Full Auto Photography Academy
About
If you can pour a beverage, you can understand the principles of photography. I’m for you if you don’t give a f-stop about making a million dollars as a professional and just want to feel successful, shoot like a pro, whip your camera’s butt at photography, get better prints, and get the kind of genuine compliments you’ve always wanted.
My training is for you if you want to stop confusion about what settings to use, feel confident you can come back with amazing images, stop being frustrated with photography, and stop feeling like your gear is inferior (because it probably isn’t).
I’ll show you what I’ve learned in 11 years as a full-time professional who won peer-judged photojournalism awards (for an actual newspaper, not some meaninglessness online contest you pay to win), and how you can use the secrets I learned to your advantage. I can also show you what I call “pocket knife” photography, the ability to find or create light and portraits in almost any conditions, any location.
Photography shouldn't be a complete mystery. I enjoy illuminating the secrets, techniques and skills that will help you understand how professionals make amazing images consistently so you can do the same for yourself, whether you want to make money or just hang better pictures on your walls.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Due to my limited schedule and to ensure attendence, I prefer online-only sessions via a video chat service like Skype or Zoom, which are free programs. First, tell me a bit about yourself, your gear, and what your top goals are. I’ll recommend a plan for our first session. For some subjects, like portraiture, it's best to meet in person, in which case it will be harder to schedule a session with me. While I can cover Canon and Sony, I specialize in Nikon and fundamentals. I don't cover any camera-specific information for Fuji or Panasonic. I don't do film photography.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I'm currently an instructor at a camera store and have tutored numerous clients on subjects ranging from real estate photography to camera basics. In over 28 years of photography, my subjects have ranged from state governor to majestic Alaskan landscapes, and so much in between. During my 6 years as a newspaper photojournalist I received Wisconsin Newspaper Association awards for photography, writing and design. Following that I began wedding, event and freelance photography, which I've been doing since 2012. I’ve trained with some of the best photographers in the world and teach in a non-scientific way so that you can master the fundamentals and take your photography to the next level.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$50 per hour for online sessions + $10 to record your session for playback + tax
$150 for two hours of on-location sessions (2-hr minimum)
$80 per additional hour of on-location sessions after the first two
Travel included in Dodge County, WI, only
Extra travel fee to be agreed upon for clients outside of Dodge County, WI
How did you get started teaching?
I offered to do a presentation on Lightroom for a local photography club and everyone enjoyed the experience, so I kept developing content.
What types of students have you worked with?
I work mostly with beginners who are struggling with a particular aspect or type of photography, from blurry images to portraits and understanding more about light, controls, the equipment.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Check the experience of the person offering instruction. I’m happy to provide more information and my background including examples.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Think about what you’re struggling with when you’re shooting, what problems you want to solve and what you want to get out of your photography.