Matthew S.
Portland, OR
Strudel Media: Video & Photography, Digital Media & Computers
Skidmore College
Geosciences and Environmental ScienceAbout Matthew
Hi there.
You've found my profile if you're interested in learning about digital media, computers, or related subjects. Or alternatively, you could use some help understanding academic subjects such as Environmental Science or History. I'm a photographer with many years of experience in a wide variety of topics that are useful to all
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10 hours notice requiredTravel Radius
Travels within 40 miles of Portland, OR 97206"An excellent teacher (and an insightful listener!)"
- Daniel, Woodburn, OR on 3/11/16We hired Matt to teach us the basics of video editing. This is such a huge undertaking, but Matt helped us understand how to break the process down into manageable parts. He was patient and conscientious throughout the process- always calibrating his speed to match our ability to understand and fully absorb the information. His knowledge base is deep and deeply impressive. So is his ability to communicate clearly and modulate the speed with which he instructs to match our ability to take in and understand. Matt brings together the best of right and left brain- he's a true master of the technology and an intuitive teacher. We're really excited to continue working with him. He made the basics of the software really understandable. After our first lesson we feel we know not only how to begin editing, but how to think about the editing process itself in relation to the software. We highly recommend this teacher!
"Awesome Tutor!"
- JT, Portland, OR on 11/5/15Very knowledgeable in the subjects he tutors in. Patient, when things seem a little hard to understand he will try and find different ways to explain things to you. I highly recommend.
"Excellent tutoring session!"
- Denise, Blue Bell, PA on 12/16/13Matt provided me with a comprehensive review of how to use the various functions on my digital SLR camera. He addressed all of the information that I had requested. He explained additional details to me when I needed further clarification. Matt was very nice, helpful, and knowledgeable. He arrived promptly at the time we agreed upon to the tutoring session, and was well prepared to assist me. I highly recommend him as a tutor.
"Great Tutor"
- Marcel, Perkasie, PA on 10/28/13Matt was professional, patient, and very knowledgeable of the subject. He provided candid feedback and offered suggestions based on my anticipated needs. Thank you Matt for your help and ability to explain things thoughtfully and at a pace that allowed me to keep up.
Approved subjects are in bold.
Approved subjects
In most cases, tutors gain approval in a subject by passing a proficiency exam. For some subject areas, like music and art, tutors submit written requests to demonstrate their proficiency to potential students. If a tutor is interested but not yet approved in a subject, the subject will appear in non-bold font. Tutors need to be approved in a subject prior to beginning lessons.
Adobe Lightroom
I've been an experienced Lightroom user since the software was first introduced. I regularly use Lightroom to import, sort, and modify thousands of images on a regular basis for both contract work and personal use. I have instructed many people and I am good at communicating the essentials clearly.
Adobe Photoshop
Over eight years of experience using photoshop for photography, print and layout design, image manipulation, and advertising. Can design anything from business cards to banner or billboard advertisements. Knowledge of fonts, design principles, and an eye for good design.
Film
I possess over 9 years of experience in filmmaking and related disciplines, which include sound recording, lighting, video editing, scripting and producing. I have extensive experience teaching groups of students basic videography and video editing techniques and ran my college TV station, during which time I produced TV shows on a regular basis, recorded events, and trained other students how to do the same. I also have professional experience recording performance and weddings and selling completed product to clients.
Geology
I worked professionally as a geologist in the field of environmental remediation for five years, in addition to performing research as an undergraduate and extensive study experience. I also have experience tutoring students in basic geology and conducting group review sessions.
Macintosh
I have been using Macintosh computers for over twenty years and have a deep, thorough understanding of how they work and what can be accomplished with them. I am familiar with a wide variety of third-party software, iPads, iPhones, and know how all the hardware works from a low level up. I've been known to read crash logs to isolate the source of a crash and deal with it; I also know about other useful techniques like sym-linking out the user folder, hard drive cloning and cloud back-ups, and can teach at any level of user proficiency.
Photography
I have been a photographer for over 8 years, and have spent a considerable amount of time on digital photography. I have successfully taught over a dozen people the principles of photography. In college, I trained other students in the craft repeatedly and several of them have gone on to do photography themselves.
I am great at explaining concepts to new learners and people with experience, and I can boil complicated concepts down to their simplest parts. Students consider me to be a good teacher, and I have experienced success in imparting important elements of the craft.
I have comprehensive knowledge of technical principles and artistic techniques and have used them in paid contract work for several years. I am well-versed in macro, landscape, portraiture, event, wedding, pet and baby photography and have done paid work in all of these categories. I can train you in nearly any kind of photography and develop your technical and artistic competence.
Video Production
I have been producing videos for over nine years, and am widely proficient in a variety of software packages and camera designs. I can work on and manage all aspects of a project from writing and concept design all the way through to shooting, editing, sound design and editing, to encoding for the internet and DVD authoring. During my time in college, I managed the college's local TV station and trained several cohorts of students in the aforementioned skills, some of whom have gone on to careers in the TV and film industries.
I am considered to be a very capable producer and instructor. My students learn well and I can instruct people who are proficient or people who have no interest in related disciplines. I am good at making all of the related material approachable at whichever level the student decides to approach; I can focus on singular subjects or give students a thorough grounding in all of the general concepts. In addition, I am good at picking things up quickly; I can pick up a camera I've never seen before and figure out its operation in minutes, even without a manual. I stay up to date on the latest technological developments and am always eager to learn new things and pass them on to others.
Other Portland, OR Tutors
Matthew S.
Portland, OR
Strudel Media: Video & Photography, Digital Media & Computers