Weeks 1–3 · The triangle
Aperture, shutter, ISO — and why each one costs you something.
The programs, in detail
Four programs of 8 to 12 weeks, each built around weekly shooting assignments and written reviews of your work.
Program 01 · Get off auto
Camera & light
Manual mode takes about two weeks to learn. Seeing light takes longer and matters more. We cover the settings quickly, then spend most of the program on light: where it comes from, what it does to a face, and why the same scene looks different at 5 p.m.
Weeks 4–6 · Seeing light
Direction, quality and color of light, practiced daily.
Weeks 7–9 · Composition
Framing, layers and what to leave out.
Weeks 10–12 · A series
Ten photos that hang together instead of ten unrelated shots.
Weeks 1–3 · Light on a face
Window light, shade and backlight, one setup at a time.
Weeks 4–6 · Directing
Simple instructions that work with people who feel awkward.
Weeks 7–8 · Groups
Couples and families without the stiff lineup.
Weeks 9–10 · A full session
Planning and shooting a complete portrait session.
Program 02 · Photograph people well
Portraits & people
Good portraits are more about the person than the camera. We work on directing non-models, on the three light setups you can find in almost any home or street, and on the small talk that gets someone's shoulders to drop.
Program 03 · Finish your photos
Editing & color
Most photos are made twice: once in camera and once on screen. We build a repeatable editing workflow, work on color that stays believable, and get you to a consistent look across a whole set instead of one lucky edit.
Weeks 1–2 · Workflow
Importing, culling and never losing a file again.
Weeks 3–4 · The basics
Exposure, contrast and white balance on raw files.
Weeks 5–6 · Color
Skin tones, color grading and knowing when to stop.
Weeks 7–8 · Consistency
One look applied across a full set of images.
Weeks 1–2 · The cut
Twelve photos that show one photographer, not five.
Weeks 3–4 · Pricing
What a session actually costs you, and what to charge.
Weeks 5–6 · Inquiries
Replying fast, qualifying, and booking without discounting.
Weeks 7–8 · Delivery
Galleries, turnaround times and getting referrals.
Program 04 · Charge for your work
Paid work & portfolio
For photographers ready to take paying work. We cut the portfolio hard, write pricing that covers your real costs, and rehearse the inquiry-to-booking conversation. We'll point you to a contract template, but a lawyer should review anything you actually sign.
Want a straight opinion on your photos?
Twenty-five minutes, free: send your best six and hear what's actually holding them back.