Rob Barbery Photography
About
I have been a photographer for 40 years now. I work mostly with natural light, although I do studio portraits as well. I recently became a drone pilot, and have incorporated aerial photography into my portfolio. I spent more than 20 years as a forensics photographer with the Fresno Police Dept. I have experience in technical,photography, as well as portrait, wedding, and many other areas of photography. I was the photography instructor for FPD, for the last 10 years of my career, which ended in 2009. I have been a freelance photographer since then. I love sharing my knowledge of photography with those who want to learn and develope their own styles/techniques. I've sold images Getty Images (stock photographs). I've worked with hundreds of models in California, over the last 11 years. One of my short drone videos is on display in the National Space and Aernautics Museum, NYC. The bulk of my work can be seen at www.robbarberyphotography.com.
Teaching people to use a camera to express their view of the world is exciting to me. I believe that learning more than just "point and shoot", gives a photographer an edge over the P & S photographer. Having knowledge of how to manipulate light, and having control of an image you've created is the first step in the creative process. I love when a student "sees the light", at the moment when they realize exactly how much more they can do with their camera. It's awesome to share that knowledge, and see it in action through the student's I've trained.
Highlights
Photos and videos
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I believe that knowing the basics of how an image is created, gives a new photographer an advantage over the point and shoot photographer. I teach students what aperture, f stops, Depth of Field, shutter speeds, focal lengths etc are, and how they affect an image. Building on the basics, will provide the student with important information that will always be useful as they develop their own style of photography. I work in a classroom setting, as well as in the field, with hands on experience.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I earned a certificate of professional photography from Solano Community College in 1981. I attended a technical photography class in Orange County, Ca., specific to forensic photography. I am an experienced darkroom technician. I taught photography to new crime scene technicians for FPD, for approximately 10 years. I have been a freelance photographer since 1981. I have many years of experience with film, and digital photography. During that time I did commercial, portrait, family, model, aerial, pet, and forensic photography.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Each student has their own particular goals, and requirements regarding what level they seek to achieve in photography. So,I work on a flexible schedule. There is no set number of classes. I customize my services to what a student wants/needs to learn, to go forward as a photographer. What that means is that one student may learn the basics in 1, 2, or 3 classes, and another may require an additional sessions. I charge $75 per one hour session. The number of sessions depends on the students ability to learn, or understand camera functions, how it works, and how light is controlled. I also make myself available through emails for additional questions, after the class is completed. I can absolutely guarantee that you will learn the basics of photography, to a level to improve your photography.
I also offer additional, more advanced classes for students that wish to learn specific areas of photography, such as model photography, portrait photography, table top photography, etc. The minimum fee for advanced photography is $150 for a two hour session. Fee is dependent on whether I have to hire a model, or if additional materials/equipment is required.
How did you get started teaching?
I first started teaching photography classes as the instructor for new crime scene technicians for the Fresno Police Department. At the time, the department was still using 35mm film cameras. When we switched over to digital photography, I continued to teach students how to use digital cameras. That included camera operation, as well as transferring files, and saving to a computer.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with police personnel during my time as a forensics photographer. Since 2010, I've worked with new photographers of all ages, mostly at model s photo sessions, at local outdoor locations.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
My drone photography and video captures really opened up a new window of creativity to me. I recently flew over the Monticello Dam, at Lake Berryessa, in Napa Ca., to photograph and shoot video of the "Glory Hole", a giant drain hole that overflow water dumps into. As I approached the hole, and was directly over it, a hawk flew over the hole, under my drone, and I got a great video of it! Definitely my favorite moment in drone imagery.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
See their work. Look at the body of work a photographer has to show. If their work captures your attention, then that photographer will probably have the experience and knowledge to help you.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
If you have a specific genre of photography, I'd put that up front and as a priority. Ask questions about that specific style of photography, to see if it generates confidence in your expectations from the teacher.
if you are shooting film, definitely ask the trainer if they have experience in shooting film. The more you know about the trainers hands on experience, the better you can make a decision on his or her qualifications.