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D. J. H.'s Photo

Photoshop, Lightroom, and Photography Tutor
D. J. H.

5.0 (586 ratings)

1,577 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $65
Contact D. J.
Response time: 5 minutes

About D. J.

Bio

I turn "I don't know what I'm doing" into "I got exactly the shot I wanted." Whether you're picking up a camera for the first time or you've been shooting for years and can't get Lightroom to stop fighting you, I'll help you move from auto-enhance and guesswork to real creative control. I've spent over three decades bridging the technical and artistic sides of digital media, and I bring that same instinct to explaining software in plain language, based on your actual skill level rather than a...

I turn "I don't know what I'm doing" into "I got exactly the shot I wanted." Whether you're picking up a camera for the first time or you've been shooting for years and can't get Lightroom to stop fighting you, I'll help you move from auto-enhance and guesswork to real creative control. I've spent over three decades bridging the technical and artistic sides of digital media, and I bring that same instinct to explaining software in plain language, based on your actual skill level rather than a fixed curriculum.

On the photography side, I teach camera fundamentals through advanced technique, digital or film, on any format including mirrorless. I've used Lightroom Classic since its 2006 beta and Photoshop since its 1990 release, and I can help you build an editing workflow that doesn't overwhelm you, along with studio and location lighting if you're after a specific shot rather than a passable one.

My design background goes well beyond photography, though. I use Illustrator and InDesign regularly for layout, branding, and print work, and I teach Photoshop for logos, presentation decks, web graphics, and compositing, not just photo retouching. If you're a student, freelancer, or small business owner who needs the Adobe suite for reasons that have nothing to do with a camera, that's just as much in my wheelhouse.

I'm also available for general computer help on Mac and Windows, native to both since the 1980s and '90s, covering everything from basic troubleshooting to getting comfortable on a new machine or OS.

My style is direct, practical, and built around what you actually want to learn. Message me with what you're working on, and we'll take it from there.

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Education

University of Rochester
Film Studies

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $65
  • Rate details: All new students will need to have an introductory, 5-10 minute call, before scheduling, to ensure that we're a good fit. Please be prepared to schedule this call within a day of contacting me.
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 6/10/2022

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator

I've used Adobe Illustrator since 1987, applying it across logo design, advertising layout, and a broad range of multimedia and graphic design work. As part of the Adobe Creative Suite, it's been one of the most consistently valuable tools in my career, and I bring that depth of practical experience into every lesson. Rather than teaching features in the abstract, I work through the kinds of real tasks and projects you're likely to encounter, whether that's building a logo from scratch, mastering the pen tool, or preparing artwork for print. My approach is direct and hands-on, focused on getting you comfortable with the tools you'll actually use.
Adobe InDesign

Adobe InDesign

Graphic design has been an integral part of my work for over thirty years, moving from PageMaker and QuarkXPress to Adobe InDesign for layouts spanning both print and screen. Within InDesign, I've produced books, promotional materials, web page designs, and UX wireframes, and I have direct experience meeting a printer's exacting job specifications. I've helped students with a wide range of their own publications, from posters to coloring books to full textbooks. I can help you build confidence in InDesign, learn to integrate it across the rest of the Adobe Suite, and prepare files correctly for preflight and printer submission.
Adobe Lightroom

Adobe Lightroom

I've used Adobe Lightroom Classic since 2006, relying on it daily to organize and manage my own photographic library. More importantly, it's cut my post-production time dramatically, which translates directly into faster turnaround and lower costs for the people I shoot for — and that's exactly the workflow benefit I help students build in our sessions. I'll show you how to set up a library structure that doesn't become a mess six months in, and how to develop an editing process that gets you consistent results without hours of trial and error. If you're serious about your photography, Lightroom Classic fluency is one of the highest-leverage skills you can add, and I can get you there efficiently.
Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop

I've used Photoshop since its 1990 release, applying it across photographic retouching, graphic design, logo and branding work, and compositing. My background bridges the technical and artistic sides of the software, so I can explain tools and workflows in terms that match how you think, not a generic script. I've tutored clients privately on a range of related topics, including Lightroom, general photography, and computer usage on both Mac and Windows, which often comes in handy when a Photoshop question turns out to be a file-management or OS question in disguise. Every lesson is built around your specific goals, whether that's basic photo cleanup or advanced design work.
Desktop Publishing

Desktop Publishing

Desktop publishing has been part of my work for over thirty years, starting with PageMaker and QuarkXPress and continuing today with Adobe InDesign, across layouts for both print and screen. I've produced books, promotional materials, and other print projects, and I have direct experience meeting a printer's exacting specifications, including preflight preparation before a job goes out the door. My background also covers the rest of the tools that feed into a finished publication, including Photoshop for image work and Illustrator for vector graphics and logos, so I can help you manage a project end to end rather than just one piece of it. Whether you're starting from scratch or troubleshooting a layout that isn't behaving, I'll help you build a workflow that gets you to a clean, print-ready file.
General Computer

General Computer

I've worked with personal computers since 1977, starting on a TRS-80 Model I, and am equally comfortable in both Macintosh and Windows environments today. I've taught people how to use each system and helped many make a painless switch from one to the other. My background includes formal study in computer science and professional work in software development, and I've also done software training for the pharmaceutical industry during major product rollouts. Whatever your comfort level, I'll skip the jargon and focus on what you actually need to know to get your computer working for you.
Macintosh

Macintosh

I've used Macintosh computers continuously since 1984, for everything from everyday computing to running my own interactive media business starting in 1989, when I depended heavily on Mac-only software to serve clients. Over the years I've set up local area networks, upgraded and repaired my own machines (RAM, hard drives, component replacements), and owned roughly a dozen Macs, so I understand both the software and the hardware side of the platform. I tutor everything from general Mac usage to specific applications like Photoshop, and I'm comfortable consulting on hardware issues, including repairs, upgrades, and purchase advice. I served as an officer of the New York Mac Users' Group from 1990 to 1992, which reflects a level of expertise and involvement in the Mac community that goes back to the platform's early years.
Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows

I've used Windows since 1994, originally for producing interactive multimedia and new media projects, and it's been my primary computing platform for most of the years since. I can help with everyday troubleshooting, routine maintenance, and setting up reliable backups, so you're not caught off guard when something goes wrong. I've also helped people switch to Windows from another platform, whether they're setting up a new machine, inheriting one, or need it for software that isn't available elsewhere. I keep things practical and jargon-free, focused on solving whatever's actually in front of you rather than working through a generic script.
Photography

Photography

I've been shooting since 2005, working across film and digital, medium-format, and mirrorless cameras, and I'm equally comfortable in a real darkroom or a digital workflow that mirrors how I worked in film. My experience spans fashion, product, portraiture, food, event, wedding, and fine art photography, along with concert and live music photography, studio and natural lighting, and working with models — my goal is always to get the shot right in camera, and I teach that same patience and control to my students. On the post-production side, I bring extensive Photoshop and Lightroom experience to organizing, adjusting, and retouching efficiently. I work with complete beginners and experienced shooters alike, in person or remotely, using whatever gear you already have, and I'm happy to advise on equipment if you're looking to upgrade.

Examples of Expertise

D. J. has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 2 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

See all of D. J. ’s answers ›
D. J. H.'s Photo

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Response time: 5 minutes

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

5.0 (586 ratings)
5 star
(574)
4 star
(12)
3 star
(0)
2 star
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1 star
(0)

Reviews

Amazing Instructor

DJ was the perfect tutor for me and my son. We learned so much in our session. DJ knows all the complexities of Photoshop, and teaches at just the right pace. I give him the highest of recommendations.

Ron, 4 lessons with D. J.

Very helpful instructor

Positive approach was welcomed from this experienced instructor who was able to fix my Lightroom catalog issues. Look forward to working with him again in the future.

Mark, 5 lessons with D. J.

Knowledgeable and patient.

D.J. and I connected very quickly on technology old and new. He reassured me that the challenges I was struggling with are very common. We accomplished a lot in our first hour which has enabled me to get a lot of work done since then. I look forward to our next session together.

Bob, 1 lesson with D. J.

D.J. Consummate Teacher

D.J. Is extremely knowledgeable on all aspects of Lightroom Classic and, just as importantly, communicates his expertise in ways that are understandable to those of us with less expertise.

Mark, 2 lessons with D. J.

Order out of a complete chaos

A lifetime of images (~100,000) from my camera, iPhone, videos, and emails were a total mess and I couldn't find anything. DJ has been incredible about helping me to bring order out of chaos by migrating all of the images into Lightroom and creating a file structure that will serve me going forward.

Ann, 7 lessons with D. J.

Listens well and understanding of problem

DJ did a great job helping me de-tangle my Lightroom catalog without making me feel stupid for the mess that it was. He also showed me new and different ways to do things. So excited to have this figured out and my photos organized and backed up!!!

Shannon, 2 lessons with D. J.

Knowledgeable and flexible

If you need lightroom assistance look no further. My multiple catalogs were a hoarder situation, now im all organized 😎. I will book again. Next session I will expand my knowledge of editing

Jeff, 3 lessons with D. J.

Great Lightroom Tudor - and more

Lightroom- he’s a genius-exactly what I needed as a less experienced Lightroom user-and he’s quick to get to the solutions . He really understands where I was struggling and he quickly got to the source and helped me solve the problem.I will be returning to him for additional help

Dick, 2 lessons with D. J.

Very knowledgable and quick with advice

DJ has cleaned up the mess I made of LRC . I had been trying to copy ideas from multiple you tube "experts" and for me I needed more one on one guidance. He should write a book so I can use as a reference going forward because somethings I don't pick up right away.

James, 2 lessons with D. J.

Amazing

DJ came to my house, he traveled 1hour. I am a professional photographer. I needed to have some lessons about light room and Cannon before I switch my camera and soft-wear DJ is super nice, super professional, I learned what I needed to know thank you DJ

Raya, 1 lesson with D. J.
Hourly Rate: $65
Response time: 5 minutes
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