About PRO EDU
2014
PRO EDU was formed
PRO EDU is the world's leading education platform for image makers. We were founded in 2014, and our name has always represented what we stand for: professional advice and mentorship with a focus on creative problem solving for those who call themselves "photographer."
OUR MISSION
"To unlock the secrets of success so that artists can become working pro's."
VISION
Build an all-inclusive and comprehensive digital library of visual arts education from the world's seasoned working professionals and top image makers.
A message to new visual artists
Hi, I'm Gary Winchester
Founder PRO EDU
IG: @garywinchester
LinkedIN.com/garywinchestermartin
I had the idea of PRO EDU in 2007 while serving in the United States Peace Corps in Moldova. My friend Seth had a DSLR and I thought his photos were incredible. So I bought a camera and my photos looked nothing like his. They were terrible and I had no access to learn the secrets and settings of taking better photos. There HAD to be a better way.
I learned a few tips here and there and took tens of thousands of photos, but I wasn't making the images I wanted to. I became obsessed with figuring out how to learn, and what the fastest way was.
I needed to see how others worked, but I was cut off from information. I was living in a town that could have easily been in 1903. I knew that there had to be a better way.
Fast forward to 2012. Around that time, I decided that I wanted to make the most comprehensive tutorials that provided a better value than college for a cost comparable to coffee. I worked with a long time friend Aaron Nace from Phlearn in and around Chicago, and we were making tutorials.
PRO EDU was officially formed in 2014, and I'm proud to say that we are still working towards that goal. I've met thousands of artists, and I've had the opportunity to learn from some of my idols.
I love photography, and I'm lucky that I get to make a product that helps other people lead and pursue a creative life.
My favorite artist of all time is Sandro Miller, and I was fortunate enough to meet him, make a tutorial, and almost die twice with him in Papua New Guinea.