Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the questions I am frequently asked about my workshops:

  1. If I don't turn up can I come on another date?
    Your registration is for a particular date. If you do not show up, or do not cancel according to the published terms and conditions, you will have used your registration.
  2. Do you teach minors?
    My workshops are aimed at adults over the age of 18. For my own protection, I choose not to teach minors.
  3. Most of your current workshops are outdoors. What if it rains?
    Some workshops can be moved under cover from rain. If not, you will be issued with a voucher to reschedule at your convenience. Extra dates are usually added to the calendar for cancelled workshops, which happen rarely.
  4. Can I pay by credit card over the phone?
    Yes. I can take your workshop registration over the phone when I am available to do so. but registering online is preferred.
  5. Can I pay on the day of the workshop?
    I used to accept payment when people showed up at the workshop. Guess what happened? People signed up for workshops and then never showed up on the day. As workshops are often full, someone else was denied a place. All payments now need to be made at the time of registration.
  6. Can I cancel my workshop registration?
    Yes, you can cancel within the period stated by the terms and conditions.
  7. Can I cancel my private lesson appointment?
    Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the start of the lesson. 
  8. Can I bring models to my private lesson?
    That depends. If your lesson is a portrait lesson, then I encourage you to bring your own model. If your lesson is on DSLR techniques, I don't recommend models as you will find them distracting from the subject of the lesson. If you want me to attend one of your commercial shoots, then please refer to my rates for this service.
  9. Do I need to bring a tripod?
    We only make use of tripods on specific night and macro photography sessions.
  10. My camera isn't a DSLR. Is that ok?
    There's no doubt that a DSLR gives you lots of advantages when it comes to creating images. If your point-and-shoot camera is fully adjustable in that you can set shutter speed and aperture independently, then you can still learn a lot from the workshops. Mirrorless cameras are fine, as they are just like a DSLR without the mirror. These days, smartphone cameras are getting so sophisticated, that I offer lessons with iPhones in mind.
  11. Which lenses should I bring?
    If you have a dslr, bring any lenses you wish, but try to have at least one that goes to 50mm. An 18-55mm zoom would be fine, for example.
  12. I haven't heard where the workshop is. When will I know?
    Most are in Balboa Park. I send out workshop meeting instructions when you register. So, if you haven't heard from me please check your spam email folder. If you can't find the email, please contact me!
  13. Where are workshops held?
    Depending on the workshop subject we move around, but I try to keep the majority around Balboa Park. Some take place in the studio and some are classroom based.
  14. How long are the workshops?
    I try to keep each session to two hours. In that way, I believe you will retain most of the information, especially if you do the practice assignments.
  15. Can I book individual lessons?
    Yes, no problem. See the section on the site. If you want to bring a friend, the second person is half price. Phone me to arrange a date, time, and place. You can pay by cash or check at the time of the lesson.
  16. Can I have a lesson at my home?
    Most of my workshops take place in Balboa Park or at the studio, but if we can schedule it there is no problem. Please note that there is an additional charge for giving a lesson at home.
  17. I'm a total beginner. Will I be lost?
    No! We all start somewhere and many of my workshops are for you.
  18. I don't have a camera manual. Is it a problem?
    No.
  19. Do you teach traditional film photography?
    No. I no longer use film nor do I have a darkroom. However, there is an excellent b/w film curriculum at City College, San Diego.
  20. Can I purchase a gift certificate?
    Yes. I have several types of gift certificate.
  21. I am a model. Can I have a job?
    22. I engage paid models for my workshops on an as-needed basis. If you wish to be considered, please send a recent photo and details of any modelling experience.
  22. Can I contact your students to do a photo session for me?
    Saying you're looking for professional photography for free and would one of my students do your wedding or commercial pictures for their portfolio does not get my attention. There are plenty of aspiring photographers on Craigslist who can answer your needs, remembering, of course, that you get what you pay for.