About
My mission is to promote creativity for my students through inspiring classes which teach you the technical as well as the creative aspects of photography. I have been teaching people of all ages and skill levels striving to personalize the content that you are seeking to fit your personal needs. I have been practicing photography since 1984 and have a Master of Fine Arts degree from The University of New Mexico. I have been instructing students since 1997, both independently and at The Southwest School of Art, The Art Institute of San Antonio, and San Antonio Community College. Whether you want to become a professional photographer or just take great photographs for fun I can help you reach your goals.
I have enjoyed making Fine Art Photography since 1984 but I am also skilled in all types of photography. But I also love to teach and see the light turn on in the minds of my students when they begin to grow in their skills.
Specialties
Interest in additional skills
Student's age
Experience level
Photography type
Reviews
Sherman V.
Megan S.
Jennifer M.
Donna V.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Upon contact with the student we will work out a meeting place and time that is convenient for both of us and then we get to work. I like to give the student what they need to best push them forward in their learning.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Master of Fine Arts and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of New Mexico. I have been practicing photography since 1984 and am skilled in traditional wet photography and digital photography. I have been teaching for 22 years and have taught photography on the college level as well as to children of all ages.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge $40.00 per hour or $75.00 for two hours. In my 22 years of teaching photography I have learned that one hour usually is not enough time and over 3 hours the students start to lose their focus. However, I will always work with the time schedule that the students want to do.
How did you get started teaching?
I was working as a travel agent training other individual and that is when that I was born to teach and have a natural skill for passing on information to students. So, I took my love of photography and began to teach.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with individuals of various ages from 8 to 92 years. Both individuals who are striving to become professionals, those who are earning a degree and students who just want to make better photographs.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
One of my students in my Learning to See Creatively class told me that the class had opened her mind and has freed her to make the art she wants to make.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for an instructor who has the skills in photography but also has the skill to teach. The phrase “Those who can do and those who can’t teach” is not accurate. Only a few are skilled at passing on what they know in a concise and understanding way. A teacher must really know the information and then also be skilled in passing it on where the students are able to comprehend it and are motivated to use it.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Students should begin to think about what they want to learn now and then contemplate where they envision going with their skills (even though that will certainly change.) They should know what kind of camera they have or what kind of camera they want to purchase. Also, truly think about the amount of time you have available to dedicate to your work so that the teacher can work with you to fit it into your lifestyle.