About
I like to make learning comfortable and fun for my students. My patient and easy-going teaching style, coupled with my ability to sense if a student is grasping knowledge, ensure that every student I work with completes their lessons with me and has key takeaways. I'm very good at relating to others and I enjoy making new connections and talking with students about what they would like to achieve. I taylor my teaching approach based upon level of experience, individual learning style, etc. so each student is armed with the information available to succeed with their photography endeavors.
Member of Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI)
Member of Professional Photographers of America (PPA)
Member of Detroit Professional Photographers Association (DPPA)
Mike Staff Productions Photographer of the Year- 2017
Mike Staff Productions Details Prevail Award Recipient- 2018
Website: www.shannonfergusonphotography.com
Facebook: @ShannonFergusonPhotography
Instagram: @sfergusonphoto
I'm passionate about teaching and passing my knowledge along to others. I've been an instructor for almost 4 years now and I've mentored many amateur and professional photographers in the Metro Detroit area. I love photography and particularly enjoy helping a student reach their potential and accomplish their photography goals. I enjoy seeing growth and being a part of the process.
Reviews
Vesna Z.
Kelly H.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I evaluate each students needs based upon level of experience as it relates to the type of photography they are looking to learn. From there, I create a unique lesson plan and approach that is focused on working towards their individual goals. Typically, a beginner or novice photographer will learn the basics of photography, how to operate his/her camera and then move into the specific skills needed to accomplish their objective.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I'm a professional wedding, portrait and commercial photographer in Metro Detroit. I was the main one-on-one photography instructor at Procam in Livonia, MI from 2014-2017. I have training and experience (Including current client work) in the following types of photography: Weddings, portraits, product, food, editorial, sports and action and event photography.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$100/hr
3 lessons for $225
How did you get started teaching?
I began teaching while working as a Camera Sales Specialist and Sales Manager at Procam Photo and Video in Livonia, MI. I became the main one-on-one photography instructor at this location from 2014-2017. I prefer working with students on a one-on-one basis, but I also teach in a classroom setting and have also facilitated photography workshops.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with students ranging from beginner level all the way to working full-time professionals. I've taught amateurs looking to improve their wildlife and nature photography, as well as beginner photographers that hope to build a business and career in a particular specialty. Types of photographers/students that I have worked with: Amateur, beginner, hobbyist, fashion, portrait, wedding, commercial, event, product, food, lifestyle, sports, wildlife, nature.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I recently taught a student with a brand new camera how to use her camera out of automatic mode for an upcoming trip to Africa. She was hoping to capture images while on a safari. After she returned from her trip, she brought me a photo album of all of the images that she took and was so proud of them. It was very fulfilling for me as a teacher to see a student accomplish their goals and gather a sense of joy from it.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
My biggest piece of advice that I would give a student looking to hire a photography teacher would be the following:
Find an instructor who is as passionate about teaching photography as they are about the subject itself. Someone who is genuinely interested in your goals and objectives will make it their mission to ensure that you reach them. Patience, a sense of humor and a comfort level are important characteristics for a teacher to have. In photography especially, it's important for your teacher to be able to explain and relate things in a way that everyone can understand; When a student is having trouble grasping concepts, a great photography teacher will recognize that and change their approach based upon the individuals' style of learning.
Finally, find someone who is fun and excited to pass along knowledge!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
The following is a good list of questions for students to think about before talking to an instructor about their needs:
Do I know the fundamentals of photography (Exposure triangle: Aperture, ISO, Shutter speed)?
Do I know my camera thoroughly or do I need to go through the camera menus and functions?
Do I plan on editing my images?
Do I know best practices for storing images?
Do I know best practices for cleaning my camera and lenses?
Will I need to purchase additional equipment to accomplish my goals?
How many classes am I comfortable taking?