NOTE: If you plan on teaching your own lessons or currently teach any photography related subjects to others, you may NOT sign up for my lessons or workshops. Lesson information is copyright protected and for use of the student only. In other words, it is not to be used (in part or full) for anything other than advancing your own photography work. thanks 
One-on-One Custom Lessons
VISIT MY Lessons & Workshop WEB SITE for additional information!
About 4 years ago I began taking my photography a lot more seriously. I wanted to take my photographs to the next level but wasn’t really sure how to go about doing that. I purchased my first DSLR Canon camera + some basic photo editing software from Adobe and Corel and started to experiment all on my own. Oh my, I had no idea what was in store. Learning how to transform a standard photo into a work of art fascinated me…and within months, I was officially hooked! I joined various photo contest sites, participated in some of their forums, made many photographer friends and photo taking quickly became part of my daily routine. Years later, I would upgrade my equipment (several times) add news lenses, camera bodies, more advanced software, a web site and start taking clients of my own. I have won many contests, published work, judged international photo contests and have fabulous clients booked weeks in advance. Just over a year ago, emails started pouring in to my inbox from photographers asking me to share my techniques and teach lessons online. So…the newest part of my business is offering lessons + workshops to those who want to learn. Teaching comes natural to me and I love watching others succeed. I graduated from U of M with a degree in arts, education and politics- and currently hold a secondary teaching certificate.
Helping you learn is something I am eager to do! I am not sure how long I will offer lessons because my time is limited with client sessions BUT I am committed to trying it out for the entire year and seeing where it goes from there. I totally understand that each person is coming from a unique vantage point- with different skill levels, interests and available resources. Lets face it, there are tons of tutorials, books and Cd’s out there that are available for people who want to learn! What makes taking lessons with me any different? I interact with you- really look at your portfolio and know where you are coming from- I am here to answer questions and help- plus, I thoroughly evaluate the work you submit. If its not done “right”- thats OK! We can try again until you understand it. One lesson usually averages about 5 email exchanges- ask as many questions as you need to.
Like my portrait sessions, my lessons are custom. Send me a note using the Contact form above and we can schedule your lesson today.
Basic Info:
Availability: currently accepting limited March, April and May openings
Frequency: One lesson per week (appx. 3-5 hours of work)
Lesson Type: Self-Paced, with guidance
Subjects Offered: See list below (or suggest one of your own)
Works for: Corel, PSE ( Photo Shop Elements), PSCS2, PSCS3, PSCS4. Layers are a key tool used in ALL software mentioned.
Who’s it for? Beginners to Business owners. Level of difficulty can be increased with skill level demonstration.
How does it work?
Each lesson consists of 3 segments. (this is a very basic way of breaking it down)
- I send a lesson to you via email. It has specific instructions & an assignment to complete within the week.
- You may ask any questions via email. Then you simply complete the lesson assignment and send it back to me.
- I evaluate the finished lesson and provide recommendations / feedback to you. Strengths and weaknesses will be assessed. Final revisions will be requested.
List of Lesson Topics
*1- Portfolio Review: your work base is analzyed in depth (web site, contest galleries, individual images, etc…) and I suggest a list of lessons you could benefit most from taking. In addition, I provide a summary of findings and suggest an exercise to improve in at least one of your areas of weakness.
*2- Basic Tools and how to operate Layers: required for any student who has not worked with Layers in the past. A basic understanding of Layers is needed for all other photo editing lessons.
3- Close up Portrait Retouching
4- Applying Artistic Texture to an image
5- Eyes, Emotion & Expression
6- Composition and Posing
7- Frames within a frame, naturally framing your subject
8- Finding the WOW Factor using bold color and unique composition
9- Story telling and Impact for Dramatic Photography
10- Natural light/Shadow use
11- Creative Perspective and Compositions
12- Fantasty/ Digital Art
13- Dramatic, moody editing
14- Special color toning and conversions
15- Maximizing the use of custom locations/ using creative vision
16- High Key black and white portraits
17- Composite work
18- Basic marketing strategies for beginners
19- Storyboards, collages, applying text to images
20- Photoshop 101 (your BRAND new to photo editing)
21- How to do well in photo contests
22- Learning your camera settings (in manual mode)
23- Artistic Silhouettes: camera settings, posing and post processing
24- Capturing beautiful sun flare: camera settings and post processing
… and I take custom requests.
Price List
Individual- $150, 3-pack $375, 5-pack $575, 9-pack $975
*Note: significant savings applies when you purchase the larger lesson packs !
I have worked with over a dozen students this year and am happy to provide some references, if desired. Also, feel free to visit my Main Web Site lesson & workshop section which houses a gallery of some completed student work.
What are they saying?
Check out the comment box below to read what some photographers who have already taken them have to say! VISIT MY WEB SITE for more testimonials!
9 Comments
Worth every penny. I purchased 3 lessons and am looking forward to purchasing more.
Jennifer is an artist in her own right, and an awesome photographer. She couples that with a hands-on approach to teaching. She adapts the lessons to your experience level. Even though I’m just a beginner, she never made me feel awkward about asking a question – or asking for more direction. Instead, she encourages you ~ challenges you ~ and makes you want to learn even more.
If you’re looking for one-on-one, self-tailored, photography lessons – look no further than Jennifer Alder. She’s the best at what she does!
I thoroughly enjoyed Jennifer’s online lesson! I was at a point that something was missing in my pictures but couldn’t quite place my finger on it. I was seeing a wonderful change in my friend’s pictures on Facebook and Betterphoto and she told me that she was taking online lessons from Jennifer. I wanted to see the same impact in my pictures so I signed up. I am so glad I did, Jennifer’s lesson was very easy to understand and the goals were well laid out. She was quick to respond to any questions I had and her feedback was very positive and constructive. Jennifer’s lessons opened my eyes to see what I wanted to convey in my images and make sure I bring that through in the final image. I highly recommend her lessons! Sometimes we need a lot of help or just a little push in the right direction; whichever you need, Jennifer can help you get there!
I must admit that I came to Jen many months ago as a HUGE fan, but also as a bit of a skeptic as to how much I would get for my money. I had only purchased one lesson because I didn’t want to invest my money into something I knew nothing about. I never told her that, but I guess now she knows.
When I had looked into lessons there wasn’t this amazing area full of testimonials and there wasn’t a spot on her website with examples of lesson images done by others. I was taking her word for it that she would be able to pass on some of that magic that she uses to create what she does.
My very first lesson was on using textures in photos. Not only did it show me how to do just that, but it opened up a whole new world of using layers to have creative power over my work. Never did I think that I had so many choices as to what and how to change select parts of an image. It honestly changed my whole outlook on photography as an art form. I just knew I had to have more lessons!
So….many months down the road I had the money to buy the largest pak of lessons that she offers. I have now had 9 lessons with Jen and I wouldn’t take it back for the world. My husband ,who knows very little about photography, has even noticed the drastic change in my work. Without Jen’s guidance, inspiration, and wisdom I would never have reached this level. I’ve even started to find my own style in some areas of editing which is a feat in and of itself. It’s like trying to write a song without getting a song that’s already out there stuck in your head. I’ve been able to do it because of Jen!
I only have one more lesson with Jen before my pak runs out, but I’ll always have the priceless knowledge that she has passed on to me. There will always be a little bit of Jen in my photos!
If you are considering lessons on editing/photography, I say look no further and jump at the opportunity to work with such a gifted person. Jen has a passion for teaching that is as great as her passion for photography if not greater! Don’t put off the start of a glorious journey! :~)
~*~Thank You Jen~*~
I’ve been inspired by Jennifer’s artistic images for a long time! I was so thrilled when she decided to give one-on-one lessons. I had very little knowledge about layers and textures; when I purchased the 3 lesson package. I’m so glad I did! Each lesson was prepared for my level of skill in an easy to understand format…I was amazed with my work after my very first lesson! There is no question to big or small, just ask– Jennifer will provide an honest and positive answer. My work has dramatically improved after the three lessons. I enjoyed my one-on-one lessons and I do plan on more lessons in the near future!
Thanks so much, Jennifer!!
Jennifer is Amazing!
I truly enjoyed learning from her and look forward to future lessons. I recommend her lessons to anyone that has a desire to expand their photography and editing skills.
With Jennifer’s friendly and knowledgeable approach to teaching I was finally able to understood layers and I am also able to work with textures.
Thank you so much!!!
Neldene
I did nine lessons with Jennifer. She is an amazing teacher and artist! We as photographers, who are always trying to improve our craft are very fortunate to have someone like Jennifer who is willing to teach us and share her artistic abilities. If you have a vision and can explain it – Jennifer will get you there!
Hi Jennifer….
I have long admired your portrait work and I’d love to take some lessons. I have taken several courses on BetterPhoto…some were better than others, and I also have used Scott Kelby’s videos for portrait retouching. Most of his information is great, but no one really teaches how to do eyes. At any rate I don’t really know which lesson I would/should start with. I really want very personal training and would certainly be willing to pay extra for that rather than just get lessons sent by e-mail and then be left trying to figure them out. I know I can ask questions at any time, and maybe this would work but I certainly, and specifically want to learn how to create that wonderful eye detail that you have in your images along with adding texture, on and on. I love photography but my primary interest in in portraits. I don’t have any plans now or in the future of making a business out of it, but rather just love doing this on a small personal basis for family (we have a huge family) and friends. I do know how to work in layers, but I think I’m doing it in such a way as to make it more difficult. I am mostly self taught, and I think I’ve come a long way in a couple years, but I strive to grow much more. I was thrilled to see you offer lessons, and only by clicking on your blog did I realize it! I have seven grandchildren and their parents, my kids, have come to depend on me for pictures. So, let me know what you think…where I might start, etc. I am willing to take as many classes as I need as long as I am learning…I love learning!
Thanks in advance…
Sandy Hawkins
I wanted to know what a pack includes for some reason my computer is slow to your website
i am looking to help with pscs3 and 4 i will have 5 soon.I just had a new grandchild and i want to take his pictures and make them look good, also my neice is a senior this yr and she want me to take her senior pic
thanks for the help if you can Erin Gibbons.
Hi Erin-
A pack includes a set amount of lessons. They are one-on-one, topic of your choice, and are sent via email. I will send more info to your yahoo email. thanks!