About
The St. Louis Photo Authority® is a non-profit organization that builds community through photography. We teach classes, provide workshops, and offer a 5000 square foot exhibition/studio/educational/creative center dedicated to the needs of photographers and videographers. Edward Crim, our CEO, has over 20 years experience as a professional photographer, teacher and photographic lab operator. Edward is the mind behind our various clubs, including:
http://www.photoclubstl.com
http://www.studio-creative.org
http://www.tangibleimage.com
Join our groups!
The photographic arts are about seeing the world and all of the interesting things it has to offer us. Nature's moments of awesome splendor and sublime simplicity, rare glimpses of an animal kingdom normally unseen by man, and rich stories of the human struggle for love, acceptance, freedom, and all the other desires of the heart.
This is what the photographer seeks; sometimes successfully, sometimes not. Education is frequently the difference between the artist's failure and success, and it is when a student has that "Aha!" moment that the teacher is rewarded. It is our joy and mission to lead many to that revelatory experience and a satisfying involvement in the photographic experience.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
With new students I ask questions and listen to the answers in order to ascertain what course to take in teaching.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been a professional photographer for over 20 years and have been teaching classes and leading others in photography for most of that time. I also have extensive experience as a photographic printer, both digital and film (from transparencies and negatives).
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My standard price for photographic consultations both commercial and personal is $150 per hour, but will give students a half-price special rate of $150 for an two hour lesson.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching many years ago with some of the parks departments in the St. Louis Area. In 2010 I began what is now the St. Louis Photo Authority® to help new photographers navigate the tricky currents of the photographic world. Since that time I have taught hundreds of classes and led scores of workshops on photography, lighting and using the leading software.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have taught, consulted with, and led executives, other professional photographers, beginners and intermediate photographers in growing their photographic skills and knowledge.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Just this spring, one of my best students, a photographer of great talent and perserverence, commented on a lighting situation that I constructed for her,
"I can't believe you got that kind of look just by using an umbrella on your light!"
Yep.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Don't expect to learn it all right away, and don't expect to learn much from someone who doesn't actually do the work. This is the work that I do every day.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What kinds of photography are you interested in? Do you want to become a professional, working photographer, os is this a personal project, a hobby? How much time, effort and money are you willing to dedicate to your pursuit of photographic excellence?