Learn Photography from a Working Photojournalist

Personalized Photography Lessons for Creatives, Business Professionals and Students

If you're a business professional exploring your creative side, a student, another photojournalist or just looking to improve your visual storytelling — I offer one of kind personalized online photography lessons, grounded in real-world photography experiences spanning four decades.

My name is Sean, and I’ve been a photojournalist for more than 25 years. During the last ten, working on assignment for folks like The New York Times, The Washington Post, Getty Images, The Associated Press, The Guardian, The Wall Street Journal, NPR and many others. All the while, also working on countless personal projects — like the one you see me tackling in the photo above.

During the last decade I’ve covered 12 hurricanes, three presidential elections, numerous wildfires and riots - and a range of stories about the everyday. I’ve published more than 20,000 photos made on assignment with Getty Images and the Associated Press and I can help you learn about photography.

Why My Coaching?

Real-World Insight


Learn from someone who has navigated chaos for decades while delivering on more than a thousand photo assignments — on deadline with accuracy and purpose. I may even use adult language — if you’re an adult.

Personalized for You


Each video session we’ll identify and tackle what challenges you —be it composition, captions, editing, workflow, licensing, storytelling, lighting, portfolio building, personal projects, self publishing, pitching or assignment advice. I tailor the experience to address your personal interests, skill level and goals.

Wide-Ranging Skill Set


As a photojournalist of 25+ years, my experiences cover most types of photography. As a freelancer, I’ve worked with a wide range of clients in both news media and in commercial photography (Proctor & Gamble/Aaron’s Rentals/Facebook/Otis Elevator)

The X Experience


For the last decade I’ve been working with world class photo editors and shoulder to shoulder with Pulitzer prize winners. As a generation X photographer, I learned about photography by processing film in closets and working in darkrooms. I’ve been a photographer before and after the digital revolution. I also spent more than decade bartending before I went full-time into photography. I’ve seen the challenges.

Coaching Rates

$125 per hour

5 one-hour sessions for $500

(25% discount for students showing current or recent enrollment in formal education)

As a working photographer spots are limited.

Scholarship Opportunity

This summer, I offer one full scholarship for five one-hour coaching sessions. This is reserved for a photographer demonstrating promise as a visual storyteller, with a strong desire to grow — while also considering financial limitations.

I’m also offering one scholarship in the fall, with a 50% tuition reduction.

Summer scholarship application deadline is June 20 and the Fall deadline is July 10.

If interested, we can get things started with this application:

Coaching vs. Mentorship:

Coaching is a structured partnership with clear goals, deliverables and timelines. Mentoring is an informal, open-ended relationship mostly about career guidance and experiences in the field.

Learn About Documentary Photography and Photojournalism:

There are many great options to learn about photography — but if you are interested in documentary photography and photojournalism, I provide a one of a kind learning experience.