1. What kind of tuition do you want?

I offer two types of private tuition in creative photography and related techniques:

• In-person classes, workshops and photo-walks

• Online tuition in digital editing and retouching

The former are held at my home studio/garden or at nearby locations, within practical travelling range. Online classes, on the other hand, are location-independent.

Practical photography classes can focus on a variety of specialities and subjects including portraits (of various kinds: individuals, couples, pets, family groups etc.), landscapes, wildlife, architecture and street photography.

You can, of course, combine the two – so your photography class is followed by a digital editing tutorial – and you may either sign up for 1-1 classes, or join a group.

2. What kind of gear will you need?

Whatever kind of camera you own, it is always possible to learn how to make the most of it. That said, some of the images you may aspire to create can only be captured if you have access to the right kind of equipment. For wildlife photography, for example, either a telephoto lens or a macro lens (for close-up shots of insects etc.), or both, would be highly desirable.

This is why I offer prospective students an initial, free consultation before signing up for my photography classes. Although I can give impartial advice on purchasing cameras, lenses and other items, I usually recommend renting photography equipment in the first instance – as a means of gaining experience and learning new skills without the need to invest large amounts of money.

For my digital editing classes, a subscription to Adobe Photoshop is an essential requirement. I can work with and demonstrate the use of a number of additional tools and plug-ins, which students may or may not wish to try out for themselves.

3. What factors determine the cost of private tuition?

Just as you’ll find in the case of my photography and digital editing services, I like to my pricing system for private tuition as simple as possible.

It depends on three factors:

• My basic fee for in person and online classes (1-1, or solo)

• Special discounts, which may reduce this fee…

• Various optional extras, which may add to it!

The next three questions address each of these considerations, in turn.

3. How much will my classes cost?

My current basic rates for individual tuition classes are as follows:

• 1-1 Photography classes (in person): £30 per hour (minimum, 1 hour)

• 1-1 Digital editing classes (online): £20 per hour (minimum, 1 hour)

I advise students to book at least one trial lesson, at these rates, before booking a course of lessons – which attracts a discount. If you’d rather join a group of students, my rates for group-classes are as follows:

• Photography classes (in person): £30 per hour (minimum, 1 hour)

• Digital editing classes (online): £20 per hour (minimum, 1 hour)

4. Would you like a special discount?

I offer discounts to customers who are willing to do me one or more of the following favors:

• For photography classes, travel to me, or to a nearby location.

• Book photography and digital editing classes together.

• After your initial trial lessons, book a course of ten or more lessons, in advance.

• Combine private tuition with another service, such as digital editing or a family photoshoot.

Just one of these favors gives you a 10% discount on your basic fee; two gives you 15% and three or more is 20%.

* I plan to announce details of group-classes shortly, in Half-Decent News. Scroll down to subscribe!

5. Would you like any optional extras?

Optional extras apply especially to practical photography classes, and involve special arrangements and resources which can make your classes much more fun, whilst adding significantly to the valuable experience, knowledge and skill you can gain from them.

• Equipment hire – allowing you to practice with expensive cameras and lenses

• Model hire – giving you the chance to work with a professional model

• Studio hire – giving you access to all the facilities of a high-end photographic studio

• Special Locations – travelling to spectacular settings for your photography class!

Of course, I can’t set a standard price for special arrangements like these, but if you let me know what you’d like to do, I can easily quote you a price.