There is an endless supply of information out there about doing photography, but little, if any, about figuring out who you ARE as a photographer.
There is a difference between doing photography and being a photographer, just as there is a difference between writing and being a writer, or playing the guitar and being a musician.
Many of you have heard about the rule of thirds, leading lines, framing, the importance of light and lighting, etc., etc. Those are the tactics of photography … and they’re the same for everyone.
The reason two photographers – standing right next to each other – will make different pictures of the same subject isn’t because their tactics are different, it’s because they are different.
Becoming a photographer isn’t about learning a bunch of tricks. It’s about getting in touch with the things that actually make you tick and putting THOSE things into your pictures.
It’d be great if you could learn that on YouTube or an online course … but you can’t.
You need a mentor … someone who will give you 1-on-1 feedback and input based on who you are and who you are striving to be as a photographer.
Yes, it’s important to know composition and lighting tactics and how your camera works … and I will help you with those.
But if you really want to enjoy photography in a deep, personal way, you must be able to blend the tactics of photography (which are universal) with the things that are unique to you as an individual.
In 2022, I will be inviting people into a very small group in which I will guide you on your personal development journey as a photographer.
I can assure you it will be unlike anything you have experienced … at least when it comes to learning photography.
If you like the idea of working personally with me, and are willing to really commit to your journey as a photographer, click the button below and let me know you’d like to be considered for this first-ever (and possibly once-only) opportunity.
I am limiting this group to no more than 20 students.
So, if you’re interested, let me know and I’ll share more information about what you can expect.
“After each day of shooting, we'd review my work. Mark is a patient teacher who made me feel he cared about me getting better. His feedback was clear and specific to ensure I made progress and understood what he was teaching me.”
--Philip M., Community Advocate, Nonprofit (Toronto)
Frequently Asked Questions
— Photo Mentoring + Education —
There are soooooo many photography videos on YouTube. What’s the difference between learning photography from you vs. learning on YouTube videos?
My FAVORITE question!!
You’re right, there is a TON of information out there – good and bad – about cameras, lenses, lighting, composition, and so on.
Those are things you do in photography. I teach my students what it is to be a photographer.
Learning about guitars, chords and finger-picking may improve your guitar playing, but it won’t make you a musician.
And, learning how to spell, construct sentences, and use word processing software won’t make you a writer.
The same is true in photography.
And, just to be clear, when I talk about “being” a photographer, I’m talking about how you approach photography … overall. How you think … your individual process for creating pictures. Those are the things that make your pictures yours, and that is what being a photographer is all about.
What makes your content different from the dozens of other photography courses?
That’s simple … it’s the kind of feedback you get. Feedback … the right kind of feedback is essential to your growth as a photographer.
Most photography courses teaching skills - lighting, composition, time-lapse, etc. Those are skills that teach you about getting particular looks in your photos, BUT … how do you know when or why to use one skill over another … and when not to use them?
Knowing that critical piece is what distinguishes a person who takes pictures from a photographer.
Imagine having a process that makes consistently better and more personal photographs an inevitability! That is how professionals work, and it is where the joy in photography is found. And, helping you discover your individual process is the #1 thing that makes this different from any other photography course.
When will your photo education courses be available?
I actually don’t have a plan yet for a course, but rather a membership community that I will work with personally in a mentoring format. I can’t wait to introduce you to this new, more effective, more personal way to learn photography and grow as a photographer!
