Learn photography one-on-one with a working pro
Personalized photography lessons for beginners through advanced shooters, taught by a working photographer of over a decade. 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
Raw processing, Lightroom masking and brushes, then Photoshop layers, layer masks, retouching, 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, and you get the recording afterward. Perfect if you live outside the Bay Area or just prefer learning from your own desk.
$99/hr
In the Menlo Park Area
Meet in person at a local spot around Menlo Park. We pick the place together based on what you want to practice.
$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.
Students under 18: a parent or guardian stays present for the session, in person or on video.
Simple pricing
Pay per hour, or save by buying in a pack. Use your hours any time within 12 months of purchase.
Single Hour
$99/hr
Try a session, dial in one specific skill, or follow up on an earlier lesson.
Book Single Hour5-Hour Pack
$94/hrSave 5%
Build a real foundation across multiple sessions. Most popular for serious beginners.
Book 5-Hour Pack10-Hour Pack
$89/hrSave 10%
Go deep — fundamentals through editing, with room to specialize in your chosen genre.
Book 10-Hour PackWhat 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), Camera Raw, and Photoshop. We cover catalog management and migration, organization, color correction, retouching, layers, layer masks, blending modes, dodging and burning, and exporting for web vs. print.
Can you teach me Photoshop layers and layer masks?
Yes, and it's one of the most requested topics. We work in your own files, not a canned demo: layers and layer groups, layer masks, blending modes, adjustment layers, dodging and burning, frequency separation for skin, and compositing multiple frames into one. You drive the mouse while I talk you through it over screen share, which is what makes it stick.
What can you teach me in Lightroom?
Masking and the brush tools, radial and linear gradients, AI select subject and select sky, color grading, tone curves, presets, and catalog organization or migration. Bring your own catalog and we'll edit your photographs during the lesson rather than watching demonstrations.
Do I get a recording of the lesson?
Yes, for online lessons. I record the Zoom session to the cloud and send you the link afterward, so you can rewatch the exact steps we went through instead of trying to remember them.
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 are cheaper per hour: 5 hours for $470 (save 5%) or 10 hours for $890 (save 10%). Hours are valid for one year from purchase.
Where do in-person lessons happen?
In person around Menlo Park at a local spot we pick together, 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