Your photography journey starts here
I love photography because it reminds me to be present. In such a fast-paced world, it can be easy to forget to stop and consider all of the beautiful things that surround us every day. Light, shadow, form, texture - we can train our eyes to start noticing and appreciating the world around us.
Learning to take photos well, however, can feel a bit daunting. I get it. When I first picked up a camera back in high school, I had no idea where to begin! For the past few years, I have been teaching others the craft and creativity of taking photos.
At the moment, I offer three ways to learn from me:
- Digital Photography for Beginners - group classes in which I share my experience and passion for visual storytelling with you in an accessible, fun, and easy-to-follow manner. (In-Person, 8-weeks).
- 1:1 Mentoring Sessions - I offer a few limited spots throughout the year to learn from me in a 1:1 setting. Most of these cover the same curriculum as the beginner group class, but it offers greater student-teacher interaction and the instruction can be modified to better cater to the students learning style, speed, and interests. (Hybrid, 8-weeks).
- Field Sessions - these are one-off 45-minute sessions in which you can learn some basic camera functions and start to take photos "in the filed" with me. (In-Person/On-location in Whakatane).
Coming Soon: Digital Photography for Beginners (Online Cohort)
This will follow the same curriculum as the in-person class, but with pre-recorded sessions accessed online, along with weekly feedback, and an online group for peer interaction.
“I loved John's style. He is so passionate about the content and it shows. It makes learning it enjoyable. I liked most that there were frequent opportunities to ask questions if needed through the material delivered, that way you don't feel you have to wait until the end to ask a question and possibly forget it.”
Digital Photography for Beginners - In-Person Group Classes
Next Cohort: Spring 2026 start date TBA
- This class is ideal for amateur photographers looking to gain foundational knowledge in digital photography. Also great as a refresher course.
- This 8-week course for beginners focuses on a variety of topics: camera settings, learning to see, rules of composition, lighting, portraiture, and more.
- Each week you will get a home assignment to practice what we have learned in class. You will have access to a private FB group to post your work where you can give and receive feedback. There are “bonus” sessions throughout the course to get more practice with such things as astrophotography and more.
- For pricing or to register to join, please send me a message.
- These sessions will be held in-person in Whakatane. Venue to be announced.
Online Cohort Coming Soon!
1:1 Mentoring Sessions (Accepting Inquiries)
NEW: Field Sessions
For less than the cost of a Mini Shoot, you can gain 1:1 "in the field" instruction and guidance from me! Perfect for the beginner, someone who has recently bought a new camera, or someone who has not taken a photo in quite some time. This 45 minute session can look at navigating your camera, basic camera functions or getting started taking photos. ($250 NZD)
Exhibition
For my in-person students, they have the option to showcase their final projects at an exhibition! Watch this video from "In Focus" - the photography exhibition from my 2023 Digital Photography for Beginners students.
Let's Connect!
Are you interested in joining the next intake of Digital Photography for Beginners? Or do you want to be put on a waitlist for one of my upcoming offerings (online courses, the Mini Course, or 1:1 sessions)? Please feel free to reach out and let me know! I look forward to working with you.
FAQ
Who is this class for?
This class is for the amateur photographer who wants to have a strong foundation in photography basics. It can also work well as a refresher course.
Can my child attend this course?
This particular class has been designed for the adult student in mind, and we only accept adult students at this time. Some kid-friendly learning opportunities are in the works though. If that is something you might be interested in, feel free to message me to let me know!
Can I use a smartphone for this course?
You will get the most out of this class with a digital camera as we take time to learn about all of the settings, etc. Former students have taken this course with a smartphone, though, and used the knowledge gained from this class when purchasing a camera later.
What is not covered in this course?
As this course is for beginners, we do not get into editing/post-processing or flash photography. Those topics require more time, in my opinion, and could the subject of future courses.