unique learning
I offer exclusive one on one photography mentoring to help working photographers of all levels to find their way. My goal as a mentor is to empower others with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed in the world of commercial photography.
As a working photographer of more than 15 years I believe we require a balance of technical and creative skills combined with a strong ethical foundation.
Whether you are just starting out or established and looking to take your work to the next level, I am dedicated to providing a supportive and dynamic learning environment that fosters creativity and growth.
I’ve been tutoring photographers since 2013, and currently a mentor for the NZIPP. I completed my second degree (first was in Biochemistry Hons) majoring in photography at the age of 47 with academic excellence in 2022. I’m now in my 15th year as a successful commercial photographer.
I impart the following lessons, insights and subjects to my students.
technical skills
Understanding the fundamentals of photography such as aperture, shutter speed, ISO, composition, lighting, and exposure is vital. I’m skilled in both digital and analog photography so can help with all aspects of getting the very best out of gear.
building a website, portfolio and online presence
Prior to working as a photographer I was a website and graphic designer for close to a decade. I’ve helped many students create a meaningful online brand that converts to sales, and putting their best foot forward when it comes to standing out from the photography crowd online.
I help students discover what genre suits them best as a commercial image maker, and then provide the support to build a solid high quality portfolio to validate their skills to interested clients- and Google.
mastering portraiture
Understanding how to work with subjects to achieve the best outcomes for the project or brief is a real skill. I help to establish a clear process, with the best technical elements and posing to help students capture engaging commercial portraits.
studio/ on location lighting
My studio / on location support is kept really simple with a single light most of the time- as from my experience this is all you need as a commercial photographer to light your subjects or scene.
My goal is for learners to master the introduced ‘single lighting’ foundations and direct subjects to brief in the studio and on location – both inside or out.
project management
I help photographers to develop the skills necessary and utilise software to plan, execute a successful range of both commercial and personal photographic projects. Every successful project requires planning.
critique and feedback
Constructive criticism and feedback of process and outcomes is a vital part of the learning journey, and offer a safe space for discussion and personal growth.
style
A key to ‘making it’ as a working photographer is to discover and develop an individual style that will bring work to life. Finding this unique ‘visual voice’ that’s inside every student, and then being able to help explore it as a creative process is my goal.
Encouraging students to think outside the box, and to experiment and push boundaries to create unique and captivating images is key.
post-processing
Utilising software to enhance and transform images, while also showing the importance of keeping post-processing minimal and inline with a style is my goal. It’s best to be known for consistency in post over trends and gimmicks. Leave that for the amateurs.
ethics
Ethical considerations related to working as a photographer, such as obtaining consent from subjects, avoiding misrepresentation, and avoiding exploitation is an important aspect of my mentoring. It’s best to start out strong with a good honest practice and a professional attitude.
business skills
Getting more work is simple- you apply tried tested marketing methodologies to your business process. That side of working as a photographer is best developed with a marketing company.
What I offer is guidance on how to turn photography into a profitable venture, work life balance, pricing and client management.
shadowing me on photoshoots
Observing and learning from my photographic process during a commercial or personal shoot is an option. This can offer valuable insight into my technical and creative process ‘on the job’. This cost effective experience can help aspiring or experienced photographers improve their skills in lighting, camera settings, composition, and working with commercial subjects and teams. This method of learning is only available in Christchurch.
pricing
Pricing is $250 + GST per hour and takes place at my central Christchurch studio or your studio/ home. Each topic on average will take two hours minimum.
Shadowing me on jobs is priced at $350 + GST per hour. On average this will take two hours minimum.
I also offer learning via Skype- and this is priced at $200 + GST per hour. On average this will take two hours minimum.
Email me to talk more about how I can help.
