“ It was quite hands-on. If there was anything that wasn't understood, the instructor took time to go over it again until everyone in class understood. The instructor explained things simply, which made technical sections easier to understand. For a beginner course I think that all the important basics (and more) were covered extensively. I gained enough knowledge to be able to confidently start using my camera. ”

“ I finally know what all of the buttons on my camera mean. ”

“ So very professional!! Knew it would be informative, didn't expect it to be fun too! ”

“ I loved the way the instructor brought together all of the pieces to one big picture. So much more comprehensive than online tutorials. ”

“ I loved the hands-on assistance, visual demo, and pace of information we learned. ”

“ Peter was an awesome instructor and explained the material very well. I can't imagine improving on the class. ”

“ I was surprised at how easily the instructor was able to discuss difficult concepts. ”

“ I got a lot of value out of the section about exposure. The bit about how ISO, shutter speed and aperture are related and how to calculate a "stop" were light bulb moments for me. ”

“ This is the first photography class I have ever taken. It was a great experience. The group setting makes it a lot of fun. ”

“ The workshop was a good value for the quality of the materials and the professionalism of the staff. I would pay it again. ”

“ I liked that everything was explained conceptually and then we got to try everything out on our cameras. I'd tried reading online tutorials and this class was exponentially more helpful. ”

“ I enjoyed the pacing of the day and there was just enough information to not feel overwhelmed. ”

“ Wonderful overview of basic concepts of photography. The relationships between ISO, shutterspeed and aperture were wonderfully explained and explored. ”

“ I had not done any other investigating of how to use my camera to the fullest (I'm very impatient while reading instructions). So this was great! The instructor took the time to explain why things worked the way they do and we got to try it all out. Good to learn by doing. ”

“ Good hands-on and instruction from experts. The class is a good value. ”

“ Clear, concise and unassuming. No pretension. Everyone was on an equal playing field - I love that. ”

“ I liked the mix of technical information and hands on photos. Really good blend. ”

“ Amazing workshop! I walked in knowing nothing other than how to use auto mode and now I feel comfortable changing settings and working in the different modes. ”

“ The instructor never made me feel dumb. Good analogies. Easy to understand. Good examples. Good lunch. ”

“ Very hands-on. Within the first ten minutes I learned more about my camera than the last six months of clicking random buttons. I met a lot of cool people! ”

“ Loved the model shoot. That really helps with putting what we learned to immediate use. I'd taken some online workshops and watched videos but nothing beats in person instruction. Great class! ”

“ Lots of great info to a newbie. I've been intimidated by "f-stop," "aperture" and other terminology in the past. Peter demystified those concepts for me and sparked an interest to learn more. ”

“ Never felt overwhelmed or bored. Great use of time. ”

“ Very informal and informative. Material was presented in an easy manner to understand. For the amount of hands on practice, demonstration and information I thought the price was just right. ”

“ Excellent instructor! Good pace. I have read books, but this was the first time that the various elements of exposure "clicked" for me. I gained a good bit of confidence and a great base level of knowledge. ”

“ It was interactive, hands-on and small class size. Money well spent. ”

“ I liked the balance between learning and actual hands on shooting. I thought the material covered was detailed but not too overwhelming. Also good class size. ”

“ I liked getting the background on the technical side of how a camera works. It makes everything "stick" better. Great teacher, great pace and length so that I felt I got a really good breadth of knowledge in a relatively short course. ”

“ I enjoyed the way the instructor taught the class. It was fun and left my head spinning but in a good way. Everything was new for me. This was the first time I took pictures on my new camera. ”

“ Because I've learned so much, I am so much more confident with my camera. I felt as though I got my money's worth in the first two hours. ”

“ I had so many "ah-ha" moments where things just started to make sense. Great class! ”

“ As an educator I love how Peter explained concepts. He provided multiple ways to understand them and showed us how to correctly apply them. Class was great! ”

“ You described the technical side in a way I could understand. My attention span is quite short but I was able to stay right with you…most of the time. ”

“ I very much enjoyed getting to explore my own creativity with the photo shoot time as well as learning from what other people did to create shots. ”

“ The Lightroom demo while putting together the slideshow was really interesting! ”

“ I have watched intro classes on Lynda.com before but I gave up when I could not comprehend the difference or relationship between ISO, F-stop, shutter speed, etc. Having it explained with analogies provides the ability to relate it to concrete things for retention and greater understanding. ”

“ I loved that it started very basic and went over each button. I felt like I learned so much in just one hour. ”

“ Hands-on approach and easy to understand explanations. It makes sense now!! ”

“ It was great the way the classes progressed from history/definitions and how it affects pictures/practice. If I look at a picture and it is too bright or too dark I know what I can do to fix it and try again. ”

“ I came into this class very intimidated by my new camera. Now I'm ready to use it! ”

“ I was able to look at the perspective of others in the class on the slideshow and I finally understood the correlation between aperture, shutter speed and ISO and that helped me recreate the portrait style photos I have been wanting to take. ”

“ I wish I had this knowledge when I took my trip to Alaska last summer. I know now what I did wrong! ”

“ Peter's approach and style were great. His résumé speaks to a much larger ego but his class is down to earth and his attitude is humble. I was not talked down to, but spoken with as Peter and students worked toward increasing photographic knowledge. ”

“ Thank you for demystifying my camera! ”

“ I learned so much! The interactive class and visuals of the camera settings is really what was missing from the information I already knew. Before I knew it the day was over! ”

“ I had enough of a grasp of aperture, shutter speed and ISO to make me dangerous! It was exactly the amount of information I was looking for. ”

“ I liked that the material was presented from so many angles. Having an opportunity to take photos of models and then see what worked and what didn't was enormously helpful. ”

“ Hands on! I liked that we had models to photograph rather than still objects. Peter is also very patient and welcomes all questions. ”

“ All of the information was very helpful. I like the fact that you teach about basic stuff. You never over push your personal opinion which is good cause it depends on how people like taking pictures. ”

“ Honestly, this workshop was fantastic. I learned so much and can't wait to use everything you taught me. ”

“ I like that it was small enough that we were able to ask questions about our specific cameras. Hands on always works better for me. ”

“ It was small enough to get through a lot of material while still feeling like you could get immediate responses to your questions. The interaction and hands on learning was priceless. ”

“ The class got me over my fear of the camera and I can go back and make better use of the instructions. ”

“ Good explanations and analogies. Familiarity with my camera was very helpful. Hearing/seeing/doing is a great way to learn. Enjoyed the easy going manner, excellent facility and very helpful tips. ”

“ I've spent many hours reading online and watching videos on youtube and I feel I've wasted hours and hours. Your class was AWESOME. I've learned more today than what online reading or videos could teach. Thank you. ”

“ Great pace, organization and information. I loved the ability of getting to use the information in a shoot and seeing everyone's results. Originally I thought it may be too much information for one day but it flowed well. ”

“ I loved the hands on and the "why" aspect. It did not feel totally over my head. Serious but fun approach. Really is user friendly and something I cannot wait to explore. ”

“ Very interactive and informative. Nothing was intimidating. I was very comfortable asking questions. I learned a ton and am excited to go home and continue learning. ”

“ I feel that I learned a lot. The instructor was easy to follow and kept the whole class engaged. ”

“ Peter's teaching style works for both left or right brained people. Made it very easy to understand. ”

“ Very informative, but not boring. Peter was very personal, used metaphors for better understanding and went at a pace that was comfortable for the entire class. ”

“ Very patient, very encouraging, clear instruction and good format. ”

“ I was able to play and learn without feeling pressure of missing moments. Easy going atmosphere. Thank you Peter for your helpful attitude and non-judgemental approach. ”

“ Excellent pace, good analogies, kept it simple and Peter was very patient. I am a total begginer and now feel I have a lot to practice with to build a good foundation. ”

“ I thought the photoshoot went well, but as we went through everyone's photos, it looked great! It was really fun to see that everyone was able to take really awesome shots and understand why! ”

“ Peter is a great communicator and knows his stuff. ”

“ Best explanation I've heard yet about the elements of exposure. Multuple examples were extrememly helpful. Enjoyed having a chance to try out the techniques on models. ”

“ One of the best resources to go through in Dallas and absolutely thankful I took the time and money to take the class. Peter’s in depth knowledge and facility exceeded my expectations. I wish I had taken it earlier. ”

“ You explained everything so clearly. It was not intimidating in anyway. I learned a lot and even got some pics that I'm quite proud of today. ”

“ I am a hands on learner. It was great to be able to touch my camera and work the controls while being taught. The pace was great for me. Loved the handouts! ”

“ The pace was excellent and I felt the time to understand the camera controls and then use them was excellent. Taking pictures of models at the end really helped put everything together and reinforce concepts. I thought it was a good value for the individual time and content. Loved the personal touch! ”

“ I love Peter! He told you how everything worked in several different ways! He explained things like a 3rd grade teacher would so that you could catch on. I loved how he let you practice as he told you what to do. I have read 50 books and I still didn't get it until today. I loved that the class was informal and fun! ”

“ Very informative workshop! Better than the manual! I understand so much more about my camera. Instructor is patient and speaks to everyone's level of understanding. ”

“ The slide presentation complemented the lecture very well. It was presented in a clear and understandable language without "talking down" to us as beginners. I'm surprised about how many fantastic shots we took at the end of the class. My photos will be so much better due to this class. ”

“ Very informative and answered many of the questions I had about the camera I use. I was very pleased with the content of the workshop and how it was presented. The only surprise was how UN-boring it was. It kept me interested and had my attention all day. ”

“ I liked that the content wasn't completely overwhelming. No, I won't remember it all tomorrow but now I have a foundation to build on - something I didn't quite grasp via online videos. ”

“ Peter had an answer for every question I asked him. It's nice to get answers when you need them. ”

“ I was totally lost when I opened the manual and knew I would never be able to figure it out on my own. I now know what an F-stop is. ”

“ I liked the pace of the class and that I could ask questions (and felt comfortable doing so). I liked learning the technical stuff! ”

“ I liked how small the class was, it made it very personal and I liked the feel of the room. I was surprised that I was the only young person. ”

“ I feel like I have more questions now—but in a good way. I have enough information to want more. I’m ready to shoot for a bit and digest this, then come back for more. ”

“ I liked how it was a full day, so that many things could be covered. It was also great to learn the basics—what f-stop, shutter speed, etc. are and how they affect one another. It gives me a foundation to start with. Shooting live models was very helpful. The length and pace were good. The only thing missing was more time! I also enjoyed looking at the pictures you had taken, along with your explanations of how you took them. This helped me to tangibly see the effect of shutter, f-stop, ISO and available light. ”

“ I liked having actual people to shoot. Very clear explanation of all camera modes. Learned new functions and settings on my camera. I was surprised to get to shoot in so many different lighting scenarios. Not a thing [missing], now I just need to keep shooting. ”

“ Simple and easy to understand difficult concepts. Thorough explanation of the fundamentals: detailed but presented in a very interesting way. I knew less than I thought I did before I took the class. Very well-paced. Tremendous value for anyone who really wants to learn about using their DSLR as well as pursuing photography as more than just ‘snap and click.' ”

“ Difficult subjects described/explained in simple forms. Good use of analogy. Have not taken other classes but have done online reading and some videos. Sometimes the written materials I’ve read presume too much prior knowledge and so it can be confusing. This class was the perfect level of detail and explanation for beginners. ”

“ Loved it! Wish I could afford to take the same class again so it can all be even more clear to me. But I will study so I can take future advanced classes. Everything was explained so clearly and made so relatable that it was easy to make sense of it all. ”

“ This is exactly what I needed, the basics. I’ve attended a couple of seminars but wasn’t ready for some of the information that they presented. I enjoyed the live model shoot. It took me out of my comfort zone and now I feel more confident about shooting live subjects. ”

“ The workshop has made me more curious to take more chances and experiment. I have learned more in one day than in months of reading and practicing on my own. Very thorough and informative. ”

“ The workshop was much better than any books I have read. The amount of knowledge available is awesome! “Any surprises today?” Yes! That I was actually able to understand and comprehend the relation between shutter speed, ISO, and f stop. Also the group of students was awesome! Very diverse and fun! “Length/pace?” Excellent! Never slow or boring. Just the right mix of instruction and hands-on. ”

“ Very well explained with good visual comparisons. Loved doing the entire day to immerse myself better. Loved that you always see the cup filled—always positive comments and advice made from a negative shot. ”

“ I liked the hands on experience. I also liked the way the material was presented. Some photographers are very knowledgeable, but are terrible teachers. You were a great teacher! I have been to another training session that I found through Groupon. It was not very good and it made me feel like I would never get the hang of it. After today’s workshop, I have more confidence in my ability to learn. ”

“ I loved the size of it—not too big, not too small. The teacher was amazing and very knowledgeable. I’ve never taken another class, but I know that no class will compare. Fantastic. “Length/pace?” It was perfect. I didn’t get bored at all! You kept things lively and fun! ”

“ Shutter speed and aperture much more clear. In another workshop took lots and lots of pictures and left knowing nothing about my camera or software. Workshop really was more all-inclusive and informative than I expected. Enough to get me much more curious about taking more. ”

“ I thought that it was extremely helpful to attend in an interactive format. I had previously tried to read through books/manual on the subject, but it was really difficult to grasp until I saw in person. For example, the differences in the same photograph using same shutter speed but different f-stop. I really enjoyed the “mistake” photography and how you were able to transform it into something great. ”

“ I have taken photography courses online using Lynda.com. This course brought it all together and filled in all the gaps. “Surprises?” Yes. I can shoot in manual mode now. I usually call that scary mode. He knows about all camera types… he is a ninja! ”

“ This was my first photography class. I liked the structure of the class and the way the material was presented. I really liked Peter’s easy going disposition and style. ”

“ This was my very first training on my first DSLR. The class provided a good foundation for beginners to understand terms and camera controls. I feel like I can now go to the manual and use it as a tool instead of being overwhelmed by it. “Surprises?” Only the phenomenal variety and quality of photos taken by participants during the live shoot. Great value considering it makes several thousand dollars’ worth of equipment understandable and therefore, usable. ”

“ I liked the opportunity to be able to take pictures at the end of the day. All the analogies to real life were helpful. The size of the class was perfect, great for one on one if needed. ”

“ The size of the class is perfect. Small enough to interact and get your specific questions answered. The whole day was a surprise since I came in literally knowing only how to turn my camera on, point and shoot. I left with a whole new concept! ”

“ Very helpful, had lots of “AHA” moments. Gave me a broader understanding of how to get off of auto and control my shots. ”

“ Very interactive, lots of information. I liked having a model to shoot and learning different lighting techniques. Knowledgeable instructor and easy to understand language. Great class. ”

“ I got enough knowledge from the class to where I can read other things and better understand what I am reading. Editing on the computer—the endless possibilities. I was truly a camera dummy when entering the class—now I know the controls on my camera and its capabilities. “Surprises?” How much detail we went into teaching aperture and shutter speed—it’s exactly what I needed to use my DSLR. ”

“ Provided great context on f-stop and shutter speed that helped me understand their effects on photos. I’ve had other instructions that covered the same material but walked away with little understanding on how to apply the teachings. This was great with clear instructions. ”

“ The class was very instructional. Peter is incredibly knowledgeable about all aspects of photography as well as photo editing. He builds up each topic in a manner that is easy to follow. The pace is fine; breaks are certainly important when trying to digest so much information in a short period of time. ”

“ It was very helpful to move past automatic settings. Peter is very nice, knowledgeable, and approachable. I think we all learned a lot and left with things to practice ”

“ It was great. Peter is an excellent teacher. Knowledgeable and clearly passionate about photography. He did a good job dealing with varying degrees of knowledge and different cameras. ”

“ Actually I was surprised at how fantastic the final photos of the model were. Everyone in class was a beginner yet all the shots in the final slide show were very impressive!! ”

“ Peter is a terrific teacher. Thorough, smart, funny, and patient. He made it seem possible. Everything was astounding! I’m such a novice, what I don’t know is a lot. I now look forward to the future. ”

“ The workshop was taught in a way so that someone who does not know a thing, like me, can understand the language and feel comfortable. Not by talking down to you, but by helping you learn. [It's a good value] because it’s a real photo shop unlike these other places in strip malls that offer photo classes. ”

“ I have taken the SMU class and left there knowing nearly nothing—I am leaving this class excited that I have some familiarity with the issues of DSLR. I have a lot to learn yet—but I have a real good idea on where I can find it. “Surprises?”The ease of the content. Read the manuals, watched youtube and it’s all really technical. I came to this class and it turns out the issues are really simple. The balance was great. I wasn’t watching my watch to get it over with. That alone says the balance was there. ”

“ I liked everything! The class was amazing! Great format, perfect class size, excellent presentation. I learned SO much. Great length. Pace was perfect. I never felt rushed, the workshop flew by. ”

“ I liked that I could follow along. I got a lot of information in very easy-to-absorb amounts. Peter is a wealth of information—wow. I hope one day I can think like he does with photography. ”

“ I learned a lot of terminology and there is a lot to process. Thought that this was a great basic class and really have nothing to compare it to. I am looking forward to using all the tips and information. Thought this was a good value and would certainly recommend this class to friends. ”

“ It was very helpful. I have never taken another photo class but I’m now motivated to go home and practice. Then I will take another class. Loved loved loved the photo shoot! So much fun. Slideshow was great! ”

“ This workshop taught the most important basics very thoroughly and simply. I found that the use of analogies combined with practice greatly improved my skills. I always had problems with exposure and now I have no issues at all. I could easily ask questions and receive very helpful answers. I walked in with almost no clue on how to work a DSLR and left with a very large knowledge on the fundamentals. I was surprised that using my new camera was a lot easier than I thought—that all the numbers and buttons all have a function and that I could easily navigate it. Everything was explained in a way so that all of the different aspects of the camera fell together slowly. ”

“ The workshop was outstanding. I liked how props were used to illustrate key concepts. It was surprising how challenging concepts were made so simple and easy to comprehend. ”

“ First time I understood the functions (P, M, Av, Tv) and the relation between light, ISO, aperture, and shutter. Everything was super clear. It also helped me understand how to use the buttons on my camera. ”

“ Several [surprises]—actually learned what the buttons were on my camera and what purpose they serve. My only complaint is that I wish I would have taken the workshop sooner. ”

“ Extremely informative and knowledgeable instructor. Interesting and highly motivational. Would love a 3-day course. Very practical and hands-on where we were able to put into practice everything that we learned. Relevant and appropriate for my level. Questions answered without having to ask. All day there were “aha” moments! Can’t wait to try what I learned. The f-stops, shutter speed, and ISO interaction were explained really well. Examples helped a lot. I didn’t want the class to finish. It was a tease because I feel we just touched on the basics and I am ready to learn so much more—highly motivational! Lots of info, but the day flew by because it was so interesting. I would love a second session with more photo-taking and analyzing of the positives/negatives. ”

“ Was finally able to stop using my camera on auto mode. Took away the anxiety and made photography more enjoyable. “Surprises?” I bought an expensive lens that I have to hide from my wife. ”

“ I’ve watched tutorials online and read blogs and internet help sites, but I really enjoyed the hands-on training. I was able to learn and then instantly practice on my camera which was really helpful. ”

“ Good explanations of terms/language. More in-depth than other classes I have taken. Covers a good range of topics and was able to have a great shoot to practice what we learned. Good coaching. I wasn’t expecting such an in-depth shoot with all the different types of lighting. It was really great. I just need to come to the next class to keep learning, but it was the right amount of information for one day. Any longer would be too much for one session. ”

“ Interactive and extremely informative! A lot of material covered in a day. No downtime or hill in class. Day went too fast. Can’t wait to take more classes. ”

“ Being able to take pictures of a model in the studio was great! It is amazing the difference lighting makes. I was a little surprised at how sometimes pictures that are sometimes considered “ALL WRONG” technically, turn out to be really awesome and make a statement. ”

“ Explained everything in an easy way that a beginner photographer could understand. Loved the review of the photos of at the end and how the ones you thought might be mistakes turned out to be some of the better ones. Came in feeling nervous, but left feeling confident. Feel more comfortable in taking pictures now. Loved the hands-on photo shoot. ”

“ Very informative—Peter did not “read” to us and I appreciated his very polished presentation. ”

“ Loved that the printed material followed the discussion—the ability to read over at home and understand! Very helpful with camera buttons and whistles. ”

“ I really enjoyed your class; teaching style was interesting and easy to follow. I appreciated the small class size and length of the class. I thought the walk through of the physical camera accessories would be useless, but the information was very helpful (e.g. comparison of battery options, lens hood, etc.) and the amount of time you used to review this portion of the class was good. I would recommend your class to others and would come back for more courses. ”

“ Peter is a great teacher and very patient with beginners. ”

“ Awesome, awesome, awesome! Did not think I could shoot a number of the pictures I did. Loved seeing the difference editing can make! ”

“ I thought the workshop was excellent. It covered a great deal of technical material in an approachable manner. I’ve taken another beginner DSLR class and this was far superior. Pleasantly surprised by how much more I learned than in my other class. I really needed the technical basics and this course achieved all my objectives. This is the perfect course for someone new to DSLR. Peter alleviated a lot of my confusion and in a short time I felt very comfortable with operation of the camera in multiple lighting situations. ”

“ I have had my camera for over a year and did not know how to use 90% of the functions. This class was a fantastic introduction to the use of my camera. I am left amazed with what I have learned today. Amazed and excited! There was nothing about the class that I disliked! ”

“ I am an absolute beginner. I didn’t know what an F-stop or ISO was before coming today, and I learned enough today that I took some beautiful pictures that I am very proud of. I came so far today and learned enough to start. I look forward to attending more of Peter’s classes! ”

“ The way Peter showed us the inside of the camera and how it works. I actually understood, mostly, about f-stops and shutter speed, where other people just confused me. ”

“ What did I like about the workshop? Everything! Especially the timing—the 1 day Saturday workshop is great for me and my schedule. Also, I feel that the class was very personalized. ”

“ I loved that this class started with the basics—understanding essential photography concepts, camera settings, and technical functionality—and also wasn’t afraid to teach creative control. Teaching in various learning styles was very helpful, and the various visuals, metaphors, and examples gave us great, valuable takeaways. This class is exactly what I’ve been looking for. Thank you! I think it was pretty much what I expected. Truly a great experience that exceeded my expectations! ”

“ I loved the entire presentation! I was able to follow along with all the illustrations and explanations… can’t wait to go out and practice what I learned today. ”

“ This workshop was “real life” training to me. Other courses I have taken had one scene that we used over and over while changing the camera settings. I was very pleasantly surprised with the Spot Studio—too cool! ”

“ Very helpful and inspiring. I know tons more now than I did when I walked in the door. Didn’t feel stupid when asking stupid questions! ”

“ This is my first photography class ever! I am hooked. Peter was so patient. More than met my expectations. It was fun—he made it fun, and a lot less scary than I thought it might be. I would do it again! I will be back. ”

“ Peter was great at de-mystifying the whole process. He broke things down in terms I could understand. The on-screen examples really hit home as well. The workshop exceeded my expectations! I can’t wait to try out all I have learned. ”

“ I loved everything about this workshop and would highly recommend it to anyone who has a DSLR but only uses it on auto pilot. You are totally cheating yourself and will be amazed by what you can do with manual settings. This workshop is exactly what I needed to get the training wheels off! Thank you! ”

“ This was my first photography workshop! I walked away with tons of fabulous notes and can’t wait to get home to practice more. So informative! Thank you! ”

“ The class really brought things into terms I understood. I really appreciated that. It didn’t go over my head and we kept reviewing it so I would remember. I feel like I kind of know what I’m doing now. I can work better with the different modes on my camera I was too scared of before. I did originally hesitate at the cost, but I felt I really needed this and bit the bullet. ”

“ I like everything starting from the beginning to the end. The class is extremely fun even though I’ve never had any knowledge of photography at all! I believe I have learned more today than several years of online research and book hunting!! ”

“ I enjoyed the hands on aspect of the class and reviewing the photos. I wanted to get more comfortable with my camera and to be motivated to use it more, and I feel the class accomplished my goals. ”

“ I like the personal delivery of the content. Learning the basics removes my hesitation to just pick up my new camera and go at it. I am more comfortable with what I learned in person than I would be by just reading about it online. ”

“ I didn’t know anything about my camera before this class. I would just point and shoot on the auto setting. I cant wait to go home and annoy my 6 month old daughter with my new skills! The examples and easy to follow explanations made this class truly enjoyable. I love knowing how to blur out the backgrounds now. That’s always been something I loved but did not know how to do. ”

“ It was obvious that you knew what you were talking about and you wanted us to learn as much as we could also. ”

“ Instructor is very aware of the class at all times, noticing when we get it and when we don’t, and adding another example when necessary. ”

“ I loved that the class was hands on. Peter spoke in very understandable terms and I walked away understanding issues I have struggled with for a long time. This class was a very smart investment! ”

“ I really liked the hands-on and real-time demos! They made it possible to learn and experience what before I could only read about. Very easy for the average person to understand. ”

“ Peter’s knowledge and passion for photography made the class enjoyable and interesting. ”

“ Everything was explained in detail without being boring, which made it interesting. Peter knew what mistakes people typically made and told us how not to make them. ”

“ I think the most helpful thing was being able to see the pictures on the screen as they were being taken and being able to see the camera menus displayed. For the beginner I don’t think anything was missing. ”

“ Very practical advice. It's nice to be able to ask questions and get real, concrete answers. ”

“ The energy and flow of the class kept it interesting and engaging. I liked learning about light metering and composition. I loved the hands-on photo shoot to get more confident with my camera, lighting and composition. ”

“ Class was superb!!! ”

“ Working with the models and the photo walk was helpful to practice what was taught. The place is good, covered a lot of material and wasn't much down time. ”

“ I really liked that it was hands on. There was a great balance of conversation and instruction. I took better pictures than I thought I would. ”

“ I'm so excited to know how to light meter! It was great to practice this when I had a backlight model today! Instant improvement and feeling of control in this situation. ”

“ Incredibly helpful! So much information but presented in a way that brought a lot together for me. Great value. ”

“ I liked the discussion on composition, shooting models in different light settings and learning about the histogram. ”

“ The class size is great for interaction and asking questions. Love the setup, the handout for tips and review, and the hands-on practice and experience to use what we've learned. Instructor made it applicable and interesting. ”

“ I like the more in-depth look into photography. I thought the class was well taught. The lens care portion was very insightful as well. ”

“ I liked the size and intimacy of the class. I really appreciate Peter's teaching style - drawings, explanations, demonstrations. It's science and art. ”

“ There are so many tips and tricks I would never have learned if it weren't for in person teaching. ”

“ Love this course! Took Beginner Workshop last month and I have retained all the info! Techie stuff for a non-techie girl. ”

“ Peter sets the bar for photographic instruction in the Dallas metroplex. I have taken similar classes with other companies and Peter's are always more informative, instructional and interactive than the others. He is supremely knowledgeable yet very down to earth and approachable which makes his teaching more understandable for the hobbyist or the professional. ”

“ I can tell you the class was not just informative it was fun! ”

“ I like that Peter advised to just go out and shoot. Sometimes it can be info overload and this advice helps. ”

“ I had way more fun today than I anticipated. Especially the opportunity to borrow the 50 mm 1.4 lens and the shots I got with it. ”

“ Peter explains concepts in a clear, easy to understand way. Demonstration and practice is a great teaching method. ”

“ I enjoyed Peter’s personality. He’s helpful without being condescending. Also, I enjoyed the format for reviewing pictures and shooting the live model. I was pleasantly surprised by the great amount of hands-on shooting in different light sources. It’s great; could be longer, but I attribute that to my excitement. ”

“ I really liked the location of the workshop. Being in a studio and around all the equipment gets me excited and motivated. I have never taken a workshop… I really liked taking photos of the model too. ”

“ I’m not here for entertainment or “filling my Saturday with something to do.” I am here to roll my sleeves up and learn how to operate my DSLR to capture good photographs. This course does that. Not really [any surprises]. The big thing that makes this all work is the photos from the shoot. Going through them, discussing them, tweaking, picking, editing makes the whole day worthwhile. Like life, the more I learn, the more I realize I don’t know much. In this class, the technical side of DSLR seemed less intimidating, but I still don’t know anything. ”

“ Loved the outdoor shoot. Liked how Peter explained concepts, easy to understand e.g. meter is like a microphone and ISO is like an amplifier. ”

“ Seeing the effects of different lighting, being able to shoot a live model, knowing that adjustments to the exposure stay put, understanding that photography is something where you have to be fully engaged and paying attention to all the settings and details. ”

“ Loved getting to shoot a model. Great explanation of lighting! I love the all day workshop! It gives you the info you need and allows you to utilize the skills you learn. ”

“ Awesome! I have been doing this with a DSLR for over 3 years and learned so much in 8 hours! ”

“ SO well planned! Projector makes a huge difference. Nice studio-very comfortable seating, etc. That’s a big deal for someone who has ADHD like me. I can't wait to come back and bring my LA girls. I would even enjoy a 2 day program, AKA: photography retreat. ”

“ Very hands on and answers every question with very detailed answers. ”

“ Thanks for all of your help. The fact that you are a friendly and patient person means a lot! Its hard to learn new things under someone who “knows it all”! ”

“ I really enjoyed Peter’s teaching style. I enjoyed getting to look at the photos we took in class and learning from them. I also liked that the class was tailored to what we really wanted. ”

“ I loved the class and the balance between technical and artistic considerations. ”

“ I enjoyed the personality, teaching ability and knowledge of the teacher and his willingness to answer questions and demonstrate techniques. I can’t wait to get out there and practice. ”

“ Peter knows this photography stuff inside and out. One-on-one help and advice was freely given. ”

“ Thought it was extremely practical and informative. Gave me lots to think about before my next trip. ”

“ Loved seeing your photos and the stories with them, excited to create my own. ”

“ The class was so informative for photograhers on many different levels. ”

“ What to take when flying and how to pack especially for security. Helpful! ”

“ I appreciated seeing your photos and hearing the stories about them. It helped me think through aspects I never thought of before. Giving a theme, realizing that not all photos have to be trophy shots, etc. was great! ”

“ It was more than I expected. Very great! ”

“ Good practical information, informal, great response to questions. ”

“ I liked the first hand knowledge given during the class. I also liked how it helped me prioritize what I should pack. ”

“ I came here wanting to know how to photograph people when they symbolize that country, without crossing boundaries, and I loved how the instructor explained it. ”

“ I think it will help in my next trip around town and my next vacation! ”

“ Enjoyed the stories Peter told while showing us photos - found this incredibly useful and thought provoking. ”

“ It absolutely will help with my next trip. Particulary the part about giving myself an assignment. Love that idea. ”

“ I liked the encouragement to keep shooting when you don't think you have a shot. You may have a hidden gem! I liked hearing Peter's philosophy and approach to travel photography. ”

“ I will use the tips in my next trip in 4 weeks. Thanks for the checklist! Also, the suggestions for camera accessories-tripods, bags, etc. ”

“ Gave examples of protective gear, cases, backpacks, etc. for carrying equipment - nice to know what really works. I learned not to be so focused on getting postcard shots. I loved the slide show. I learned about telling a story in a travel shot. “Will information presented be helpful?” yes, especially in telling my travel story and waiting for the right shot. ”

“ I liked going through the pictures and learning techniques on how you took the pictures. Pocket and DSLR tips and tricks were great. ”

“ My first travel photography class. Very interesting. I’ve traveled a lot, but from now on I’ll have a different attitude and better eye for details! ”

“ I enjoyed seeing quick time and video along with pictures to broaden the things that can be done with your camera. I now know how to pack for a trip necessary vs. not. ”

“ I liked the on-site shooting and instruction and feedback on editing choices and images. ”

“ The hands on nature of the workshop makes it so much more valuable than any online classes and tutorials, and the instant feedback leaves you with things to work on after finishing the class. ”

“ This workshop was great! It is so immersive and gives students opportunities that can not be replicated in online and textbook formats. ”

“ Location was perfect, covered all the lighting situations we discussed in class before the shoot. ”

“ Good balance of intro lecture, taking photos and reviewing the images. ”

“ Good length, very informative and the instructor really took the time to help us with our own needs. ”

“ The workshop was amazing. ”

“ I thought the location was very cool and unique. It had so many props and places to take great photos. ”

“ Good class. I learned how to read the light better and how to direct the models to pose. ”

“ I loved the on-site shooting with an instructor and post shoot feedback. ”

“ I liked the hands on nature of this class. The models were easy to work with and the teacher made herself available the entire time to assist. ”

“ The class gave me more confidence in exposure and composition. ”

“ The flow of the workshop really worked well. Lecture - practice - review. ”

“ Very informative and easily understood. I will take home new techniques and editing tools. ”

“ I like that this workshop gave me my first experience shooting models even though I am still a beginner. It was such a hands on experience and really gave me a feel for how you should handle a photoshoot. It was so helpful to identify compositions that best used natural light. ”

“ Lots of very helpful information. Nice variety of subjects. Wonderful setting. ”

“ Right amount of lecture versus field time. ”

“ I was able to see light differently. Consideration of multiple sources of light and how to direct and control them was revolutionary. ”

“ Excellent class. Well planned and hit all the appropriate topics. ”

“ I absolutely loved everything about the workshop - the way it was structured and the time alotted for lecture, shooting and critique! I am now more aware of light direction and reflective surfaces I can use to my advantage. ”

“ I liked the interaction with other photographers. I loved to see the interesting perspectives of other people. ”

“ I enjoyed the class very much. Great structure to the day and a very positive learning environment. ”

“ This was an outstanding workshop. Every minute was filled with nonstop learning. ”

“ I loved the variety in both the location and the number of subjects to photograph. Patrizia was very available and encouraging. ”

“ I found the interactive part to be exactly why I wanted - it was working examples of real solutions. Shooting people is a real challenge for me - I got a lot from what the instructor said and did. It helped me get over my reluctance. ”

“ This is the first portrait class I've taken. It was very enlightening to be on a shoot with a professional and to see how she conducts a session. ”

“ This really helped me understand how light will behave/bounce off of subject/objects. ”

“ Patrizia was great, honest, knew her stuff and looking at other people's pictures was exceptionally helpful. ”

“ The outdoor time and challenge of an assignment plus the follow up critique were a great combination. ”

“ I liked being able to ask questions at the shoot and get immediate feedback. I liked the discussion of how to use and play with the light and I liked looking at the photos at the end and seeing the different ideas each student had. ”

“ I am very thankful this place exists! Offering in person, hands on learning at an affordable price is not common and I feel lucky to be close enough to attend. I will be back for more classes and workshops! ”

“ I loved the suggestions as to what settings to try as we shot the models. ”

“ It was a perfect workshop for learning to take outdoor portraits using natural lighting. The class was highly informative and it was fun! I'm much more comfortable with using my camera in all manual mode. ”

“ I loved the workshop! I thought the size of the class was important and the perfect amount! The teacher was approachable and the students were helpful as well! ”

“ Margie was informative, yet relaxed and encouraged us to take risks. This was the first class I have felt comfortable shooting completely in Manual mode. I especially liked the way she used the first 30 minutes with the models showing us what she would do and how she would approach the shot. The number of models was great - there were enough that you didn't feel like you were stepping on other photographers to get your shot. ”

“ I personally never work in groups and it was a nice experience. I learned from others' interesting comments and points of view. ”

“ I like how the workshop is split up, learning and hearing about techniques and then getting to put it into practice by shooting that same day. I also enjoy getting to hear and see how Margie edited the photos the way she did and why. She provided a lot of great tips and solutions to real-life situations when taking pictures of kids. ”

“ I liked that it was all centered around natural lighting and not artificial light. It’s easier for newbies to work on composition and not worry about light boxes, spot lights, etc. ”

“ What helped the most was having the experience of chasing a little one around, finding out that I’m not the only person who gets out of focus shots, but seeing that it is possible to get good ones. ”

“ I liked the hands-on portion most. Best experience is in the real world. Online does not allow for immediate answers to questions. I wanted to be able to do better with my dogs and the kid portion definitely helped. ”

“ I liked the hands-on aspect of this class. The use of multiple models allowed everyone in the class to get as many shots as they wanted. We learned how to get a great shot by trying it for ourselves—with a little guidance of course. I think I learned some helpful information for not just kids but for all outdoor pictures. ”

“ Loved shooting the models—everyone was very relaxed and it was not intimidating like I expected. Great having so many models. I was shooting my 50mm while everyone else had much longer lenses. Did not feel I was in someone’s way all the time, since we were spread out. ”

“ [Liked] learning use of backlight and background for different effects, angles and point of view. Nice to have the personal experience and points from the instructor with situations she has been in. ”

“ I really enjoyed the live interaction and practical application. I feel it will have a direct and positive impact on my photography. ”

“ Hands on shooting and real-time instruction was invaluable. It’s easier to learn when someone can walk you through your difficulties. Learning about lighting, lenses and composition will be very helpful. ”

“ The coolest thing about this workshop is I learned how everyone takes pictures from different angles and I liked to see what lenses other people are using. ”

“ I liked the access to multiple teachers and Margie’s style in the classroom and while shooting. It was good to see how 11 other people shoot and to learn from and be inspired by that. Good value. Access to high quality instructor(s) for a very affordable price. ”

“ I liked starting out with a seminar before the shoot. The critique session was encouraging and very instructive. The entire experience was not only informative but confidence building. I think the workshop was a perfect length. ”

“ Small class, very relaxed. I felt like I could ask any questions. There was nothing I did not like. The workshop exceeded my expectations and I feel like the cost is a good value. The info I received is useful, not a lot of info that I do not need. I’m so glad to find a studio/group that will help me become a better photographer. ”

“ Love that we had time to discuss what we are going to do before we actually did it. She gave us the settings she used and showed us pictures using those settings. Lots of great ideas of poses & camera settings. Learned more about Lightroom, also. Great job and lots of support. ”

“ I really liked the hands-on approach to the class and the interaction with the instructor(s). I learned to focus on the eyes, be aware of surroundings (ie: shade, architecture, etc.) and how to compose the shot. ”

“ I liked how open and honest the instructors were. First time I’ve taken this type of workshopt. I loved it, thanks! I learned a lot and can’t wait to practice my skills and keep getting better! ”

“ I liked the creative part, composition and the imagination of the instructor. I need this more so now than the technical part. I am aware of Margie’s artistic skills and find she is willing to share and inspire. Just next weekend I am doing a shoot for a friend’s kids so this was timely and I hope to use some of the techniques I learned today. ”

“ The instructor is awesome; informative, helpful and fun. The hands-on shooting is great and made me more comfortable with my equipment. ”

“ I came into this a complete novice and it has given me a really good understanding of how to produce video and technically, how to shoot documentary style video. Fantastic. The instructor was energetic, very clear and encouraging. ”

“ The instructor is knowledgeable and passionate. Class was full of real, bite-sized tips that apply in all situations. ”

“ I'm truly comfortable with video DSLR after this class. The instructor goes the extra mile to answer questions and adds depth to the trainings based on her experience. ”

“ This workshop is completely different from any other class I have ever taken because it is very active. Everyone asked questions and everyone got a chance to play with high tech gear. The teacher really loves what she is doing causing me to love this class even more. As a novice I found this workshop fast paced but that's what I love about it. I learned so much in so little time. ”

“ Good instructor, great at explaining concepts and good people skills. She was excited and passionate about the subject. Good combination of tech and practical excercises. Learned many useful things. ”

“ Covered everything you need from start to finish. Good balance of time spent on various subjects. The instructor was excellent - knowledgeable, friendly and helpful with a lot of information. ”

“ I learned new things about audio and lighting that I don't get from online research. The instructor was able to answer all the questions I had. I had a lot of questions! I like the explanation on lighting and audio. ”

“ The instructor was great. She has a wonderful personality, clearly knows what she is talking about, has an interesting story to tell and kept it very interesting. I loved that this was a whole weekend workshop. No time to forget anything! ”

“ Very good. Loved the instructor's's relaxed style and deep knowledge. ”

“ The workshop helped me identify videography concepts that I was not aware of. ”

“ I’ve just started private lessons with Peter and I can say that I’ve already learned a lot more than I would in a classroom. Individual tutoring allows me to work on exactly the skills I need, in as much detail as I’d like. Peter is a great listener, personable, and explains everything until I get it……which sometimes takes a while. If you want to improve your skills as a photographer, I highly recommend private tutoring with Peter. ”

“ We would like to say a big thank you to Peter. We've really appreciate him taking the time with us in our tutoring session. We both have learned a lot and have enjoyed every moment at DCP. It is wonderful to see someone so passionate about their work! ”

“ Peter is a very knowledgeable photographer, but he is equally gifted at teaching. I have had several tutoring sessions with Peter, covering subjects from camera settings for gymnastics, editing in Lightroom, and studio lighting. While he always thoroughly addresses my main subject, he also gives me helpful advice that I wouldn’t think to ask about.

Perhaps the best part of these one-on-one sessions is the encouragement he gives me. I always leave the studio feeling much more confident and motivated to further develop my photography skills. And I know that if I encounter unexpected problems, Peter will be there to help. ”

“ Armed with a new camera that I knew absolutely nothing about and with a goal to illustrate professional storytelling with powerful photos, I set out to find someone to help me with a jump start! An amazing journey launched with the beginner’s DSLR workshop lead by Peter Poulides. I went in interested in photography and came out with a passion to be an illustrator utilizing an art form! After lots of practice on my own I was able to get some good shots, but I wanted great shots. One-on-one tutoring with Peter was just what I needed. He knows your real questions no matter what you may be asking. He can quickly look at your work, and point right to the answers needed for making the shots better. Not only does he have a deep knowledge of photography, but Peter knows how to make the complex simple enough for one to “get it” regardless of experience. He stimulates learning in a way that is natural, deep and uniquely continuous from wherever one begins. Peter is master teacher and I highly recommend one-on-one tutoring!  I can't wait to do more! ”

“ I took private lessons with Peter prior to taking my dream safari vacation in Africa. I wasn't sure I really wanted to learn all the technical aspects of my camera, but Peter always found a way to break down key concepts in ways that I could understand and apply. He helped me with learning to use new settings, worked on my technique, and made sure I took the right equipment with me. The results were amazing! I couldn't wait to come home and share some of the crazy shots I captured thanks to Peter's tutelage. I've now signed up for the Lightroom courses and look forward to taking my vacation hobby to the next level. ”

“ Taking photography classes had been on my bucket list for many years. My first experience with Peter was in an all day DSLR workshop where I learned things about my camera that I never knew were possible. After that I enrolled in tutoring sessions with a friend of mine and have been excited about the progress I have made with my new hobby. Peter has given me homework assignments that have caused me to stretch my creative thinking as well as my photographic ability. A camera is now a constant companion of mine and I look forward to each session with Peter for his honest and gentle critique along with his suggestions on how to improve. ”

“ I hired Peter to advise me on a photography project involving my law firm that was, for me, very ambitious.  I knew that I had made mistakes and that I was in over my head, but Peter worked with me through even the smallest, most basic details with patience and encouragement.  It was my impression that Peter still thinks of himself as a student—he is still striving to learn more—and that comes across in his tutoring because he does not teach, he shares.  I will definitely work with him in the future on other projects. ”

“ In each tutoring session I have learned new skills that are catered to my own photography needs. I love the one on one setting where I can ask questions and learn at my own pace. Peter does a great job at not only teaching me skills that I want to learn, but also teaching me concepts that I didn't know I needed. I am happy with how my photography has developed, and look forward to many more sessions with Peter. ”

“ I signed up for a block of one on one sessions with Peter. At the time of taking the classes my goal was to become better prepared to do professional wedding and family photography (I've put the dream of being a professional photog on hold because I have a young family). The time I spent with Peter was invaluable. I thought I was good with Lightroom, but he made me better. He helped my composition. He exposed me to all kinds of different ways to present my work personally and professionally. He had me setup some shoots with people I knew to really get a feel for what it's like to do this professionally. After the sessions he helped me reflect on the dialogue between me and the "customers". Dialogue is an overlooked part of being a photog. Long story short: Peter is an extremely well rounded resource that will make you better regardless of your experience level. ”

“ I picked up photography as a hobby several years ago but never really understood the functions of my DSLR camera. After taking Peter's evening classes I had learned more than I had in years past. He made learning very easy and enjoyable. After the course was completed I wanted to further my skills so I signed up for one-on-one Tutoring. He was very helpful in giving me tips and advice based on my specific interests in shooting and by reviewing pictures I had taken. His expertise definitely helped me compose and take very high quality shots that I had not been able to achieve. I look forward to taking more classes with him and I always recommend him to friends picking up photography. ”

“ I am probably one of Peter’s least ambitious students. I love photography, but I have not had much time to pursue it in the past 20 years. Recently, I decided to update my skills a little, and after an extensive internet search I found the Spot Studio in Dallas. I have attended several workshops, and I also have had one-on-one tutoring lessons with Peter. Ever activity has been terrific. I have learned a tremendous amount of useful information about camera equipment, composition and manipulation of photographs, and organization of my files. Peter is the real deal in that he brings artistic insight as well as technological acumen. I highly recommend his tutorials. ”

“ I started doing Photography as a hobby back in the film days. It took me a long time to embrace and learn digital photography so when I finally took the plunge, I found that the editing process and the organization (or lack thereof) that goes with it, overwhelmed me. Eventually, I started losing my desire to take pictures. Once everything was downloaded, it was difficult to find what I needed and my post processing was long and tedious. So,  I reached out to Peter for some one on one coaching. Peter taught me a very simple approach to my workflow and organization. He is patient, and teaches in a manner that is easily understood. Plus, he is a very nice guy! I have since taken several other classes at his studio and plan to continue learning from him. I highly recommend him, his staff and his classes. ”

“ So,  I reached out to Peter for some one on one coaching. Peter taught me a very simple approach to my workflow and organization. He is patient, and teaches in a manner that is easily understood. Plus, he is a very nice guy! I have since taken several other classes at his studio and plan to continue learning from him. I highly recommend him, his staff and his classes. ”

“ I attended Peter's LR101 course and was so happy to get some guidance on how to use this software.  His teaching style is causal, informative and his passion for helping others understand the art of photography is apparent.  I requested time with Peter for some one-on-one tutoring to help me organize my impressively complicated and messed up LR issues. He was patient and diligent and ultimately got most of the problems sorted out.  I would highly recommend Peter and his team. ”

“ After attending the DSLR workshop, I booked a private tutoring session with Peter in order to sort through my equipment and decide what was worth keeping and what would be best passed on or sold. We spent an hour going through each piece, discussing the pros, cons, applications and potential value. Using Peter's advice, I was able to put together a starter kit for my daughter to use with the pieces that were near duplicates in my collection. Peter also took the time to talk about how I might use each lens and gave me a starting point for experimenting with new combinations. I left the session with a better understanding of how to use my equipment to its full potential. ”

“ I can't say enough about the one-on-one sessions I have had with Peter.  He has helped me so much with the use and application of the Lightroom program in addition to getting a better understanding of what he sees in various photos and how to improve them with the program as well as in taking them. I highly recommend Peter to anyone who is interested in improving as a photographer, whether for fun of as part of a profession. I have finally learned what I lacked in knowledge about my camera as well as how to manage the photos in Lightroom.  Thank you so much, Peter. ”

“ I had the pleasure of buying a tutoring package with Peter.  I gained so much more than I could have anticipated going into it.  He helped me grasp the basics by using helpful analogies and breaking the information up into bite size pieces.  My photography has improved significantly since our lessons and now I can’t put my camera down.  I can’t wait to extend my education further. ”

“ I had reached a certain amount of success on my own as an amateur photographer but new I needed to up my game if I hoped to progress to the next level. Peter’s one on one tutoring was exactly what I needed. Rather than a broad overview of photography, Peter and I worked on specific areas that helped me better understand the technical side. With this new knowledge and much practice, I have improved my work considerably and have had the good fortune of having several images published. ”

“ I have taken several individual tutoring sessions with Peter. I cannot recommend enough the opportunity to learn from him one-on-one. I look forward to the sessions and enjoy the time together immensely. I have developed a much deeper understanding on how to better compose candid and posed portraits of my toddler boys. The sessions were invaluable and boosted my confidence tremendously when I am behind the lens. I never thought I would possibly understand how and when to use all the numerous settings on my camera. Peter’s natural and very humble style and his extensive use of simple analogies for complex concepts crystallized the science behind the art of photography for me. With just a small investment in time and money, I no longer consider myself a novice photographer. I look forward to the opportunity to learn from Peter through individual sessions in the future. ”

“ For the first time in many years, I am able to devote time and energy to my photography passion. And, wow! Is there ever a lot to learn! I was fortunate enough to find Peter, who has been able to demystify all of those settings, graphs and more. His private tutoring sessions are simply invaluable for anyone wishing to advance their photography skills. In our session, Peter easily explained flash and demonstrated it with my own equipment. I left with a complete understanding of the unit and how to apply it. Peter’s teaching style is not only patient, but very generous with the amount of information he shares. I look forward to more classes and tutoring sessions as I grow in my photography skills. ”

“ For people like me who have dabbled with photography for a lifetime…reaching out for help is both necessary and daunting. A foundation must be built and to do that requires a gift in delivering meaningful concepts as understandable analogies. That’s where you shine, Peter. ”

“ Discovering Peter and the Spot Studio has been a true gift. I bought every book, searched online, offline and everywhere in between for an actual person to work WITH me (not just show or demonstrate) regarding what I am interested in (of course, I quickly figured out that I have much to learn). Peter has created an approachable way for professionals and amateurs (like myself) to dig deeper, practice, ask questions in a group or one-on-one setting. I prefer the solo instruction in that every time we meet (and I really wish it could be each week) I have specific questions or elements I’d like to tackle. What makes Peter a cut above is his ability to determine what it is I’m wanting to accomplish and then, miraculously, break it down into bite-sized, easy to understand bits and pieces. I’d like to say I get it all, even with notes, but inevitably I have follow-ups and because he actually has a talent for teaching (Peter’s not "just” a gifted photographer), he always acts as if we’ve never discussed a certain topic and we begin again. The proof is in my photographs, of course…and they’ve vastly improved…my goal has always been to take stronger images with the camera (and not rely so much on editing)…I have a long way to go (I’m told I’ve set a high bar) and look forward to each and every meeting. One last thing worth mentioning: the group classes are exceptional b/c they’re small, affordable, topical, interesting and fun; the privates can be an excellent follow-up, or opportunity to address something totally new. Peter is so great in that you can have a list of needs and he’ll work with you in a manageable way (with assignments, if necessary) or, you can leave it to him to suggest a way to learn, practice and grow, depending on your goals. ”

“ Peter helped my husband and I learn how to turn an ordinary day at the park or a trip to the zoo into a venue to capture the picture perfect moments of our lives. I recently took a photo of my son, sitting on his father’s shoulders and waving an American flag as the floats from the 4th of July parade passed by. That’s a moment that will be frozen in my memory, but thanks to Peter’s help, I was able to preserve it through photography as well. ”

“ I had the pleasure of attending a private photography lesson with Peter and my father. In a short amount of time, Peter gave us clear, detailed direction and essential information about how to better use our new cameras and take better photos. My body of work has improved dramatically, and I have successfully captured my daughter’s first year of life beautifully on camera. I would highly recommend Peter for a photographer of any skill level. ”

“ It had been decades since I had a photography lesson, but Peter with his knowledge and expertise has revived my passion for photography. I got more out of our private lesson time than I could have ever expected! I thoroughly enjoyed the lesson, and I would recommend Peter to anyone that wants to know more about how to get wonderful photos and all the aspects that go into obtaining a great photograph. ”

“ My one-on-one tutoring with Peter has been so very instrumental in helping me grow as a photographer. Peter has a way of explaining things so you walk a way with a real grasp and understanding. He has helped me understand more of the technical side of my camera and accessories which has allowed me more control over my images. I highly recommend the Spot Studio to anyone wanting to take their photography to the next step. ”

“ My primary business is shooting working and sport dog trials (herding, agility, tracking, field etc) and photographing ranch and other animals. I was getting requests for portraits at trials and needed a portable lighting system to expand my business. Since all my live photography cannot use flash, this was a new skill set for me and I needed help. I hired Peter to give me suggestions based on my work model and he helped me with learning the Nikon flash system and getting my location lighting gear set up. Since I and one of my shooters were already skilled, Peter set up private sessions to walk us through everything. The class was run with our skill level in mind and it was more like a collaboration! The portraits doubled my business the first weekend I took the stuff out. ”

“ I’ve taken some tutorials with Peter and they have been very helpful. He is very clear, very patient and he takes the time to go over all the basics. Once I had to take a shooting of a very big group and I needed to rent his studio to take it. He was there with me all the time teaching me how to do everything. I really recommend Peter’s classes to any amateurs or professionals! ”

“ I recently sold my insurance agency in Plano after 29 years. For two years leading up to my sale I worked hard to improve my 35 plus year photography hobby. Then I met Peter. The past five months one-on-one with Peter have been tremendous for my confidence level. He is a very skilled and articulate professional. Peter has a way of making a very difficult art to master “simple” to understand! I look forward to every session with him and am aspiring to become a professional myself. ”

“ Peter is a brilliant teacher who has helped my photography immensely. I recommend him for any serious amateur or professional. ”

“ My interest in photography sprung from a desire to capture a trip to Paris with my mother to celebrate her 75th birthday. It was after this memorable experience that I longed to better understand my new camera, and what I could do with the photos I had snapped. What started as a project has become a hobby and Peter has been my mentor, supporter, and guide. Since my first forays, I have participated in many of his classes including all Lightroom and DSLR, as well as one on one time. He is the consummate professional, but more importantly to me I have found him to be creatively encouraging. I am much bolder now and more confident in my choices and believe he has been instrumental in this. Today, I believe photography to be a lifelong hobby and have relationships I treasure that have been built upon its foundation. As a very busy professional in the Dallas area, I find I look forward to his tutorials and advancing my understanding of photography. I am a fan. ”

“ My wife and I recently did a joint tutoring session with Peter to learn more about our new camera and some of the basic (and more advanced) concepts of photography. We had read several books and visited with numerous people before, but those efforts seemed to be a waste of time compared to the time we spent with Peter. He was able to greatly simplify some very technical concepts in ways that we could understand and retain for practical applications. He made those introductory concepts so simple that we were also able to get into some of the more advanced aspects of photography that I never imagined we would discuss during our first session. He was also great at catering to our individual needs and photographic interests as opposed to just explaining photography in general. We both left with a great deal of confidence in our new found skill and had the added motivation of putting into practice all of the great things we had just learned. I would highly recommend the one-on-one tutoring for anyone looking to learn more about photography. ”

“ I have spent several hours with Peter, both taking photos and editing them on the computer. I find Peter enthusiastic, encouraging and exceptionally knowledgable. I have learned considerably more about my camera, ideas about composition and how to edit the images that I would have, left to learn on my own. I have more sessions remaining and may spend more time with him after that. I consider myself a hobbyist, and feel that my skills are improving greatly. ”

“ I was looking for a hands-on, informative and fun learning experience for Adobe Lightroom. Peter is a very knowledgeable and patient teacher who guided our Lightroom workshop through clear and understandable instructions that even a beginner could quickly grasp. I have taken almost all of his workshops and am now working one-on-one with Peter to gain more information for my specific photography needs such as fixing my lightroom issues on my computer and learning to shoot and process HDR and panoramic images. I now know what all of those controls in Lightroom mean and I am using them to process some great looking pictures! At one of the workshops, Peter provided a professional model to pose under a myriad of lighting situations – from studio to direct sun light. My learning curve went through the roof as I have never learned so much about all kinds of lighting! At the end of class, Peter showed our class photos which all looked very professional. This was a really fun class! I could do this every week. If you want to learn photography from a pro and be able to ask all the questions you have about your photography issues, then I highly recommend Peter Poulides for one-on-one instruction or his fun workshops at his studio. ”

“ Randall & I really enjoyed the one-on-one class with you Peter. I really had no clue about the different settings on the camera, and was always frustrated in the past when I couldn’t get the picture I wanted. While I still need a lot more training, the 2 hour session was a great jump start to understanding my camera before our trip to Alaska. I definitely think it improved our photos. Thank you for all your help & we will see you soon in the DSLR classes! ”

“ After doing much research I decided to take the beginners class with Peter at The Spot. I learned how to navigate through my camera, produce much better pictures, as well many “tricks of the trade”! I was able to understand the instructions but also felt very comfortable asking questions. I was so excited about what I had learned so I decided to take a private lesson to focus on particular aspects of photography that I needed. The lessons I took at The Spot were a great value in so many aspects. I walked away not only with the new skill set I needed, but with the confidence to enjoy my camera and be creative! ”

“ I cannot tell you how thankful I am to have spent an hour with you, Peter! My primary objective was to make sure I had the necessary tools for my digital SLR for an upcoming vacation. You quickly assessed my needs and then went over my camera functions with me, going into more detail where I needed additional instruction. You showed me several tricks and short cuts that have really helped me and the travel tips you shared with me from your extensive experience proved invaluable. Your passion for your work shines through and it is contagious! Thank you for sharing your time and knowledge with me-it was indeed a pleasure. Look forward to taking some more classes with you. ”

“ The private sessions that I’ve had with Peter have really improved my photos dramatically. His approach seems to simplify rather complex concepts and relationships and explains them in a way that is easier to grasp. I had a much higher confidence level on my recent trip to Rome and came back with some great results. ”

“ I had the opportunity to spend an hour private lesson with Peter; going over all the photography questions I had in mind. Peter was such a great teacher! Not only was he so easy to understand, he helped me by applying each and every question I had to then some hands on “shooting”, which made all the knowledge stick. Thank you Peter in helping me turn my hobby into something I can bless others with as well! ”

“ I attended the beginner and intermediate workshops and Peter is a such a great instructor that it motivated me to attend some tutoring. I purchased two 6 hour private tutoring sessions and came away from each with a wealth of knowledge that I could immediately put to use. He makes some complex issues very simple and taught at exactly my skill level, in a way that you cannot get in a group setting. Peter has such experience and knowledge, I feel like I learned more in those sessions than I could learn in dozens of workshops. I highly recommend the tutoring. ”

“ Peter has been instrumental in guiding me as I set up my growing photography business. His knowledge spans every possible area of the industry, from shooting to workflow to editing, just to name a few. His generous and patient teaching style makes it all very accessible and easy to understand. I have learned many practical skills in our hands on tutoring sessions for Lightroom and Photoshop, and as a result, my business runs more smoothly. I highly recommend him for anyone who wants to be on the fast track to learning anything about the photography industry! ”

“ After taking the beginner’s full day workshop with Peter and absolutely loving it, I decided to take my training a step further and sign up for a one-on-one session. I am so glad that I did! Peter is not only extremely knowledgeable, but he is very patient and takes the extra time and steps to help you better understand your camera and photography concepts in general. I was able to review some of the issues that I was having and he helped me correct those issues and understand why the issues were occurring. I definitely recommend one on one training and will soon be signing up for my second session. ”

“ My fellow designer and I needed training that fit our disparate experience that typical courses would not cover. Peter’s hands-on style gave us insight that was beyond the settings, enabling us to better utilize our equipment and existing environment. His willingness to split our sessions between his studio and ours, an hour drive north, went beyond our expectation. I think the personal sessions were fantastic for our needs and have helped me to better analyze our lighting and changed my way of approaching a shoot. ”

“ Feeling very inspired after my first private lesson with Peter. He took the time to go over all the basics with me, in detail, which gave me a better understanding of my camera and how it works. He also tailored the lesson around my personal interests and goals. He reviewed some of my photos and recommended different lenses and approaches. I can’t wait to put what I learned in motion. Really looking forward to my next lesson!! ”

“ I wanted to take a minute to thank you for the one on one appointment that we had. I was worried about spending that kind of money for a 2 hr lesson, but after having been there in that kind of setting I would highly recommend this to anyone who wants to learn specific things geared towards them. I learned a lot and now I need to come back for more help. Also I would like to thank you for answering all my questions that I have sent to you by email. ”

“ I had the opportunity to spend an hour of one-on-one time with Peter asking him questions about photography issues I had and it was WONDERFUL. He is very instructive, phrases topics in a way that really makes them “stick”. The hour went by very fast, but I got more out of it than I expected. I look forward to taking one of his classes and learning more from him. ”

“ The classes showed me a lot of new things about my camera that can help further my photography career. ”

“ I loved learning about the different terms through the camera - showing not telling. Learning how to use each of our cameras and practicing. Excellent series! ”

“ I've never studied photography. Peter's high quality content is presented in a way that is understandable to a novice but still interesting to a more experienced shooter. I was always surprised at how fast the classes flew by because it was crammed with great content. I took pictures through the entire series of 4 evening classes. If you look at the progression, I started with photos that I ended up trashing. By the end I had friends offering money to photograph their families. I plan on driving from North Carolina when I see another interesting class offered at DCP. The classes are worth the drive! ”

“ Terrific value - greatly appreciate the quality of instruction for the money. ”

“ First exposure (no pun intended) to photography. Extremely clear explanation of all specs. Excellent instructor. ”

“ I loved how welcoming this class was for new people like me, but how I also felt it wasn't too simple, helping me learn new things. ”

“ Teacher was extremely knowledgeable. I understand f-stops, shutter speed, and have already been taking great photos. Friends have given me compliments. ”

“ I liked the format and progression of the classes. The examples (both live demos and picture slides) really helped solidify the concepts for me. This course took everything I'd read previously and allowed me to make sense of it and put it to practical use. It was awesome! ”

“ I have been a dangerous photographer for a couple of years. This class has helped so much to connect a lot of dots!! I can spend more time composing and less time worrying about the technical. ”

“ I thoroughly enjoyed the class, and everything about it. My wife would tell you that I'm a chronic complainer, but you guys cured me. I can't think of a single thing to complain about! Now, after taking the course, I would have paid twice as much, and still felt I got a bargain. I learned more in these 4 sessions than in the last 10 years of taking photos and self-teaching. It truly represents a water shed moment in my understanding of photography. Class was very engaging. I have spent years self teaching, reading online, watching videos, etc. I learned more in the last month than the remainder combine. ”

“ I thoroughly enjoyed the class, and everything about it. My wife would tell you that I'm a chronic complainer, but you guys cured me. I can't think of a single thing to complain about! Now, after taking the course, I would have paid twice as much, and still felt i got a bargain. I learned more in these 4 sessions than in the last 10 years of taking photos and self-teaching. It truly represents a water shed moment in my understanding of photography. Class was very engaging. I have spent years self teaching, reading online, watching videos, etc. I learned more in the last month than the remainder combine. ”

“ Instructor did a fantastic job of explaining the basics. She was fully engaged in making sure we understand the material being presented. A good value for the information received. ”

“ I really liked everything. Not only do I better know what I am suppose to do, but I understand why! ”

“ This class was super helpful! I now know how to use my camera off the auto settings. Yay! ”

“ Very informative. Never taken a class before and enjoyed the science, philosophy and in-depth understanding of the art of photography. I actually feel like I know what to do when I pick up my camera vs. just using it as a point and shoot. ”

“ Appreciated the handouts, live demos and clear instructions. ”

“ I'm so so so glad I took the class. I'm definitely more of a hands-on learner vs. trying to read a book or watch a video. Great basic information for understanding my camera. ”

“ I loved how the course was structured around the technical aspects of photography but with lay person's explanations. Also I loved the structure of the lessons, and the classroom setting with demos mixed in. Great class! I am a total amateur, and I learned a lot about camera settings and photography elements. ”

“ I loved learning not only the "how to" aspect of camera use, but also the "why". ”

“ I liked learning about what my camera does and how to use its features. The classes went by fast and the amount of material covered was appropriate. ”

“ These classes informed me about motion blur and depth of field in relation to focal length and shutter speed for which I didn't know their purposes. I will definitely apply these main concepts. ”

“ I was having problems with focus before this class but now I understand what the problem was and how to focus on subjects. ”

“ Very applicable to real world photography. Instructor was very helpful, answered and explained any questions. Classes were enjoyable. ”

“ I loved the pace of the classes. We review a lot of information but it does not feel overwhelming. Mr. Klein is a fantasic instructor and breaks down the material in a way that is easy to follow. Fun and informative! ”

“ The live classes at the DCP are better than any online course or book because you can ask questions and get answers on the spot. Also, you have your camera with you to ask about settings and to take pictures and get instant feedback. I love the classes because I meet other like-minded people. I've made friends and have kept in touch with some of the other students. It's great to be able to bounce ideas off of each other! ”

“ I already knew most of the basic information but I still found lots of useful information as well as better explanations of concepts I had never fully grasped. ”

“ I really enjoyed the classes. They were very informative and helped me to understand my camera and feel more confident. I am happy to try shooting outside of auto now and can get more creative. ”

“ Liked learning the basics and practicing with our own cameras. It was a fun class. ”

“ It helped me really understand things like f-stop and shutter speed that were hard for me to comprehend. Reiterating it over and over was helpful. ”

“ The use of non photography analogies made understanding much easier. I feel like I understand what the cause of my mistakes is now. I think it is a bargain for the amount of content provided. ”

“ The instructor broke things down several ways so that all could understand. I never once got bored or lost interest. Really happy I took this class. ”

“ I loved this series of classes. I felt comfortable as a beginner, yet progressed quickly and felt that Peter did a fantastic job of making complex topics understandable. He used a lot of analogies that related technical topics to simple and understandable situations. ”

“ Money well spent. I have already used information from the classes. ”

“ I liked the pace of instruction and frequent ability to interact with the instructor. Really liked the focus on creative aspects of photography. ”

“ Because of the way these classes are taught, I am able to easily understand my camera and how to use it to take the photos I actually want. ”

“ I enjoyed the live environment and the ability to interact with other students and the instructor. The instructor was personable, concise and had an excellent ability to communicate in layman terms. ”

“ I've taken a photography class before (in L.A.). This one I liked because you give us notes so if I miss something all of the important points are written for me. Also, I love your analogies. It helps me to understand photography better. ”

“ So much helpful information. My expectations for this class were exceeded! Since I started taking these awesome classes I've noticed such a huge difference in my pictures. ”

“ Good discussion of "why" not just "how". ”

“ I didn't know how to do anything but use automatic settings. Now I have the confidence to shoot and play with f-stops and shutter speeds. ”

“ I took some courses in school and the explanations in these DCP classes were easier to understand than in college. ”

“ I love how you teach that you won't always get the shot you think you want but you may end up with something better and to keep practicing. You make photography seem accessible and that anyone can do it and even professionals have to practice. ”

“ These classes help break down the techniques, settings and terms I otherwise wouldn't have grasped. ”

“ I knew almost nothing about our camera before this class so I liked the details and instructions ranging from the actual camera controls to tips on composition and shooting pictures. Very fair price for the number of hours and classes. ”

“ Very thorough without being overwhelming for a complete beginner like myself. I loved the different analogies and other techniques used to explain the inner workings of cameras. ”

“ The DSLR series exceeded my expectation by far. The material was well organized and presented in a succinct manner which made the flow very nice. From someone who learned photography on film - these classes enabled me to tap into all the features of my digital camera that I wasn't using. The instructional live-demo made a world of difference and can't be duplicated by any book or online course. The information was more than one could have gotten from a camera manual or book. The content was more of a "Cliff's Notes" version and really focused on pertinent info rather than extraneous info. The true learning that occurred was from an engaged speaker who is passionate about photography and imparted expert level experiential knowledge and tips and tricks. The analogies allowed me to grasp more complex topics without having to think to hard about it. ”

“ I have been taking pictures for years with my DSLR but never really knew what the functions were or how they worked. This class gave me a great overview. I am looking forward to practicing with all the new techniques. ”

“ I understand how to manipulate my camera and achieve the "look" that I want to capture. Excellent value as compared to other photography classes offered in DFW! ”

“ I usually find the technical aspects of photography very boring but I found the manner in which the information was presented was interesting. I feel the technical knowledge opens up creative options for my pictures. ”

“ Simple, plain language made it accessible and fun. The instructor offered dialogue and discussion sometimes validating what I thought or clarifying. A book could never do that. ”

“ I believe the cost was a very good value for the amount of information given. ”

“ I am no longer afraid to shoot in AV, TV, P or M modes. I also have some ideas about what to do if a photo doesn't turn out like I wanted it to. ”

“ The ability to raise questions cannot be covered by any book or video! In addition, personal experiences that are shared are some of the best tips! ”

“ Peter does an outstanding job of making complex aspects of photography simple to understand while keeping it totally fun! I learned more in four classes than I have in years of self teaching. Considerable information on the generalities of photography like aperture, f-stop, lighting, etc. combined with specific information on my camera type (and those of others). You did a great job of setting up each topic and then teaching the topic. Highly recommend this course! ”

“ I was concerned the class would be too elementary but this class was not. It included elementary aspects and more advanced information. ”

“ Loved all of the analogies - really helped me to visualize in my head what is going on in my camera. ”

“ The explanation, demos and time to practice plus the pacing was great. It was a lot of information but presented at a good speed to process. ”

“ Peter presented basic functions in a clear and concise manner along with examples of each. I now feel comfortable taking my camera out of auto mode and exploring how I can take breathtaking pictures of my own. ”

“ How time flies! Great info on basic photography concepts. 1st grade drawings really helped with concepts. Teacher is great because he remembers what it is like NOT to know-the mark of a true teacher. ”

“ Nice class environment and atmosphere—very comfortable and inviting. ”

“ I liked everything! I actually understand f-stop and shutter speed. ”

“ You covered such a vast amount of info in a short amount of time! You were much more intuitive than a book or lessons I’ve read online. You, surprisingly, remember what it’s like to know very little and tell why these are important things to know. ”

“ I took a course online, read a few books, and learned half of what I learned here. The hands-on instruction was excellent—can’t wait to enroll for the portrait workshop. ”

“ Did the full day DSLR workshop first, then added this on—I loved getting a chance to practice for a couple weeks and then come back and get more. I’ve learned a bit from the photo blogs but examples and hands-on instruction made all the difference. ”

“ Very clearly presented information—Peter is knowledgeable, thorough and presents the information in a very understandable manner. Simple to understand and execute his instructions. ”

“ Peter takes time to explain and answer all questions. Does not make you feel like you’re a novice. Provided tips and hidden features of camera. Gave me information on how to use camera to the fullest extent. I have been a film photographer for years. The class gives me confidence to switch. ”

“ Good overview of all aspects. I was unfamiliar with DSLRs. Great presentation techniques—loved screen and camera set up. Great illustrations/analogies I’m excited to play with the camera now that the fear is gone! ”

“ Very informative! I’m a visual learner so this class was very helpful! ”

“ Incorporates all the different types of learning: seeing, hearing and doing. Several different examples for each concept helps! Makes sure the info sticks! ”

“ Appreciated that things were just about the right amount of technical—not too much, not too little; also appreciated that you went through to make sure people with every camera type got what was going on (since I had a Sony NEX and was the only one). I’m constantly having issues getting pictures of my infant daughter on the move and in low light; have already had better luck even after just the first two classes; will be very curious to see what pictures I get from my next vacation. ”

“ I have an associate degree in media communication from TSTC Waco and I retained more of an understanding in one of your classes then I did in a year of classes there. I struggle so much with fundamentals but how you use metaphors is so magical. For the first time I was able to explain aperture and shutter to my mom because of your bucket of water example. ”

“ I never got around to reading manuals, using youtube, etc. Had to pay to go to class to overcome my rookie inertia. Good tips and info on how to shoot for amateurs. Love the technical background and analogies… helps the complex information, like F-stop/shutter speed relationship, stick. Absolutely recommend. I’ve been using my SLR for three years and won’t be shooting auto anymore! ”

“ This class has been very informative and helpful. I originally only signed up for the first class because I wasn’t sure if I would get the information I was wanting but I have now signed up for all three classes. ”

“ I needed a refresher from my HS photography class (taught on film) regarding aperture and SS. This was what I needed. ”

“ The physical demos with immediate picture results were perfect. I am a visual learner, so explaining F-STOP, ISO, and shutter speed with images was VERY helpful. ”

“ Great classes for the new photographer. The ability to ask questions was a good benefit. I dislike the fact that there are only three classes—six would be better! ”

“ I love the fact that you made it easy to understand but didn’t “dumb it down” to Photography for Dummies status. I feel like this is the first step to a new world for me. Yes [this info will help]. I have a 10-month old that I’m wanting to take gorgeous photos of that I will treasure forever. ”

“ This class is by far the most informative class I’ve ever taken. The books and online tutorials I’ve taken don’t come close to how much I learned in just 2 ½ hours! I feel so much more confident now that I know my camera. ”

“ I shoot like I play pool-I make an attempt and hope something goes in. You have shown me how some of my “lucky” shots really came to be and how I can reproduce the result. The explanations of movement and depth of field are invaluable. I never understood the settings before. ”

“ The information presented in the class already has helped me to take better photos. This is my third class and people have already commented that my pictures are getting better. ”

“ I liked the spontaneity of things. Great interaction and visual comparison of live events. ”

“ I liked the voice of experience and the photo examples. You can never find that in a book. ”

“ Finally understand what the different modes mean on my camera! I loved doing the exercises in class as I’m more of a visual learner. ”

“ Going step by step over how the camera works and then explaining how to use it. It finally makes sense. I think I can finally take pictures indoor at night without flash. ”

“ All good info. Its interesting to learn some of the technical aspects of the camera. I love seeing examples of what you are talking about/shooting (ex: shooting at 5.6 and/or 22 and seeing the difference on the projector). ”

“ I loved the class. It was very fun and light - technical enough, but not too technical. ”

“ Very informative, yet mostly simple. Great teacher, amazing photographer. ”

“ Class went so fast. Well done! ”

“ Thank you so much for “lifting the veil” of mystery in operating my camera. I’ve been shooting in automatic for at least a year! I feel much more confident to play with my settings and actually have a little knowledge to figure this out. ”

“ Teacher speaks like he enjoys shooting pictures and explains the concepts on a level that a beginner can easily understand. We have owned this SLR camera and not taken advantage of having it. It has been used more like a simple digital camera. I am starting to understand the settings and how to use them to take better quality pictures and capture moments instead of just capturing people setting. ”

“ The class was great. Covered many of the “basics” that will help me understand how my camera takes the pictures (and why its so picky in some environments!) focus, f-stop etc. ”

“ I liked EVERYTHING! F-stops, ISO, depth of field-YEAH! I finally now feel comfortable using AV and TV modes. ”

“ Very informative! I didn’t know much about lenses and this really helped me learn what is best for my level of photography. ”

“ Presentation was easy to understand, pictures taken during class were great examples. I understand my camera much better. Time to go shoot! ”

“ Loved it. Learned a ton and look forward to more. The hands-on demo and chalk board discussion were great. ”

“ When searching for workshops, I was looking for evening classes that would really apply to hands on training and this was the best thing out there! I liked all of the class topics and the ways the items were presented in layman terms. There is a wealth of information in books to read but this class touched on specifics you can leave with to start practicing immediately. ”

“ Loved the lighting demonstrations! I’m a visual learner. This class makes everything so much clearer. ”

“ Very informative and comprehensive. Felt like I learned a lot in a short amount of time. Learning about composition, metering patterns, f-stop and shutter speed was particularly helpful. ”

“ I don't think Lightroom would have been easy to navigate without taking a class. I started at ground zero. This class helped me navigate how I wanted to organize my workflow. ”

“ Loved learning the metadata/keywords functionality. I always loose photos so this will help me find photos quickly. ”

“ We subscribed to Lightroom after the Travel Photography workshop. Quickly realized that we were spinning our wheels and needed some help to be effective. Now I feel like I have my arms around Lightroom and the tools to put into practice immediately. ”

“ It made Lightroom much less intimidating than it used to be. I have gotten a good introduction and feel I'll be able to progress. ”

“ I'm a beginner with Lightroom. I'm excited about everything I learned. ”

“ Steve was awesome and very patient and thorough. ”

“ Steve is a great instructor. He paces his lecture well. I had time to take notes and watch him demo. He answers questions. This is my second Lightroom class. First was elsewhere. I feel that I learned more in this class. ”

“ It was very helpful! I purchased Lightroom a couple of years ago and went through the tutorial but never felt proficient. After this class I am confident in using my software with great results! ”

“ I enjoyed being able to watch an instructer walk-through the software, while also being able to ask questions at the same time. I do better in classroom setting when learning something foreign - it was geat having this class available. Everything from creating a collection to editing, I will use everything I learned. I was becoming overwhelmed with my photos piling up and I'm excited to organize everything from now on. Takes away my anxieties! I also loved the shortcuts I learned. ”

“ I now feel like I will be able to follow an effective and efficient workflow for my photos. I've also been inspired to start shooting on my DSLR again in RAW of course! ”

“ It was organized well and I appreciated the pragmatic uses of Lightroom. My organization has already improved. ”

“ I have been using Lightroom for a couple of years and a live class was very helpful. The class filled in the gaps that made my workflow frustrating. ”

“ Watching example editing/getting to ask questions during the examples will be really helpful. ”

“ The information was presented in a thoughtful and structured manner. It gave me the confidence to dive in with my own edits. ”

“ I'm new to lightroom so this class has totally formed how I will set up and use the application. The live examples were great. I liked being able to see features/functionality applied to real world situation. ”

“ It was so helpful to learn about Lightroom in a live class. I have used Lightroom for awhile and there were several features I did not understand. Michelle did a great job explaining in a thorough way. I also enjoyed being with other photographers. ”

“ I just wanted to thank Peter for the awesome Lightroom classes. There is still much to learn, but I was able to take 1300 photos from a dance event Friday and have them sorted, tweaked, super edited when needed, cataloged and exported to the client in one day. I can't express how this is going to make my life easier!! ”

“ I was a complete newbie. These classes have made me more confident to get in and use it. ”

“ I have a much better idea of what to use Lightroom for. I love the organization features. The price seems fair. The teacher gave out so much information! ”

“ I am no longer intimidated by the software. ”

“ This is absolutely an ideal solution for organizing and editing photos. I may never use iPhoto again. ”

“ My pictures were in no particular order or organization and every time I went to locate a shot, I spent more of my time searching. During this course, I have already created and moved all my pictures to folders, added keywords and discovered I have wasted a lot of money on needless presets! ”

“ Having the software explained gave many shortcuts and saved a lot of time. I've been using lightroom for six or so months and learned quite a few workflow shortcuts. ”

“ The ability to ask questions, as simple as that sounds, is what I have liked the most. I have taken a video tutorial which was helpful but nothing like hearing seeing it demonstrated. ”

“ Loved learning a lot of the Lightroom shortcuts. This has made my workflow effective. No more sorting photos in "My Pictures." I am still feeling a little overwhelmed but I have owned Lightroom for over a year and now I have a foundation and I feel more confident that I'm not going to screw something up. ”

“ Before the class, I struggled with importing pictures into Lightroom and then subsequently finding and editing them. The class clearly taught me each step of the process in a simple and efficient manner. What previously took me 30 minutes now takes 30 seconds. ”

“ It was absolutely wonderful to learn in a live class environment. The ability to undo and try different approaches as well as "mess up" on purpose to explain the fix is something that rarely happens ever in the best video tutorials. ”

“ I am excited to print and make books. That is something I haven't done because I didn't know how. ”

“ Lovely class. Extremely well presented and Peter absolutely was current and informed. ”

“ I have not worked on this software through online training yet. I probably won’t now. I liked being able to see the software in action with Peter’s explanations. Quick answers to questions. It is new to me but I can take what I learned here and add my own processes. ”

“ In LR as well as the other classes you are incredibly knowledgeable about all the ins and outs, but are very good at putting things in layman’s terms and giving analogies that help me understand. Yes it will help because you gave a great overview of the whole process from beginning to end, but I feel like I need to practice a little, then take the courses again. ”

“ All explained in understandable fashion. Interesting topics and lots of helpful hints. ”

“ I like the way the information is presented and all of the ‘unofficial’ tips, like what programs or products to use that I wouldn’t have known about. I’m looking forward to the editing tools, making books, and websites. ”

“ I’ve had LR since LR 1, all self-taught. This class series really gave me some great new ideas and tips on how to maximize my productivity. ”

“ Helped learn proper way to organize—something I would not take the time to do on own via tutorials, etc. ”

“ Great class—I have done some youtube tutoring. Most are general overviews. This whole series gave a well-defined overview with practical examples of how it works in specific instances. ”

“ Very informative. Everything explained in easy-to-understand terms. Choice of using laptop in class or not, laptop was definitely not needed. ”

“ [I liked] the ability to ask for clarification & specifics, which you can’t do with a book, video, non-live format. Expanded my understanding of options I had no idea were available. As a rookie this blew all the circuits in my mind (in a good way)! I’ll forget tons and may be back to go through this again since I’m a slow learner, but that’s a commentary on my brain, not the class. I prefer overkill and things over my comprehension than things under killed. ”

“ I came to the class with some LR experience. Your class filled in the gaps nicely. ”

“ Peter was able to clear up a lot of issues I was having with Lightroom and give me a preview of how to work with publishing to a website. I plan on building my own site but have no training in web design. This helped break down the wall I had built against it. Now I am anxious to move forward. ”

“ I am new to Lightroom and it is overwhelming. This helped me to get a better understanding of the program. ”

“ The class felt informal and personal—not too many students. The instructor was able to answer questions as they come up. I took the classes to help me evaluate if I would want to purchase lightroom—wanted to see if it could be something to assist me in my photographic endeavors. I think so. I appreciate better now how to and why I should shoot raw. It’s amazing what software can do. ”

“ Dividing the LR workshops into three sessins has allowed time to practice different modules between sessions. It has definitely laid the groundwork for me to reorganize, improve access, and encourage sharing of my photos. ”

“ A LOT of info-really helpful and a good approach to introducing this complicated software. So far I have no Lightroom workflow, so this and the next 2 classes are going to be revolutionary for me! I’m excited to start looking at formerly “bad” pictures and instead of trashing them, start thinking about the editing possibilities! I tend to have a mental freak out when things get very technical (like XMP and ACR cache) but its good to have an overview of it anyway. ”

“ Great job at explaining detail of Lightroom. The handout is very helpful because there is so much info to cover and if you write notes it is hard to keep up. ”

“ The suggestion about file naming conventions is very helpful. The info about how to configure the database files, images files and preview files on different drives. It is a great primer for newbies and in depth enough for someone with a little more experience. ”

“ The handout  seems to be very detailed which I like. There is so much material to take in so it is good to know I have it all in a packet. ”

“ Easy to follow, so glad you use a PC so I don’t feel uncool without a mac. ”

“ As usual, super class! Learned so much, will take me leaps and bounds forward. ”

“ I got a good amount of information to manage and classify my images. I thought I was doing a good job, however the tips presented in class will make my job a lot easier. I am just starting out but learning how to catalogue, use keywords and edit in Lightroom is helpful. ”

“ Good pace, well organized. Gave good outside tools and resources too. ”

“ I found out Lightroom is a lot more powerful than just being an awesome photo organizer. Every place we turned was  like opening a new Christmas present you didn’t expect. ”

“ Import workflow was especially helpful. File organization, folders and collections made clearer. ”

“ Great introduction to Lightroom! Starting from the ground up, the basics were explained well. ”

“ [I liked] the support, the hints, ideas and how organic it felt. ”

“ The combination of photo shoot and photo review was very helpful. I got ideas on how to think more creatively and how to make small changes for improvement. It was a good value. ”

“ Great day - fun to see the fair from a different point of view. ”

“ I liked the one on one combined with the group instruction. I also liked the anticipation of problems like shooting in bright sun, and easy-to-follow pointers for how to compensate. ”

“ Liked the combination of working in the field and processing pics together and getting real-time feedback. ”

“ Loved the location. Noel was great. ”

“ Instant motivation to shoot more = short term effect. New skill that I'll use forever = long term effect. ”

“ The workshop went beyond helping understand low light photography and helped me better understand exposure, sources of light and more. ”

“ I've already been using the techniques and have become more adventurous with location selection. Loved going on location and getting feedback directly from the instructor. ”

“ Loved the studio presentation of theory and the discussion of examples and then time to explore Lightroom/Photoshop techniques and process, then share and discuss each others' work. This was my favorite DCP class that I have taken. I loved the subject, the format and flow of the class. Noel was a great instructor - very patient and non-intimidating. He did not speak up or down to the class and all of the information he presented was very usable and accessible. Even though he is quite accomplished, he was very humble and easy to talk to and be with. He set a good tone and atmosphere. ”

“ This took me past what I knew and filled a lot of gaps I had questions about. Great class. Glad I attended! ”

“ The light painting workshop at the Statler was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am glad I had the chance to participate. It was a great value for the money. ”

“ I don't typically do well in group settings like this, being a bit slow to catch on I need more one on one. This was an exception! Everything was very well presented, easy to understand, well illustrated and thorough. Noel was entertaining and great about answering questions as well as being very approachable. The staff and/or assistants were also very friendly, helpful and professional. I enjoyed it more and came away with more than any workshop that I have even been to. ”

“ This workshop introduced me to a new technique that will have lasting effects on my work. I will continue to explore this process. It also forced me to get to know my equipment in a different way and shoot outside of my comfort zone. The execution on location was great. I felt there was incredible amount of freedom while maintaining a strict safety protocol. ”

“ Noel did a great job breaking down his process/technique. He gave a great level of detail that can be applied. Thanks to Noel for being open and confident enough to share enough "trade secrets" to encourage us and make us feel that night painitng is approachable for a newbie. ”

“ Good mix of shooting, technique, theory and post processing. Great value for what we received. ”

“ Great class. Great people. ”

“ The long term effect is that I will be looking for opportunities to add light painting techniques to a variety of shots – landscape, architecture, and products. ”

“ I am using some of the skills and just the overall ‘boost’ to creative thinking about things is good. I still have some ‘post-class’ glow going. I definitely want to take the class again if you go to different locations….my painting technique is still lacking but I am at least thinking about things differently. ”

“ Everything was extremely well organized and thought-out and everyone got as much individual attention as they needed/wanted. Noel was very conscientious about that and very generous with his time and attention. ”

“ I rate the workshop as excellent. Even given the “Act of God” extreme weather difficulties you and we had to deal with. I can only imagine how over-the-top the workshop would've been if we'd had good weather along with that full moon. Even so, it was great enough as to not let the weather dampen our spirits and excitement about learning this new photo art. ”

“ I had played around with light painting in the past, but it had never really “clicked” for me until this workshop. After having a few images turn out well, I got the bug, and will definitely continue to light paint using the skills I learned. Considering the varied venues and weather conditions we had to deal with, the class was very well organized. Having come from out of state, I definitely appreciated all the emails, maps, etc. Spot studio staff (and Noel) were very helpful and friendly. ”

“ This was my first time to develop and print. And I loved the class - very informative. Looking forward to the next class. ”

“ I loved how hands-on it is. My favorite part was making the prints. I learned a lot. I had no clue about how to use the enlarger. That was fun. I thought it was worth the price. ”

“ The workshop was very informative and there was always assistance when needed. ”

“ Very in depth, but easy to understand. Hands-on is the best way to learn. ”

“ Was happy that I could make several prints to take home. ”

“ Very hands on, a good mix of lecture & lab. The information & activities effectively filled the day. ”

“ This was my first darkroom experience. The hands-on aspect was fun and educational. Clearly one has to do this hands-on to learn. Loved the workshop. I thought David was a thoughtful instructor and was very informative. ”

“ So incredibly helpful! I knew nothing about film development coming into this class, but feel like I'm leaving with all the information I need to practice at home. ”

“ Taught by an experienced photographer & darkroom artist. He never spoke over my head; he explained everything as he went along. ”

“ Practicality vs theory was perfect. It is a life changing experience! This took the mystique out of Macro Photography leaving the creative, fun part! ”

“ The emphasis on lighting was so very helpful to all my photography. ”

“ Thank you for allowing me to use your lens. Now I want to go out and buy one! ”

“ Everything about light was new and I have a better understanding of raking light, back light, top and bottom light. ”

“ Can't wait to start my collection of gadgets, lights, and backgrounds and recycle some things that I thought were no longer needed. ”

“ Instructor was very patient and helpful, learned some interesting new tricks. ”

“ All kinds of neat gadgets. ”

“ Before the class I thought it was all about technical details, now I realize that my own demeanor and my interaction with the animal play an important role. ”

“ I love photographing dogs! I learned to tell when the animals were anxious & when humans didn't want to be in the photos. ”

“ Good hands-on shooting sessions and variety of dogs. Great instructor. Very engaging with participants. ”

“ The emphasis on relationships and emotion was spot on, as well as letting dogs be dogs. Nicely paced. Great value. ”

“ I had not read about panos online, but had taken a few with my phone. I was amazed at all of the info, equipment and software that is available! I learned so much. I can't wait to try out all of the tips. ”

“ I feel much less intimidated by the process now. ”

“ Yes, I was a little fuzzy on hardware, class helped greatly. Also on software. ”

“ This class was a great intro for me. I have only played with iPhone panos. Can't wait to play with DSLR pano. Understanding parallax as it pertains to photography will for sure help in perfecting panos. ”

“ I've never done much with panoramas, therefore this class was a good introduction on how to start and get perspective. ”

“ Good overview; very eye-opening. Addressed most basic problems I've experienced in the past. Can't wait to practice eliminating parellax. ”

“ Opportunity for discussion, Q and A, trial and error, and experimentation. It's what makes workshops more valuable that books and online courses. ”

“ It was great! Time for lecture and hands on! Plenty of time for everyone to play with sets and ask questions. ”

“ Good explanations on technique, hands on building of the sets and shooting is great! A few minutes with the instructor on a couple of pieces was also helpful. This should really help the lighting issues. ”

“ He was explaining everything so well and patiently taking time with everyone to make sure we all get the right image. He finished the day with the same energy that he started it. ”

“ I found the development /fixing process to be very interesting. I loved seeing the photo appear from a piece of "film" I created. This workshop was extremly helpful. I only have positive things to say about this class and the facilities. Highly recommended. The only surprise I had this weekend was how many successful photos everyone captured. ”

“ First time with wet plate. Overall the whole process was facinating! Nothing beats "hands on"! Lisa is simply an awesome teacher too! The facility is outstanding! Class size was perfect too. I was surprised that we were producing "good" results before lunch on day one! ”

“ This was my second time. It's amazing how the discovery of combining these chemicals together would produce a photo process. It's an excellent value for all the hands on information and help given. ”

“ Excellent! First course at SCP and really enjoyed it! Feel confident that I could do this on my own after the course. ”

“ The whole process from mix chemical to shooting to development are all interesting. ”

“ I liked how many photos we got to take. It was nice to just play and not worry how many we needed to do. Considering the instruction, how much we got to use the equipment, I think the price is competitive and appropriate. The class was so much fun, and I feel like I have a solid understanding of wet plate. Thank you! And Lisa is a wonderful teacher- I would sign up for her class again. ”

“ Seeing the layer options and masking tools used on real photos was the most interesting and informative. ”

“ The clarity of the outline for each session was excellent. The right length to cover the information. ”

“ Have already started using my knowledge! ”

“ It was a good solid intro to the highlights of Photoshop. It had enough information to get started and to be dangerous. Steve provided great info on how to incorporate Lightroom into Photoshop and what to do where, etc. ”

“ Live class excellent! Action oriented. A good length to really get into an aspect as well as a variety of ideas. ”

“ Steve is a wonderful teacher. I like the personal interaction. A classroom setting is great because of the ability to ask questions and see something done in front of you. I personally understand the software better when I have someone teaching in front of me. ”

“ This class was absolutely wonderful. The instructor is very kind and patient with all questions. A live class was very helpful. The ability to have input made all the difference. This price accurately represents the skill and expertise of the instructor. This class was a great value if not a steal. ”

“ Highly experienced instructor, kind, friendly, people! Everyone is very helpful and open to questions and photo "challenges". ”

“ You learn a lot for what you pay. ”

“ I liked that Steve focused on the things we would use the most. ”

“ I was first surprised by the openness, candor, authenticity and nurturing nature of Sam. Confident but not ego driven. The workshop was a nice balance of showing, discussing Sam's work, aesthetics and theory, shooting and critique. ”

“ I really enjoyed Sam's thoughts on his images, both old and new from this weekend. Very valuable! I will marinate a long time in all this information. ”

“ The instructor drew me to the workshop and after hearing him speak and a portfolio review in October, I was ready for the instruction. When Sam showed images from the weekend it was surprising to his his personal images discussed in the parameters of his teaching. Encouraged to see his "snapshots" as they translate to my personal and client work. It really helped me bridge his teachings to dynamic, personal life. ”

“ I was surprised that Sam was also doing things with us. From lunch, riding the train, shooting at the locations. That was such a great experience. ”

“ The workshop was well organized and executed. It has changed my perspective for the better. I can now look beyond the technical aspects. Dear Sam, many thanks for helping me see the world differently! ”

“ It has been life changing for my photographic life. It has also brought new life to my photography. ”

“ I was ready to see things in an entirely new way. I want to be more than one "type" of photographer. The work of other students inspired me. Sam was such a genuine person and very easy to talk to. I've already recommended the workshop to two other photographers I admire. ”

“ It's amazing to see the vast improvement from first day to last. As always, Sam has done an excellent job with teaching techniques that significantly impact peoples images. ”

“ I loved the mix of the weekend. Time to learn in a classroom setting. Time to shoot and interact with Sam and the group. I liked the diversity and challenge of different locations. I have always loved shooting in Dallas - initially I know there was concern from the group in finding inspiration in a city that they knew so well - but the photographs of the city were beautiful. I am forever different for the experience. ”

“ I learned that engaging with my subjects to know them better truly resulted in better and caring images. The workshop will have long terms effects from a storytelling perspective as well as learning to connect better with others. ”

“ It was more challenging than expected. I will see my pictures in a different way in terms of composition and meaning. ”

“ I think the class will have a lasting effect on my photo journey. I will give more thought before taking candid pictures. When I am dispensing a batch of pictures to people I will try to organize them in a means that will tell a story and capture the audiences' attention. Overall, I LOVED the course! It was fantastic!! ”

“ I'm very happy this event is still going for us film guys. I enjoyed getting to talk to people with the same interests and finding back up equipment for my old film camera. ”

“ With fewer and fewer of these types of events, I was excited to see DCP host a swap meet. All types of vendors were represented and it was great fun meeting old friends. ”

“ As a seller at the last Swap Meet I exceeded my selling expectations and walked away with a nice stash of cash! ”

“ We have missed the camera shows dearly. They were, at the least, a place for the likeminded to gather and at the best, a place to find something you really needed. We picked up several items that were not just a curiosity, but something we really use. We'll be back and would even rearrange our schedule to attend if possible. We appreciate what your company is willing to do to help keep these swap meets alive! ”

“ I had a great time at the last swap meet and plan to come back. I brought a friend with me and we found several things we liked, spent more than we intended and met interesting people. ”

“ I liked the format of instruction, interactive discussion, field work and critiques. ”

“ So many things I would never have discovered on my own! ”

“ Learned so much! New phone! Better photos! ”

“ Thank you for a fun and informative afternoon! ”

“ My first workshop. I loved every minute! ”

“ So many "aha!" moments! ”

“ Learned new tricks I never knew existed. ”

“ The real time feedback was very valuable. ”

“ The class was well composed, freshly presented and didn’t feel scripted in any way. ”

“ The workshop was a 10/10. Engaging. Informative. Well planned. Beginner friendly! ”

“ I'm leaving this workshop 110% confident in my gear. Waiting for the next workshop will be like waiting for Christmas morning!! ”

“ Can't wait to take my next class! ”

“ I've done YouTube videos. None compared to this quality. ”