Paula Siwek Photography

Paula Siwek Photography

5.0Exceptional(6 reviews)
Offers online services
Offers online services

About

The quality of my service is fom my experience as a teacher in a broad spectrum of venues; as Professor of Photography, College of Design Graduate program at North Carolina State University, a Digital Photography Instructor at Meredith College, and a Visiting Professor of Digital Photography at Elon University and Alamance Community College Design department.

I have 18 years of experience teaching, leading and achieving success with students at Durham Public Schools, and presently in Wake County. I am a forward thinking leader for my students, with a high level of energy and innovation. I’ve gained recognition for out of the box thinking, an ability to adapt to new concepts and environments quickly, and have a passionate commitment to creative growth and excellence.

My years of experience makes my teaching stand out. I enjoy the conversations with my students! We both learn something new, and like it even more when they have an ah ha! moment. My reward is in sharing what I know about photography; history, aesthetics and contemporary technology and software. In this context I focus on what my student's needs are, how to incorporate their artistic abilities with technique and follow through with editing.


Highlights

Hired 10 times
1 employee
32 years in business
Serves Chapel Hill , NC
Offers online services

Payment methods

Cash, Check, Paypal, Apple Pay

Specialties

Interest in additional skills

Photoshop skills, Dark room printing and development (for film cameras), Improve knowledge of lighting, Lightroom software skills, Improve scene composition

Student's age

11 – 13 years old, 14 – 18 years old, 19 – 25 years old, 26 – 45 years old, 46 – 65 years old, Over 65 years old

Experience level

No experience, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Photography type

I can make recommendations, Portraits, Action, Black and White, Wildlife / nature photography, Time-lapse, Beginner basics

Photos and videos


  • Reviews

    0.0
    0 reviews
    5
    0%
    4
    0%
    3
    0%
    2
    0%
    1
    0%

    EU

    Emmaleigh U.

    Paula is very knowledgeable on many topics and is easy to bounce ideas off of. She is flexible and caters lessons to your liking.
    ... Show more
    March 22, 2023
    Hired on Lessons

    JN

    Jennifer N.

    She is very knowledgeable and tries to meet the student where they are at and tailors her teaching to the student’s needs. She is very personable.
    ... Show more
    October 11, 2020
    Hired on Lessons

    SC

    Shannon C.

    Paula has been teaching my 12 year old son about photography, and basic photo editing software. She has really captured his interest and tailors her approach to his creative talents . She is very patient, encouraging and listens well, and weve really enjoyed meeting with her. She is always on time and is a great communicator, sending us reminder emails during the week.
    ... Show more
    February 13, 2020
    Hired on Lessons

    TJ

    Tilman, J.

    Goid instructor
    She listens
    She customizes her lessons to each individual”s needs
    ... Show more
    April 03, 2019
    Hired on Lessons

    SM

    Sean M.

    She taught me to develop film, learn photography and appreciate pictures in a way I never knew was possible.
    ... Show more
    April 02, 2019

    IM

    Ian M.

    Great teacher; funny, friendly, a deep appreciation for old and new forms of photography and art history more broadly. Class covered everything from pinhole effects to digital editing.
    ... Show more
    March 19, 2019

    Frequently asked questions

    I begin by asking a variety of questions; how familiar they are with photography technique and subject matter, camera operation and digital editing.  I would ask to see some examples of work.  I would also ssk if they have a specific goal, media preference,  if their lessons are artistically, project or deadline driven, or all of the above.

    BFA, Visual Arts,  Goddard College  

    Photography and Design, Art Institute of Boston

    MFA, Visual Arts, Pratt Institute

    My hourly tutoring rate is $50.00 per hour for photography and $75.00 for digital editing in Photoshop, or any online photo editing software such as Pixlr.  The procedures in tutoring are designed according to students' individual goals or needs. This could be general instruction, or related to an upcoming event, a specific camera instruction, or feedback on already taken photos. The hour includes 55 minutes of tutoring and 5 minutes to check in on your progress and scheduling. I am not able to stay longer than 60 minutes unless otherwide arranged.  I do inquire potential students about gathering groups if location allows, which would max-out at four students. The student(s) agrees to pay the tutoring fee with by 24 hrs prior to our scheduled meeting, via Paypal.

    I earned my MFA from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY. My teaching career began two years later at North Carolina State University. I have been teaching photography ever since.

    I work with students ranging from pre-teen and high school ages to college and post-college age adult learners.       

    I have decades of experience teaching in the county school district, in private schools and universities, in an online format, and as a private tutor.

    One recent moment I am fond of would be when a student was  awarded 1st place in the esteemed Congressional Art award for central North Carolina.

    I would advice a student looking for a tutor to make sure you are open to new adeas, suggestions and possibilities.

    If you please, serious inquirys are strongly encouraged.

    Have some examples of your favorite photos to share. Think about why they are your favorites and be open to talk about it. Photography offers a multitude of aesthetic and technical possibilites. The question could be as simple as "how do I do this", regarding a technique or subject matter, if you have some work to illustrate!


    Services offered

    Photography
    Adobe Photoshop