About
I am an international award winning master photographer and cover a wide range of subjects. I specialize in fine art portraiture, weddings and commercial work - particularly food.
As well as shooting I love to teach. I use the EDGE method - Educate, Demonstrate, Guide and Enable / Empower.
I make sure my students understand how and why a technique works rather than just giving them a setup to remember. That way they can apply the understanding to every situation not just the one that we show in class.
I hold Master Photographer degrees with Professional Photographers of America and Professsional Photographers of California. I am also a Certified Professional Photographer.
I was a silver medalist at the PPA International Print Competition and a Gold Medalist at the Chinese American Photography Exhibition.
Reviews
Jim D.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I customize my teaching to suit the needs of my students but focus on helping them develop an understanding of how things work. I can work one on one, in small groups or lecture to large audiences.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have 40 years photography experience, am a Certified Professional Photographer and hold a Master of Photography degree from Professional Photographers of Amerca.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
MY rate is $50 per hour per student
How did you get started teaching?
I was invited to teach a few seminars and classes at a local photography school and am regularly asked to help students with particular facets of photography.
What types of students have you worked with?
My students are generally adults who are interested in furthering their photography hobby, turning professional or improving their skills in support of an existing photography career.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Photography is both an art and a science. Look for a teacher who can cover both sides of photography and make sure you respect their style. You don't have to like their style although that helps.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Decide what they hope to get out of the lessons - essentially have a goal in mind and make sure the teacher understands that goal. Ideall that goal should be a SMART goal:
- Specific (so that you and the teacher are clear about the objective)
- Measurable (so that you can both assess progress)
- Achievable (it can be a stretch goal but should be one that you can achieve. You can always add higher goals later)
- Realistic (shooting for the stars is all very well but it's better to have a series of goals that you can reach)
- Time bound (a deadline adds a degree of pressure that will hugely improve the odds of reaching the goal - it becomes urgent as well as important)