Paul Thompson Photography Workshops
About
Dear Photographer,
Photography has been my life’s work and lifelong passion. Over the years, I have built a career not only as a working professional in portrait, wedding, and event photography, but also as an educator, speaker, writer, and mentor to aspiring photographers.
I have had the privilege of speaking publicly about photography throughout the United States and in Japan, sharing both technical knowledge and real-world professional experience with audiences eager to grow. Teaching has always been central to my career. I have taught at institutions including Brooks Institute and Long Beach State University, helping students build strong foundations in both the art and the business of photography
Throughout my professional journey, I have been honored with the Master’s, Craftsman, and Fellowship Degrees from the Professional Photographers of America—recognitions that reflect both technical excellence and a deep commitment to education and service within the industry.
Photography isn’t just about taking pictures—it’s about storytelling, impact, and artistry. I’ve built a career on mastering these elements and helping others do the same My journey has been dedicated to both creating and teaching photography at the highest level.
Beyond the classroom and lecture hall, I have written numerous articles for respected photography magazines, contributing practical insights on lighting, exposure, technique, and professional development. I have also produced and sold several photography training videos distributed worldwide, helping photographers across the globe strengthen their understanding of their craft.
Photography is not reserved for a select few. With the right guidance, clear explanations, and practical instruction, anyone can learn to create powerful images. My goal is to simplify the complex, remove the intimidation, and help you develop both technical confidence and creative vision.
If you are a beginner or are ready to take your photography to the next level, I would welcome the opportunity to help with your education.
Great photography starts with a strong foundation—lighting, composition, posing, storytelling and technique. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills. Once you master these, you can develop your own style with confidence.
Let’s connect and take your photography to the next level.
I look forward to helping you grow.
Sincerely,
Hopefully Your Next Photography Instructor
Highlights
Specialties
Interest in additional skills
Student's age
Experience level
Photography type
Photos and videos
Reviews
kristina S.
tom S.
gigi P.
Pearl A.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
It is incredibly important that my students achieve their goals and have fun while enjoying the process.
I have tons of power points, handouts and hands on my experience that will take you to the next level
Would you like meet on the phone or meet for a cup of coffee? No charge of course! It's just for the purpose of finding out if we are a good fit.
I have years of experience in the professional field of photography. I love teaching and sharing my knowledge.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Honors, Awards and Credentials
* The Master of Photography Degree from the Professional Photographers of America awarded for superior competence and technique in photographic competition.
* The Craftsman Degree from the Professional Photographers of America awarded for photographic service to the profession for advancing the standards of photography.
* The Fellowship Award from the Professional Photographers of California awarded for photographic excellence.
* One of four studios in the nation profiled by Eastman Kodak to be featured on the "Image is Everything" video. The video tape was viewed worldwide and served as a training tool at numerous "how to" seminars. Kodak has also selected my photographs for display at the Professional Photographers of America convention and international exhibits.
* Only studio in the nation to be featured by Eastman Kodak for a second time on their Business and Marketing Practices, Portraits of Success for 1994. Seminars were given in 38 cities, nationwide discussing Paul’s flawless, elegant portraiture and his business and marketing skills.
* Speaker at the National Convention of Professional Photographers of America in New Orleans, Louisiana, Las Vegas Nevada and The Western States Convention in Los Angeles. Featured guest speaker at the Illinois State Convention and also speaker at the Professional Photographers of America Chapters of San Diego, Inland Empire, Santa Barbara, Bakersfield, Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Rosa, San Francisco, Reno Nevada and Seattle Washington.
* Articles published and photographs printed in the prestigious "Professional Photographer" and "The Rangefinder" magazines.
* Instructor Commissions at California State University, Long Beach and Golden West College in Huntington Beach, California.
* Adjunct Professor at the prestigious Brooks Institute in Santa Barbara.
* Numerous images used for Greeting Card Companies and advertisements throughout the world with stock photography agencies.
* Cover photograph for CD “Solo Flight” of Laurence Juber, formerly of Wings with Paul McCartney.
* Cover photograph for Fingerstyle Guitar Magazine.
* Selected by Eastman Kodak to photograph the still photographs for three television commercials to be aired throughout the year for their "Promise of Excellence" campaign promoting family portraiture.
* Eastman Kodak hired Paul to train all of their Western Region Sales Representatives and Managers in Santa Barbara, California. The purpose was to express the needs of photographers nationwide and how Kodak could meet those needs.
* One of my hotographs was selected by Professional Photographers of America to receive a Loan Collection National Award of Merit. The photograph has been chosen to be on display throughout the United States for display purposes.
* My Masters Loan Collection photograph was chosen as an Epcot Selection by Eastman Kodak, Walt Disney World Epcot Center and Professional Photographers of America IInc. for display at Walt Disney World Epcot Center in Orlando Florida.
* Selected by Kodak as one of 25 photographers in the nation to be a part of Kodak’s Pro-Team. A notebook was produced for all photographers world-wide showcasing the Pro-Teams studios, how they market their talents and how they create their images.
* “Complete Guide to Wedding Photography - Volume I and II” distributed, produced and sold worldwide. Kodak, Levin, Art-Leather, Sunpak and Marathon Press sponsored this instructional video being sold world-wide and featuring Paul Thompson.
* Revolutionized the photographic industry by being one of the first to offer a new kind of “coffee table book”. Today the books are offered at The Huntington House Book Company.
* Lectured for Winona International School of Professional Photography. This was a seminar offered at my studio called The Hunington House Photography Studio to photographers nationwide. The proceeds to go to Winona’s educational facility for furthering education.
* Invited to be the featured guest lecturer in Tokyo, Japan for the Japanese Photography Convention. Three hundred and fifty of the finest Japanese photographers were in attendance learning the “Western Way” to photograph portraits and weddings.
* Epson invited Paul to speak to professional photographers in Maui regarding printing, color and design.
* Wedding Photographers International WPPI selected Paul Thompson to be the featured lecturer at the National convention. The topic was wedding photography and your own style.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I offer you my lifetime of being a professional photographer and teaching photography which includes elementary to college level students and amateur to professional.
My goal would be to help you learn how to identify a great image and also how to capture it.
I feel the image that is the most popular is the one that has the largest impact. The elements that make up impact are lighting, posing, composition, technique, style, arrangement, placement, presentation, color balance, imagination, creative, center of interest, contrast, print quality, balance, tone and color.
The investment for teaching you is $50 per hour. I absolutely love sharing my photography knowledge and helping students fulfill their dreams.
How did you get started teaching?
I have my Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science Degrees, my elementary, secondary and administrative credentials for lifetime. I taught elementary school and on the sets in Hollywood as a teacher/welfare worker.
I wanted to be a professional photographer but just didn't know how to do it. I started taking photogaphs of Realtors houses for $25 per house and develop it that same evening and givimg them an 8x10 the next day. This was the start. It helped me make money in photography and with that I would buy professional equipment. I would take photography classes wherever I could find them. I asked many professional photographers if I could tag along with them. <ZOOM MANY YEARS AHEAD> Eventually I opened my own studio and had 12 photographers working for me and photographed hundreds of weddings and thousands of portraits.
Loved every minute of it.
Now I am back to doing what I love most: Sharing and teaching.
What types of students have you worked with?
Children to retired adults. I especially love students who want to learn and can find nowhere to get the knowledge.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
The most pleasure I recieve is when I witness one of my students achieve their goals of becoming a professional photographer or helping them develop a new life lasting hobby.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Be sure that the teacher has a:
Solid professional background in photography.
Has experience teaching.
Knows how to light and pose people.
Knows how to identify a great location for picture taking.
Loves to have fun - this is huge for learning.
Love of life and teaching.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Students should ask prospective teachers if they can help them achieve their goals and then ask them how.
Ask them how many lessons it will take to achieve their goals.
Ask teachers technical photography questions so you know they have a background in photography. Don't get convinced by someone who is a good amateur or someone who has no training.