Hal Schmitt is the Director and Lead Instructor of LIGHT Photographic Workshops in Los Osos, California. Although new to the industry, Hal instructs all levels of photography, Lightroom, and Photoshop as if he’d been shooting for decades. His workshops and photo tours are recognized around the world as incredible learning experiences.
Many are surprised that someone so new to the photographic industry delivers such effective (some would even say “life changing”) training. What most do not know is although Hal first picked up a DSLR three years ago he spent six years as one of the most respected and sought after instructors in the world.
Most people know the word TOPGUN because of the 1980s action movie of the same name. In reality, TOPGUN or the Navy Fighter Weapons School is one of the most intense, professional, and demanding schools found anywhere. The preparation, knowledge, execution, and standards of performance of the staff are without equal. Hal served two tours as a TOPGUN instructor.
After the crucible of the “murderboard” process Hal became the Navy’s air-to-air training expert, completely revamped the tactics to meet current threats, and delivered hundreds of hours of training and discussion worldwide. When life and death are involved, the training better be good.
As Director of the Lepp Institute, Hal was fortunate to train with photography and Photoshop’s best and brightest and is now an expert in all aspects of the digital workflow. Although the subject matter is a little slower and safer, Hal teaches his digital courses using the same techniques he mastered at TOPGUN. Polished and confident but down to earth and approachable, Hal delivers an incredible workshop experience.
Hal’s teaching style delivers results. He believes in teaching the theory and basics of everything necessary in the digital workflow. More importantly, he takes the mystery and technical complexity out of a subject allowing access for everyone. Hal will ensure you know the basics, teaching the why in addition to the how. With a strong foundation, it is amazing how quickly you can learn and improve. 
As one of his recent students remarked, “I’ve gone to Photoshop World a couple of years in a row, but have never learned even half as much at the Lightroom sessions I attended there as I’ve learned from your online seminars.” A simple, live web seminar from Hal normally delivers more actual instruction than you can find anywhere.
Student response is overwhelming.
-“To tell you the truth, you are the best instructor for any subject I’ve ever had.”
-“I sincerely feel you are and will continue to be a superstar in the photo industry and we all appreciate your taking time and energy to visit us.”
-“The amount of information and the way you presented it, was truly enjoyable and instructive at the same time. You have a command of your subject matter and presentation skills that are a rare combination.”
-“I really liked the passion and dynamic style you projected. That together with your experience and subject matter skills kept the audience in focus at all times.”
-“It’s not that I get everything that I expect taking a Hal Schmitt class, it’s that I get so much that I didn’t expect that makes Hal’s classes so exciting.”
