I am sure the photographer/teacher mentioned here is
reputable based on the good reviews posted by others. Bad actors in the seminar business, don't last long as their reputation precedes them! Good teachers carry on!

Believe me, 99 bucks don't grow on trees but it ain't an outrageous fee for a decent class.

I am not a big fan of the term "crash course"- as Gene has alluded to, learning the finer points of photography takes time and study, practice and experience and mastery doesn't happen overnight. I'm sure you will glean something useful from most good classes, online tutorials and reading material.

So...here's my experience. I am an old-timer in the business but I never thought that I "know it all". I am a big fan of ongoing education and as a result, I have given and taken many classes, lectures, seminars, and mostly in-person educational programs. I am selective, so if I want a so-called "crash course", I will choose one that is very specific to a particular aspect of photography: Something that I am not familiar with and I want to explore or get into, an area where I feel I need more help, instruction, or inspiration and/or my wanting to closely examine the work or technique of the teacher.

Some of these classes lasted a week or more and were expensive but eventually paid for themselves in the long run in terms of my professional work, marketing, and being able to offer new or different concepts to clients and improve efficiency.

The odd class was disappointing but I always managed to come away with some useful information like how NOT to present a class or seminar! And...how to advise others on what t avoid! Avoid classes, especially ones that charge a fee and are really designed to SELL certain gear and products. I don't mind paying for an education but I don't like paying to be sold on something. I'll pay for admission to a trade show or convention if I am in the market for equipment. If a manufacturer wants to hire a teacher to endorse their products, let them pay the fee! The other kind of "bad" teacher is a great photographer who just aggrandizes themself, brags about his or her important assignments or clients and does not get into techniques. It's great entertainment but not the best learning experience. My best teachers took the attitude that there are no real secrets in photography- it's all written, taught or online somewhere or someplace. They say just listen up and I'll give you the nuts and bolts and the creativity, practice, and application is up to you!

In-person classes do, however, have a personality and human aspect. Oftentimes, seeing how the teacher interacts with his students, models, subjects and observe their manner, demeanor and attitude is an education in itself. Sometimes, it is surprising that the teacher does not have any secret or magical formulas and employes pretty traditional and straightforward technique but the magic is in their approach, attitude and work ethic. Sometimes there is a simple revelation and you say to yourself "so that's the way you do that"! and that one tip is worth the price of admission.

Classes are great because you get out from behind your computer screen or out of your favorite reading chair and mix with other shooters. You may get to shoot along withthe teacher and otere students- that's invaluable practice! You can participate in the Q&A session and share a meal or a drink with the gang and perhaps the teacher. Some of the best lessons I have learned came after the class!