I took Tom's "DSLR/M Jumpstart" class this June. Glowing review follows... But first, a bit about me: I've been a latent photography maven since my early teens, starting with a Polaroid and quickly graduating to my dad's old Bell & Howell 35mm. As things often do, it found itself on a shelf until the advent of the iPhone and ever-present cameras. Discovering that I enjoy taking nice shots, but always knowing I could do better, I finally splurged on a "prosumer" Canon mirrorless. Not wanting to let it be relegated to the same fate as the B&H, I immediately went looking for some classes, and found Tom literally one neighborhood away. I immediately liked his no-nonsense commentary about how good photography connects us to our memories and what we experienced at the time, but also his keen level of humility; I think that's essential to being a good teacher, as hubris stands in the way of connection with students. When I arrived, Tom had a cozy kitchen table set up for three students, with brief handouts at the ready, and a table full of curios just begging for practice. Alas, one student was a no-show, but we had lively chat until Tom decided to get underway. There wasn't a single boring moment in the day; Tom immediately got both of us familiar with the controls on our fancy cameras, then started reviewing the basics of photography. It wasn't a theory class, per se, but he spent as much time as it took going over both how our cameras take photos, and how we perceive them. The room was set up for a simple PowerPoint-style presentation, but it was always in the background as we moved back and forth between our devices and discussion. Just setting expectations: about 75-80% of the class is "ground school" -- we worked with our cameras and settings indoors, practicing a bit on nearby objects, and then venturing outside for some practice. Tom made it fun, setting us up for a bit of a scavenger hunt in his back patio that's clearly designed to get us looking at the objects a little more deeply, and playing with focus and depth of field to achieve artistic effect. By the end of the day, I didn't feel like a "pro," by any stretch of imagination. But I did feel like I had the potential to get there. I haven't switched my camera back to "Auto" mode since the class. I've taken some lousy photos, and then realized what I'd done wrong. And I've taken some amazing shots. My only gripe about the class? It's too short. I left wondering, "ok, what next?" Tom offers a number of other opportunities like photo walks, and I'll be taking him up on them in the near future, but I definitely felt like there could have been a second day. That said, I think that's a good thing: the class achieves a "jump start" for new photographers, and leaves you wanting more. read more

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Tom Upton: Before taking this camera class, I was completely stuck, frustrated, and a little intimidated. I didn't know where to begin! I really enjoyed the class! It was helpful and interesting, and Tom put me at ease learning about all those buttons, and settings. He explained everything clearly and patiently and made the whole experience fun. I came away feeling much more confident using my camera and excited to put what I learned into practice. I highly recommend PhotoTrainer and Tom!! read more

It has been almost 5 years since I took Tom's DSLR jumpstart class, and the lessons I learned that day are still in use. The class really helped ignite my ability to properly set up my camera, but also how to adjust setting on the fly. Since his class, I have been published in multiple aviation books, blogs, newspapers, and magazines. Last Year I was an Editors Choice in the 2023 Aviation Week and Space Technology Photo edition Without Tom and his class I would no doubt be plodding away with my camera with the usual mediocre results instead of what I am shooting now. If you want to do more with your photography this one is an easy call. Give Tom and PhotoTrainer a try. read more

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If you're like me and bought a nice camera to better capture your life and travels, but then realized you had no idea how to actually use it, take Tom's DSLR/M Jumpstart to Photography class! Tom has a great way of breaking down concepts so they feel approachable rather than intimidating. The hands-on practice is incredibly helpful because you're not just learning the theory--you're immediately putting it into action. One of the biggest things I took away from the course was confidence. Sometimes all you need is someone knowledgeable to confirm that you're on the right track and help you understand what to work on next. This class did exactly that for me. Tom also reinforced something that seems obvious but is easy to forget: the best way to improve your photography is simply to get out and shoot. The more you practice, the more comfortable and intuitive it becomes. Whether you're a complete beginner or someone who has owned a camera for years but never moved beyond auto mode, I highly recommend this course. You'll leave with a much better understanding of your camera and the confidence to start taking the photos you've always wanted to capture. read more

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I came to Tom looking to get some knowledge about photography and a better understanding of how to use this new SUPER DUPER XYZ 99-100 SUPER FLY camera I bought. After 2.5 hours with Tom I now feel like an INVINCIBLE KRYPTONITE IRON CLAD NINJA JEDI.....ok, ok, that may have been a bit much. My experience with Tom was very good, I got a better understanding of the craft, and feel better in the workings of my SITH SLAYING SURGICAL SLICING LIGHT SABER of a Camera ....(clearing Throat) excuse me, a better understanding in the workings of my camera. Let me keep it professional, Tom was an excellent teacher, very knowledgeable in his craft, & was very patient in answering all my question's. For me this was money well spent. Thanks Tom... Your Kung-Fu is strong. read more

I have been a typical soccer dad and a weekend photographer for more than a decade. I was OK with Nikon FX DSLR and zoom lenses to shoot actions during the games but wanted to learn better exposure. I decided to take a private training and picked up Tom. He reviewed the way I capture actions and the exposure settings I liked. He soon found my "bad" habits and explained principle of the exposure along with the settings to make the pictures look better piece by piece logically. After the session he sent me a follow-up note with a full of information I have to keep in my mind. I am still reviewing what I learned from Tom but feel comfortable with the exposure and ready to go to the next game. read more

Thank you, Tom, for helping me jump start my career in photography! I signed up for Tom's mentorship program back in 2016 when I was toying with the idea of becoming a professional photographer. Tom was able to demystify camera settings, lighting, and Lightroom to me quickly and succinctly while keeping everything light and entertaining! I now run a photography business of my dreams and will forever be grateful to Tom who helped me begin this amazing journey on the right foot. Tom is definitely your guy if you want to learn about photography, lighting, and post-processing while sharing some good laughs! read more

My husband and I recently switched from Android to Apple and wanted to learn how to use the camera so we took the iPhone class. Prior to the class Tom reached out to ask what models and versions we had so he could be prepared for us and the other student (there were 3 students in total which was a great class size). Tom starts out with a presentation of all the features while the students find them on their phones. There's a lot there that you do not know about. Guaranteed. Then we had two opportunities to take pictures outside. When we come back inside, we all review each other's pictures which is fun, inspiring, and a great way to learn. Tom is a talented professional photographer so he also was able to give tips on how to improve the set up of a shot and could translate from DSLR to iPhone. Our pictures have improved dramatically. Let me say that again. Dramatic improvement. We have some nice new photos of the family and I like having those memories. Worth every penny. read more

Took Saturday's DSLR Jumpstart class for $125. Figured I could learn a thing or two with my new camera. The class was divided into two groups: Canon and Nikon with an assistant, Nicole. I liked the guidebook. I liked the hands-on demonstration. BUT . . . I didn't like how I was not able to ask any questions or interact with the teacher DURING the lecture. Umm, that doesn't work. Especially when the class was 4.5 hours long. At one time, I asked Nicole, the assistant, for additional help on understanding the aperture numbers. Tom, the teacher, interjected that we must not be diverted from the subject at hand (which was about lens). Felt like a high school class instead of a workshop. Tom, the teacher, is more familiar with the Canon cameras, so you would benefit from him if you own a Canon. I didn't care too much for the class. I can only retain so much information in a nearly 5 hour class with no substantive foods (Light snacks are provided). But I did retain this: DON'T USE AUTO MODE. read more

I've taken two classes with Tom. My first was a couple years ago and was his Intro to the DSLR workshop. Most recently, I set-up a private session with him. The workshop was a great intro to the camera, but, since it's a class, there is only so much individual attention you should expect. I left it with a better understanding of how the camera works and an incredibly helpful guidebook to turn back to. During my individual session, Tom helped me work through issues I had been stuck on and reviewed some of my photographs to see what I was doing right and what I could be doing better. I left super excited to shoot in situations that had previously frustrated me. Tom enjoys working with students and wants to help you become a better photographer. I couldn't ask for a better teacher. I should note that I shoot with a Nikon and Tom has no problems helping me with my questions. read more

My husband and I had a private lesson with Tom. We are beginners and he has jumpstarted our learning with the Fuji XT3. He is a terrific teacher. He simplifies and distills the essentials to get started. There is a lot of humor, history of photography, and personal experiences during the lesson. There were many moments during the lesson when concepts we had struggled with just clicked! We are hoping to come back after more practice for advanced lessons . read more

I was really happy with the course. I was the only student so having 2 teachers was pretty amazing. Before the class, I was a real newbie and could only do Auto mode and had to pull out the manual too often. I shoot manual now and it all makes sense now (ISO, Fstop, etc.). His training manual was pretty useful. A 6 hour class was perfect for me. I'll go shoot for awhile and then come back for other stuff. read more

PhotoTrainer - photo taken right after class - Photographers Near Me

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I took the Jumpstart class which gave me an excellent introduction to using my mirrorless Sony camera (class also covers DSLRs). Tom is very patient and clear - I came away with a good understanding of my camera functions, which options I should be setting to auto and which I should adjust myself, and how they all fit together. There were people in my class from complete novice to frequent user and everyone learned a lot in the class. Thank you, Tom! read more

I can't recommend Photo Trainer and Tom Upton highly enough. I write books for kids. Illustrations are usually provided for me by an illustrator or a professional photographer. But recently I got an assignment to do a book about an Antarctic expedition. The catch was that I would have to take my own photos for the book on location. In a panic, I phoned Tom Upton. He gave me free advice about the best cameras for my project, and recommended that I sign up for Photo Trainer so I could quickly learn to use whatever camera I bought, and then be off and running. Both Photo Trainer and Tom are fabulous. In a single morning, I learned everything there was to know about my camera's capabilities and how to get the most out its many complicated features. I then went off to Antarctica and came back with hundreds of amazing pictures for my book. I have now taken two Photo Trainer courses -- one for my pocket camera and another for my SLR. All I can say is, it's WAY worth the money. You don't just learn general things about digital cameras. You learn specifics about the particular camera you've brought with you to the class. Tom is a wonderful teacher, and I am one heckuva satisfied customer. read more

PhotoTrainer - Taken by Nancy E. after a Photo Trainer course - Photographers Near Me

I took Tom's DSLR Jumpstart class on a weeknight and left enthused about knowing how to use my camera's Manual Mode for an upcoming vacation (trip to the desert). Out of all the intro photography classes I've taken (I took one at Aperture Academy and one at Stanford), I actually gained the most out of this 3.5hr session. Not everyone in class had the same camera. 2 people had a Canon Rebel T3i, 1 had a Nikon, and 1 had a Sony mirrorless. What I appreciated the most was that the lesson was customized to the DSLRs of the students in our class and that I physically got to figure out what some of the functions do on my own camera during the actual session. Changing aperture, shutter speed, metering, playing with white balance, diopter set-up, bracketing, composition, menu setup, figuring out the manual -- I'm the kind of person that needs to physically do something in order to get it and I got to do just that in class. Having opportunities to get one-on-one help from Tom to get things to "work" was also very helpful. Tom provides a copy of a manual that he wrote, and that's pretty easy to read. I know his class sizes can be slightly bigger, but my particular class was incredibly small (4 people). I think it also helped that the other person sitting at my table also had a T3i, so we were learning the same camera and bouncing ideas off of each other when practicing. Parking is difficult on a weeknight in this area, since there are tons of restaurants around. You could park on the street (after 5pm it's free) or in the public parking lot. I actually come to this area often and usually can find a spot easily just off Bryant and Forest Ave. I also don't mind walking a few blocks to get to my destination. The PhotoTrainer office is in the 616 building on Ramona and you have to go up the stairs and then all the way down to the back. The PT office is the last one at the end. Class gets bonus points for having tea, water, and chocolate available during class! Nice evening pick-me-up. read more

I came away from this class with a much deeper understanding of my camera and how I can use a wide range of settings to improve my photographs. There were at least five separate times during the class, where I said to myself, wow that alone was worth the money I paid to be here. One thing Tom has done that allows the student to be fully present during the class, is create high quality hand outs that mimic what he is teaching. This allowed me to be fully present and not worried about writing every last thing down. It also gave me a hook to tie back into when out in the field with my camera. Tom's teaching style combines practical facts, deep knowledge and true passion to put together information that is completely accessible to a novice photographer. While also inspiring you to believe in your own ability to catch the perfect shot. I would highly recommend this class. read more

I had a great dslr and could only take pictures on the auto setting. Thanks to the camera it looked like I knew what I was doing, but I thought I should get my money's worth out of the camera and take a class. But I'm a busy gal and didn't have time to commit to a 5 week course. Enter Photo Trainer, a 4 hour class that meets once. The first couple hours I was a little lost. There is a lot of jargon in the camera world. But thankfully since the class is small and Tom is enthusiastic about people understanding photography I felt like I could ask even the most basic questions. What is aperture anyway? Somewhere midway through the class things started coming together. Tom's manual (a cliff notes to the manual that comes with your camera), the way he has organized what to cover and the ability to ask questions and get hands on help brought it all together by the end of class. I don't know 100% everything that was covered, but I feel more confident about playing around with the camera. I took the camera for a spin in the city last Sunday and felt good that I knew the different functions of all those buttons. What the class really did for me was get me excited to learn more. I'm ready for Part II if he ever comes out with something like that! read more

The PhotoTrainer introduction to digital SLRs was fantastic. I had enjoyed taking snaps with a new Nikon, but was completely ignorant of the camera's potential. Tom and Nicole were brilliant in illustrating how and why to use a digital camera properly, translating the camera's manual, teaching the class with enthusiasm and humor, and inspiring me to get out and practice. Within a four-hour class, with a lot of simple practical photography exercises, I left with a buzz. Since the class, I have hugely enjoyed taking pictures, and have made my partner very jealous with my new understanding of hard and soft light, apertures and stops, and creative forces. This is one of the best classes I've ever taken. read more

Tom is a awesome teacher. I had multiple moments in my class where things finally "clicked." I was fairly new to my camera and now I feel comfortable with it and excited to use my newly acquired skills. I'd highly recommend. read more

The proof is in the shooting. It's been a couple of weeks since I took this class and since then I have shot about 500 photos on my Nikon D70. In MANUAL mode, by the way. This was the first time in years that I knew what I was doing. The results have been outstanding! That said, I wanted to "test the waters" on other things I learned in the session with Tom. White Balance was one of those issues that has alluded me and so I was always on automatic. Not any more! I know how to set my White Balance so there is little need for adjustments in post production. Thanks to Tom I have a wealth of new knowledge that is PRACTICAL. Yes, Tom can fill you with as much or as little detail as your brain can handle, but again, I think any class is worth the money if you can USE the information afterwards. A word about the setting: It's about as comfortable and professional as one can expect. This is his studio where there's art, photographs and delicious treats. Tom is a gentleman who is a careful listener and can roll with the punches. For example, he does cover a lot of subjects and his book is pretty nifty, but when we needed to digress and discuss basics such as Menu settings that were unclear, he was calm and helpful. The speed in which you learn is up to you but Tom has a good sense of what is connecting with his students. Would I recommend this course? Of course! Would I take another one from Tom? Yes, and in fact I have this feeling that I actually want to read my Nikon's manual now! Forgive me, but I have found a way to understand this stuff thanks to PhotoTrainer. read more

Tom and his assistant, Nicole, taught a really comprehensive, well-organized class. I knew nothing about my new Nikon D60 when I first arrived. After the session I feel ready to go out and practice what I learned. The students had varying degrees of SLR experience but the pace and level seemed appropriate for everyone. I highly recommend this class--it was definitely worth the time and cost. read more

This is an excellent class for anyone who is slightly intimidated by all the bells and whistles of their digital SLR camera. It provides an accelerated, comprehensive overview of the essentials of photography, and really helps demystify everything beyond using the crutch of Automatic Mode. After the 4 hour session, I walked away with a much more solid understanding and appreciation for everything my DSLR can do, and felt more empowered (and inspired!). The class size is small, and it's very hands-on. Tom does a great job of conveying the basics of photography in a 'teaching you to fish' manner. read more

I took the class called DSLR Jumpstart Deluxe on the weekend. This class is worth every penny and more of it! The class started at 9am and ended at 4pm.There was a short break in the morning, the lunch time was between 12pm and 1:05pm. We left our stuff in the classroom, Tom locked the place up during the lunch. We had a table with Canon users and the other table with Nikon users. The class was fast enough to cover all the fundamental functions and was slow enough to have everyone understanding and practicing what we were learning. Super clear, fun, and no confusion! One and half years ago, I upgraded myself to a Pro camera (Nikon D800 + 70-200mm f/2.8 Lens) without knowing what I would get into. Nikon D800 is an all manually operated professional camera. And, I NEVER used manual functions before. The most pictures taken by me were disappointments. I struggled among ISO, Aperture, and Shutter Speed setups. I started to call my camera a monster. I learned from friends, YouTube, reading online; and took one Photo class; the more I studied the more I was confused. After taking Tom's class, I am no longer confused! Step by step, I know how to handle my camera and how to play with the settings. Tom has encouraged me to not be afraid and to keep trying. His class has given me the hope and has brought the fun back! I highly recommend the class! read more

Before taking this class I rarely used manual mode on my camera, and when I did I really struggled to get a good shot. This class opened my eyes, and now I don't ever switch my camera to automatic. I may not be perfect, but my photos have greatly improved. I can now switch between Manual, Aperture Priority, and Shutter Priority and have the confidence to get fairly close to the shot I had in my head. I did a lot of searching online for information on how to use my camera, but nothing compares to having the instructor right there in front of you to show you what you are doing wrong and how to correct it. Thank you Tom for a wonderful class. I highly recommend this to anyone who struggles or is hesitant about using manual mode on your camera. read more

I thought the class was a little disorganized. It seems like they had new printouts/handbook, and the class ran 1 hour over. Class size was a little bit bigger than I anticipated, and I probably should have signed up for the next level class. The class is for any Digital SLR owner, but I think Tom is better at running through the Canon settings than the Nikon, all else being equal. Very friendly setting, and the handbook that you get to take home is a good tool for beginners. I'll sit with this class for awhile to see if I want to take the advance class. I would suggest the weekend classes, as parking is free. I parked right in front of the building and then was able to grab lunch right down the street. read more

Excellent class! Small group, everyone was at a different level of knowledge and Tom worked with us all based on our own cameras abilities. I went in with minimal knowledge of my camera and now I know and understand what all the important functions are and how to use them! I no longer have to spend my life in "Auto" mode! I Highly recommend his class! read more

those were 4 hours perfectly utilized. Tom was very patience and even though mu camera was not a classic DSLR (sony nex 5n), he prepared specifically for me a manuel with explanations. Besides that I understand better how to use my camera and take better pictured for my food blog. I highly recommend. read more

I got my daughter a DSLR for Christmas, and suggested to her that we take a class together to get her started. We found Tom via Yelp and took the jumpstart class. Great class (although if you take the Thursday evening session, bring yourself some food). He limits the number of people in each class, and seeks out how to help each of his students. Good listener, and sound advice, targeted to what you want and need. I have been sort of a recovering film photographer for a while - meaning that after my beloved film SLR was stolen, I haven't really set my heart on taking pictures for years. My wife gave me a dslr years ago, which I've never really gotten to know. I was really surprised how much help I got. read more

I was initially very skeptical as to what I'd be able to learn in 4 hours. Most other photography courses I'd come across in adult schools were spread over weeks/months. However, I must admit that the course was very good and my expectations from the course were easily met. The class size is small (max of 6 people), hence Tom (the instructor) is able to pay individual attention to everyone. He conveys the concepts very clearly, and at the end of the course, most people would be very comfortable with using their DSLR in manual mode, and using it well. He also provides a very good instruction booklet. It would be nice if he also had a field trip to go with the course, so that we have time to practice what we learn. I'd recommend it to everyone who has a DSLR and is too overwhelmed to use it in non-automatic mode. Do yourself a favor and read up some of the basic concepts before attending the course, it would help you immensely. Oh! And his assistant was very sweet, knowledgeable and helpful too. read more

Phototrainer is definetely the place to go. Tom and Nicole are the best. The class/environment is small which is great for almost 1:1 attention. Tom is a pro and his photography tips are invaluable. Tom also adapts to his audience very well : Whether you are a beginner or a pro, you will always come out of Phototrainer knowing SO much more about your camera and/or taking pictures. Nicole is very knowledgable and complements Tom very well. You will never be left without a question unanswered. I also really like their website : It is clear, easy to navigate and there is something for every budget and every levels. I am always looking forward to taking a class! read more

Did you know Tom gives private lessons? I got a Canon 60D last November before our honeymoon in Japan. I'd been a film photographer with a Rebel back in high school, and I'm a geek so I figured out my way around the buttons pretty quickly. What I was missing was -why- to use those buttons - how to connect the artistic vision and the technical details. I realized that I had a pricey camera and a collection of increasingly pricey lenses that I wasn't using to their fullest, so I decided I needed some help, hit up Yelp and found Tom. Tom was able to fit me in on short notice before my trip to Japan next week. I'm still dizzy from the amount of information he was able to give me in the three hour lesson. And he did it all with a huge amount of patience and a sharp sense of humor. I'm glad I have the handbook from 'Jumpstart your DSLR Camera' and the EXIF data from the pictures I took to jog my memory. Most of all, Tom was able to inspire my confidence to go into manual exposure mode. It's not as big a leap as I thought, and I am more conscious of my aperture and shutter decisions than I was when the camera was deciding for me. I also learned (among many, many other things) how to tame the evil on-camera flash and make it work for me in less than optimal lighting. Less than 48 hours later I am already taking vastly better pictures. Before you spend another dollar on more camera gear, please consider a class or a lesson with Tom - believe me, I'm a tech geek and I love shiny toys as much as the next person, but this is a better investment in improving your photography skills. I'll be back after my vacation for a Lightroom class! read more

I had taken a few DSLR classes with Tom a few years back, as well as hiring him for a private lesson. Flash forward, with my new iPhone 11 Pro in hand, I spent the day at his iPhone class. It was well worth the time and money. Not only did I get a great re-fresher on composition, but I learned many features about the iPhone camera that I didn't know existed. We had two different excursions outside to shoot photos, and at the end of the class we all got to share our work with the class, getting commentary, compliments and critiques. It was so interesting to see how all 7 of us were taking photos in the same space, yet we had so many different perspectives. Excellent day! read more

I took the DSLR Jumpstart Deluxe and then about six months later I took the DSLR Explore. They were both excellent. The Jumpstart class focused on your camera and details on how to use it. It included a booklet put together by the instructor on concise, practical information about photography. I refer back to this booklet frequently and I like the additional assignments throughout the chapters. This was a well organized class, which was kept very small, so it felt personal. Everyone felt welcome and the atmosphere was very friendly. I am really hoping the develop some new classes soon. read more

I find PhotoTrainer classes way beyond what I can do on my own with the manual, so I keep going back. Tom has an endless ability to answer some of my toughest questions and help me understand what seems to be the foreign language of a camera. My favorite is his system for organizing my manual in color coded tabs. I can refer back to it easily when trying to remember a certain technique from the course. I enjoyed the interactive aspect of his courses (we photographed each other to use bracketing). Thanks to Tom, there has been a new world opened up to me on what my camera can do when I take it off the auto function. Tom's many years and college education as a professional photographer is noticeable and very helpful, so is his dry sense of humor. I recommend his courses and his mailing list. The tips that arrive with his PhotoTrainer newsletter are outstanding. read more

I took a Jumpstart Deluxe class with Tom a year or so ago. The class was well-organized and specialized for users of different types of DSLR cameras. I left feeling a lot more knowledgable about photography terminology and the features of my specific camera. After the class, I gained confidence with shooting in manual mode. One of the most valuable gifts of Tom's class was a booklet he made distilling all the most crucial information from your camera's manual and sharing it in layman's terms in one place. Hallelujah! I had a situation just this week where re-reading the booklet made a huge difference in my photos. I was asked to shoot at a friend's business. My first set of pictures came out so-so. That night, I went home and read Tom's booklet and fooled around with my camera...re-orienting myself with some of the white balance features, etc. that Tom highlighted in his booklet. When I went back to the business for shoot #2 several days later, my shots were vastly improved. Trust me, this little booklet along with Tom's instruction is an amazing use of your time and money. As with any new skill, learning takes practice and Tom would be the first to tell you that. Don't expect miracles from one class. What good is learning without doing your own hands-on skill-building? That said, Tom has a variety of options for you to increase your knowledge and skill for wherever you are at on your learning arc. He is also extremely accessible for questions after your class (I called him just this week with a lens question). He truly does want to share his craft with you and teaching is obviously rewarding for him. I look forward to taking a Lightroom class and to doing some private training with him in the future. read more

I took the 4 hour DSLR jumpstart class yesterday after 5 years of using the auto mode on my Nikon SLR. I just wish I had found this class 5 years ago and invested 4 hours to learn how to use my camera! Tom and Nicole are fun, knowledgeable and the provide the best materials I've ever come across to learn SLR photography. The small class size was great. read more

Excellent introductory class! I took Tom's DSLR Jumpstart class to get a better understanding of my new DSLR and left with a much better understanding of how to get the most out of my camera and inspired to do so. Both Tom and Nicole were very helpful and I found the structure and content of the class very well organized and easy to follow. Tom makes sure that there is no more than 5 students per instructor which helps to ensure no one is left behind and everyone gets the individual attention they need. To help you get the most out of the workshop Tom has also prepared a guide booklet so that you can concentrate on the class rather than desperately taking notes. This guide is my new bible and I would honestly pay good money for it alone. Sadly I came home after an extended period of time and found that my puppy had decided to teach me a lesson and found my much loved guide torn to shreds!! I was so upset. One quick phone call to Tom and he offered to mail me a replacement if in exchange I completed my new assignment- to take a picture of my guilty puppy along with the evidence of her destruction. Thanks Tom! read more

The investment of time and money for this class was some of the best I've ever spent. I've had my Nikon D40X DSLR for years, and I wish I'd taken this the moment I got my hands on it. A week after taking this class, I brought my camera on vacation and I think I've taken better pictures than I ever have in my life, just being able to get into the menus and really know how to operate the camera. The class was amazing and I can't wait to learn more. Tom is not only thorough, well-organized, and thoughtful in his approach, clearly based on both experience teaching and in front of cameras, but he has a beautifully dry sense of humor that kept the class engaging. I was easily able to converse with Tom or his assistant whenever I needed help. read more

Just took Tom's JumpStart DSLR class today. It was wonderful. I finally know what all the knobs and buttons on my DSLR are for! And the handbook, which Tom and his wife Katie (a technical writer) must've slaved hundreds of hours over, is phenomenal - it's the most concise intro to photography I've seen anywhere....and I've looked around for a good, concise, intro guide! We were 8 students, led by Tom and his assistant Nicole. Class was held in his very comfortable studio on Ramona. If you know a little theory (can define aperture, shutter speed, ISO, but understand little else), this is the perfect class for you in terms of pace, topics covered, etc. If you are completely new to photography and have no idea what those three words above meant, I would sign up for the Jumpstart DSLR Deluxe - it's the same workshop in terms of material covered, but tacks on an additional 2 hours, which can be crucial to getting comfortable with understanding what makes a "good" exposure and how that relates to those 3 terms. This workshop was worth the $150 I paid. I feel ready to practice! And to reduce the amount of time I was spending in postproduction w. Photoshop, "fixing" my pictures on the computer. I'm now more confident I'll get the exposure right in the camera. Can't wait for the next class in the series (Explorer)! read more

This class was fantastic. Tom is a great teacher, fun and personable and the class-size is just right. Having other students there means that you get more questions about situations you might not think of yourself and you have people to feed off for ideas and inspiration. There were many different cameras (but all Nikon and Canon) and Tom was great at relating information that was useful for all of us. I now feel like my camera is written in a language I can read rather than a daunting and forgotten text. I can't WAIT to go out and use what I learned. read more