Learn photography one-on-one with a working pro
Personalized photography lessons for beginners through advanced shooters. Tailored to your camera, your goals, and your pace — in person on the SF Peninsula, or live online via Zoom or Google Meet from anywhere in the country.
In person in Menlo Park, at your location, or live online via Zoom or Google Meet
Meet Bruce
A quick intro to who I am, how I teach, and what you can expect from a session.
What you'll learn
A complete curriculum, pulled from a decade of real client work. We start wherever you are and build a custom plan around the areas you most want to grow.
Camera Fundamentals
Light, shutter speed, aperture, and ISO — the four levers behind every photo.
Manual Mode Mastery
Take full creative control of your camera in any lighting situation.
Creative Composition
The rules pros use to make a frame feel intentional — and when to break them.
Dynamic Lighting & Flash
On-camera and off-camera flash technique, plus natural and mixed light.
Stability and Precision
Tripod technique, hand-holding form, and getting tack-sharp images every time.
Digital Workflow
Organize, back up, and find any photo from any shoot — in seconds, not hours.
Lightroom & Photoshop
From basic raw processing to advanced retouching, color grading, and compositing.
Panoramic & HDR
Capture and stitch wide landscapes, plus exposure blending for high-contrast scenes.
Genre Specialization
Pick your focus: portrait, landscape, real estate, food, or something else entirely.
Three ways to learn
Pick the format that fits your schedule and learning style.
Online
Live one-on-one over video. Perfect if you live outside the Bay Area or just prefer learning from your own desk.
$99/hr
At Bruce's Studio
Meet in Menlo Park for hands-on instruction with full studio equipment available.
$99/hr
At Your Location
I'll come to you — your home or a public spot within 10 miles of Menlo Park.
$99/hr + $25 travel
Travel sessions are available within 10 miles of Menlo Park for a flat $25 fee.
Simple pricing
Pay per hour, or save by buying in a pack. Packs never expire — use them whenever you're ready.
Single Hour
$99/hr
Try a session, dial in one specific skill, or follow up on an earlier lesson.
Book Single Hour5-Hour Pack
$99/hr
Build a real foundation across multiple sessions. Most popular for serious beginners.
Book 5-Hour Pack10-Hour Pack
$99/hr
Go deep — fundamentals through editing, with room to specialize in your chosen genre.
Book 10-Hour PackPay after we've agreed on a time. Reach out via the contact form to get started.
What students say
“Bruce was probably one of the best teachers I've ever had. He was on time, actually a little early, was so kind to this newb photographer and helped with every question I had and explained in such a simple way for me to truly understand. If you are looking for a teacher who will truly help you not only understand your passion but also fuel it, this is the guy for you.”
Robert
“Working with Bruce has been a game-changer for my photography journey. He's very patient, and his expertise guided me through even the most complex Lightroom and Photoshop processes. I now confidently work with my photo tools for editing and sharing my work.”
Patrick
“Bruce is an exceptional photography tutor. His patience and starting-from-scratch approach made the learning process seamless. After just one session, I found myself capturing awesome photos with newfound confidence.”
Sara
“Bruce is amazing — he was able to teach me everything I needed. He made my experience so fun that I will continue lessons beyond my primary goal.”
Louis
“Vast knowledge and experience in the area. Bruce has a real gift for explaining the why behind every technique, not just the how.”
John
About Bruce
I've been shooting professionally for over a decade and tutoring photography for nearly as long. My day job is in software, which shapes how I teach — I break complex concepts down into the smallest piece that makes them click, then build from there. Whether you're trying to figure out manual mode for the first time or you're a working photographer wanting to level up your editing, I'll meet you where you are.
Read more about Bruce →Frequently asked
Quick answers to the questions students ask most often.
Do you teach photography lessons online?
Yes — about half my students learn entirely remotely. Lessons run over Zoom or Google Meet, and I'm flexible on timezone. We can share Lightroom catalogs back and forth, do live screen sharing, and tackle anything we'd cover in person except holding the camera for you.
Are these lessons good for complete beginners?
Absolutely. Most of my students start at "I just bought my first camera" or "I want to take better iPhone photos." The first lesson is always a fit call — I figure out what you already know, what your goal is, and we build a custom plan from there.
What gear do I need to start?
Anything that takes a picture — DSLR, mirrorless, point-and-shoot, or just an iPhone. I'll teach to the camera you have, then make a recommendation if you're ready to upgrade. I don't push gear.
Do you teach iPhone photography?
Yes. Phone photography is a real craft and ProRAW + the manual app ecosystem rivals entry-level cameras. We can cover composition, lighting, editing in Lightroom Mobile, and getting natural-looking portraits from a phone.
How long is a typical lesson?
Most lessons are 60 minutes. Some students prefer 90 minutes once we're deep in editing or doing field practice. You pay per hour and we'll find the rhythm that fits your schedule.
Do you teach Lightroom and Photoshop?
Yes — Lightroom Classic, Lightroom CC (the cloud version), and Photoshop. We cover catalog management, organization, color correction, retouching, masks, and exporting for web vs. print.
Can I do a one-time lesson, or do I have to commit to a package?
One-time is fine — $99 for a single hour, no commitment. Packs save you money if you know you want more than 3 hours, but they're optional.
Where do in-person lessons happen?
Either at my home studio on the SF Peninsula, or at your location within 10 miles for a flat $25 travel fee. Outdoor sessions in local Bay Area shoot locations are a popular option for portrait practice.
Ready to get started?
Send me a quick note about what you want to work on. We'll find a time that works and get going.
Get in Touch