Who is Don Giannatti?
Please join me in my congratulating Don Giannatti, creative mentor and coach, as this year's recipient of the Tiffinbox Award.
I recall attending one of Don's first lighting workshops in Boston and kept in touch as he evolved and began offering his advice to other emerging photographers online.
Don is the consummate photographer/teacher, who gently coaxes you into being a better photographer and a better business person. He is relentless in sharing his opinion and delivers them as a matter of fact because he has the experience to back it all up. In addition to being a photographer, at one time Don also owned a design agency that worked with a variety of corporate and editorial clients. He brings all of his knowledge, distills it and delivers it to students through his websites Lighting Essentials and Project52.
In his own words:
I have been a commercial photographer since 1974, and have worked with advertising agencies and design firms all over the world. I have had studios in LA, Chicago, and Phoenix.
In the decades of my career I have shot fashion and beauty, product, industrial and corporate, and currently I make portraits and environmental images.
Project 52 Pro System is my flagship online learning center where I work with small groups of photographers, and I offer one-on-one mentorships.
I have taught at CreativeLIVE, and other online education platforms, and written 6 books on photography.
My belief in the power of photography and the creativity of photographers to wield that power makes my job the best in the world.
Example Of Don's Advice
Don's YouTube channel is one of my favorites. He doesn't mince words. He lays it out like any good teacher should. The advice is for us to take or leave behind. Here are two gems:
Don's Sample Portfolio
How Can I Learn From Donald Giannatti?
I've already mentioned Don's YouTube channel. But you should also follow Don on Instagram. He is a huge proponent of having a visually rich social media channel and likes what Instagram has to offer. Do pay attention to his advice on how to use Instagram, though.
Don is also a three-time book author. Yes, I do recommend his books.
If you are an emerging commercial photographer, you need to sign up for Project52. Interested in his other workshops or lighting tutorials? Bookmark Lighting Essentials.
Don's courses on CreativeLive are extremely popular. Here is one on product photography. And here's the first one he called Lighting Essentials.
The next course I want to enroll in? Don's environmental portraiture class.
Recognizing Past Tiffinbox Award Winners
Now in its 8th year, the Tiffinbox Award is now an annual tradition on August 23rd. Please visit and celebrate the previous awardees at the following links:
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Thank you very much, Seshu.
I am both thrilled and grateful for this honor.
Don is one of the best photography instructors out there. This is well deserved. I would recommend his books, his online teaching and anything else he does to teach photography. You can’t go wrong with Don.
Well deserved recognition and award! Don’s style is a little bit of constructive ruler on the knuckles when needed and a ton of supportive direction/advice in how to make the work better. He supports his students in a vast variety of ways from Portfolio building/review, finding clients, and how to become a better commercial photographer.
As a student of his, I highly recommend Don’s project 52 offering.