Learn & Travel

Learn to see the way I see.

My deepest satisfaction now is helping other photographers understand why a frame works. Real-world tips and shortcuts, kept simple and easy to remember, so your own photographs start to look the way you always pictured them.

One to one · from $125/hr

Private Tutoring

We go out together, in the field or online, and I work at your pace. You get real feedback the moment you take the frame, while the light and the decision are still fresh. Most people leave their first session seeing differently.

Small groups · never rushed

Workshops

A handful of photographers, a beautiful location, and enough time to get the shot. I explain the settings rather than dictate them, so you can do it again on your own.

Local · a single day

One-Day Photo Walks

A relaxed few hours chasing the light close to home. A small group, a good spot, and hands-on tips you will put to use that same afternoon. The easiest way to start.

Local day trips to overseas travel

Photo Adventures

From a single day out to multi-day journeys, at home and overseas, every one planned around the light. Intimate groups, and on the longer trips a parallel track of cooking, culture, and wellness, so the one who came for the place has a wonderful time too.

Talks & clubs · in person or remote

Guest Speaker

Available to speak to camera clubs, libraries, and groups. An evening on chasing the light, built around real frames and practical, easy-to-remember takeaways.

Travelling with someone who came for the place, not the pictures?

They’ll have their own days worth talking about at dinner.

For the partner

In their words

What my students say.

I expected a classroom, but was pleasantly surprised by the small, intimate setting. I learned exactly what I came for. Carlton was clear and very informative, and patient with those who were less experienced. I can't wait to try this technique on my own project!

Tom

Focus Stacking class · Boston Photography Group

Very informative class. Carlton answered all my questions in a way I could understand and actually use. Also a very patient man.

John

Waterfall workshop, Mine Falls Park · Boston Photography Group

I thought it was great. It really helped to walk around and get live instruction and tips on everything from settings to composition and more. Thank you!

Vinny

Dynamic Composition class · Boston Photography Group

Carlton was very generous with his knowledge. He answered the questions we had and updated my skill levels in areas I'd been trying to figure out online. He's a very good instructor and a true gentleman.

Bob Pliskin

Focus Bracketing class · Boston Photography Group

It ended up being just Carlton and me, so I had one-on-one with a professional for two hours. He was incredibly knowledgeable, patient and kind, and we worked at my pace through every detail. Truly a wonderful experience, and a real value.

Jane Poulin

Private focus-stacking lesson · Boston Photography Group

Carlton did a great job explaining the concept. He had everything ready to go so we got hands-on experience with our own gear, and he also taught how to process the photos in Lightroom and Photoshop.

Kevin

Focus Stacking class · Boston Photography Group

Carlton was very well informed, knowledgeable and friendly. I appreciated the detailed handout and all of the suggestions.

Wendy

Nightscape Photography class · Boston Photography Group

Great, clear, hands-on instruction. We used our own cameras, the class was small (limited to six), and he provided handouts so we didn't have to take notes.

Dana

Focus Stacking class · Boston Photography Group

Carlton taught an excellent class. I learned exactly what I'd hoped for, and look forward to using focus bracketing in my photography now.

Phil

Focus Stacking class · Boston Photography Group

Carlton always puts his best effort into providing a friendly and informative class. Everything went well, except the weather!

Paul

Nightscape Photography class · Boston Photography Group

A lot of fun, and the host was well informed and generous with his time.

Paul

Focus Stacking class · Boston Photography Group

Very professional and informative. It met my expectations for focus stacking.

Lloyd Nelson

Focus Stacking class · Boston Photography Group

Great, highly recommended!

Ha

Focus Stacking class · Boston Photography Group

Great class. I highly recommend it.

Emma

Focus Stacking class · Boston Photography Group

Questions

Good to know.

Do you teach beginners?

Yes, and beginners are some of my favorite students. I meet you where you are, explain why a setting works rather than just handing you numbers, and keep every lesson hands-on with your own camera. Most people leave their first session seeing differently.

Where are your photography classes and photo walks?

I am based in the Lowell and North Billerica area, just outside Boston, so most local lessons and one-day photo walks happen around Greater Boston and New England. Private sessions also work online, wherever you are in the world.

How much does a private photography lesson cost?

Private tutoring starts at $125/hr, one to one, in the field or online. Most people book a single session first to feel how much it changes the way they shoot, then plan more from there.

Do you run photography workshops in New England?

Yes. I lead small-group workshops around New England and beyond, never more than a handful of photographers, with enough time to actually get the shot. I explain the settings rather than dictate them, so you can repeat the result on your own.

Can my partner come on a photo adventure if photography is not their thing?

Absolutely. On the longer trips I build a parallel track of cooking classes, cultural walks, and wellness, so the person who came for the place has their own wonderful days. You both come home glad you went.

What will I actually learn?

The practical moves that change a photograph: focus stacking, composition, and reading the light from sunrise to dusk. Real-world tips and shortcuts, kept simple and easy to remember, so you can use them the next time you go out.

Do you speak to camera clubs and groups?

Yes. I am available as a guest speaker for camera clubs, libraries, and groups, in person or remote. An evening on chasing the light, built around real frames and practical takeaways your members can use right away.

How do I book a session or ask a question?

Start a conversation on the contact page, or email me directly at carltonsoohoo@gmail.com. I read every note personally, usually within a couple of days, and we will find the right way for you to learn.

Wherever you are in it, I’d love to help.

Start a conversation