David Hood Photography

Upon contact by the student, I determine what DSLR camera gear the student uses, his/her basic knowledge of photography, ask for the student's phtography goals, and explain my teaching methodology which is a series of weekly or monthly meetings of 1-3 hours at my home office where I tailor my instructions to match the student's current knowledge and learning objectives.  At the end of each lesson I seek agreement with the student on the camera techniques that he/she will practice until the next session.  I strive to teach both the "how" and the "why" of DSLR camera operations so that the student can become self proficient.

My Dad was a photographer in Eastman Kodak's Studio, so I grew up in the film days shooting Tri-X film and processing film and photographs in our basement darkroom. After graduating college in 1967, military service and family obligations put a temporary hold on my passion for photography. I re-connected in the digital age as we became "empty nesters", purchased my first DSLR in 1968, and began taking on-line courses where I became aware of the advantage of shooting in Adobe Camera Raw (as opposed to jpeg) and the workflow process for achieving proper white balance, exposure, contrast, saturation, tonal balance, and sharpening with Photoshop. By constantly practicing what I learned and learning new techniques every week I grew more confident in my ability to adjust my camera settings to produce high quality images. I'll never know it all, and at present I'm studying off camera lighting and Photoshop blending techniques - especially as these techniques apply to real estate photography.

My rates ate $30/hour, and a typical lesson is 2 hours. 

A student responded to my Facebook advertisement for camera coaching and I still have regular contact with that student.  On January 26,2018 the student left these review comments: "I loved the fact that not only are his photography and editing skills excellent but that he is willing to gear the sessions to whatever I am taking photos of at the time, be it a new grandchild, a cruise, a special occasion, landscape or an individual."

Individual DSLR camera owners that recognize the benefits of a personal camera coach to help them quickly learn how to capture photos that they can proudly share.

My favorite photography venue is that of camera coach. I get great satisfaction out of working one-on-one with clients that are frustrated with their camera manual and want a coach to help them improve the quality of their photographs. I have active clients as young as 16 and as old as their 90's. As a senior myself (79), I get great satisfaction helping those with infirmities st yp their cameras in a way that enables them to take good photos despite problems with eyesight or unsteady hands.

Chat with the professional, or better yet meet in person, to gauge the professional's level of commitment to your learning objectives and to your satisfaction with the results. Determine whether you and the professional will be able to work together as a team to achieve the desired end result. Ask to see the professional's work to see if it matches your expectation level. Do not sign a long term contract or agreement.

What are my learning objectives, and am I willing to dedicate the time required to learn and practice the techniques required to achieve these objectives? Is the professional committed to my satisfaction with his coaching? Is the professional a team player and will he/she consider the client's inputs and suggestions? How will disagreements be handled?