Teaching
I am available for post-processing and landscape photography instruction. This can be individual lessons, image reviews, coaching sessions, or more formal talks and classes for a group audience. We can meet either in person (greater San Diego area) or online with video conferencing software. I tailor my teaching to your specific needs so please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions and would like to discuss this further.
Personalized Instruction
Learn all aspects of landscape photography ranging from photography fundamentals, developing a vision and style, to advanced post-processing methods. Tailored to your level whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced photographer.
Coaching
No matter where you are in the world, I can help you improve your photography through online coaching. This is a long-term relationship where we talk regularly to discuss what you want to achieve, the problems you are facing, and how to overcome them.
Portfolio & Image Review
Ever wonder why your images are not having as much impact as they could have? Or perhaps your submissions are getting rejected from competitions and galleries. I'll help you identify how your images could be improved and also how you can achieve a coherent voice in your work.
Talks & Classes
I'm available for talks and to teach classes on a wide variety of photography topics ranging from personal growth to in-depth workshops. These can range from lectures to demonstrations to hands-on sessions with exercises for students to work through. Material is tailored to the background of the attendees.
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Why Learn with Stephen?
I have been involved with teaching for my entire adult life and I'm thrilled with the opportunity to share my photographic knowledge and expertise. It's extremely satisfying and inspiring to see your students progress and start producing amazing work. I can look back and say that I helped them on their journey.
I'm patient and easy-going. I think it's important to use a mix of teaching methods, although I tend to prefer hands-on learning and have students actually try the technique I'm demonstrating. It's one thing to see how a method works on a well-groomed example, it's another to try it yourself for the first time and run into all kind of issues.
Finally, I'm always learning myself and testing out new approaches and methods. In photography there's almost always multiple ways to achieve a goal. I experiment with each method and test them to understand the pros and cons. Personally, I tend to be pragmatic and switch my approach based on what makes sense for the given situation. There's no such thing as there being just one right way to do something.
What Students Are Saying
"Fantastic seminar. From a wannabe photoshop user who's managed to start her journey and have some features that I'm definitely looking forward to using. Before the seminar I opened photoshop and didn't know what to do or how. Now I can open it and start. Feeling empowered and ready to play productively" — Phyllis S.
"I wanted to thank you again for doing a great job on the online workshop for Sierra Photo Club. I definitely gained some depth in Photoshop from your presentation and used some new techniques on a photo of mine. I am very impressed with the extent of your knowledge of PS." — Mark O.
"Excellent class. You did a great job clearly explaining all aspects of astrophotography. This class has been one of the best photo classes I've ever taken. Thank you!" — Patti B.
"Thank you so much for the rewarding webinar and sharing the recording and slides. It is one of the best webinars I have attended in a long time. Perfectly paced. Great content. My husband and I watched it together and he said, 'Next time PPS has a trip to do Milky Way, let's go.' He hardly ever wants to go to things like this. Great compliment to you. Thank you for sharing your expertise." — Mary L.
"Really great. Nicely organized & presented. A lot of complicated info given in a very easy way to understand. Thank you!" — Danny P.
"Thank you ever so much for all your work! Your efforts have enlightened me in regards to hopefully, successfully, gaining an awesome Milky Way Image in the not too distant future!" — Pam C.
"Great class, well organized, clear & concise! Very well done! Thank you" — Tanya S.
"I am new to photography but you have inspired me!" — Tracey S.
"Nicely done, Stephen! Thank you. You really covered a good range of topics, and you blended methods well from examples, practical tips, apps & software, and equipment" — Cheri P.
"Fantastic amount of information clearly given in a short amount of time -- would love a longer workshop" — Judy D.
"Very informative. The concepts & processes were clearly explained" — Dawn A.
Upcoming Events
- Entering the San Diego Fair Photo Competition, Light Chasers, George's Camera (3/21)
- Introduction to Milky Way Photography, Darkroomers Photo Club, Balboa Park (5/31)
- Photographing the Moon, San Diego Fair (6/17), 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
- The ABCs of Digital Printing, San Diego Fair (6/17), 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Past Workshops & Lectures
- Milky Way and Landscape Astrophotography, San Diego County Fair (6/11/22)
- Achieving your Vision in Landscape Photography, San Diego County Fair (6/12/21), video replay
- My Journey in Landscape Astrophotography, Darkroomers Photo Club (6/2/21)
- The Basics of Milky Way Photography, video replay available (4/25/20)
- Beyond Lightroom: Maximizing Your Images in Photoshop, Rancho Bernardo (4/4/20)
- Preparing your Images for Competition: Review Session, Light Chasers Photo Club (3/1/20)
- Landscape Photography: Roadmap & Post-Processing, San Diego Fair (6/23/19)
- Milky Way and Landscape Astrophotography, San Diego Fair (6/16/19)
- Landscape Photography: Planning to Post-Processing, San Diego Fair (7/1/18)
- Landscape Photography, Sierra Club Photo Section (6/21/18)
- Tips for Photographers Panel, San Diego Fair (6/20/18)
- Landscape Photography and Post-Processing Techniques, Light Chasers workshop (2/3/18, 2/10/18 & 2/11/18)
