Classes & Workshops
I've been teaching people how to take photos since I was a student myself at the University of Missouri School of Journalism. Over the past 30 years, I’ve taught thousands of students in workshops, trade shows, colleges, corporate trainings, and through one-to-one meetings.
Current Show
I'm thrilled to be showing my wildlife photography at the Peak Design Flagship Store in San Francisco. I hope to see you there for the opening. I'll be giving a free wildlife photography mini-workshop at the opening.
Peak Design San Francisco
Gallery Event Opening and Presentation
Saturday September 20, 2025 7-9pm
529 Hayes Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
Private Wildlife Photography session
Want to take your wildlife photography skills to the next level? Do your learn better in a one-on-one setting? I can help.
Sessions are at area parks where together we can trouble shoot any issues you're having with your camera and practice skills in real outdoor setting.
One of my favorite locations is the Ballard Locks.
My rates are:
$100 per hour for lessons in Seattle.
$130 per hour for lessons on the Eastside (Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond).
$150 per hour for lessons outside of Seattle or the Eastside on approval.
To schedule a session email me at hello(at)marcusdonner(dot)com.
Wildlife Photography Workshops and Lectures
When photographing wildlife I bring a portrait photographers eye to the story. When capturing images of birds in flight I bring my skills as a sports photographer. My background as a photojournalist, where the goal of any photo shoot is to bring back a great photo, informs my approach to wildlife photography.
I’ve taught thousands of people the basic strategies of shooting better photos, and how to make photo compositions better by using the same tools professional photographers use every day.
To find out about my next classes and get free tips on wildlife photography signup for my soon to be released weekly newsletter.
Past classes
April 2025
Forest Wildlife and Bird Photography
Woodland Park Zoo
June 2024
Wildlife Photography
Woodland Park Zoo
Bird Photography basics
Woodland Park Zoo
September and October 2023
Wildlife Photography
Woodland Park Zoo
What My Students & Clients Say:
“People of all ages are able to quickly apply the helpful techniques Marcus Donner offers...and will be thanking him every step along the way!”
— Kristen B.,
“I especially appreciated all the tips for how to do your own City Critter watching. These tips are extremely helpful regardless of where you live.”
— Paula S.,
“In simple, easy steps, Marcus Donner taught our class of professional journalists how to snap crisp, colorful images to enhance our stories. Some writers barely knew how to operate their digital cameras, but by the time we left his class, we felt like pros.”
— Candace Dempsey, Food and Travel Journalist and Writing Instructor
“As broadcast journalists, we’re being asked more and more to take photographs for the web. Marcus’ workshop walked us through the basic principles of photography, as well as what we needed to keep in mind when shooting for the web. Not a minute of the workshop was wasted, and we walked out inspired and ready to go! Since his course, we have been taking better photos and all of us have enjoyed it more too. I highly recommend it!”
— Erin Hennessey, News Director, KNKX Public Radio, Seattle/Tacoma
“Your two-hour Basics of Photography workshop was just what I needed. For me, the workshop was interesting and straightforward — and, most important, useful.”
— Randy Beam, University of Washington Journalism Professor
“I had no idea walking into Marcus Donner’s workshop just how valuable it would be. I’ve been around journalism and photographers for years, but I came away from the workshop with a whole new grip on what really matters in photojournalism. I learned just about as much there as I did in a whole semester in a photojournalism class back in college.”
— Robert McClure, Reporter, Seattle Post–Intelligencer