How can private photography lessons help you?

Key takeaways

• Private photography lessons provide a personalized learning curriculum, which is ideal for those seeking to develop specific skills. 
• One-on-one instruction guarantees undivided attention, making it easier to identify the strengths and weaknesses of an aspiring photographer and learn accordingly. 
• You have the option to customize your learning schedule as per your requirements, and this guarantee of flexibility makes private lessons an attractive option. 
• Targeted skill development in private photography lessons can help you develop expertise in your area of interest, such as composition, lighting, flash photography, post-processing, and so on.
• However, private photography classes are not for everyone, especially for those just testing the field or those with budget constraints. 

Photography is a simple yet difficult form of art. To an outsider, it is as simple as picking up a camera and clicking a button. But to a photographer, it is about capturing moments, telling a story, conveying emotions, and so much more. To some, the ability to do so may come naturally, and they may even be good at using digital technologies needed to capture stunning visuals, but others may struggle to bring their vision to life through a digital camera. That is where private photography lessons can help you. 

In this guide, we discuss what private photography classes entail, who they are ideal for, and the benefits they present for aspiring photographers. Regardless of whether you want to pursue photography as a hobby or a passion, expert guidance can help you become the best possible photographer. 

What do private photography lessons entail?

Private photography lessons offer a range of exercises and resources, along with expert guidance to help you develop the expertise you want to develop. Photography as a field is vast and offers a wealth of diverse opportunities in different niche areas. 

Moreover, if you want to pursue photography professionally and use the skill as an income source, you will need to develop a certain style that can differentiate you from your competitors. However, when being taught in a photography course with 50 other students in the same class and hundreds more in different batches, developing a personal style can prove challenging. 

That is where private photography lessons come into play. Here is what you can expect to learn in private photography classes. 

• Foundations of Photography 
• Camera Foundations 
• Camera Craft 
• Dynamic Exposure
• Composition – Beginner to Advanced
• Night Time Photography 
• Lighting 
• Using Flash and Lighting 
• Post Processing

Some may argue that you can learn all this through general photography classes available online, and while that is true, private photography lessons offer a wealth of advantages that other programs do not.

Advantages of private photography classes

When it comes to selecting colleges and universities for an education in a field heavily reliant on practical application or skills such as photography, the best program is one that offers individualized attention to each student. It is essential that the instructor takes their time to assess each student’s skill level, strengths, their weak points and identify areas for improvement as per their career aspirations. 

You can only get that in a private photography lesson, which is their first and major advantage. Secondly, you benefit from a tailored learning curriculum. You no longer have to sit through lectures on skills and techniques that you already know. You can focus on learning what really matters and what you actually want to learn. This brings us to our third advantage. 

You save a ton of time through private photography classes. Moreover, not having to pay for additional hours of learning or revising general or non-relevant photography lessons, you also get a better value for money by engaging in target skill development only. 

Additionally, you get direct feedback and guidance, mostly in real time. Which not only increases engagement, but also reduces chances of error. You learn through guided hands-on-experience learning opportunities, all of which provide a holistic learning experience. 

Lastly, students enrolled in private photography classes enjoy greater flexibility as the entire learning curriculum and timeline are devised to suit their needs. They do not have to cater to the needs of other students in their class, which is a major advantage. 

Cons of private photography lessons

Even though a personalized learning curriculum is a great option for students serious about learning a skill, it may not be the best option for everyone for multiple reasons. Firstly, private lessons are quite costly as you will be the primary student and cost-bearer. In general courses with multiple students, the cost is divided between multiple students, proving a more affordable option. 

Secondly, it can be an isolating learning experience. Photography is a creative skill, and for many, creativity is inspired by which socializing is considered essential. Moreover, classroom interaction, discussion, and engagement allow the exchange of ideas, which broadens one’s horizons. In private photography lessons, the ideas shared and concepts developed are somewhat limited. 

Thirdly, the personalized learning curriculum means a narrower scope of learning. You will not get to explore new photography styles and techniques outside of your niche, which can feel limiting and repetitive. If you want to explore as much as possible, a general photography course may be ideal. 

Private lessons vs general photography courses

Whether you want to pick up photography as a hobby or want to develop a skill you can earn from, getting an formal education in digital photography is the right way to go. However, choosing which type of classes to enroll in and where to enroll is a major consideration. Cities such as New York and Los Angeles have a very different photography market than smaller cities such as Carmel in Indiana or Lexington in Massachusetts. 

If you want to pursue fashion photography, you should choose to study and work in fashion hubs to explore learning and employment opportunities. If you want to explore Wildlife photography, you can explore classes and internships in Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming, where there is the Yellowstone National Park, or other national parks and Wildlife preserves. This way, you will find it easier to access work opportunities in your niche, allowing you to build a portfolio easily. 

But now the question arises of which type of photography courses to pursue. Should you opt for private lessons or general courses with other students? Here is an outline of what each type of class entails to help you make the decision. 

Who should consider getting private lessons in photography?

As mentioned earlier, private photography lessons come with hefty price tags and may not be the ideal choice for everyone. This brings us to the main question: who should pursue private photography classes? Now, there is no right or wrong answer here, as what may be right for one aspiring photographer may not be right for the other. At the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preferences and requirements. But here, the following may benefit more from individualized learning plans than general ones. 

• Beginners wanting to learn it all from scratch
• Individuals struggling with a specific issue
• Those who want to develop a particular skill
• Students that prefer one-on-one teaching module
• Those seeking to build a strong portfolio
• Working professionals unable to find a program that suits their needs.
• Individuals who want to take charge of their learning schedule. 

Private lessons may not be ideal for:

• Beginners are just testing the field before deciding whether to commit to it or not. 
• Individuals who are seeking socializing opportunities in their learning curriculum. 
• Those who have budget constraints or are seeking a more affordable option. 
• Individuals unwilling to commit a significant amount of time as private lessons entail several hours of learning. 
• Those who love to explore are more inclined toward self-directed learning or learning through experimentation. 

How to apply for private photography lessons?

If private photography lessons interest you, there are a couple of ways you can find ones that are right for you. However, before you start exploring private photography lessons, make sure you list your requirements beforehand, as it will make the selection process a lot easier. Here is how you can find a private photography instructor to suit your needs.

1. Explore private schools
2. Look into independent photographers who offer private lessons
3. Search online learning platforms such as Coursera and Skillshare. 
4. Shortlist potential instructors.
5. Assess their teaching styles, work experience, and market reputation.
6. Reach out to them, and make sure to mention your specific interests and learning goals. 

Here are a few recommended private photography classes you can explore. 

1. Scott Davenport Photography –  Online
2. Alan Ranger Photography – Online 
3. Mike Brown Photography – In-person
4. The Los Angeles Center of Photography – Private Instruction

Enroll in private photography lessons for personalized training!

If you want to learn photography fast and high education cost is not a problem, you can opt for private photography lessons. Through one-on-one instruction, you can benefit from undivided attention, learn at your own pace, and develop the skills you aspire to. Moreover, you can benefit from hands-on learning opportunities and build a professional portfolio in your niche, making you eligible for a variety of career opportunities. 

With the professional training you receive in your private photography lessons, you become eligible for a variety of job opportunities. You can either pursue a career as a freelance photographer or seek out formal employment in the photography industry. You can even start your own photography business. The choices are endless!