Private In-Person Photography Lessons in Reno & Lake Tahoe
One-on-one photography instruction tailored to your camera, your skill level, and your creative goals. Available for residents and visitors in the Reno, Carson City, and Lake Tahoe area.
These one-on-one photography lessons are designed for photographers who want personal guidance, not group classes or generic tutorials. Available in the Reno and Lake Tahoe area, each session is tailored to your camera, experience level, and creative goals.
Why Private Photography Lessons Work
Group classes have to teach to the middle. Online videos can’t see what you’re doing wrong.
Private photography lessons remove both problems by tailoring each session to your camera and goals, with real-time feedback while you’re actually shooting.
"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
Photography Lesson Locations
Lesson locations are chosen for learning value, not for famous viewpoints or crowded photo spots.
Lessons take place in the Reno, Carson City, Truckee, or north Lake Tahoe area. Because many well-known Tahoe locations are now overcrowded, I typically recommend quieter areas that let us focus on photography skills rather than logistics. We’ll choose a location in advance based on your goals.
Lessons are available within the highlighted area. Travel outside this region may be possible by request.
Two-Hour Photography Lessons
$150; $120 for returning students
These are instruction-focused, one-on-one photography lessons designed to help you understand how to see, compose, and use your camera more effectively, structured as photo walks.
Lessons focus on learning and practice, not guided photo tours or visiting postcard viewpoints. Locations are chosen for learning value, so you leave with skills you can apply anywhere.
Basic camera familiarization
Exposure modes (get out of AUTO)
Stronger compositions
Visual storytelling
Post-processing
A $50 deposit is due at booking.
Have questions or not sure which option fits? Contact me
“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
Gift certificates are also available in multiple denominations to be applied to any lesson(s).
Ongoing Photography Coaching (Monthly)
For photographers who want consistent guidance and accountability, monthly coaching provides structured progress without committing to a formal program.
There’s no long-term commitment, and you can cancel at any time, even after the first lesson.
Photography Aspiring Pro - $240/mo.
Five hours of private photography lessons each month.
2 x 2-hour field/classroom lessons
1 hour online photo review
A la carte value $370
Photography Enthusiast - $140/mo.
Three hours of private photography lessons each month.
1 x 2-hour field/classroom lesson
1 hour online photo review
A la carte value $220
How it works:
You'll receive an email with scheduling links when you enroll in the school and make your first payment. Use the links to schedule your allotted private photography lessons for that month.
This will repeat every month until you cancel, and you can cancel at any time - even after the first lesson.
Any unused lessons during one month will roll over to the following month but cannot be refunded when you cancel.
Have questions or not sure which option fits? Contact me
"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
WHY ONE-ON-ONE PHOTOGRAPHY LESSONS WORK
Instruction tailored to your camera and skill level
Immediate feedback while you’re shooting
Faster improvement than group classes or videos
Flexible locations and pacing
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Location - Do you act as a photo guide or take students to iconic Tahoe viewpoints?
No. These are instructional lessons, not guided photo tours. We may work in scenic areas, but the focus is always on learning photography skills, not capturing postcard-style images during the lesson.
Equipment - Do I need a "real" camera for these lessons?
Absolutely not! You don't need a real camera to learn about photography or take great photos. Many professional photographers use only their phones, and so can you. I'm happy to provide iPhone photography classes if that's all you want to carry with you.
Syllabus - Is there a structured syllabus for the School Enrollment?
There is not, and that's one of the biggest advantages of these photography lessons. They're all tailored to where you are as a photographer and where you want to go. We'll discuss that in the beginning and build out lesson plans specific to you. With that said, there is an order of topics that I like to teach using the building-block approach. For example, I prefer not to teach all about composition and storytelling until the student first understands the technical side.
Still have questions?
If you’re not sure whether a lesson is a good fit, feel free to reach out.
Send a quick question
Instructor Background
I’m a photographer with over 20 years of experience and have been teaching photography for more than a decade. I currently run an online photography school with over 20,000 students worldwide and regularly work with photographers at very different skill levels and backgrounds.
My approach to teaching is shaped by decades of instructional experience, including formal flight instruction and long-term photography education. I focus on breaking down complex topics into clear, practical concepts that are easy to understand and apply in real-world situations.
Alongside teaching, I continue to work as a documentary photographer on long-term projects for nonprofits and organizations internationally.
-John Peltier