General Mentoring Information:

At Ed Heaton Photography we strive for excellence whether you are a intermediate photographer, or you've been shooting for 30+ years. We are not your typical run of the mill mentoring program. We give each participant one on one time with a highly experienced and educated photographer. We make it important that we spend time working on something you struggle with or a certain aspect you have always wanted to master. This is not a tour, we run educational programs for the photographer who wants to get to the next level. Yes of course we visit all of the beautiful places and get gorgeous photos, but our major focus is not the stellar image. Our goal is the education you take home so that the next time you go out and you're faced with a difficult situation, you have a feeling of self-assurance because you already have the problem solved.  So skip the workshop or tour and take the mentoring program. At its highest level, mentorship is about being “good people” and having the right “good people” around to work with — We are committed to helping others become fuller versions of who they are.

All of our Master Series Photography Mentoring Programs will cover the overlooked and sometimes forgotten aspects of image design and the all-important role that light plays in creating dramatic and spectacular images! 

Join us to get a better understanding of the basic and advanced image design techniques and how capturing light will make extraordinary images from ordinary subjects.  

Here are just some of the topics we cover during our mentoring programs:

  • Rule of Thirds - Imagine that your image is divided into nine equal segments by two vertical and two horizontal lines then try to position the most important element or subject in your scene along these lines where they intersect and by doing so you will add balance and interest to your image.

  • Asymmetry - This can be a very beautiful and eye-catching technique. It can create a very thought-provoking piece of art that awakens the eye due to its imperfect balance and startles the imagination into overdrive.

  • Leading lines - One of the most available tools in nature. When we look at an image our eye is naturally drawn along lines. By being conscious about how you place lines in your composition you can affect the way we view the image pulling the viewer into the scene.

  • Depth - Depth can be created by making sure you include objects in the foreground, middle ground and background. Learning how to arrange these elements will give strength and authority to your image.

  • Balancing Elements - Placing your main subject off-center, as with the rule of thirds, creates a more interesting photo, but it can leave a void in the scene which can make it feel empty. You should balance the "weight" of your subject by including another object of lesser importance to fill the space.

  • Perspectives - The perspective has an enormous impact on the composition of our image and thus it can greatly affect the meaning that the image expresses. Rather than just shooting from eye level consider photographing from different vantage points. For example; shoot high, low, move left or right, move up close and then far away from your main subject.

  • Symmetry and Patterns - We are surrounded by symmetry and patterns both natural and man-made, and they can make for stunning compositions particularly in situations where they are unexpected. Another great way to use them is to break the symmetry or pattern in some way in reducing tension and a focal point to the scene.

  • Framing - Using objects in your scene as a frame to highlight or showcase your main subject can be a very powerful compositional tool.

  • Experimentation and Having Fun - Teaching you to create a solid and impactful image is our goal, but having fun and experimenting with different compositions, rules and techniques are part of the journey to becoming a better photographer.

You will have the opportunity to work alongside Ed & Zach as they share their 40 + years collective photographic expertise in the field. Hands-on help will be provided and they will conduct question and answer sessions as well. 

If you have any specific questions you would like me to answer before you register for the program, please call 610.283.0454 or email me at ed@edheaton.com

"This business is an "Authorized Permittee of the National Park Service"

(Ed Heaton Photography is fully covered by Public Liability Insurance.)

Ed & Zach are CPR and First Aid certified.

Cancellation Policy

Refunds will be given if cancellation is made prior to 60 days before the program date minus a $75 processing fee.  No refunds will be given if cancellation is made less than 60 days before the program date unless we can fill your spot minus a $75 processing fee. WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TRIP INSURANCE to protect you in the event of an unexpected situation that prevents you from attending the program. We encourage participants to purchase refundable airline tickets and trip cancellation insurance.
(We reserve the right to cancel any program if our minimum student enrollment is not met. In the event we cancel a program, participants will be given the option to reschedule to a later date or receive a full refund. We are not, however, liable for expenses incurred such as airfare or accommodations, and for this reason we recommend the purchase of trip insurance.) Reschedules are active for up to one year from the date of the original program.

Rain policy

Programs are a rain or shine event and will only be canceled if there is an element of danger. More often than not “bad weather” makes for the most dramatic light possible.

Customer Loyalty Program:

If you join us for more than one of our program in the same year, you will receive a 10% discount on your additional programs. Please email me so I can send you a customer loyalty code. 


What skill level do I need to be?

Everyone will find our programs to be a fun educational experience. Our clients vary from intermediate to advanced amateur and professional. Participants are expected to have a working knowledge of exposure (f/stop and shutter speed) and should know how to operate their equipment. Our goal is to help you improve your technique and creative vision and achieve the goals that you have set for yourself. The program size is set to allow use to spend time with each and every participant.


Does it matter which type of camera I have?

Most of our clients use a digital SLR. Our goal is to help you improve your technique and creative vision and achieve the goals that you have set for yourself. We’ll send you a checklist approximately 30 days before your event of suggested gear to bring. 

How many people is in each program:

Between 5 and 8 is our maximum program size which allows us to spend time with each and every client.

How do I register for an event?

We accept most major credit cards, personal checks and money orders. All programs have an online registration page for convenient and secure online registration.

Call our office at (610)283-0454. Office hours are Mon-Fri 9am – 5pm, we are closed on weekends. If we are in the field, it may take longer for us to get back to you.
email: ed@edheaton.com or zach@zachheaton.net
Snail mail: Ed Heaton Photography • 612 3rd Ave • Atglen, PA  • 19310

Does the instructor shoot during the program:

The quick answer is yes. we will be shooting during the programs, but in a VERY limited capacity. The client is our main focus and providing support is our top priority. We often shoot right along with the clients sharing our collective 30 years of field experience. Much of our shooting over the program consists of field demonstrations that help to expand creative vision, technique and composition while on location.