Help!! need advice fast on tutoring Photoshop

[DJ Dubovsky]

I have recently been approached to tutor some one in the basics of Photoshop and asked to think about an hourly rate. I think I'd like to give it a shot but to tell you the truth, I'm not sure what to even charge for something like that. Anyone got any ideas to get me started? I think I have enough of a handle on Photoshop to teach the basics to someone. That's not the problem. The problem is, I have no idea what a reasonably fair rate would be. I expect I will be going to their house to teach this and travel expenses should be included. Should I check out some on line classes and see what they run? Or maybe even compare to the cost of a basic CD or Video package vs a live teacher. I meet with them Monday so I need ideas quick.
DJ

[thomasgeorge]

How about looking up what a class on beginning PS would be through a college Adult Education program or seminar. I have no idea about mileage but .15 to .35 cents per mile both ways doesnot seem out of line. Good luck. Tom

[Chris W.]

Hey DJ,

Sounds like a fun tutoring job.

Did a quick search on yahoo for photoshp classes and here's a couple of pages to check out:

http://www.pixurman.com/photosho.htm

http://www.fcomconnect.com/photoshopguide6.html

There might be even more but didn't know if this was what you were needing or not.

Have fun!

[DJ Dubovsky]

Thanks for the quick response guys.

Chris,
I looked at the links and yes they are what I was looking for. Especially that one. I was amazed to see the total for 12 lessons at $1200. It gives me some idea what to think about.
I too think this is a neat opportunity and a possible new business avenue. I am alot better at the creative part than the people part though.

Tom
I remember seeing a listing in the local magazine for evening adult classes at the local schools that was the basics for Photoshop and the price was about $45 for 8 weeks plus materials. I think they can charge that because they teach several people at once. There is a minimum number of students before the class could be canceled. I know I took piano for that price but when I continued on with the teacher for private lessons the price jumped to $45 an hour and I went to her house. Maybe that would be a fair price?

I am very thankful for all your input as it gives me things to think about before I commit to this.
DJ

[Ed_L]

I think Tom's suggestion sounds pretty good about the adult education. But I think at *least* $.35 per mile is not out of whack. It'll *cost* you more than $.15 per mile - that's for sure. As per the online courses, IMHO you shouldn't try to compete with them. You are giving personal assistance, and that's worth more than the online course. Best of luck with it. I'm sure whoever the pupil is, they'll get a very good teacher. And if this works out pretty well, you might even consider offering a class to the public!

Ed

[Ed_L]

Looks like I was thinking the other way around! Yeah - the $100.00 per lesson sounds good to me . I think you should take a good look at what they offer for that kind of money.

Ed

[Rick]

Good suggestions, indeed.

But one thing you might want to consider (and I'm sure you already thought about this in advance) is to make photos,presentions, or demonstrations that have an end result that will take you X number of hour(s) to accomplish.

Like in your first class, all you're going to do is cover the buttons/menus.

(which is what I'm doing here at work)

Bring a photo that you already worked on and bring a copy of it before you did the voodoo that you done. As you go through the various burns/magnifies/filters or whatnot, you can have the same result as the "finished" photo that you already brought along.


It was rather hard for me to actually come up with something along those lines, but with a little practice it gets easier. Esp when you're talking about working with particular styles on a particular menu/submenu.

I'll stop my speech so ya'll can wake up now.


Rick


PS

Good luck with your gig. and no, you're not asking as much as you think you are.

R

[DJ Dubovsky]

Thanks Ed and Rick,
Yes, I definately need to work out a class outline and the idea of before/after prints to demonstrate is a good idea. I don't know how much time I will have to put this all together before she wants to start but I will do my best. Any other ideas you get on the actual tutoring lesson plans and materials would be a great help also. Keep the suggestions coming. I'm really looking forward to this. Thanks for the little ego boost Ed, I just hope I'm as good as you think I am. I'll tell you how it goes after I meet with them.
DJ

[Ed_L]

You're as good as I think you are. I'm sure you have a few good books at hand. Maybe it would be good to note how they are laid out. For example, chapter one covers *this*, chapter two covers *that*, etc. That could give you a good starting point to set up your own unique plan. Online courses might also give you a rundown on what to expect from their class. Is your pupil interested in restorations? Maybe she's more into manipulations. Maybe you could have a specific goal to finish (such as a restoration or manipulation) towards the end of your classes. I think it's important to know how much to give someone in one session. You don't want to overwhelm a newcomer. You might want to discuss this with her also, and let her be the one to set the pace. What seems *very* basic to you could easily be too much for her. Just a few thoughts that you can take or leave. I'd be interested in seeing the plan you make up, and I'd *love* to get in on the classes! Best of luck with your new endeavor.

Ed

[Ed_L]

I think it would be good to be flexible on your schedule too. In other words, if you don't accomplish what your plan calls for for lesson two -- no big deal. There's always tomorrow.

Ed

[thomasgeorge]

If you have access to a CD burner, you could assemble lesson photos on CD for your pupil to open and work on. Just a passing thought...Tom

[DJ Dubovsky]

Both of your suggestions are excellent ideas. I did print out a lesson plan from an online site as a guide and was thinking about which books would be good to use. I like the idea of a CD of photos to work with also. Being that she would be the first, she can also be a test case in how much is too much or little and we can kind of feel things out along the way. I thought if I could get her through the basic tools and features, I could then take her through Katrin's book and she should have a pretty good start on digital restoration.

Here's the scoop, she is actually a traditional restorer and is trying to get into digital. (I'm teaching the competition here) She has Photoshop and needs to learn the ins and outs to continue in her profession. I think this is a perfect example of what Photoshop is doing to the traditional aspect of photo restoration. I'm sure they are coming to the point that they can't compete with the prices for digital restoration. I actually look forward to what I can learn from her about her method of restoration. I am curious on it's limitations and what all is involved.

Since she is in the restoration business to begin with, I believe all she will need are the basics and some good techniques to really get her started since the artistic abilities and knowing what makes up a good photo will already be there. Her spouse is a pro Photographer and wants her to do his restorations. If things work out, I could see an oportunity as a future bussines connection for me also, if I don't price myself out of the job before I begin. That's one of my concerns on the price situation.
DJ

[Ed_L]

This should be an excellent learning experience for both of you. Since she is already into restoration, she will know exactly what she wants to do. I think she'll find it a lot easier to do many fixes digitally.

Ed

[DJ Dubovsky]

I think so too, which is why I think this will be fun. It's like showing a kid a new toy and watching their eyes light up. But for me too it will be something new and exciting. I'm working on an outline and checking out my books. So far the only books I have on 6 are Katrins and Kelbys quick tips. I do have that set of CDs which offer a good lesson in 6's new features plus it has the photos on the CD's to work with. Lots to do here before Monday. It would be nice to give them a run down on how I would go about it if I'm going to give them a price.
DJ

[thomasgeorge]

Perhaps if your potential pupil has access to photos which need restoring, you could have her pick some out and begin by walking her through a basic restore--tone,color correction--that sort of thing. Sounds like fun--keep us posted on what you learn about the traditional methods--The current thinking among collectors and conservators of old photos is leaning towards doing as little as possible to the originals other than proper storage and using copys for display. Tom

[DJ Dubovsky]

I like your thinking Tom. That's a fantastic idea. Try various levels of restoration and walk her through each. Kind of build on each level as we go.
I will definately keep you all informed. That's if all goes well and I get the position.
DJ

[Ed_L]

Debbie,

Just wondering how everything went for you. Did you get the job, and if so, how's everything working out?

Ed

[paulette conlan]

I just came across this thread and am wondering if you took the job. To put fees in perspective, just look at how much the golf and tennis pros get down here in Fl. for lessons and they don't require any preparation time either like you'll have.I think what's interesting about your tutoring situation is that you'll be focusing on the specific area of PS that's your expertise.Incidentally, have you looked into the Photography Center in Delray to see what they charge for their classes.And for what it's worth, the community college here in Martin County charges $125 for their 3 credit PS course. It runs 15 session-2 1/2 hours a session.
Paulette

[DJ Dubovsky]

Well, I had a meeting set up for that Monday morning and about an hour before it, they called to ask for a postponement. I never heard from them again. I was a bit disappointed but that's life. I actually didn't respond to the thread because for awhile I thought they really would call me back. Then I just forgot about it. Sorry about that guys. Would have been a nice opportunity but that's life.
DJ

[Ed_L]

Sorry to hear about that Debbie. I thought that could be a good opportunity for you. Have you thought about advertising in the newspaper?

Ed

[Rick]

DJ:

Don't feel bad, I've had a few of those disappointments as well.

But having a few "one hour" courses prepared would probably be good for you anyway. I'm going over and over on how to explain how to use shadowing techniques and some of the basic commands and short-cut keys.
Each time I do so, I find myself explaining things better and better and find out how I repeat myself, or try to figure out the best way to explain things.

Rick

[DJ Dubovsky]

Ed,
Actually with all our computer problems of late I didn't want to advertise anymore than I was because I didn't know how soon I would be up and running and didn't want to make promises I couldn't keep. Now things are back to normal with a few nice upgrades and I can start looking at taking on more work.

Thanks Rick
I was sorry things didn't work out with the tutoring and who knows, they may call sometime in the future. I can't say. Actully with the holidays and a few other things going on I was busy and this wasn't the best time but if they were going to go with it I would have worked something out with them. I had even outlined a lesson plan from various books and CDs I had so I was thinking in that direction. Once I had gotten started I figured I would get a better idea of how much would be taken in in one hours time and go from there.
DJ

[Ed_L]

Mornin' Debbie,

I've always been told that if you advertise in the paper, you get better results if you keep a small ad going in the same place every day rather than larger ads placed less frequently. People tend to notice the small ad, and they might not be interested in your services at any given time. But when they are ready, they will probably remember how to find you. I don't know if the cost would be worth the return you get, but you might be able to negotiate a better rate with some of the papers. If you do decide to put an ad in the paper, you might consider mentioning that personal instruction in Photoshop is available as well as the restorations themselves. Just a thought. A few lessons could pay for a lot of ads.

Ed

[DJ Dubovsky]

Good idea, thanks Ed.
DJ

[Ed_L]

You're more than welcome.

Ed