Panoramic view of La Sal Mountains at sunrise in Utah

Aaron Smith

FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY

Lessons

One on One Private Lessons

Mist rising over a lush forest creek trail with glowing green tones

In-The-Field Basics (Two Hours)

Get hands-on instruction in real outdoor environments with a personalized photography session tailored to your skill level and gear.

What you'll learn:

  • How to capture compelling landscape images through guided instruction in composition
  • Exposure settings
  • Focusing techniques

You'll photograph alongside an experienced landscape photographer and instructor, receiving personalized guidance based on your skill level and the questions you bring. My goal is to help you grow creatively through your camera while ensuring you feel supported, inspired, and safe every step of the way.

Additional fees apply for locations more than 90 minutes away from my home in Orlando — please inquire for a custom quote.

Message me with your desired location or I can recommend the best spots.

* See FAQ for more information.

Mist rising over a lush forest creek trail with glowing green tones

Portfolio Builder (Three Hours)

Get advanced hands-on instruction in real outdoor environments with a personalized photography session tailored to your skill level and gear. Experiment with advanced techniques to include focus stacking, exposure blending, and more. Visit multiple locations as time allows, great for intermediate photographers. The intent behind this lesson is to focus on the quality of an image and the process needed to create the highest quality image possible in any given condition.

What you'll learn:

  • Braketing
  • Expose to the right technique
  • How to increase the sharpenss of your images
  • How to find the right composition
  • How to create a perfect RAW file

You'll photograph alongside an experienced landscape photographer and instructor, receiving personalized guidance based on your skill level and the questions you bring. My goal is to help you grow creatively through your camera while ensuring you feel supported, inspired, and safe every step of the way.

Additional fees apply for locations more than 90 minutes away from my home in Orlando — please inquire for a custom quote.

Message me with your desired location or I can recommend the best spots.

* See FAQ for more information.

Weaving canopy of horizontal live oak limbs covered in moss

Virtual Post-Processing Lesson

Post-Processing is a mandatory step in my workflow for creating images. Over the years, I've worked on developing my own personal style and workflow in post-processing. I will craft each session based on your experience and goals. Topics range from basic exposure and color toning to more advanced techniques like exposure blending and focus stacking multiple exposures.

Post-Processing is an important part to getting the most out of your images. In this lesson, I will set up a video call and walk through the steps to correctly process an image. Using both your images and mine for real-time examples, you will learn that post-processing is essential to getting the most value out of the carefully chosen pixels we create with each image.

Group Lessons

Waves glowing under golden light on a sandy Hawaiian shore

Group Workshop

Location TBD · Dates TBD · Price TBD

Occasional group workshops will be held if there is enough demand. Sign up to be added to the waitlist!

FAQ

Here are a few common questions about private lessons. If you don’t see your question here, feel free to reach out.

Who are these lessons for?
These lessons are designed for beginners, intermediate shooters, and advanced photographers who want more intention and confidence in the field.

Do I need a “fancy” camera to book a lesson?
Not at all. A DSLR or mirrorless camera is great, but the most important thing is learning how to use what you already have.

What types of photography do you teach?
My focus is landscape and nature photography, with an emphasis on composition, light, and creating images that feel calm and intentional.

Where do lessons take place?
Lessons can be done locally in Central Florida, or travel-based depending on the location and what you want to learn.

Can I choose the location?
Yes. You can request a location, or I can recommend a spot based on the light, season, and the type of images you want to create.

What should I bring?
A camera, a charged battery, a memory card, water, and whatever lenses you currently use. A tripod is helpful if you have one, but not required.

What will we cover during the lesson?
We can cover camera settings, shooting in manual mode, composition, working with natural light, focus and sharpness, and how to slow down and “see” a scene more clearly. If you have specific areas you'd like to know more about, we can do that too. The benefit of private lessons is that it is totally customizable and up to you!

Do you offer editing lessons too?
Yes. I also offer post-processing lessons over Zoom, or similar video call applications, and many clients like combining an in-the-field sessions with an editing session afterward to review and receive feedback on the iamges taken.

What if the weather is bad?
Weather is part of photography, but safety comes first. If conditions don’t support the lesson, we can reschedule or adjust the plan. If it's light rain, I would recommend continuing the lesson and come prepared with a umbrella or camera cover.

Do you offer lessons for couples or small groups?
Yes, small group lessons may be available depending on the group size and what you want to work on.

What results can I expect after one lesson?
You should walk away with a better understanding of your camera, stronger decision-making in the field, and images you feel more confident about creating.

How do I book?
Just send a message through the contact page with what you want to learn, your availability, and your preferred location.