Here're some words, on Yelp, from a photographer I worked with remotely.

Steven R.
Baltimore, MD

5/16/2023

"I attended a virtual online introduction Photography class to understand my camera and receive basic instructions so I can "get out" of the pre-set modes on my camera. I gained a lot of insight on the usage of my DLSR. Although virtual, Sam created a welcoming and receptive environment, responding effectively to my many questions. He was patient, straight forward, and easy to talk to. He is my type of teacher. I would suggest to others to give him a try; I don't think anyone will be disappointed! Two thumbs up on the course! Thanks Sam!"

I worked with Steven this past mid-May.

We spoke a few times over the phone. He filled out the  Photography and Camera Operation Test and Photography and  Instruction Strategy Questionnaire.

And after I took a good look at the forms he filled out, we spoke one more time to clarify what he wanted to get out of the lesson and scheduled our meeting.

Of course, I appreciate getting feedback like this.

It lets me know I'm delivering on what I said I'd deliver.

Steve got what he wanted out of the class, and most of what people had to say about me on Yelp echoed Steve's comments. 

But there's a couple of reviews of me on Yelp that ain't so rosy.

And I appreciate getting feedback like this too. 

Of course, I respond to all reviews in an appropriate manner. 

And using those reviews, If my approach to teaching a class is lacking, I can adjust my instruction to tighten up my way of teaching. 

But there's some people I can't do anything for. 

For example, if they have questions about a class and don't speak with me before registering for a class. Or If they decide to bail on the class after the first meeting and don't even give the rest of the course a chance.  

I get it if someone doesn't like the way I teach. 

Most people I work with seem to like how I teach, but some don't. 

And while I can easily change what I teach, It's the way I teach that sets me apart from other teachers. 

And the way I teach is as much of who I am as the way I think and communicate. This isn't going to change. 

It's what sets me apart from other places to learn photography and teachers.  

If you want to call it my "style," that's fine.

But I get it if someone doesn't like the way I teach.

Some people will like how I teach, and some won't. 

There's a lesson to learn here about our photography studies and practice.  

We can easily change what we photograph.

But It's the way we photograph that sets us apart from other photographers. To be clear, I'm talking about the unique way we think about what we see and then uniquely express that with our camera. I'm not talking about our ability to operate a camera effectively. That may need some changing toward getting better at it. 

The way we photograph is as much of who we are as the way we think and communicate. This isn't a good thing to change.  

It's what sets our images apart and sets us apart from other photographers 

If we want to call it our "style," that's fine.

Some people will like our photographs, and some won't. 

The lesson is that we can't please everyone if we're going to be truthfully distinctive, truly who we are as photographers in what we do.

And if we try to please others, we lose the uniqueness in our work that makes us the outstanding photographers we already are.

Don't forget about the holiday sale, the free books, and upcoming classes. 

Keep scrolling to see this stuff. 

From now until July 4, you’ll pay $275.00 when registering for any Introduction to Photography class. That’s a $75.00 savings off the usual cost of  $350.00. Spaces are limited to five. So, reserve your spot now.

There's not on-sale classes listed below.