About
Want to take the next award winning photograph? Need a head swapped in a photo, or to make a distracting object disappear?
I'm a classically trained photographer with a B.S. in Still Photography from Ithaca College. I've worked in black and white darkroom photography, color film, and now digital photography and post-processing. I've had my own business doing landscape photography, documentary, portraits, and the occasional wedding for the past 13 years. I've taught photography classes to adults and high school students for 10 years, and I love to teach composition and Photoshop. I can do classes in person or online--whatever works best for you!
Check out my work at davidnelsonphotography.com or follow me on Instagram @davidnelsonphotography.
Highlights
Photos and videos
Reviews
Bradley
Christine M.
Catherine O.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I'll start wherever my student needs it. I like to know what your goals are and what you hope to accomplish, and then we'll make a plan about how to get there and how long it will take.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a B.S. in Still Photography and a Masters in Teaching. I've selling my work for over 15 years and teaching adults and high school students for that long as well.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My prices depend on what kind of services I'm providing and whether there's travel involved. I do offer a discount for virtual classes, though I find in-person to be more helpful when it's possible.
How did you get started teaching?
My first experience teaching photography was during a grant-funded documentary photography trip I took down to rural Arkansas. You can see the result of that project at TheEudoraProject.com.
What types of students have you worked with?
Adults and high school students.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Find someone who's patient and good at explaining things. In order to take good digital photographs, you have to understand all the automatic processes going on inside your camera (or better yet, shoot on manual settings!). If you've ever used Photoshop before, you know it's a complicated program--you have to have a teacher who will really take it slow to understand how to use it effectively.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Think about what your ultimate goal is. Do you want to just take better photographs on vacation? Shoot portraits or weddings? Edit photographs digitally to make them look more professional, or to have some fun manipulating them? Knowing what you want will help us get started!