Why PRIVATE CLASSES?
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn”
LET’S FACE IT - YOU’RE AN ARTIST
I believe that if you have imagination, a sense of wonder, tap your feet to music, and have an appreciation of Art in any of its forms, then you’re intrinsically artistic. Whether or not you have the dexterity and flair to produce something tangible that your mind has conjured up is another matter - but largely a practical one when it comes to photography.
If like me, you’re passionate about Nature, being out on the land, adventurous and somewhat fearless, the life of a Scenic Photographer is endlessly rewarding. Spiritually and physically. We get to see some stunningly beautiful moments in complete tranquility. Capturing those scenes with our camera or smartphone allows us to reflect on them far more intensely than by simply closing our eyes and reminiscing. The pictures add depth, detail and color to fond memories that can become fuzzy as the years pass. Photography also gifts us with the joy of sharing those moments with others to marvel at.
Painters, sculptors and other artisans really are in a class of their own. They captivate us with their individuality, inspire us, and toy with our emotions. Often with a mere brushstroke. They dream things up and make them out of stone, mix pigments and use all sorts of other media, which today also includes digital media. So while traditional artistes may scoff at the thought of photographers as artists - we are. Whether an urban scene, live model shoot, sports event or a sunset, photographers have a fraction of a second to capture the subject with technical perfection. That takes some skill.
I also believe that technical perfection is important. Why? Because it broadens the color palette and tonal range available to us in Post Processing. The more we can get right “in camera”, the less time we need to spend fixing problems with the image afterwards, and we also end up with a far greater percentage of frames that are usable. The more proficient we are at pre-setting our cameras to a shutter speed and aperture that is “about right” before a live shoot, the less messing around we have to do on location, and the more relaxed we are when it matters. Post Processing then becomes the happy place where we style the frames with our personal interpretation.
Whether you’re a Social Media’ist, Hobbyist, Specialist or just feel like trying your hand at photography while visiting Sedona, my ambition is to help you learn the techniques to allow your creativity to flow with consistency and confidence for a lifetime.
We set a pace that works for you.
You select from an array of enchanting locations in Sedona, Flagstaff and Jerome for the fieldwork.
We’ll plan the shoot together, and I’ll direct you in framing your vision cohesively.
We work on your images, and you are given individualized homework after each session.
You’ll instill foundational skillsets and develop planning, image management and processing workflows that will change your creative life.
You’ll learn how to take the shot regardless of conditions, and will never panic on location again.
You’ll leave Sedona enlightened.
THERE’S NO SUBSTITUTE FOR PRIVATE INSTRUCTION
Having attended literally hundreds of workshops and conferences over the years, I found the most effective ones to be smaller, intimate groups. I came away with new knowledge that stuck, some fascinating acquaintances and an immensely richer life. I reflected on these past experiences when considering how to best impart my expertise to others who share similar passions for photography and the awesomeness of Nature.
It was clear that the workshop structure had to give students the specific education they sought in a forum in which they felt listened to, and empowered to be in control of the pace. Private instruction was the obvious way forward. After all, how else could I teach someone in a few hours what had taken years to master without giving them my full attention?
You are unique, and for that reason the class structure allows you to mix and match modules as you see fit. We then take a collaborative approach to create a logical flow to your program, building in flexibility that allows you to spend as much time as necessary on the areas that you struggle to grasp at first.
DISTINGUISH WHICH CLASSES ARE RIGHT FOR YOU
There are a LOT of Classes, because there’s a LOT to learn. For the more complex field and processing techniques, such as astrophotography and focus stacking, my recommendation is that you allow plenty of time for practice and re-shoots before you move onto the next subject. It’s the surest way to retain your newly found knowledge.
HOW THIS WORKS
Email me with a list of the class modules you’re interested in, a few photos of your work, and your thoughts on where you’d like to take your photography. If you have an Instagram account - provide me with the link so I can see your variety.
We’ll schedule a FREE video or voice call to gauge your experience level.
We estimate how many hours or days you should allow to learn your chosen syllabus.
You decide whether to book classes individually over a period of time, or block book a retreat for a few days on location in Red Rock Country.
So YOU determine the cost. It’s purely based on the complexity of the module, your existing skillset and how quickly you learn.
