Brian Bayless Photography

First I must assess the student's overall goal.  To generally improve, or to specialize in an area? 

Once we determine that, I will test the student's knowledge about basic compositional principles and if they are familiar with the various aspects of a proper exposure "focusing" on aperture, shutter and ISO, as well as white balance settings.  

Once I have assessed how proficient a student is, I can develop a customized lesson with hands on training as well as photo homework, and I provide the student with a private, online gallery where they can upload their work and share it with friends and family if desired.  

I also have extensive editing experience in the Adobe Suite, including Lightroom and Photoshop and can provide basic editing tips upon which the student can build their image style.  

My ultimate goal is that the student learns to compose an appealing photograph by using proper compositional techniques and making great us of any avaialble light for the image.  

I am currently teaching photography and live broadcasting/live streaming classes at the high school level. 

I am also a freelance photographer for ThisWeek News and ThisWeek Sports.  

I do corporate photography, both interior and exterior, most recently for Corner Bakery.  

I have a contract to produce Senior athletic banners for a large, surburban high school and generally produce around 150 per year for that client.     

I also have over 40 years of photographic experience and won my first national award for news photography at age 16 working after school for a local paper in my hometown. 

I managed stores for Cord Camera back in the heyday of film photography and 55 minute processing.  

I have a diverse portfolio of work, from sports to weddings, portraits to nature, and even a little bit of astronomical photography, having captured the latest partial solar eclipse as well as two famous comets from the 90's, Hale-Bopp and Hyakutake.  

No standard pricing.  Rates depend upon student experience, lesson duration and goals that will be set by the student and the instructor.  

I had a desire to share my passion for photography and I was made aware of an opening at my school for a part-time teaching position for photography.  I rewrote the curriculum from a film-based emphasis to a digital imaging course so that students would be able to accumulate transferrable skills and strategies needed for a good photo into other aspects of their lives.  

Mostly high school age and young adults, but I have been getting requests from parents who want to take better pictures of their kids playing sports, which is one of my specialities.  

I always like seeing a student react to an actual, printed photo.  An image on a screen does not compare to an actual print of a photo the student has created and can now see in a tangible and touchable fashion.  

Make sure to vette your photography teacher.  Ask for samples of his or her work.  Meet them in person in a public place and trust your instincts.  Various teachers have various styles and you may not be compatible with some.  

Just as I insist on meeting both the future bride and groom before offering them a wedding contract, the same idea applies to photography instruction.  You MUST be comfortable with the person you choose, and confident that they can actually teach.  Some can teach, but can't take good photos.  Other can take amazing photos but can't tell you how they do it.  

I can do both.  I can teach you, and I can capture great images and so will you should you choose me as your instructor.   

What is my main goal?

What are my resources (equipment, time)? 

How much time am I willing to dedicate to learning this craft?

Is this to help with my hobby, or am I considering pursuing a career in the visual arts?

Am I willing to put in the work necessary to feel that the money spent was value returned? 

Finally, what am I willing to spend compared to what I expect in return?  Am I willing to pay more for a competent and experienced instructor, or would I be satisfied with someone who just started doing photography and have decided to start a photo business?

It is a balancing act to find good value for your time and money.  Good instructors will give you the best return on your investment, and you will gain valuable insight that will give you a solid photographic foundation that will allow you to pursue new digital challenges as your passion desires.