Photo Lessons by Mark K.

Photography Lessons and Speaking Engagements in Hampton Roads with Mark Knopp.

I am a teacher and I say that with pride. I love teaching those that have a desire to learn the craft. I see myself as a guide helping people find their paths in the photographic world. I work with those that are just starting out all the way up to professionals looking to expand their horizons or to refresh a stale topic. Let me help you along your journey.

With over 40 years behind the camera and two decades teaching photography I offer a unique blend of real-world experience and practical instruction.

I provide lessons for those just picking up a camera for the first time, hobbyists, college students, and working photographers looking to refine advanced techniques, I provide personalized, results-driven photo lessons tailored to your goals and learning style.

A sampling of classes I offer as a Photo Instructor

I teach private, one-on-one sessions, small group classes, and workshops covering everything from the basics of exposure to advanced lighting, composition, portraiture, and storytelling. Lessons can take place in studio, on location, or even virtually. I break down complex concepts in a clear, approachable way, helping you build both technical skill and creative confidence.

Digital photography does not end when you press the shutter. In many ways, that is where the creative process begins. I offer private and small-group classes designed to help photographers build a practical, efficient editing workflow.

Whether you are brand new to editing or looking to refine an advanced workflow, I can help you learn Adobe Bridge, Adobe Camera Raw, Lightroom Classic, and Photoshop in a way that makes sense. My goal is not to teach you how to edit like me. My goal is to help you develop the skills and confidence to create images that reflect your own vision.

Each session is customized to meet your skill level, interests, and pace – whether you’re a hobbyist, student, or working professional. My in-person, one-on-one private lessons and workshops offer a level of personalization, hands-on experience, and expert guidance that simply can’t be matched by other group classes or online programs. You get immediate feedback, real-time problem solving, and direct access to my professional insight, whether we’re working with natural light, strobes, or location-based challenges.

Unlike generic online tutorials or crowded workshops, my sessions are fully interactive, focused entirely on you, and grounded in real-world experience. It’s not just a lesson; it’s a mentorship designed to elevate your work faster, with more clarity and confidence.

I specialize in:

Level I

• Intro to Photography
• Design and Composition
• Visual Storytelling
• Intro to Lighting
• Intro to Adobe Bridge/Camera Raw/Photoshop

Level II

• Studio Product Lighting
• Portrait Photography in studio
• Posing clients
• Location Photography (Landscape, Architecture, etc)
• Advanced Adobe Camera Raw techniques
• Local adjustments and masking
• Black and white conversions
• Portrait enhancement and retouching fundamentals
• Local adjustments and masking
• Black and white conversions
• Portrait enhancement and retouching fundamentals

Level III

• Event Photography
• Location Photography with people.
• Boudoir
• Preparing a Portfolio
• Portfolio reviews
• Specialization in specific genres
• Professional Photoshop workflow
• Layer masks, selections, and compositing
• Advanced portrait retouching
• Dodging and burning techniques
• Workflow optimization for high-volume shoots

Digital Image Editing & Workflow Training

Modeling & Posing Classes

A great model does much more than stand in front of a camera and look good. The best models understand light, body language, expression, storytelling, communication, professionalism, and how to collaborate with photographers, designers, makeup artists, and other creatives.

Drawing from nearly 40 years behind the camera and countless portrait, fashion, fitness, commercial, editorial, and artistic sessions and working with seasoned professional models, I offer one-on-one and small-group coaching designed to help models at every experience level grow their skills and confidence.

Whether you’re preparing for your first shoot, building a portfolio, returning after time away, or looking to elevate your work to a more professional level, these classes are tailored to your goals and experience.

Learn From Working Models

Whenever possible, classes will include guest appearances from experienced local models who actively work with photographers throughout Hampton Roads and beyond. These models help demonstrate posing techniques, movement, expression, communication, and professional set etiquette in real time.

Watching an experienced model work is one thing. Having the opportunity to ask questions, observe their decision-making process, and learn directly from their successes and challenges is something entirely different. Guest models may participate in demonstrations, portfolio reviews, mock shoots, and Q&A sessions, giving students a chance to gain insight from both sides of the camera.

My goal is to expose students to a variety of body types, experience levels, modeling styles, and creative approaches so they leave with practical knowledge they can apply immediately to their own work and creative journey.

Model Foundations

Perfect for those with little or no modeling experience.

Topics may include:

• Different genres of models and what is is in demand here.
• How to pose naturally and avoid looking stiff
• Understanding posture and body awareness
• Creating flattering angles for your body type
• Hand placement and what to do with your arms
• Facial expressions beyond simply smiling
• Learning your best angles
• Understanding basic photographic terminology
• What photographers mean when they give direction
• Building confidence in front of the camera
• What to bring to a shoot and how to prepare
• What is a portfolio and how to start one
• Creating your first portfolio images
• Model releases, contracts

Level II

For models who have completed several shoots and want to improve consistency and versatility.

Topics may include:

• Flow posing and transitioning smoothly between poses
• Creating emotion and storytelling within an image
• Fashion-inspired posing techniques
• Working with different lenses and camera angles
• Understanding light and how it affects posing
• Posing while sitting, reclining, walking, and interacting with props
• Couples and partner posing
• Fitness and athletic posing
• Outdoor versus studio modeling techniques
• Reading the photographer and adapting quickly
• Developing a stronger on-camera presence
• Updating and expanding your portfolio

Specialized Workshops

Depending on your interests, we can also focus on specific genres and styles:

• Fashion Modeling
• Editorial Modeling
• Fitness & Athletic Modeling
• Commercial & Lifestyle Modeling
• Fine Art Figure Study
• Cosplay & Character Work
• Maternity Modeling
• Couples Modeling
• Runway & Fashion Show Preparation
• Personal Branding Sessions

Safety, Professionalism & Industry Awareness

This is one of the most important topics I teach, regardless of experience level.

We discuss:

• Recognizing red flags before accepting a shoot
• Understanding model releases and contracts
• Setting personal boundaries
• Communicating expectations clearly
• Protecting your image and reputation
• Safe collaboration practices
• Social media and portfolio management
• Working professionally while maintaining control of your comfort level

Portfolio Reviews & Career Guidance for Photographers and Models

Sometimes the biggest obstacle to growth isn’t taking better photographs or learning new poses, it’s understanding where you are, where you want to go, and how to get there.

My Portfolio Review and Career Guidance sessions are designed for both photographers and models who want honest, constructive feedback from someone with nearly 40 years of professional experience in the industry. Together, we’ll review your portfolio, identify strengths and weaknesses, discuss your goals, and create a roadmap for improvement.

For photographers, we can evaluate technical skills, consistency, editing style, portfolio presentation, branding, client experience, pricing, marketing, and business development. For models, we’ll examine posing variety, expression, portfolio balance, professionalism, personal branding, networking, and opportunities for growth.

These sessions are not about tearing work apart. They’re about helping you see your work objectively, identifying what is already working, and uncovering opportunities that can help you move forward with greater confidence and purpose. Whether you’re just starting out, returning after time away, or looking to take your career to the next level, you’ll leave with actionable feedback and a clearer path forward.

Guest Speaking and Presentations

In addition to private instruction, I’m available as a guest speaker for schools, clubs, and creative organizations. I’ve delivered talks and live demos on a wide range of photography topics, from building a career in photography to hands-on lighting techniques, creative direction, and real-world insights from working in both the fine art and commercial photography worlds.

As a full-time staff photographer for a major federal aerospace research facility and a long-time photography educator, I bring both technical expertise and creative perspective to every presentation. My talks are informative, engaging, and always tailored to the audience whether it’s a classroom of aspiring artists or a professional organization looking to sharpen visual communication.

Ready to Elevate Your Photography or Modeling Skills?

Whether you’re looking for one-on-one coaching, group lessons, modeling guidance, or a knowledgeable guest speaker, I’d love to share what I’ve learned. Let’s take your skills, and your vision, to the next level.