The Photo Guru
About
I have been a photography educator at the university level for 20 years, a commercial photographer for over 30 years, and a fine art photographer for over 20 years. My commercial photography has included wedding, portraiture, corporate/industrial, advertising, fashion, product, editorial, and documentary work. My fine art work has been displayed in over 150 groups and solo shows worldwide.
As a university professor I was the Chair of two photography programs. My teaching has included all aspects of digital and film photography. Classes taught have included Basic Photography, Lighting, History of Photography, Photoshop, Digital Image Illustration, Portfolio, Documentary, Photojournalism, Business of Photography, Large Format Photography, Lightroom, Digital Printing, Studio Photography, Architectural Photography, Medium Format Photography, Fine Art Photography, Black and White Photography, Darkroom, Advanced Black and White Printing, Alternative Processes, Advertising, Editorial Photography, Photo Criticism, Visual Media Ethics, Time-Based Media, Photographic Design, Color Management, Wedding, Portraiture, and Location Photography. I am an Adobe Certified Expert in Photoshop and Lightroom. I have taught numerous photography workshops to high school students and adults.
I hold an MFA in Photography.
Highlights
Photos and videos
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
My teaching style is based on taking large concepts and breaking them down into smaller pieces that students will learn and then practice. I believe that you should take learning at a slower pace that allows you lots of time to practice the concepts that you have learned. In that way, my teaching is very much like taking musical instrument lessons. I work to accommodate all students at any level and to challenge them, so that they will progress. I have mentored hundreds of students from hobbyists to ones that have gone one to become professional photographers. I believe in the mentoring process.
Students should have a good DSLR or Mirrorless camera to obtain the fullest from my lessons, but anyone at any level, with any equipment can learn and improve their work.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
20+ years of experience as a commercial photography, fine art photographer, and photography educator.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$60/hr
How did you get started teaching?
I bgan teaching will I was in graduate school and found that I really liked it and that I was good at communicating and supporting students.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with all types of students from degree seekers to hobbyists to professionals. Ages have ranged from 9 - 85 years old.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I always enjoy teaching beginning photography workshops because I am passionate about photography and I want to get students excited about it and headed down the right path. I know the best ways to train students on an individual level, to support them, and to help them to grow their skills.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Students should look for a good teacher who is also a good photographer. You should find someone who knows how to teach and has extensive experience doing so. Just because someone can photograph, that does not mean that they can teach well. I have trained as an educator, and still do, and have taught at the university level for 20 years. My methods produce results and students enjoy the learning process with me.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Students should be clear about what path they want to take, or if they are unsure, then a good instructor can help them get started. I work with students on their level and for their particular needs, whether they just want to develop some skills to photograph their friends and family, or they want to pursue a career as a professional. I want to help everyone attain their goals.