workshops & seminars
on-location lighting workshop (group)
individual on-location workshop | personal tutoring session
tutoring sessions on photography
If you need more direct help or instruction on photography, I offer individual tutoring sessions. In a one-on-one basis session, we can cover topics where you need help or clarification.
There are different formats to the tutoring session:
- tutoring session via Skype video calling
- personal tutoring session, either at my studio or on location.
Tutoring session via Skype video calling
- These sessions are $75 per hour;
with a minimum of one hour; there-after in segments of 30 minutes. - Payment is via Paypal, but credit card payments are welcome too.
- You have to have fast enough bandwidth to be able to do video chat!
- The tutoring session will be the video call, including sharing of my computer screen
The usual process is that you’d have some examples to show me beforehand, and tell me what you think the weak areas are and also any topics you’d like to discuss. This way there is a structure and goal with the Skype tutoring session.
If you’re interested in signing up for a session,
email me or phone me at 862-485-7276, for more info.
Personal tutoring session
These sessions take place in my studio in Little Falls, NJ 07470.
Fees & structure of tutoring sessions:
- Each individual tutoring session lasts 4 hours. The fee for the session is $400.
- If the tutoring session is held away from my studio, there is an additional $100 fee.
- Any additional time past the 4 hour session, is $100 per hour.
- If you’d like to pair up with a friend, then it is an additional $50/hr.
The tutoring sessions are personalized sessions that are intended to help photographers where they might be struggling with specific aspects of flash photography. The tutoring sessions are based on the material that I present in the full-day workshops.
A model will not be available for tutoring sessions. (Models are only available for individual workshops and the full-day group workshops.)
The goal of the tutoring session is to answer specific questions or provide answers to specific challenges that each photographer is facing. Photographers are also encouraged to bring in images (either on a disc or on a laptop) that might provide insight into their needs. Having this information will allow me to personalize the tutoring session to make the most of the time available.
Possible topics to cover include aspects of flash and digital photography, such as:
- camera and flash essentials
- exposure metering
- basic lighting
- lighting formals (for wedding photographers)
- outdoor lighting including fill flash and high speed sync
.
A certain level of fundamental technical knowledge is required for the sessions to be successful.
For example, a photographer should already know:
- the basic operation and controls of his or her camera,
- how to read the camera’s built in metering display,
- the basic relationship of aperture / shutter speed / ISO, and
- how to manually adjust those settings.
contact me
If you’re interested in signing up for a personal tutoring session,
email me or phone me at 862-485-7276, for more info.
thank you
Neil van Niekerk
photography books written by Neil vN
I want to thank you for a hopefully life changing day! I had several aha! moments today. You truly have a gift not just in the obvious, (your photography), but in your ability to share your knowledge. Your desire to truly help someone is obvious; where some would keep their secrets to themselves you clearly want to help others become better. Your love of the science behind lighting “shines” through, and is almost contagious. I truly feel that with the tools you have given me today I will be able to take my passion to the next level and that is something one can not put a price tag on. Just wanted you to know how much I enjoyed the day, and appreciate what you have given me.
Thank you,
Sandy E.
Comment by Sandy E — February 6, 2008 @ 8:53 pm
For the last few years I’ve been shooting using only natural light. Who can honestly argue with the gentle light of late afternoon in February? The obvious problem is that it’s seldom late afternoon in February. So I was forced to venture into the wild unknown and extremely opinionated world of man made lighting.
Thank goodness I came across Neil’s Blog. The pictures speak for themselves, the lighting is spot on.
In most cases you wouldn’t know the lighting wasn’t coming thru a nearby window. I knew this was the man I wanted to learn from.
I knew nothing when I first contacted Neil. I had just received my first Nikon Speedlight from B&H a SB910 but had no idea how to turn it on (o.k. I could turn it on but that was about it). We talked for a bit on the phone and I quickly set up a private 4 hour lesson in his studio.
My lesson took place yesterday. I was amazed at the amount Neil shared in 4 hours. We worked primarily with Speedlights, we covered:
Techniques of Bouncing on Camera Flash
Mixing and Balancing of Ambient Light and Flash.
Using Flash as a Main Light.
Using Flash as a Fill.
Correct Metering for Difficult Situations.
The Real Factors that effect Freezing Motion.
Dragging Shutter.
TTL vs. Manual
High Speed Sync
He also shared his vast knowledge on gear, and how little you really need to get a great amount of light (even when trying to light up a group of twelve people evenly). He went into the advantages of light meters both in camera and handheld and the logic of when to use which. Pocketwizards vs. Radio Poppers vs. CLS systems.
It wasn’t just about the big topics tho, it was about the heavy and constant sprinkling of real world knowledge that Neil shares as he goes thru the lessons and exercises. He is a kind , warm, patient, funny and generous teacher who wants you to know every trick he does.
For anyone that can take a lesson with Neil I highly ecourage you to. Your eyes will be opened to the truth about lighting. The proof is in the pictures.
Robert M.
Comment by Robert M — January 24, 2012 @ 8:47 pm