Partnerships In Photographic Education
About
I have been a photojournalist for 35+ years and currently teach photography at a college in Suzhou China. My work has appeared all over the world and I WILL improve your photographic work! I love teaching and am excited to have the opportunity to instruct here as well.
I love teaching, and teaching photography in particular. I travel extensively (thus, the online only classes), which I also love. Each student is unique and I tell my classes that they are my purpose, and the same is true here. We will look at your work and decide the areas you need to work on together, taking your skill level, interest(s) and goals into consideration.
Photos and videos
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
The work I will do here is completely custom to your individual needs, your interests and goals. before we begin the first lesson, I will want to see some of your work e-mailed to me, then video chat to discuss what you would like to get out of the classes, and then build a curriculum to meet those goals. This is a partnership, and I have 9 years of instructing experience, and we WILL improve your work! The idea is to give you a holistic experience that will generate the better results you want from your work.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been a photographer and photojournalist for 35+ years and have worked for small newspapers and magazines up to the major publications in America. I have a Master's Degree from the University of Alabama and My work has been used extensively by the AP and other wire services. I am well versed in traditional darkroom work as well as all areas of Photoshop and digital imaging. I also have certifications from Adobe and other computer and IT certifications as well, so can even help you trouble shoot issues with your computer and Photoshop. Competent and experience are what will set me apart from others.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Typically, I charge $50 an hour for lessons, one hour each. If I do workshops, I normally charge $500 for half day shooting or Photoshop sessions, plus travel expenses. Maximum of 25 people. If I am doing a multi-day seminar, the minimimum is $2,000 plus expenses for an unlimited amount of people. Every situation is different, and I am happy to work with you on topics and budget.
How did you get started teaching?
While working on my Master's Degree at the University of Alabama, I conducted some summer enrighment workshops at a private school and realized that I loved working with students and teaching photography. I was approached by the local city education system regarding starting a digital media arts program and took the job. This included teaching photography, video and 3D animation. After 3 years, the program was considered one of the best in the country and my classes received visitors from as far away as Denmark to see what we had done. I was offered an opportunity to start a similar program here and took the job. While here, I was approached by the largest foreign language college in the country to start their program. I now teach photography there full-time and am completing my 3rd year teaching college.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with elementary school students to senior citizens. I never consider anyone too young or too old to learn. Since I make the program appropriate for the age, interests, abilities and goals of each student, there is customization in the process as each person is an individual and different.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I was in New York City on Valentine's Day, returning to my home in China and had a 24 hour layover. I got a hotel room and went to the "Top of the Rock" at Rockefeller Center and photographed the city at sunset. It was magnificent.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Be particular. Someone may be great at what they do, but it doesn't necessarily make them a teacher. Ask lots of questions and understand exactly what you are reciving for your money. Someone who is going to simply walk you around and teoo you "shoot this, shoot that" is not teaching you any useful information that you can retain and use later on. You should always look at their work and ask questions.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Look at their work and ask for a specific explaination about a photo in their work. Make it so that you are asking them to give you a lesson on how to make that specific kind of picture. If they know their stuff, they will discuss the camera, lens, lighting, composition and post processing work. If you have someone who does all of this, hire them.
also ask:
What camera they use and how long have they been teaching.
Will you critique my work?
How many lessons will it take for me to be much improved?
How many students have you instructed?
Are you open to conducting seminars and workshops?
These are some basics that will let you know if the attitude of the instructor is how you need it to be. Good instructors are purpose-driven to improve the quality of the student's work, no matter the subject.