Mentor Who Genuinely Loves Teaching
Being an exceptional photographer and being an effective educator are two different skill sets. Valerie brings experience in both.
She’s taught multiple classes for the Milky Way Online Family Retreat, led local workshops and shoot-alongs, and was invited to speak at the 2025 Lens and Light Photography Summit on creating magical children’s portraits.
Valerie also hosted the 2026 NAPCP Getaway in Asheville, North Carolina, where she shared her expertise, led hands-on photography experiences, and helped bring photographers together for several days of learning, creativity, and connection.
Her dedication to education and the photography community is an important part of what she brings to the NAPCP Mentorship Program.
Is Mentoring with Valerie Right for You?
Valerie may be an especially good fit if you’re a photographer who:
- Wants to become more confident and creative in Photoshop
- Is interested in learning composite photography or creating fine art portraits
- Photographs children, families, or seniors and wants to elevate their work
- Feels creatively stuck and is ready to experiment with something new
- Wants to develop a more distinctive, intentional artistic style
- Would benefit from guidance from an award-winning photographer and experienced educator
You don’t need to be an advanced photographer to benefit from mentorship. What matters is being curious, open to learning, and ready to invest in your creative growth.
How the NAPCP Mentorship Program Works
One of the most valuable things about photography mentorship is having the opportunity to learn directly from someone who has experience in the areas where you want to grow. (Curious why it works so well? The numbers back it up.
Through the NAPCP Mentorship Program, photographers can connect one-on-one with experienced professionals who are ready to share their knowledge, provide feedback, and help them move forward with greater confidence.
Whether your next goal is mastering Photoshop, exploring creative composites, or developing a stronger artistic voice, Valerie Eidson could be the photography mentor who helps you take that next step.
Explore Mentorship Opportunities with Valerie Eidson
NAPCP Mentorship is one of the many opportunities available through NAPCP to support photographers in their creative and professional growth.
For NAPCP Members: A Special Offer from Valerie
Great composites start in camera, and lighting is where Valerie begins. Watch her recent NAPCP Social, How to Shape Light with Off-Camera Flash, now available in the Video Resource Library (for members only).
Then take the next step by booking a mentorship session with Valerie and receive 20% off when you book by November 15. Check your email or the Member Community for your special booking link.
This is an opportunity to refine your work, strengthen your visual voice, and create a portfolio that feels polished, cohesive, and unmistakably yours.
