Read below for more details on this program tailored specifically for OM System nature photographers. This mentorship program will explore the two (2) latest OM System bodies (OM-1 & E-M1x), developing an in-depth understanding of the camera menu system, the technical side of exposure with the OM System cameras, the creative side of nature photography, and how to blend the technical and creative aspects to improve your photography skills.
I am very excited to offer for the first time this OM System Nature Photography Mentorship Program. Throughout my life, I have had several mentors through business, personal, and photographic endeavors and each has left an indelible impression on my life. I still have very powerful quotes that reside in my heart and mind as a result of time spent directly and indirectly with these individuals and my life today is a reflection of that influence.
There is no doubt that you probably wouldn’t even be reading this paragraph without the cumulative benefits, wisdom, and input that each of these men and women have had on my life. Their words, action, and character helped shape me as a photographer, father, leader, friend, instructor, businessman, and so much more. What I hope to offer to you is a similar experience in the world of the OM System Cameras. I hope to help shape your photographic journey so that wherever you are in the world, whether with me in the Galapagos Islands or in your own backyard, you can master your OM System gear to lead you to better photographic results and richer photographic experience.
This mentorship is Part 1 of a continuing program of shaping your photography results and experience. Part I of the program will focus on the technical and gear side of the OM System. Part II, not included in the price of Part I, will continue the mentorship to include the creative elements of nature photography with the OM System. Part III will focus on post-processing with Lightroom Classic (LR), some Photoshop, Nik Collection, Helicon Focus, and Topaz Labs.
Topics of the Program
Zoom Meeting Dates
September 15, 2023 – Introductory Meeting/Zoom Familiarization
September 29, 2023 – Session #1 (OM System Camera Controls)
October 13, 2023 – Session #2 (OM System Camera Menus)
October 27, 2023 – Session #3 (OM System EVF & LCD Monitor Display/Battery & Sleep Settings)
November 17, 2023 – Session #4 (Recording & Playing Back Images)
December 8, 2023 – Session #5 (Exposure Modes/Drive Modes)
December 29, 2023 – Session #6 (Mastering Autofocus)
January – No Sessions (Catch Up Homework)
February 16, 2024 – Session #7 (Understanding Exposure with OM System)
March 1, 2024 – Session #8 (Flash Photography)
March 29, 2024 – Session #9 (Computational Photography)
April 12, 2024 – Session #10 (Miscellaneous Features/Common Errors)
April 26, 2024 – Session #11 (Custom Modes)
May 24, 2024 – Session #12 (Q&A/Final Session)
Image Critique & One-on-One Sessions
Each participant will receive four (4) one-hour private sessions for image critique or additional training as determined by me and the mentee. Subjects that can be addressed include but are not limited to shooting at high iso’s, equipment specific topics, long exposures, panoramics, filters, time lapse photography, night sky photography, macro photography, star trails, using a flash, and post-processing,
Sessions will be scheduled based on my and the student’s available dates/times.
Pricing Options
The cost of the Six-Month OM System Photography Mentorship Program is:
$3699 if paid in full
or
(6) $700 Payments due at the first of each month.
Project Assignments
Each month the students will be assigned various homework to develop specific photographic skills and understanding of the gear.
These assignments will be easily completed near your home, at a local park, or while out on a workshop or photo trip. Students will share their experiences during the regular zoom meetings and then share select images during a one-on-one sessions.
Photography assignments will entail a variety of exercises designed to familiarize the student with their OM System cameras, lenses, and features and with specific nature photography skills. Assignments will be provided at the conclusion of each Zoom meeting and will cover topics from the just concluded meeting and help prep you for the upcoming meeting.
My name is Emilie Talpin, I am an OM SYSTEM ambassador, and my mentor Lee Hoy played a big part in my success as a photographer. A few years ago, I participated in a mentorship program that Olympus offered to ten lucky contest winners. We each had to pick an Olympus ambassador as our mentor and my first choice was Lee. I loved his work, knowledge, and honest feedback, and I knew I would learn a lot from him. I was fairly new to photography, and Lee went above and beyond what was asked of him. He was always there to encourage and guide me in the right direction. Lee is a natural teacher who understands that we are all individuals with different needs. His goal is clear: help us realize our vision.
Even after the mentorship ended, Lee continued to be there for me, and I know that whenever I have a question, I can reach out to him. He has become one of my friends, and I trust his advice above all else. Very often, when I am out in the field questioning myself, I hear Lee’s encouraging voice reminding me of what I learned during my mentorship with him. I can’t wait to see what his next mentee will be able to accomplish.