About This Service

With nearly twenty years of experience as a professional agency photographer, I offer exclusive one-on-one private photography instruction to a limited number of students.

Private Lesson Series Overview

The personalized series of one-on-one classes covers the following essential topics:

• Selecting the right camera for your goals.
• Fundamental camera terminology.
• Comprehending aperture and F-stops.
• Understanding shutter speeds.
• Grasping ISO/ASA settings.
• Choosing appropriate lenses, plus practical tips for their use and maintenance.
• Studying compositional principles established by admired photographers and artists.
• Harnessing natural light effectively.
• Understanding strobe lighting techniques.
• Detailed, hands-on training in portraiture, headshots, fashion, and street photography. This includes practical demonstrations with models, actors, and subjects with compelling features.
• Building and maintaining connections with your clientele.
• Foundations for launching and growing your photography business.
• Accessing your creative vision and learning to express it through imagery.

All instruction is tailored to address your specific requirements and interests.

The private lesson series is typically scheduled for one or two sessions per week, with each class lasting between one and two hours. We arrange specific dates and times to accommodate the client\'s personal schedule and needs.

Client Testimonials

M is not merely a photography teacher; he is an instructor and a mentor deeply invested in your development and success. He emphasizes understanding not just the technical side of photography, but also composition, lighting, and the crucial connection between subject and lens. He taught me how to communicate with clients before a shoot and how to capture authentic images that reveal personality. He was consistently available for guidance, offering generous amounts of time and attention.

M teaches you how to become a photographer, not just how to take a picture. In my case, focusing on headshots, he guided me through the importance of connection and being present with whomever you are photographing. He ensured I knew how to consult with potential clients, recommend appropriate attire, find a makeup artist, direct posing, and select the strongest final images. He even assisted with choosing and sequencing photos for my website, showing genuine care for every detail.

He is a support system, teacher, mentor, and friend, providing comprehensive education in all aspects essential to being a skilled headshot and portrait photographer, as well as a considerate professional throughout the entire process. His passion, concern, and patience are dedicated to helping you reach a point where you can work independently with integrity and talent. -Stephanie A.

I began with very little knowledge of photography—I couldn\'t even take a good picture with my phone. After acquiring a used camera, my initial attempts were poor. I sought help but found no one with the time or expertise. Online tutorials left me confused and with many unanswered questions.

Finding M was a tremendous blessing. He responded promptly to my inquiry, explaining his teaching methods and curriculum. When I asked if I needed a better camera, he kindly and correctly stated, \"It\'s not the camera!\"—a vital truth for any aspiring photographer.

As an in-person learner, my first session with M was revelatory, highlighting many of my mistakes. We started with the fundamentals, and I took extensive notes. Regular weekly attendance in the beginning is crucial for retaining knowledge and practicing effectively.

I learned technical elements like ISO, shutter speed, aperture, Photoshop, and Lightroom, along with necessary equipment and its application. I also gained significant non-technical knowledge regarding composition, framing, emotion, client relations, contracts, and what constitutes a great image.

He provides practical assignments; completing them is essential, as everything connects to make you a better photographer. M then reviews your work, respectfully pointing out areas for improvement and explaining how to enhance your skills. This feedback was invaluable for my desire to learn correctly.

While my initial interest was automotive photography, thanks to M, I now feel confident shooting anything—people, objects, portraits, landscapes. I enjoy photographing everything today. I learned far more than I expected, and my confidence soared. I progressed from a complete amateur to a semi-professional standard because of M. I still have more to learn and will keep practicing, but I could not have made this journey without him. -Chris C.