Lavar Elliott Photography

First, I do a brief assessment to understand what my students already know. Then we will proceed working step by step building on what they learn as I build you up to proficiency.

I have been a photographer for six years and I have also completed courses to fine tune my skill set.

For beginners or students that want to get more out of their camera. I offer my Photography Essentials course. Its a 2-3 hour one day course that teaches the fundamentals of photography and camera operation.

The course is $175. If the student requires additional training or only needs/wants to learn more advanced techniques or then each one hour session is $100. NOTE: All students must show that they are proficient in basic photography and camera techniques before they are able to book any stand alone sessions.)

The Photography Essentials course covers:

Camera Settings

- ISO

- Aperture

- Shutter Speed

- How they work together

Shooting Modes

- P

- AV

- TV

- Auto

- Manual

Additional Camera Settings

- AF selection points

- Metering

- White Balance

- Exposure

You will also receive my course guide so that you can follow along, take notes and reference the material later.

One on one sessions with fellow photographers and friends. I quickly learned that with all my years of studying my craft (and making many mistakes, lol) I was considered a resource in with my peers. Not to mention I love to teach and talk photography. I love to share what I have learned and see students that are in the same spot I was 6 years ago, start to love photography because now they understand it.

A wedding that I photographed at the Western Reserve. One of my most challenging weddings I have had as of recently. There was a moment when we were transitioning from the Bride and Groom Portraits to the reception time. We walked through an empty room in the museum when I noticed the beautiful light pouring into the room from the wall of windows. Oh man this is beautiful! I thought quickly that maybe I can grab the shot fast (we were 5 min behind schedule at this point in the day). I knew they would not want to stop walking to do more images. So, threw the modify in my hand down on a bench and ran to the other end of the room. I asked everyone that was with us to stay to the right as the Bride and groom came, I told them I have one great shot I want to grab so if you could walk on the left side by the windows. They had a slight look on their face like they did not want to stop so I quickly spoke up and said you don't need to stop walking just walk by the window. I had all of 10 secs, so not time to fumble over settings and proper exposure... One chance and that was it. I popped off about four shots and called it. That’s good! Let’s go. I turned away and led them out of the room as I dared to glance at the LCD on the back of my cameras...

NAILED IT!

This moment was not about taking a great photo. Not at all. This was one of those moments where I felt confirmation that I am growing as a photographer. Dare I say it, one of those moments that confirmed for me that I am indeed a professional. I did not put my camera in "auto" and just point the camera. I shot everything in manual. Gathering all the knowledge and experience and creating a magical moment that the client selected as a full page spread in their album. This was one of those moments where I felt like I stood on the mountain top and reflected on everything that got me here. This is the feeling I want all my students to experience

If you want to see the image and all the images from this wedding visit my website:

http://www.lavarelliottphotography.com/weddings

Scroll down to Melani + Randalls, Cleveland Western Reserve Wedding. 

Make sure they are creating work you admire. Also make sure they have the goal of educating you not just making money off of you.

How long do you estimate it will take for me to learn what I need?

Do I get any resources/workbooks?

How do you teach? (Curriculum, Q/A, Combination)