My private photography lessons are exactly that – personal, one-on-one lessons tailored to you. You'll be able to ask me questions live on the spot and get immediate feedback. To make sure you get a top quality experience, I will only teach things I am comfortable and familiar with. I am passionate about photography education and truly want you to become a better photographer.
In-person lessons can be anything from field work, operating your camera, focusing techniques, filters, reading and interpreting a scene, composition, asset management, post processing - and everything in between. San Diego area only.
Online lessons are a little different. Never before has it been easier to directly connect teachers and students anywhere on the globe. For photo critiques or instruction in post-processing technique, online learning is fantastic. Although, I don't think all photography topics are best served by online classes. See below for details.
How Does It Work?
When you're ready to setup a lesson with me, here's what happens:
You purchase a block of lesson time, either online or in-person.
During checkout, use the "Tell Me More" form to explain what you want to learn more about. (You can always contact me later as well).
I'll reply via email (typically within 48 hours) and ask follow up questions, if any are needed.
Together, we will craft lessons around your needs, and set a date & time for our lesson. If we are meeting for an in-person lesson, we will set a meeting place, too.
Lesson time! We meet in person or connect via Zoom or Skype, learn a bunch, and have fun.
I will do my absolute best to teach you as much as possible during our time together. I want you to get the most value for your time and money.
What Do You Teach?
For in-person lessons, your lesson can be anything from field work, operating your camera, focusing techniques, filters, reading and interpreting a scene, composition, asset management, post processing - and everything in between.
Topics that are good for in-person learning:
How to use your camera (dials, buttons, menus)
Interpreting a location and changing shooting style per conditions
Focusing techniques
Learning & practicing long exposure techniques
Exposure settings in dynamic lighting conditions
Online lessons are a little different. Virtual learning is truly a wonder of our modern age. Never before has it been easier to directly connect teachers and students anywhere on the globe. However, I don't think all photography topics are best served by online classes.
Topics that are good for online learning:
Post processing tools and techniques
Photo organization & asset management
Composition
Photo & website critiques
Portfolio reviews
Summed up, topics that are either computer-based and conceptual lend themselves to online learning. Activities that need hands-on learning are best for in-person lessons.
I promise to give you a top quality lesson.
If you book an online lesson and the topic you want to learn is not suited to online learning, we can cancel the session and you get a full 100% refund
If you ask to be taught a topic, genre, or technique that I am not confident I can delivery top quality instruction for (ex: portraits, studio lighting), we will cancel the session and you you with top quality (portraits, for example), we cancel the session and get a full 100% refund.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use Zoom or Skype? Where do I get it?
Zoom and Skype are free to download and run on a variety of OS versions (both Windows and Mac). It is very easy to install the client. Do this before our meeting. A short time before our session, I will email a meeting link to you. Click on the link and you’ll join right in.
I don’t know if my topic is suitable for online learning? Should I book?
That’s a common question. Two choices.
1. Go ahead and book a lesson. Add the details of your topic, and your concerns, in the form during checkout. If I think the topic isn't well suited for online learning, you'll get a full refund.
2. Contact me with your topic, we'll chat, and determine if it's something I think I can effectively teach online.
Can I get in-person coaching in the field?
Yes, certainly, I offer in-person lessons in the San Diego area. This is a good option if you want advice on using your camera, reading a location and choosing a composition. I recommend at least a 2-hour block of time for an in person lesson.
Can I mix in-person and online lessons?
Yes, by purchasing two different blocks of time, one for in-person learning and another for an online session. A popular combination is to have an in-person lesson to practice camera technique and field work, and a follow-up online lesson for post-processing.
Do I need to use my block of time at once? Can I split it into multiple lessons?
It depends. If you purchased 2 or more hours of lesson time, we can talk about dividing lessons into smaller segments. It will depend on the lesson plan and if the lesson is online or in-person. 1 hour lessons cannot be subdivided.
My schedule changed suddenly. What do I do?
Hey, life happens. Contact me and we'll work out a new schedule. If the worst happens and we can't reschedule, you'll get a refund for any unused portions of your booked time.
I have another question not in the FAQ. What now?
Ask me! I’m an approachable guy…