Meet The Principal and Founder

How We Build the Photosprouts Team: Our 3 Pillars

1. Distinctive Artistic Mastery

We don’t look for generalists. Every instructor and team member must possess a highly specialized, distinctive signature style—whether it is street, cinematic storytelling, or master-level editing. We choose creators who have a deep, defined mastery of their specific niche so they can pass on true, focused expertise.

2. Teaching Talents

Being a great photographer doesn’t automatically make someone a great teacher. We only hire people who can explain complicated technical concepts in plain, simple English. They know exactly how to guide you step-by-step, asking you the right questions at the perfect moment to trigger that "aha!" breakthrough. They don't use confusing technical jargon—they speak clearly and meet you exactly where you are. Our instructors are:

3. A Warm, Fun, and Reliable Personality

Learning photography should never feel intimidating, stiff, or boring! We choose team members who are naturally patient, warm, and highly encouraging. They bring a fun energy to every session so you stay excited and inspired. At the same time, they are deeply responsible and respect your time. They always show up on time, manage the class schedule perfectly, and make sure you get the absolute most out of every single minute of your experience.

Meet Our Instructors and Staff

Jordi

Head Instructor, Manager

Jordi teaches:

• The Art of Street Photography
• San Francisco Night Photography
• Intermediate I & II
• Summer Camp Director
  

Jordi's Class: Guaranteed Clarity. Complex Concepts Made Simple & Fun

As Photosprouts’ Head Instructor, Jordi brings a solid, structured foundation to our workshops.

Jordi holds Bachelor of Journalism from San Francisco State University (SFSU) and a certificate in Documentary Photography from the City College of San Francisco (CCSF). Specializing in portraiture, street, and documentary photography, Jordi’s work focuses on capturing the everyday lives of local communities. His photographs have been featured in several local publications, including the SF Examiner, SF Business Times, El Tecolote, and projects for the Friendship House Association.

Jordi’s real strength is his straightforward, patient teaching style. He possesses a rare gift for translating complicated camera jargon into plain, easy-to-understand steps that instantly click, helping beginners and advancing photographers alike.

Known for his kind nature and great sense of humor, Jordi keeps the classroom relaxed and completely zero-intimidation—making a technical photography session feel as comfortable and engaging as a weekend hangout. He makes sure every student walks away with the confidence to use their camera.



When you learn with Jordi, you will always feel completely seen, heard, and supported, knowing you have an encouraging guide in your corner who is truly invested in your progress.

Fun Fact: When he’s not helping students in our workshops, Jordi is an active wrestler—bringing that same quiet discipline, focus, and positive energy to the classroom!

Learning with Emily is like Discovering Photography with Your Best Friend

Warm, empathetic, and deeply caring, Emily believes that photography is all about connection and capturing true emotion.

An alumna of Purdue University Fort Wayne, she has a rare gift for breaking down complex creative and technical concepts into clear, lightbulb-moment explanations that are both simple and incredibly fun.

Highly organized and structured, Emily has a natural talent for managing her workshops so that they flow effortlessly. She keeps the class pace deeply informative yet completely relaxed, ensuring you absorb every technique without ever feeling rushed.

Learning with Emily feels like hanging out with your closest friend; she creates a welcoming, judgment-free space where your curiosity can thrive. Whether you are picking up a camera for the very first time or looking to find your unique visual voice, Emily ensures you leave her class feeling deeply understood, inspired, and enlightened.

Simha: Digital Post-Processing, Taught with Ultimate Patience and Flow

Simha represents the new generation of digital artists—where technical intuition meets modern efficiency. He breaks down Lightroom with the absolute clarity that only a digital native can provide.

A rare young talent with an extraordinary gift for teaching, Simha is exceptionally patient, polite, and deeply respectful of every student's learning journey. He understands that technology can feel overwhelming, which is why he completely rejects the fast-paced rush. Instead, he uses a relaxed, beautifully structured, and deliberate pace, translating intricate Lightroom settings into simple, clear concepts.



Beyond his technical mastery, Simha possesses a sharp photographer's eye and an innate appreciation for beauty. He brings immense joy, heart, and a supportive, zero-pressure energy to the classroom—ensuring that students of all ages and backgrounds cross the technology bridge effortlessly and leave truly inspired.

Dr. Uma: Neuroscientist and Storyteller Reframing the Brain Through the Lens

Uma lives at the unique and powerful intersection of elite brain science and visual storytelling. As a Principal Clinical Translational Scientist, an ISCTM Scientific Committee Member, and a Ph.D. in Biological Psychology from the University of Minnesota, she possesses a deep, clinical understanding of neuroscience and mental health.

Yet, rather than keeping her expertise locked in academic journals, Uma uses her knowledge to advocate for everyday wellness—spreading love, rejecting division, and bringing pure joy to daily life through visual arts, mindfulness, perception, and heightened awareness.

Her passion translates beautifully into the world of visual media. As an expert videographer, Uma helps local businesses shoot compelling marketing videos that capture the raw, authentic story of who they are. She deeply believes that photography and videography possess the unique cognitive power to literally "reframe" the brain—retraining our minds to see infinite possibilities and abundance rather than scarcity.



To meet Uma is to experience true warmth. Incredibly kind, humble, and generous with her gifts, she never speaks from a place of intimidating authority. Instead, being in her presence feels like talking to a wise guru or a gentle mentor—someone who creates an immediate, safe space for you to discover your own creative light and believe that your unique talents can make the world a better place.

Richard: The SF Street Philosopher Discovering the Human Soul Behind the Lens

Richard is a native San Francisco street photographer who views the camera not just as a tool for documentation, but as a mirror to the soul. His artistic journey began in 2022 when he borrowed a Canon 5D for a trip to Canada—an experience that ignited an unstoppable passion for capturing the world. Starting with a foundation in landscapes, Richard intentionally transitioned into street photography to challenge himself, shifting his focus from grand vistas to the intricate tapestry of human life.

With a background as a finance major and an avid investor, Richard balances a sharp, analytical mind with the soul of a philosopher and an artist. He does not simply take pictures; he makes photographs that document life and capture the passing moment. Deeply committed to humanism, living in the present, and forming genuine connections, Richard values the process of creating far more than the final image. Where others might see people on the street as mere "subjects" or geometric shapes to fill a frame, Richard sees them as complex human beings, treating every individual he encounters with immense respect and dignity.

He firmly believes that photography is a direct reflection of one's inner world—that the photos we take ultimately reveal our own core values. Through his work and teaching, Richard uses the camera as a vehicle for self-discovery, helping others understand who they are, one frame and one human connection at a time.

Valerie: Seeing Your Inner Light to Elevate Portraits with Joy and Precision

Valerie brings a powerful blend of corporate brilliance, artistic flair, and elite modeling experience to Photosprouts. A proud graduate of the prestigious McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin, she initially forged a successful career in corporate finance, beginning her professional journey at First Republic Investment Management before continuing her work at JPMorgan Chase. Today, she has successfully channeled that drive into her true creative calling, working as a freelance portrait photographer.

Valerie’s deep understanding of the camera was shaped from both sides of the lens. While studying in China, she worked as a part-time model, building an incredibly rich background in professional posing, catwalk, and creative direction. Her journey with Photosprouts began as a student, where she first mastered her own photography skills. Recognizing her elite modeling background, she soon joined the team as a professional model, seamlessly translating her high-fashion intuition into hands-on teaching tools for our classes. Today, she has come full circle as an instructor, bringing her complete, dual-perspective expertise to her students.

She possesses an exceptional eye for beauty and a rare, genuine gift for finding and highlighting the unique light in every individual she shoots. Known for her joyful, radiant, and encouraging spirit, Valerie’s vibrant energy instantly puts everyone at ease the moment she walks into a room.

Her intense attention to detail shines through in everything she does—whether she is perfecting her own hair and makeup to provide the ultimate portrait canvas, or guiding a student through complex lighting.

Above all, Valerie is defined by her absolute responsibility and dedication to student success. During workshops, she will stand side-by-side with a student, patiently helping them refine and perfect their camera angles, refusing to step back until the concept fully clicks and they capture a shot they are proud of. In Valerie, students find a masterful mentor who fuses technical precision with pure creative confidence and joy.

Adrian: Documenting the Magic of Photosprouts

Adrian’s journey with Photosprouts goes way back—he is a proud graduate of our very own Teen Photography Program! Having grown up in our community, he truly understands the magic of learning here. Today, as a Studio Arts major at Skyline College, he has returned to capture that same magic behind the lens as our creative school videographer.

Adrian is the creative eye behind the camera at Photosprouts, capturing the energy, breakthrough moments, and joy of our live classes. He has a deep passion for real-life storytelling and a natural talent for capturing authentic, candid human connection through video.

Beyond his technical talent, Adrian has an incredibly kind, genuine, and caring heart. He is the ultimate "big brother" figure and a trusted friend whom students and campers can easily talk to, share their feelings with, and rely on.

His true superpower is his warm, incredibly encouraging personality. Adrian knows that having a video camera pointed at you can feel intimidating, but he has a rare gift for putting both students and summer campers completely at ease. He makes everyone feel relaxed, comfortable, and natural, allowing the genuine fun and excitement of our workshops to shine through effortlessly. Thanks to Adrian’s welcoming presence, caring heart, and sharp storytelling skills, our community's best moments are beautifully preserved and shared.

Ellie: Meticulous Videography and Heart in Every Frame

A Media Studies student at UC Berkeley and a Bay Area Creative Award-winning video creator, Ellie’s journey with Photosprouts actually began as a summer camp student. Having sat in the very same seats as our learners, she brings a deep personal understanding of our classes, paired with a powerful combination of technical precision and genuine warmth.

Ellie’s true strength lies in her incredible attention to detail. As an editor, she carefully shapes every transition, cut, and color grade, treating each video project with the utmost care to make sure our students' breakthrough moments—which she knows so well firsthand—look absolutely beautiful.



But beyond her technical dedication and award-winning talent, Ellie is loved for her incredibly kind, warm, and highly responsible nature. She is someone you can always count on to go the extra mile. Whether she is behind the camera filming the energy of our programs or meticulously editing behind the scenes, her thoughtful approach and gentle presence make everyone around her feel valued and supported.