About
My service stands out because I cater to each person individually with their interests, knowledgebase and needs in mind. An industry leading photographer and educator to beginners and professional photographers alike, I answer your questions directly and clearly while making sure you come away with something from every lesson that you will most likely utilize for the rest of your photographing days.
With thousands of published photos world-wide and in every medium; you can be sure that you are learning from one of the best. Fortunate to photograph professionally almost everything; I teach photography from it's origins... What is light, color and exposure theory. How does a camera see things differently than the human eye? I try to make it fun and can tell some interesting stories if interested.
For beginners, pros and everything in between it depends on you, your feedback and goals that will have me create many rewarding lessons just for you! Thanks for reading!
Short answer: Most everything.
Long answer:
I enjoy the actual shooting the most but almost every aspect of photography can have it's enjoyable moments; especially since I know what I'm doing... Even setting up lights and a background in a studio setting or on location can be enjoyable... Meeting and working with different people with different photography needs and exceeding their expectations is almost always rewarding in and of itself. Seeing an assignment published in one form or another can be rewarding too. Having front cover photos like the fashion history book by Eila Mell... NY Fashion Week The Bryant Park Era ....YES!
It has been said by industry insiders that I know all the supermodels; well maybe almost all on a professional level. How can that not be exciting, rewarding and enjoyable? Like the time when Naomi partially picked up her blouse in response to fake news and asked me if she looked pregnant? They don't call them supermodels without many reasons.
At one time or another every aspect has been enjoyable....even color correcting and using exposure theory!....lol
Reviews
Ron A.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
When working with a new student I first find out what they want out of a photography and the class and how deep into photography they may want to go. Their age and learning ability all play into this as well as their ultimate goals. My expertise and understanding of each students individual needs allows me to create a learning situation that can take a new student as far as they want if they put in the work. I can mix in a little or a lot of fun too, I know when to pause or reset a beginners misconceptions. Photography isn't always as easy as it looks....but it's not brain surgery either. So expect to learn alot at your own pace...with some fun and excitement thrown in for a complete experience. After you work with me for a bit, If you live or can meet me somewhere interesting (within 50 miles of NYC) and can maintain social distancing during the pandemic, we can do a field trip. I will also give you fun learning assignments as homework to further your understanding and appreciation.
Many photography teachers do not teach photography right. What is light? Why did Adobe give every color and shade a number and how does that apply to understand how cameras and editing software sees colors? What is Adobe? What are alternatives? How does understanding color theory and exposure theory work? How do cameras and phone cameras work and how are they different? What does each camera setting mean and how to edit and correct photos for printing or facebook or instagram, etc....
We can take the basic's to the highest levels and I can teach it all depending on the students wants and needs as stated earlier. If a student has a question I don't know the answer to I will be a student and research the answer and provide it by the next lesson...
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
My education and training are vast. At Ohio University I was taught by working professional photographers from the likes of Art photographers to National Geographic Photographers. My teachers considered me most likely to succeed.
Before college I was a High School yearbook photographer and two friends in high school started their own sports newspaper where i was their photographer. I photographed professional sports teams as a teenager thru them.
After college I Photo assisted lots of working pros and assisting covered many different types of photography and was known as a shooting assistant working both in studio and on location. I seemlessly got clients thru word of mouth and I am considered for years a knowlegable leader doing house jobs for big and small companies, newspapers, magazines, designers, the biggest photo agency and more. Time Magazine in 2013 ran a small piece on me... Been there and done that so I know how to teach someone. I have worked professionally all over the world and are well respected by those who know me well.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Do to Covid-19 I can try and work with someone's budget depending on how often and how seriously they need my services and budget and unfortunately I do turn students away. I either charge per hour, per 1/2 day rate or day rate and for teaching it is usually by the hour...I will not usually teach for less than 50 dollars an hour with a two hr minimum and should charge (and have charged) 150 an hour or more for teaching one on one. I can try and give a break to the very young and beginers if they don't want to go deep into Photography. For my photography Photographing services my rates are higher than for teaching.
How did you get started teaching?
I have natural teaching abilities and when I went to Ohio University I Dual Majored in Photography/Art Education and student taught K-12 as part of my teaching degree. Right out of college I applied for a teaching position and got it but I was also photography assisting successfully so put teaching on hold except for tudoring on occassion.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students of all ages and levels from age 10 thru age 80. I have taught other pro photographers and beginners and work acording to each students abilities, wants and needs....It's about the students ambitions since I have experience at all levels. I can make it fun or very technical and can mix it up to give each student as much or more than they need to know. If a students needs or wants change, I can change their program for learning accordingly.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Recently do to covid-19 there hasn't been alot of actual photographing since much of my photographing requires working with others closely but I shot a multi-talented modeling portfolio in December of last year where I was flown out to Nashville, TN all expenses paid and met or exceeded all expectations.... I have photographed for the fashion designer Jeremy Scott for years and photographed his Pre fall 2020 Moschino collection at the NYC Transit museum complete with some supermodels to rave reviews with photos running in major publications. I also did many shows and events in February but the Moschino shoot was fab.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Hire me if possible...
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
How far do you want to take it as a photographer? What are your ultimate goals in photography subject to change? What equipment do I need or have? What computer or software/programs/camera(s) do I need or have.... If your a beginner and don't know then asking these right questions will help all involved. Sometimes it's not what you have but how you use it!