How My Student Took Her Photos to the Next Level

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When I was first learning photography, lighting was incredibly intimidating to me. I felt that I had the basic concepts down, but was scared to begin to embrace and confidently use light – both necessary to take my photos to the next level.

After talking to many people, I realized that I wasn’t alone in this and that eventually, I just had “jump in” and see what happened. What happened was I learned, I experimented, I learned, I messed up, and then I learned some more…I am still learning. Learning new things is a bit scary and intimidating but can also be incredibly rewarding, but that’s how my student took her photos to the next level!

At first, I was intimidated when began teaching as well. To start, just one class and then I slowly added more, and I am thrilled that I added those additional classes. I can teach my students to use a camera, but when they begin to learn about the light and use the light to their benefit, that is when they feel accomplished, successful, they feel like a photographer.  

I have a student named Lisa. Lisa came to class, eager to learn. When I begin my classes, I have the students send me a photo that they have taken: a beginning photo, one where they have no clue what they are doing. Well, when I saw Lisa’s picture, it was okay. It was like many people starting out. It was a snapshot.  

Lisa took my Let Go of Auto class, loved it, learned a lot, but realized that she could go further. She wanted to take her photos to the next level. Here’s how my student took her photos to the next level…

Lisa’s story…

I took Dena’s first photo class, Let Go of Auto, and this really helped me get the fundamentals of taking good photos. Dena teaches the class with enthusiasm and knowledge. This made the class very informative and fun.  

Shortly after that, I took her Let in the Light class, and this class was super interesting and so valuable. I learned so much about lighting and how to make the most of it in my photos. She helps to find the right light even when there seems to be none! Dena has a great deal of experience and expertise and provides feedback that inspires me to continue to work on shooting better photos. The lighting class was like the “icing on the cake” for me and my photography! ~Lisa M

Lisa’s journey from novice, snapshot photographer to a confidant photographer who can use light to create amazing images, didn’t take long. She jumped in, pushed herself, practiced, and learned and now produces print-worthy photographs.  

Learning new things can be intimidating. Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, being curious…but, don’t forget what Henry Ford once said 

“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.”

take photos to the next level outdoor photography before
Lisa’s Original Photo
take photos to the next level outdoor photography
Lisa’s After Photo

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Lifestyle Photographer & Mentor

Hi, I’m Dena, a natural light lifestyle photographer with 20+ years of experience capturing other people’s memories and teaching photographers how to understand and easily use their cameras.

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