Learn to make photographs that hold attention.
A structured program in visual thinking, composition, and meaning—built over 25 years of teaching.
This is not a course in camera technique.
It is a way of understanding how photographs work—and how to make them work for you.
Most photographs are easy to look at—and easy to forget.
They describe something clearly. They are well exposed. They may even be beautiful.
But they do not hold your attention.
What is missing is not effort or intention.
It is structure.
The Grammar of Photography is a sequence of classes designed to build:
Competence — the ability to make a photograph that someone wants to look at
Personalization — work that reflects how you see, not just what you see
You will learn how photographs:
direct attention
suggest multiple possibilities
sustain engagement over time
Each class combines:
Lecture — examining how photographs function, using examples from across the history of photography
Critique — applying those ideas to your own work
This is where the program becomes specific.
You are not only learning concepts.
You are testing them—week by week—in your own photographs.
The program is organized as a sequence.
Each class builds on the previous one.
Ideas are introduced, revisited, and developed over time.
This allows you to move beyond isolated insights
and develop a consistent way of working.
This program is for:
Photographers who feel their work could be stronger but aren’t sure why
Those who want more than technical instruction
Beginners who want a serious foundation
Experienced photographers who feel stuck or repetitive
You do not need a particular style.
You do not need prior training.
You need a willingness to look carefully—and to work.
Over time, your photographs will change.
Not just in how they look, but in how they function.
You will begin to see:
what holds attention
what creates ambiguity or closure
how small decisions affect meaning
And you will be able to use those insights deliberately.
If you are new to the program:
Start with Grammar 1
This class introduces the core ideas
and establishes the foundation for everything that follows.
From there, you can continue through the sequence.
Not sure where to begin?
If you have questions about placement or whether the program is right for you: