Private Photography Lessons in Reno & Lake Tahoe
One-on-one lessons built around your camera and the photos you want to take.
I teach private photography lessons in person around Reno, Carson City, Truckee, and north Lake Tahoe. Each session is just you and me, so we can spend the time on whatever you’d like to work on, like getting out of Auto mode or finding better compositions.
Why Private Photography Lessons Work
In a private lesson, I can see what you’re doing as you shoot and help on the spot. If a setting doesn’t make sense, we stop and work through it with your camera in your hands until it does.
Since it’s just the two of us, we can move as quickly or as slowly as you’d like.
"John is so, so knowledgeable about the ins and outs of photography and cameras. He breaks it down so that the beginner (me) understands what he was explaining."
Tina, Reno
Two-Hour Photography Lessons
$150 per session | $120 for returning students
Most students start here to get out of Auto mode and get comfortable choosing their own settings.
We’ll meet on location or at my Reno studio, depending on what you’d like to work on. Lessons are either a photo walk or a studio session. I pick locations with plenty to practice on, which isn’t always the most scenic spot.
What we can cover:
Getting comfortable with your camera and out of Auto mode
Exposure modes and when to use them
Finding stronger compositions
Portrait lighting basics
Editing and processing your photos
A $50 deposit is due at booking.
“Highly recommend! I learned more in two hours than I had through countless hours online and reading through photography books. John has a great teaching style, creating a relaxed and fun environment.“
Ian, Reno
Where We Meet
Lessons take place around Reno, Carson City, Truckee, and north Lake Tahoe.
The well-known Tahoe spots get crowded, so I usually suggest quieter places where we can focus on your photography and skip the parking hassle. For things like portrait lighting, editing, or camera setup, we can meet at my Reno studio instead.
Lessons are available within the highlighted area on the map below. If you’re outside it, reach out and we can talk about travel.
Give the Gift of Better Photography
Gift certificates are also available in multiple denominations to be applied to any lesson(s).
QUESTIONS PEOPLE USUALLY ASK
What if I don’t have the right camera, or you don’t know my camera?
I work with all camera brands, including phones. The basics are the same on every camera, and if yours has a setting I’m less familiar with, we’ll figure it out together.
Do you take students to iconic Tahoe viewpoints or act as a photo guide?
No. These are photography lessons, so the focus is on skills you can use anywhere. We might still end up somewhere scenic.
Is there a structured syllabus?
No. Each lesson is built around what you’d like to work on, based on what you share when you book. We’ll go over your goals at the start and adjust as we go.
Still have questions?
Send me a quick message
Monthly Photography Coaching
If you’d like to keep working together, monthly coaching gives you regular lessons and a photo review each month, for less than booking them one at a time. There’s no contract, so you can cancel anytime, even after the first month.
Photography Aspiring Pro - $240/mo.
Five hours of private photography instruction each month.
2 two-hour field or studio lessons
1 hour online photo review
$370 if booked separately
Photography Enthusiast - $140/mo.
Three hours of private photography instruction each month.
1 two-hour field or studio lesson
1 hour online photo review
$220 if booked separately
How it works:
When you enroll, you'll receive scheduling links to book your lessons for that month. This repeats automatically each month until you cancel. Unused lessons roll over to the next month but can't be refunded if you cancel.
"I did several online classes but it's hard to find many good options for individual and hands-on instruction. I found John through his website and am more impressed with his knowledge and instruction in each session we have. He bases each lesson on what I want and need to learn to get me to the next level and makes the lessons fun too. I leave with things I can work on in between as well."
Tracy, Reno
About Me
I’ve been teaching photography for over a decade, and I run an online school with more than 20,000 students around the world. Before that, I was an F-15E instructor pilot in the Air Force, which is where I learned to teach complicated things one step at a time.
I also work as a documentary photographer, mostly on long-term projects with nonprofits. My work has been published in places like New York Magazine and the Los Angeles Times.
John Peltier