Fun not frustrating!


No man-splaining. No confusing videos. No Manual Mode. Just Fun Easy Tips to create amazing photos with YOUR CAMERA!

It's WAY easier and faster to use our news photographer secret shortcuts.

Just say NO to Manual Mode


Don’t believe ANYONE that says you MUST use MANUAL MODE

I’ll show you a better, easier, faster way – without intimidation, frustration… No more doing things the hard way!

It’s time to understand your camera in a way you never thought possible! It’s time to create amazing photos – ITS SO EASY!

Give Camera Lessons – the gift that lasts a lifetime Gift Certificates

Private Photography & Tech Lessons – any age, any level!


Learn Photography!

Smart Phone, Mirrorless, SLR, Edit, Organize, Share, Print

Just say NO to confusing videos or workshops that talk about all the technical mumbo jumbo and NEVER show you which button to actually press when! You don’t need Manual Mode to get amazing photographs! Seriously!

You’ll learn how to EASILY set your camera to FOCUS where YOU want – no matter what you’re shooting!

You’ll learn how to capture amazing SHARP ACTION photos – regardless of time of day or light!

You’ll learn easy tricks for gorgeous family photos – with beautiful BLURRED BACKGROUNDS.

You’ll learn how to adjust EXPOSURE and flash to get GORGEOUS photos and see faces when all you got before was dark shadows! With your phone as well as your ‘real’ camera.

All without Manual Mode! Geez those guys! Do they TRY to make it hard? It doesn’t have to be! I Promise!

Perfect for Beginners & New Camera Owners! Hands-on lessons are tailored to each person and their gear.
Intermediate & advanced photographers take their skills to the next level! We take you from where you are and build with each lesson. Photography is a craft you never stop learning.

Virtual via Zoom. Or Great Locations in Cincinnati filled with inspiration: Winton WoodsGlenwood Gardens, Village of Glendale as well as Our Studio near Winton Woods (inside or on our front porch – a client favorite!).

Learn Editing too – from smart phone to Lightroom to Pro Photoshop Tricks that will save you TONS of time with editing, sorting, printing, sharing, organizing, finding & storing your images! We have TONS of tips to share!

Lessons are timed to learn in-depth tips without getting overwhelmed! Book a package for yourself or split with friends – choose 2, 3, 6, even 12 – Imagine a whole year of photography!

GIFT CERTIFICATES are perfect for everyone, every occasion! Especially new camera owners.

E-Book Handouts are tailored for your gear and/or software- included  FREE – perfect for saving on your phone and taking with you everywhere!

Questions? Text with the button below which goes straight to Malinda’s phone or Click to call +1 (513) 245-4100  we never share your personal info.

Book Now

Blog Post – Mirrorless vs DSLR!


I am a beginner at photography but I will tell you on my very first 1 on 1 lesson with Malinda I learned so much.

She taught me more on the first lesson then I could have imagined! She was so nice and helpful. I feel confident that I will be able to take the photos I want when I am done with my lessons! I would highly recommend!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Michele

Photography Lessons Gift Certificates

Capture gorgeous colorful sunsets that will knock your socks off. Learn the hidden tricks!

Is your Phone your Camera?

EVERY SINGLE TIME I help someone take a shot with his or her phone, they whip their head around with eyes as big as dinner plates exclaiming, “I didn’t know it could THAT!?!”

Even 11 year old kids have NO idea what they can do with their phones! One 11 year old photo camper said, “You just CHANGED MY LIFE!”

So grab your phone family and lets make your smart phone photos WAY smarter! Book 1 to 1 or the whole crew! Message me to get started!

Sunsets, family photos, pictures for work – I promise your photos will NEVER be the same!

Outsmart your phone! It’s so easy with just a few pro tricks! Sign up for a lesson & be mind-blown!

Book Now or Click to Call Malinda with questions +1 (513) 245-4100

Malinda is a wonderful teacher!! Any interaction with her causes one to start taking better photos immediately!! Her dedication to her craft and willingness to share tips and tricks make any class with her a truly wonderful experience!
Amy Roell, Outdoor Education Director, Great Parks of Hamilton County

Malinda Hartong, Photojournalist


Photojournalists cover everything: fires, floods, funerals, community events, youth sports, and so much more. Malinda has over 20 years professional photography experience. Malinda also loves being capturing people – whether on location or in the studio!

Malinda’s images have been published all around town and around the globe, including The Times of London, The Guardian, and Marketplace.org.

Together with Emmy-award winning husband Glenn Hartong, photojournalist/video producer/cameraman at ChiliDog Pictures HD Video Productions, Malinda and Glenn have worked with everyone from Heimlich Heroes to Cincinnati Childrens Hospital, University of Cincinnati Foundation, The Dragonfly Foundation and more.

Glenn & Malinda both LOVE to share the techniques we’ve learned over our careers for capturing amazing images in any situation as news photographers!

Malinda has been teaching for over 10 years – simplifying news photographer tricks & techniques for everyone from absolute beginners to aspiring pros, helping folks of all ages & skill levels learn how to create amazing images – THE EASY WAY.

And here’s the best kept secret – You DONT have to learn Manual Mode, or shoot in RAW! Seriously! Grab your camera or phone and Let’s GO!
Questions? Text with the button below which goes straight to Malinda’s phone or Click to call +1 (513) 245-4100  we never share your personal info.

Book Now


Learn Lightroom Shortcuts! Edit 100s of Images in Minutes
Stunning Color in seconds
Brilliant Black & White in Seconds

Photoshop & Lightroom Lessons – Get your Photos Organized & Edited

Imagine organizing, storing, and maintaining a photo library where you can actually find your images. Plus editing them to create amazing results – it all takes TONS of time, right? NOT with our  simple tricks! Whether you have a Mac or a PC, or just your phone. Whether you’re a novice or pro. We have TONS of timesavers plus editing & organizing tricks for you!

  • Mobile – you won’t believe what you can do on the go! From photo editing to general use, photography, and tons of shortcuts and quick tricks. Plus there’s even an app that can rival photoshop in a fraction of the time! On your PHONE or tablet!
  • Lightroom Classic & CC – killer tips to organize, sort, and even edit! From downloading a 1000-shot event to finishing 60 best shots edited and uploaded to the event organizer, how much time do you think that takes us? How about just 2 hours? Learn our secrets for Speed Editing!
  • Photoshop CC & Photoshop Elements – don’t let it scare you. Layers, Masking, portrait retouching, landscapes, replacing skies, and more. Learn shortcuts and time-saving tricks!
  • Apple Photos app – there is WAY more power here than you realize!
  • Virtual or In Person – you’ll be amazed at what you can learn! Available anywhere nationwide!
Sign up for Lessons

Malinda’s Favorite Photos

Shooting news, freelancing, and teaching for over a decade, there have been so many incredible moments. Feel free to ask me for details, captured from iPhone to Z6 to SLR. Nature, portraits, sports, news, my favorites are all over the place. Light, moment, connection…

Looking forward to helping you capture your next favorite photos!