About
I believe my work speaks for itself and that you know you will be taught by a very experienced and dedicated photographer. I have been a professional photographer since 2000, and I run a very successful photography business as well as owning and operating an on-line photography prop shop. I am very well versed in all aspects of digital photography, and the post production it requires. I am adamant about composition and post production, both of which can make or break an image. I have been teaching photographers from all over the world for the past eight years (you can read their reviews on my website at www.laurielphotography.com). I was the key note speaker for the Newborn Photography Conference in Brazil in April of 2014. (Other speakers have been Ana Brandt and Brittney Woodall who were speakers in 2015 and 2016).
I am passionate about working with pregnant moms and newborns. I see it as a blessing and complete compliment that they choose me to capture such an amazing time in their lives! But my favorite part is the post production. I am an artist, and this is where I can use my talents completely! Post production can truly make or break an image. Believe me, those incredibly beautiful portraits don't come out of the camera looking like that. It is a true talent to create incredible heirloom images that take your breath away! And...best of all...the emotions that come from my clients as they look at their pictures. There's nothing more rewarding than watching a client with tears of joy and admiration when looking at their pictures!
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I will contact you to talk about what YOU want to learn. Everyone is at a different level in their photography skills, and I want to assure that I am covering the things that will help get you to where you want to be. I am comfortable working with whatever level you are at...from a beginner to an advanced photographer. I will then find out if you want me to come to you, or if you want to come to my studio where I have everything right there to teach you (and is what I recommend). For my speciality training (Maternity and Newborn), I ask that my clients bring their own models to their class. If you are simply interested in learning your camera, or Photoshop, or the business side of running your business...you only need bring your camera. We will then set a date, payment will be collected, and I will send out your confirmation email which will cover everything we discussed!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am actually completely self-taught... and have been self educating for almost 20 years. I am very good at learning things on my own. I stay up-to-date on what's happening in the industry and make sure my business thrives by doing so. I have taught photographers from all over the world, and spoken internationally. I can assure you, I am well educated!
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
For those who are just developing their photography skills, I offer a 1:1, hands-on 2-hour session for $50. This class will give you the basic skills needed to use your DSLR in manual mode and get great pictures. We will shoot together and I will explain the 'how and why's' of using your camera. I will also explain the difference between natural light and studio lighting and why one or the other would work for what you want to shoot.
For those who want a more advanced class, such as learning studio lighting and/or natural light, I offer a two-hour hands-on session for $100. I do ask that you bring a model/friend to photograph for your session. Each additional hour is $50, so you can decide how much you want to learn based on your budget.
For people who want to learn the fine art of maternity and/or newborn photography, I will train you to capture amazing, professional images here in my studio. My rate is $500 for the day. You provide your model(s), and I provide everything else. I have all lighting and props available for your use. This is my speciality, and I have been doing it for twenty years, and teaching it for 8 years.
Photoshop training is essential for today's digital photography. My fee is $200 for four hours, and is geared toward retouching maternity and newborn images, although we can cover whatever you'd like. I've been using Photoshop for over 25 years, and teaching it for 10 years.
Please know that these training fees for Lessons.com are seperate from those listed on my website, and are specialy priced at a lower rate.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching about 10 years ago when I saw the industry beginning to grow at a pretty fast rate. There were so many people who wanted to be photographers, but who needed training and guidance. The passion was there, but not the quality images. I was able to offer what they needed, and have trained literally hundreads of photographers to date!
What types of students have you worked with?
My students range from very beginners to advanced photographers who want to enhance their skill level. Some want to master studio lighting, and others want to learn about shooting in natural light. They want to have a thriving business, making a decent living doing photography. They want to learn Photoshop (which is super important in todays digital world), and how to run their business successfully. Again, I have had students from all over the world, and everyone is different. My classes are tailored to what YOU want to learn.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Most of all, I believe you should find a teacher who's work you love. Who's work you look at and say, "I want to be able to create that." Look for someone who can teach any at any level you may need. Someone who is compassionate about their work, and loves to share their knowledge.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
How long have they been a Professional photographer?
How long have they been teaching photography?
Do they photograph what YOU are wanting to learn to photograph? (Not many photographers are good at every genre.)
Are they close enough to travel to.
Is their pricing within your budget.
Will they teach what YOU want to learn.
Can they cover multiple aspects of what you want to learn... such as both the photography side, as well as the post production side.
Do they have a studio and access to equipment you want to learn.
Do they understand studio lighting well? (If you want to learn studio.)
Do they understand natural lighting well? (If you want to learn natural light)