join me with a broader photo community in an engaging learning ENVIRONMENT
Group education
classes, workshops, meet-upsLeading photography classes and workshops from small (2-3) to large (100+) since 2006. Reach out if you'd like to talk about setting up a custom class for your group. Keep scrolling to learn more about class options. Or follow the link to see what type of opportunities are coming up soon near you.
"I enjoyed The relaxed, non confrontational atmosphere. Constructive, but kind criticism. Pleasant and very knowledgabel insturctor. Fun people to laugh and socialize with. I appreciate how positive and encouraging you are to students."
–Laura Pounders
a few Available Topics
The Creative Eye
Some say that a person "has the eye" for taking great photos. It's true that some have a natural talent for creating interesting and impactful images, but composition is a skill that can be learned and improved upon. We will cover time-tested principles of design and creativity, but will go well beyond "the rule of thirds". These lessons can apply to most forms of photography, as well as many other visual art forms. This presentation can be adapted to various all levels of photographers and artists with any type of camera.
Lens Choice
Lens choice can dramatically affect the look of your images and at times can be an important factor overlooked when beginning to learn photography.
We’ll explore:
• different types of lenses
• focal length
• aperture settings based on lens
• primary use of lens types
• creative styles
• compression and expansion
This presentation will include a variety of subject matter and can be adapted from beginner to advanced levels.
Digital Photography Technique
Learn what it takes to become a photographer by building a strong foundation of the principles of photography. We can cover techniques from the beginning essential skills to more advanced, creative, and nuanced.
CAMERA OVERVIEW AND FUNCTION
Learn your camera's specific functions and tools to become a more efficient photographer. I am proficient in Sony, Nikon, Fuji, and Canon systems as well as familiar with many more.
PHOTOGRAPHY SOFTWARE
Most software can be daunting when first approached. Develop a clear understanding and simple approach to workflow, image enhancements, archiving, and more through software such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom Classic, Topaz, Apple Photos and others.
ALL THINGS MAC
Being able to use you computer and smartphones more efficiently will translate into a better workflow for your photography and overall joy of using those devices. Plus it can simply lesson the day to day stress in life and potentially open up channels of creativity. With over 20 years Apple Mac experience I can help you with MacBook, iMac, and iPhone setup and usage.
Portfolio Reviews
One of the most effective ways to learn how to improve your photography is to allow others to review and critique your work. I've been on both sides of critiques since 2001 and can help facilitate group or individual critique sessions.
...and more
For nearly two decades, I've developed dozens of different styles of classes and workshops on various topics. Check out what's already on the events schedule or reach out to talk about customizing a class for your group.
Why trust me as your educator?
Photo by Marcus Rachard
Experience
Teaching quickly became a passion of mine during college while assisting fellow students as the photography darkroom's lab monitor from 2003-2004. In 2006, I began teaching formal classes for Bedford Camera & Video. Over the past 18+ years I've taught hundreds of classes and workshops to thousands of students for various businesses, schools, clubs, private organizations, and families across 9 states and counting.
Student applying Alex's lesson.
patience
We all start somewhere and learn at our own pace. My experience teaching across broad demographics, from 7 year old kids to nearly 90 year old seniors, has strengthened my ability to adapt to the audience, be patient, and teach at an effective pace for the group. Photography is a craft that teaches patient and fortunately for me that skill has led to becoming a better educator.
Image by Tyler Beck
honesty
I'm a forever student and try to learn something new everyday. With growing maturity I've become not shy or embarrassed to admit when I don’t know the answer or when I'm wrong. You won’t get iffy infomation based on ego. If I can’t provide the answer, I am resourceful and will get you what you need.
Self Portrait at Meow Wolf - NM
fun factor
Teaching is one of my greatest passions and it will show! I love for my group classes to be dynamic conversations to create the most engaging learning environment possible. One of my many goals is to continue to facilitate strengthening the photo community and inspire others to live a creatively fulfilled, engaging, and fun life.
"Leap Into Sony" 2024 event hosted by Bedford Camera & Video with instructors Sony Artisan, Patrick Murphy-Racey, Tony Hebert, Tony Krup, and myself. Lots of fun and lots of learning! Image by Brandon Jennings