A Year of Exploration with Project 52 Pro

“When you learn, teach, when you get, give.”

― Maya Angelou

Since I began my serious journey in photography in 2008, I have grown so much by participating in learning and photographing activities and experiences alongside other photographers.  I seek these opportunities out.  The more I learn about photography, the more I realize I will never stop learning.

In 2023, I participated in a 52-week learning experience taught by Donald Giannatti, Project 52 Pro.  I went into the experience with some specific things I wanted to learn.  I wanted to learn more about using artificial lighting in my photography and the business side of photography.  Additionally, as a photography educator, I am always interested in seeing how others teach photography.

In Project 52 Pro, participants are given an assignment each week. We received guidelines to follow to complete the assignment, which allowed us to bring our creativity. Alongside each assignment were resources that we could read and view before creating. Work examples from past students were also available for inspiration.

We had the opportunity to meet online with Don and other group members on either a weekday or a weekend every week. Attending both sessions was also a choice. Many weeks, Don added an optional business class meeting for anyone interested. During our weekly sessions, we would review our images and receive feedback from Don.

One of the things I learned the most from was the behind-the-scenes photographs that Don asked us to submit alongside our images.  These allowed us to see the choices for lights and modifiers each participant used to create the submitted photos.

Here are some of my creations from the year for the class.

After teaching Project 52 Pro since the mid-2000s, Don took time away to redesign the course to account for all the changes occurring in the world and the photography community.  He is offering this redesigned version of Project 52 Pro to twelve lucky students for a year of learning and growth.  This experience will begin in early August.

I learned so much during this year-long experience.  I can highly recommend it.

Don is very committed to his students.  He makes himself available through his sessions and, if needed, in between.  He has a real passion for what he does. 

You can find out more information about Project 52 Pro here.

Throughout my journey in photography, I have enjoyed learning new skills.  Although I don’t necessarily see myself as a commercial photographer, everything I learned in Project 52 Pro will help me with all my photography going forward.  Even when not posting images to social media, I am always learning, growing, and photographing.

What have you been learning lately with your photography?

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I have a passion for both teaching and photography.  I would love the opportunity to share this passion with you through one of my upcoming learning experiences.  Below, please find some of my offerings:

Meet Your Muse in Raleigh co-teaching with Jamie Konarski Davidson, In Person, July 2024

Guided Book Study for Photographers, Online, July – October 2024       Now Full –  Please email to be put on the waitlist and to be notified of when this opportunity is released again

Personal Projects Workshop, Online, October 2024

Creative Zoo Photography Workshop, Online and In Person, October and November 2024

Make Magic Using Digital Processing Tools, Online

Mentorship, Online, In Person, or a combination depending upon your location

Private Instruction, Online or In Person depending upon your location