JOIN CHUCK ANERINO IN:
cREATING DEEPER DOCUMENTARY IMAGERY
12-WEEK GROUP MENTORing program
An in-depth and interactive experience
Mastering proven processes which enable photographers to consistently create content-rich documentary imagery
Online - ONLY 12 SPOTS AVAILABLE
starts July 21, 2025
Learn how to compose critical elements of chaotic scenes by infusing elements of composition and layers into your work, ensuring subjects are communicated clearly and universally to viewers. Learn to dissect images with these elements to determine how, if, and why they work. Finally, demonstrate mastery of the taught techniques by completing a culminating project with a mini essay in a cinematic fashion.
HOW THIS WORKS
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HOW THIS WORKS ↙
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
“Creating Deeper Documentary Images” is a twelve-week, intense, assignment-based program with the ultimate goal of mastering proven processes that will help photographers create deeper, content-rich documentary images on a consistent basis. WE CANNOT IMPROVE IF WE DO NOT PUT IN THE WORK!
The course will begin with an overview of how to approach and assess scenes, lens choice, and aperture choice before shooting begins. Students will learn how to compose critical elements of chaotic scenes so that subjects are communicated clearly and universally to viewers.
Students will learn how to infuse elements of composition and layers into their photography as well as dissect images with these elements to determine how, if, and why they work.
Finally, students will demonstrate mastery of the taught techniques by completing a culminating project with a mini essay in a cinematic fashion.
LIVE, MENTORED INSTRUCTION
A live class will be lead by Chuck via Zoom six times over the course of twelve weeks (approximately every two weeks). Active attendance and participation is crucial to student success. Students will be given assignments in class and will have approximately ten days to complete and submit their work (via Dropbox).
Individual classes will be divided into two sessions: Seminar and Instruction.
Seminar will focus on student work from the prior assignment complete with group critique and Instruction will focus on learning a new concept and introduction of the next assignment. Video classes are expected to last approximately three hours.
CONTENT RICH MATERIALS FOR REVIEW
Students will receive the lesson plan and presentation from each lesson. Each session will be recorded and available to students.
NETWORK OF SUPPORT & ONE-ON-ONE MENTORSHIP
A closed, private Facebook group will be created for students of this course. This is a fantastic spot for students to ask questions, discuss topics from the lessons, and post images for feedback. This network of support is invaluable while working through such an intense curriculum.
Additionally, students will have three 30 minute one on one conferences with Chuck throughout the course. Two conferences will be during the class (about ⅓ and ⅔ through) and one will be an “exit interview” where students will give feedback on the course.
Additional Information
DURATION: 12 weeks
CAPACITY: 12 students
COST: €1200 for DFP Member Photographers (with the 15% off discount code)
€1412 for non-DFP Listed Photographers
(cost starts at circa US$1300 depending on the current exchange rate)
Payment Plans Available: see below for details
If you are not already a DFP Member Photographer and you want to be, you can join us here!
PREREQUISITES: Students must be driven to create strong documentary images. Students should have an understanding of the “rules” of Documentary Family Photography and must have a solid command of the technical aspects of a manual camera (manual exposure preferred).
TOPICS COVERED:
General Approach To Documentary Shooting: “Slow Down, Stop Down, Sit Down”
Defining What Makes a Strong Documentary Image
Finding Solid Image to Ground Relationships (making images more readable)
Effectively Using Layers (creating images with more depth)
Incorporating Elements of Composition
Learning to Shoot Cinematically
Developing Long Term Personal Projects
And more...
A BIT ABOUT CHUCK:
When he’s not behind the camera, Chuck’s career has been in secondary education for eighteen years where he worked as a Social Studies teacher, Photography teacher, and was a full time Dean of Students for a Philadelphia public high school. During this time, Chuck has created two high school photography programs and has inspired the next generation of photographers for the past eleven years. He left formal education after 18 years to go full time with his wedding photography business. He is a proud husband and father to three sons. You can see his personal work at www.anerinooriginals.com and www.anerinooriginals.com/personal
*The cost of this workshop may vary depending on discount codes for listed photographers and payment plan options.
enroll now
***We want to accommodate you! For other payment plan options, please contact us at hey@dfpcommunity.com
*15% off applied at check out with code for DFP Member photographers.
If you are a member and need the code, please message or email us.
In order to enjoy the member discount, students must remain a DFP Member for a minimum of 3 months.
What the community is saying about Creating Deeper Documentary Imagery
“His love of people, learning, and photography shines through in everything he does. This course is not simply a repeat of concepts I had heard before - it made me think differently and has changed the way I shoot for the better.”
—Karyn
“I’ve taken many online photography courses, and I can honestly say that Creating Deeper Documentary Images with Chuck Anerino is one of the best. I’ve never had an instructor that was so invested in my learning.”
—Joyce
“I can’t say enough about his teaching skills. He is invested in each student 100%, no matter where they are on their journey...this class is worth EVERY penny.”
—Linsey
“This class was may more than I could ever have expected or asked for. I will be eternally grateful for the material and knowledge that I gained...”
-Heather
“I love the way Chuck has deconstructed various compositional tools and then taught it to us within intimate groups so we can ask questions and really marinate in the lessons.”
- Margaret
“Investing money in any course feels scary because of the “what-ifs” and I’ve definitely experienced online classes that left me wanting more. Creating Deeper Doc Images did not fail...You will be pushed and it is GOOD; to think, feel, and see in ways you may think you already did, but not to this level.”
—Amy
“I was feeling intimidated that I may not be "ready" to work through the curriculum...He is extremely supportive and encourages his students all the way. It is so obvious that Chuck is passionate about teaching as he genuinely cares about his students and their success.”
—Ande
“In our 3 months together, we were able to experiment in an environment where it was safe to make mistakes.”
-Mikli
FAQ
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This workshop has been developed to be student-centered and assignment-based with the idea that participants bring a wide array of experiences with them as they learn. It’s these experiences and perspectives that will allow for us to gain a deeper understanding to the course and ultimately our own work.
The strength in any classroom is it’s students. Students will drive the conversation, ask the pressing questions, and push one another past their limits.
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Students are not required to report online everyday. There will be six virtual (video meeting) classes during the 12 week course that will be at a specific time. Students will get the most out of the course by participating in these six classes. A schedule for these classes will be agreed upon at the start of the course.
Although daily online check-ins are not required, it is recommended that students regularly work on their assignments in order to get the most out of the experience. Chuck will be available in between classes to answer any questions students may have.
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No, but if you are, you get 15% off of the course/workshop enrollment price with the secret DFP Member photographer code. If you would like to join as a member, you can do so here.
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This mentored workshop is limied to 12 students to ensure an in depth experience and so adequate feedback can be provided to participants.
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New content is rolled out at the beginning of each week. The workshop content is a mixture of zoom lessons & pdfs which will be available for you to download
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Once you enroll, you will receive an automated order confirmation email. Approximately one week before the workshop begins, you will receive further instructions about how to access the private group and any other necessary information about the workshop