Six years experience - I still remember the confusion and difficulty I had when I bought my first digital camera. This gives me the advantage of understanding problems from a beginner's point of view while also knowing different ways of overcoming those problems. In those six years I have come to enjoy all aspects of photography. I've led field trips, given a workshop on framing, provided a station for portrait workshops, started the LPA's Friday Night Discussion Group, written articles for the LPA's Newsletter, developed my own photography web site, drafted an online class for beginning photography, and participated in many other related activities.
Extensive study in many technical and creative aspects of photography - Being an engineer my technical curiosity has helped me understand how digital cameras are constructed, how they operate, and the software that goes into them. I've read many books, online discussions, and tutorials about digital photography. Subjects I've studied and practiced include lighting (available and artificial), landscapes, portraiture, macro, photo-journalism, action, architecture, and nature. I've also studied a wide range of photographs in order to understand how they were created and what was appealing about them. As a philosopher I've contemplated photography from the perspective of "why."
Certified CA Substitute Teacher and a Math Tutor - My study and experience as both a substitute teacher and math tutor help me understand the needs and anxieties of students and the different ways of approaching subject material. I recently homeschooled my grandaughter through 7th grade giving me experience teaching a wide range of subjects with one-on-one instruction and organizing the learning experience.
B.S. in Engineering, M.S. in Computer Information Systems - My degree in engineering helps me understand the design, construction, and function of digital cameras and their accessories. It also helps me understand the physics of light and how it's perceived by the human eye. My degree in CIS helps me to understand the software products used by camera makers and photographers. It also helps me understand digital image filing, classification, storage, and security.
I have both the knowledge and skill to provide beginning photographers the fundamentals they need to learn their cameras, get started taking photos, and to quickly become productive. I also offer help with personal planning, budgeting, and preparing for your experience in photography. My schedule is flexible and my fee is only $20/hr (groups and special situations negotiable).