About
I’ve been a photographer now for over 50 years and originally educated at FIT-JBC in Jensen Beach, FL. I then completed my education with a BFA in Communication Arts at NYIT, Old Westbury on Long Island.
Over the years I have worked in many aspects of the photography industry as a wedding photographer, family portrait photographer, advertising, Nikon specialist in retail, and an educator in SC, GA, TX, and in FL teaching the basic fundamentals of photography.
I have taught basic photography on the continuing adult education level in junior college classrooms although I most enjoy teaching in one on one situations in order to avoid distraction and make the best experience for my students. I absolutely love to work with fledgling Photographers and see them grow in their skills and competency right before my eyes. You’ll find that I am easy to get along with and I can be very flexible in my scheduling. I “play well others” because I like to make this fun and I want you to enjoy yourself
I’ve found that most of my students really require only a few sessions to become comfortable, confident and up and running with their equipment. So please check with me to ensure that there are no previous commitments conflicts. I hope you will allow me to be your instructor and I look forward to hearing from you.
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Mike S.
Mike S.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
As a lot of students are intimidated by their equipment and photography in general, I try to take a calming approach with a relaxed demeanor. We will usually talk about what their photographic interests and goals might be. If they're uncertain then I might suggest looking thru books and periodicals to find images that appeal to them and think about what it is that grabs them. Then I would examine their camera and explain the various components and their functions. Then I'd let them handle it and ask questions.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I first learned photography from friends in high school thru picking their brains and trial and error. When I entered college in pursuit of a degree, i found that my major (oceanography and environmental science) required that i take a basic photography course. This was really my first formal photo instruction and I had the bug! Over the next two years I took every photo course and independent study that was offered. Unfortunately, I was ahead of my time as the school was still a few years away from actually offering a photo degree program. Still, I did manage to get a great education in photography.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge $65/lesson paid in cash. Lessons last on average 60-90 minutes.
How did you get started teaching?
I was living Georgetown,SC overseeng my mother's home which was being put up for sale when I saw that Horry-Georgetown Technical College was offering photography classes. So looking for something to do and some photo people to hang out with, I signed up for a class. Well, it didn't take long to realize I was already way ahead of the curve and my classmates started gravitating towards me because of my experience. When it became known to the administration, I was invited to head another section of the same basic photo clsss next semestar
What types of students have you worked with?
Mostly college-age students and adults looking to learn in an informal, comfortable environment.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I spent a few weeks in Florida over Christmas and New Years and got together with an old school friend that I had not seen in over 40 years. It was a really fun reunion!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Contact them and tell them about yourself. Tell them what prompted you to seek a professional tutor. Find out if they have a speciaty. Tell them what you are you trying to accomplish and what your interests and goals are. See if there's a chemstry between you and them and that you might be a good fit together.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
"What are my goals in photography; what is it that interests me?" "How does my camera actually work and how can I make the most of what I've got?" "How difficult is this going to be?"
My intention is to have you learn the basics of photography. While it's good to have an area of interest, a particular genre or style, that will come in time.
I also do not teach Photoshop or darkroom techniques because working in a traditional darkroom is all but obsolete and extinct,
Photoshop is way beyond the beginners or novice level and is a complete course entirely and I have neither resources, qualications, or ability to teach it. My personal belief is that one should try their best to make everything as good as they can in the camera right off the bat and avoid any dramas after that. Just keep things simple.