Giliane E. Mansfeldt Photography LLC

My process for working with a new student is designed to be structured yet flexible, ensuring that you gain confidence and skills at a comfortable pace. Here’s what you can expect: 1. Initial Consultation & Goal Setting Before we begin, I’ll ask about your experience level, what you hope to learn, and any specific photography goals you have. This helps me tailor the lessons to your needs, whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine specific skills. 2. Personalized Lesson Plan I offer both 5-lesson and 10-lesson plans, customized to your goals. Each lesson builds upon the previous one, covering key topics such as camera settings, composition, lighting, and post-processing. We move at a pace that works for you, ensuring you fully understand each concept before progressing. 3. Hands-On Learning & Homework Each session is interactive, focusing on both theory and practical application. After every lesson, I provide hands-on exercises or homework assignments so you can practice what we covered. This helps reinforce your learning and allows us to review and refine your skills in the next session. 4. Feedback & Progress Tracking During each lesson, we’ll review your practice work, discuss challenges, and fine-tune techniques to improve your photography. The goal is to help you develop a strong foundation and confidence in your skills. 5. Flexible & Supportive Learning Environment Whether we meet in person at my studio or online, I create a supportive learning environment where you can ask questions, experiment, and grow as a photographer. My students appreciate the one-on-one attention, which allows them to progress faster and feel more confident behind the camera.

I have over 25 years of experience as a professional photographer, specializing in various genres, including newborn, portrait, and pet photography. My background includes formal education in cultural anthropology and archaeology, which has given me a deep understanding of storytelling and capturing emotion through imagery. Beyond hands-on experience, I have also worked for 16 years as a senior photo editor, photographer, and photo researcher at a publishing house, refining my expertise in image composition, editing, and visual storytelling. In addition to running my own photography studio, I am passionate about education and mentorship. I’ve developed structured photography courses and workshops to help beginners and aspiring photographers build their skills with a clear, practical approach. My lessons focus on both technical mastery and creative expression, ensuring students gain confidence behind the camera. My teaching approach is based on real-world experience, making learning accessible, engaging, and tailored to each student’s unique goals.

Yes, I offer a standard pricing system for my photography lessons, with two flexible options designed to fit different learning needs: 📷 5-Hour Lesson Plan Ideal for beginners who want a solid foundation in photography. Covers essential topics such as camera settings, composition, lighting, and more. Includes hands-on exercises and homework assignments to reinforce learning. 📷 10-Hour Lesson Plan Best for those who want a deeper dive into photography with more practice and feedback. Covers advanced techniques, editing, and personalized areas of interest. Provides additional time to refine skills, review progress, and tackle specific challenges. Each plan is customized to your learning goals, and lessons are available either in-person at my st

I got started teaching photography because I wanted to help others navigate the learning curve that I once faced when starting out. With over 25 years of experience in photography and 16 years as a senior photo editor, I’ve seen firsthand how overwhelming it can be for beginners to understand camera settings, composition, and lighting. My journey into education began organically—clients and fellow photographers would ask for advice, and I found that I really enjoyed breaking down complex topics into simple, actionable steps. Eventually, I started mentoring one-on-one, and as demand grew, I developed structured lessons to help students build confidence and skills in a clear, practical way. Now, I offer personalized, hands-on photography lessons tailored to each student’s goals, whether they’re just picking up a camera for the first time or looking to refine their skills. Teaching allows me to share my passion for photography while helping others develop their own creative vision, and I love seeing my students gain confidence behind the lens!

I’ve worked with a wide range of students, from complete beginners to aspiring professional photographers. My lessons are tailored to each student’s skill level and goals, ensuring a personalized learning experience. Some of the types of students I’ve worked with include: --Beginners who are just getting started with their cameras and want to understand the basics of photography. --Hobbyists looking to improve their skills and take better photos of family, pets, travel, or everyday life. --Aspiring professionals who want to refine their technique, build a portfolio, or start their own photography business. --Parents who want to capture high-quality photos of their children instead of relying on phone cameras. --Small business owners & content creators who need to improve their photography for marketing, branding, or social media. --Artists & creatives who want to use photography as a medium for storytelling and artistic expression. Regardless of experience level, I customize each lesson to fit my students’ needs, helping them build confidence behind the camera and develop their unique photographic style.

If you're looking to hire a photography teacher, here are a few key things to consider to ensure you find the right fit for your learning style and goals: 1. Look for Experience & Teaching Ability A great photographer isn’t always a great teacher. Look for someone with both professional experience and a proven ability to explain concepts in a clear, approachable way. A good mentor should adapt to your learning style and pace, ensuring you understand the "why" behind each technique. 2. Choose a Personalized Approach Avoid one-size-fits-all lessons. Every student learns differently, so a teacher who tailors lessons to your specific interests—whether it's portraits, landscapes, or business photography—will help you progress faster. Ask if the instructor customizes lessons based on your goals. 3. Ask About Hands-On Practice & Feedback Photography is a skill that requires both learning and doing. A great teacher will provide hands-on exercises, real-world assignments, and constructive feedback to help you refine your skills beyond just theory. Look for someone who includes practice-based learning. 4. Consider Long-Term Growth One-off lessons can be helpful, but photography is best learned over time. Multiple lessons allow you to build a strong foundation, practice, and improve based on feedback. A structured learning path will give you more value than a one-time crash course. 5. Check Reviews & Testimonials Past student reviews can give you insight into what it’s like learning from a particular teacher. Look for feedback that mentions clear instruction, personalized support, and a positive learning experience. 6. Make Sure It’s a Good Fit Your learning experience should be both educational and enjoyable. If possible, have an initial conversation with a potential teacher to see if their teaching style matches your expectations. A good mentor should be patient, encouraging, and genuinely invested in your success. If you're looking for structured, hands-on photography mentoring, I’d be happy to chat and see if my lessons would be the right fit for you! Let me know if you have any questions. 😊

Before reaching out to a photography teacher, it’s helpful to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. Here are some key questions to think through to make the most of your lessons: 1. What is your current skill level? Are you a complete beginner, or do you have some experience? Do you already understand camera settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO? Have you used manual mode before, or do you primarily shoot in auto? 2. What are your photography goals? Do you want to learn photography as a hobby or work toward a professional career? Are there specific types of photography you’re interested in (portraits, landscapes, newborn, pets, products, etc.)? Do you want to improve composition, lighting, or editing skills? 3. What kind of camera and equipment do you use? Do you have a DSLR, mirrorless, or a smartphone camera? Do you need help understanding your camera’s settings and functions? Are you interested in learning about additional gear like lenses, flashes, or tripods? 4. How do you learn best? Do you prefer structured lessons with homework, or do you like a more casual, hands-on approach? Would you rather learn in person, online, or a mix of both? Do you learn best through step-by-step instruction, demonstrations, or practice assignments? 5. How much time can you commit to practicing? Are you willing to do homework or assignments between lessons? Do you have time to go out and practice on your own, or do you prefer guided exercises during lessons? Do you want to work at a fast pace, or would you prefer to take things slow and steady? 6. What are your biggest struggles with photography? Do you have trouble understanding camera settings? Are you struggling with composition or getting the right lighting? Do you feel overwhelmed by editing and post-processing? 7. What is your budget and preferred lesson structure? Are you looking for a short-term crash course or a long-term learning experience? Would you prefer one-on-one lessons, or are you open to small group sessions? Do you want a structured lesson plan, or are you looking for help on specific topics as needed? Having answers to these questions will help you communicate your needs clearly to a potential teacher. It will also help your instructor tailor lessons to ensure you get the most value out of your learning experience.