About
One of my best friends, from my youth, told me that I have a comic-book mind. At the time I was not too excited to have my friend stick me with what I perceived to be a negative descriptive tag. It seemed to be shallow somehow. Over the years I came to see the truth and insightfulness of the observation. The truth is that I really do process thoughts in pictures. Someone can ask a question and I envision the answer as a descriptive image, kinda like a storyboard. So much for the cerebral calculating experience of rich bankers, doctors and lawyers. I was doomed to forever have the processing skills of an artist.
As a photographer, I have a variety of abilities and interests. And like everyone, I like more things than I have the desire or ability to shoot well. I take my time and am patient to get the shot that tells the story of the subject. I am photojournalistic in my primary approach to life and always try to have my camera with me (at arms length) to be prepared to capture images of real-life. Sure I can shoot landscapes and appreciate the beauty of God's creation, but my best still life images usually come from the being-at-the-right-place-at the-right-time perspective. Give me a face, a place, and a bit of time and I can guarantee that you will see the passion in the image.
Highlights
Photos and videos
Reviews
Terry H.
Teresa R.
Veronica T.
Mariah S.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
The first thing I always want to do when working with a new client is to try and define a type/style that the student is mainly interested in. The other types/styles will manifest themselves once we are on the same productive working page.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been shooting as a professional for the past 11 years and have a 35 year background in graphics design (digital) and the printing industry.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge $40 an hour or $120 for a half day (4 hours). That said, I always am more interested in value than punching a time clock. I am really very accessible by text or phone, but I prefer talking through issues rather than trying to text or email a sloution to a problem. You will find that I won't nickel and dime you for an extra 10 minutes. I value the relationship more than money....Please don't tell my wife I said that.
How did you get started teaching?
As a photographer, a sports and event photographer, I am always meeting people that want to pick my brain for shooting tips. I just like explaining how to get a good image. Add to the deal that I have a key love of patience when I shoot, and that to me is the essence of teaching success.
What types of students have you worked with?
I work with college students, soccer moms/dads, kids with an interest in doing something their parents cannot do, and even the occasional fellow professional that wants to learn "how to's" in my favorite genre of shooting.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I was shooting at Balboa Lake, in Van Nuys CA. There are many different things to shoot there, many different birds and animals.
I encountered an Army Veteran feeding the birds and ducks. It was very crazy how the 100 or so birds were flying about and walking around him while he was so very calm and satisfied with "doing his thing". I seem to always find this kind of thing to shoot. Email me and ask for a copy of the image and you can see what I am talking about.