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if you're wondering how to teach photography? The first thing you will need to do is decide what you will teach. I recommend teaching the basics of photography or how to shoot on manual instead of auto. That's because this is the first thing that most moms with cameras will want to learn. Are you stumped creating your lesson plan? Not to worry. The Basic Digital Photography Curriculumhas everything you need to help get you started. It's pre-written for you. All you have to do is add your studio name and include your photos if you'd like. It's divided into three sections... the photographer's toolkit, exposure and camera settings.
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A lot of your students may be eager to show off their new, fancy cameras (especially if your class begins after a holiday). A great way to break the ice and engage your students is to have them do show and tell. Have them show you their camera and have them tell you why they signed up for the class. Be interested in what each student has to say and then share your background.
Are you teaching photography on a weekday evening? As you make plans to arrive on time, don’t forget about rush-hour traffic. Once you reach your destination, you’ll want to add some photography touches to the room. Bring your photos in an assortment of sizes. Vary the subjects, places and moods. If you feel especially tech savvy, put together a slideshow and project it onto a blank wall.
On the sign in table, leave sample albums/sample images & business cards for students to take home. Collect your student’s names and e-mails so you can keep-in-touch. If you have handouts, make sure they are printed and bound before you get to class. Being prepared will help you feel less stressed as class gets rolling.
Insiders tip: don’t forget to smile and greet your students when they walk in.
Use a combination of online tools and traditional marketing methods to promote and manage your photography class.
When should teach a photography class? If you're teaching photography to kids, you should schedule photography classes or photography clubs after school weekdays. Watch for holidays and school vacations. Working parents may jump at a nine-to-five photography camp during school vacation.
Adult classes may do best after work on a weeknight or a weekend. Give them enough time to leave work, sit in traffic and grab dinner, for example a Tuesday’s from seven-to-eight o’clock.
Creating a community for your photography students is a great way for them to put into practice what they have learned. Encourage students to share their work and provide feedback to one another. You can do this through a Facebook Group or Instagram account where your students can continue to share their work and stay connected.
I hope these tips have been helpful in learning how to teach photography classes. Teaching photography to beginners can be a rewarding experience. By starting with the basics and encouraging them along the way within a community, you can help your students develop a love for photography that will last their lifetime.
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If you're a photographer launching a 40 Over 40 photography campaign and need ideas for booking more clients, here are 40 marketing ideas to help you promote your campaign with confidence and creativity!
