About
Peggy Farren started Understand Photography Training Center back in 2009 to help non-technical photographers learn photography. Our motto is "We Simplify the Technical!".
We are now three very experienced, full-time professional photographers who teach here.
Please check out our bios on our website: www.understandphotography.com.
We offer private and group classes, both in person and online. We have a systemized program that is tailored to each individual to be sure you don't have gaps in your photography education.
Let us know how we can help you!
We talk to famous and not so famous photographers on The Understand Photography Show each week, discussing the different aspects of photography. Host Peggy Farren can really clarify and simplify the lessons in each episode.
As instructors, our ability to communicate and help people learn is the best feeling! Many of our students have taken classes for years and years but never really understood the basics of photography until they've had lessons with us.
Photos and videos
Reviews
Maria S.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
For private lessons, we start with a phone call to determine what the student needs before scheduling the appointment.
For beginners, we recommend everyone start with the Four Weeks to Proficiency in Photography. It will teach you to shoot in the manual mode and give you a strong foundation in photography.
We offer that course as either a hands-on class in Naples, Florida or an INTERACTIVE online course, with homework and an instructor to give support and feedback.
For intermediate to advanced students, a phone call is usually the best way to determine needs.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
All three of us are experienced, full-time professional photographers. Peggy has been a portrait, wedding and fine art photographer full-time for over 18 years. Joe is our technical guru - with over 40 years of photography experience. Joe is the leading Lightroom expert in this area, and Brian has been a full-time photo guide and instructor for over 15 years. All of us has many awards. Joe and Peggy are professionally trained photography judges as well.
Everyone gets "teacher training" in order to live up to our motto of "We Simplify the Technical".
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Private lessons in person, in the Southwest Florida area, are $75 per hour with a two hour minimum. Lessons can be in our studio or your home.
Excursions in the field, for instance an Everglades tour/workshop, are $425 for up to four hours with two people.
Prices for group classes are listed on our website.
How did you get started teaching?
In 2009, when the market was flooded with new photographers, I was encouraged by many of my customers to start teaching. I was hesitant but it turns out that teaching came very naturally to me (Peggy).
Since I am not a technical person, I struggled for years in the beginning. Once I realized that a lot of my trouble came from bad instructors, I knew I could do better. I knew I could make it easier for new photographers and even for experienced photographers to learn new things.
What types of students have you worked with?
We have worked with every level of photographer from rank beginner to pros who want to step up their lighting or posing or landscape photography. Maybe they need help with editing or the business aspect of photography.
Since there are three of us with different specialties, we can match the student with the right instructor.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I'm proud of my students when they excel. One of my previous students just had a picture on the cover of Professional Photographers magazine (November 2017). One of my students is a very successful wedding photographer in this area. Several of my students now work for my company as subcontractors.
With our hobbyists, they come back year after year for private lessons and come on photo tours with us. They win countless photo competitions.
It's our goal to have the students surpass us. I believe I am a much better instructor than photographer, even though I think I am a good photographer. I know I can push and encourage and teach the right skills to help my students excel. ~Peggy
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Read reviews. We have reviews on our TripAdvisor page, our Facebook page, Google, and our website. Our customers love us and we love them right back!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What type of photography are you interested in? Sports, portrait, landscape, macro, travel or ?
What is your level of interest? Do you want to be a professional, committed hobbyist or a dabbler?