About
I love teaching so I teach on several online platforms. I have taught photography and post processing workshops, done demonstrations for art guilds and at art fairs, and run group shoots for many years ranging in level from beginner to advanced. I spent years volunteering in my children's schools: doing gifted and talented math pullouts, coaching chess, organizing the science fair, and helping students who just needed a little extra attention.
I spent three years working at a Senior portrait studio. My photographic artwork has been published, exhibited in galleries, and has won awards.
I have shot hundreds of models so I can offer guidance on how to find and interact with models. I have expertise in lighting, especially creative studio lighting and have done one on one training and group lessons on lighting technique. My approach is to build lessons that address what the individual or group is looking to learn about.
It's important to me that I can teach not just how to use Photoshop but how to do more complex edits in a non-destructive way. If you're doing challenging edits, you want to work in a way that allows you to undo something that happened ten or a hundred steps back without losing all of the work that came after that step. I want to teach not just how to do things but how to do them right.
I shoot primarily models, in studio, for both portraiture, highly edited art pieces, and composites. For example, I draw “dresses” around models made of things ranging from light, to glitter, milk, or rose petals.
I have an undergraduate degree from Cornell, an MBA from the University of Michigan, and have done a lot of coursework at other colleges including classes in photography, Photoshop, and Lightroom Classic.
I would love to share examples of my work, including before and after edits. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or to schedule a lesson now.
I like to teach the fundamentals, so that you understand what you're doing and why you are doing it. This allows you to adapt to any new situation or to get different photographs from the same situation. I love seeing my students master the material and apply it in their own unique work.
Specialties
Interest in additional skills
Student's age
Experience level
Photography type
Photos and videos
Reviews
Kristy D.
Luke G.
Caterina G.
Em V.
James L.
Brian
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I ask the student what they want to accomplish and tailor the lessons to fit their goals. When teaching editing I sometimes will demonstate on one of my photos but I prefer to have the student work on their own photograph so that they have done the edit themsleves rather than watch and just do an exact copy. This helps ensure understanding and memory.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have taken college courses in photography, Photoshop, and Lightroom. I also had a professional photographer as a mentor, working in his studio for three years. I do a lot of self-study, attend seminars, and work with colleagues.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I am currently charging $26 per hour for online lessons, $28 per hour for in-person lessons plus a charge of $0.25/mile if I am coming to you.
How did you get started teaching?
I have been teaching in many contexts for decades. I have taught software in a corporate environment, done gifted and tallented pull outs in schools, and coached chess.
Some of the earlier teaching in photography started because models that I shot were interested in learning how to shoot. Over the last decade I've done workshops for photography groups, demos at art festivals and for art guilds, and one on one lessons for photograhers.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students from the age of nine to over ninety. I have worked with photographers at various levels, from complete beginers to a group where when I asked what Photoshop knowledge level I could assume I was told, "You can assume that audience knows more than you do."
I've done a lot of work with models who are looking to transition from being in front of the lens to behind it. I've worked with artists to help them add skills.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I just went back to Michigan where I used to live. I scheduled 10 models to shoot over five days. On the first day of the five that I was shooting I had two crucial pieces of equipment fail. By day three another photographer had loaned me equipment and I spent the day shooting an artist who also does a little modeling. On day four we borrowed a larger studio from somebody who I shared studio space with in the past. I shot another model while my friend body painted herself. Two other photographers heard that I was in town and messaged, asking to join us. We had a blast shooting, discussing art and lighting, and being creative. That kind of supportive community is the best.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look at the teacher's portfolio. For post processing ask to see before and after edits.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Think about what you are trying to learn. There is a huge difference between astrophotography and event photography.