Photography school · Nashua, NH · reviewed since 2014
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 69%96+66.5Reliability 31%95+29.2Experts Score= 96Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.96SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#64 of 88 pet photographyiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 28%
5.0★★★★★156 Google reviews · 24 photos
99%five-star reviews
4.93★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0.9%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Google reviewers rate C1M Academy, LLC five stars based on 156 reviews, noting that the owner responds to 87% of feedback. Customers frequently praise the photography courses for their structured curriculum, which covers camera settings, lighting, and composition through patient, hands-on instruction in small classes. Many students highlight the practical application of lessons and the supportive environment for beginners. A recurring criticism in low-star reviews involves poor phone communication, specifically citing instances where callers were disconnected without explanation.
Google rating: 5.0 out of 5 from 156 reviews (99% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 156 Google reviews (148 with written comments, 11 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 87% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 26, 2026.
Service: Pet Photographer serving Nashua, New Hampshire.
Data from Google, last updated October 29, 2026.
Score profile vs other pet photography
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and satisfaction; weakest: reliability.
C1M Academy, LLCPet Photography median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.C1M Academy, LLC: 96/100 on this factor. Category median: 99.A
96
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.C1M Academy, LLC: 95/100 on this factor. Category median: 99.A
95
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 100.–
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ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 100.–
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MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.C1M Academy, LLC: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 53.–
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Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
156 Google reviews we collected
5.0of 5
5 stars15599%
4 stars00%
3 stars00%
2 stars00%
1 star11%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 148 written reviews
99%praise
Praise15899%
Complaints21%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude6138%
Would recommend4629%
Communication2314%
Quality & results1711%
Speed & response53%
Honesty & trust53%
Price & value32%
What customers talk about
We read 148 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“Walter is an incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and inspiring instructor who breaks down the intimidating technical side of cameras into fun, easy-to-…”
“Highly recommend it to anyone looking to level up their photography!”
“He explained everything thoroughly and gave examples.”
“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I had a great experience learning photography here.”
“I quickly realized that wasn’t the case and almost gave up entirely, until I took this class.”
“Whether in person or via Zoom, his sessions are organized, interactive, and genuinely fun.”
“Their prices are very reasonable and the manner and content of instruction is awesome.”
People customers mention
Walter61 reviews
Photography20 reviews
Schnecker6 reviews
Explorers4 reviews
Basics4 reviews
Beyond3 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Recent reviews
AAnonymous1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 days ago★★★★★
Walter is an incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and inspiring instructor who breaks down the intimidating technical side of cameras into fun, easy-to-understand lessons. The small class size ensures personalized instruction and valuable feedback, where no question is a dumb question. When I first started class I had…
WWendi14 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★★
I took a photography class part 1 @ C1M Academy with Walter as my instructor. I felt he was outstanding! He explained everything thoroughly and gave examples. We took photos to clarify each phase we went through. He was phenomenal and I highly recommend him. I'm hoping to use my skills and sign up for another…
DDena4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★★
I learned so much from Walter and I look forward to taking more courses with him. I’m so grateful that I was able to do this!!!
SSreenivas2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 weeks ago★★★★★
★★★★★ Walter’s photography training was clear, practical, and well structured.
I learned far more about ISO, exposure, aperture, focus, and composition than I expected, and my photos have improved dramatically.
Highly recommend it to anyone looking to level up their photography!*****
KKatja11 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 weeks ago★★★★★
I have finally taken the time to take a class with Walter and it has been extremely helpful. I am finally understanding the manual settings on my camera, what they do and how to change them for the desired outcome.
GGowthami1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 weeks ago★★★★★
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I had a great experience learning photography here. The instructor explains camera settings, lighting, composition, and practical techniques in a simple and easy-to-understand way. Very patient, knowledgeable, and supportive throughout the classes. Highly recommend this academy for anyone who wants to improve their photography skills!
Walter is an incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and inspiring instructor who breaks down the intimidating technical side of cameras into fun, easy-to-understand lessons. The small class size ensures personalized instruction and valuable feedback, where no question is a dumb question. When I first started class I had no idea how my camera worked. Since taking Walter's class, I've noticed that I rarely use the autofocus setting anymore, and I enjoy fiddling with the manual settings and metering to get the photograph of what I really want to convey about my subject.
Response from the owner · 2 days ago
Thank you for your kind review.
W
Wendi Favreau14 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Wendi has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I took a photography class part 1 @ C1M Academy with Walter as my instructor. I felt he was outstanding! He explained everything thoroughly and gave examples. We took photos to clarify each phase we went through. He was phenomenal and I highly recommend him. I'm hoping to use my skills and sign up for another class to help perfect my skills. Thanks Walter!
Response from the owner · a week ago
Thank you, Wendi! I appreciate your kind review.
D
Dena DeLucia4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Dena has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
★★★★★ Walter’s photography training was clear, practical, and well structured.
I learned far more about ISO, exposure, aperture, focus, and composition than I expected, and my photos have improved dramatically.
Highly recommend it to anyone looking to level up their photography!*****
Response from the owner · 2 weeks ago
Thank you, Sreenivas. I appreciate the review.
F
Frank Phillips16 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Frank has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I’ve taken six classes with Walter now, each one building naturally on the last, and the growth in my photography has been incredible. Before his courses, I relied entirely on auto mode and never realized how much potential my camera truly had. Walter teaches you to use your camera as a creative tool rather than a point‑and‑shoot device, and that shift alone transformed the way I take photos.
His teaching style is patient, approachable, and deeply knowledgeable. He breaks down complex concepts in a way that makes them manageable, and he keeps every class engaging with hands‑on practice, real examples, and a relaxed, encouraging atmosphere. Whether in person or via Zoom, his sessions are organized, interactive, and genuinely fun.
Because of what I learned in his classes, I’m now taking great shots—and even sold two of my photos at an event. That’s something I never imagined before learning from Walter.
He offers a wide variety of workshops and classes, and each one builds confidence while helping you fall in love with your camera. Walter is not just a teacher; he’s a coach who brings out the best in his students. I highly recommend his classes to anyone interested in photography, from beginners who’ve only used auto mode to more advanced students looking to refine their craft.
Response from the owner · 2 weeks ago
Thank you, Frank! I appreciate your kind review.
K
Katja Sienkiewicz11 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Katja has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I have finally taken the time to take a class with Walter and it has been extremely helpful. I am finally understanding the manual settings on my camera, what they do and how to change them for the desired outcome.
Response from the owner · 3 weeks ago
Thank you Katia. Much appreciated.
G
Gowthami Gangineni1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Gowthami has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I had a great experience learning photography here. The instructor explains camera settings, lighting, composition, and practical techniques in a simple and easy-to-understand way. Very patient, knowledgeable, and supportive throughout the classes. Highly recommend this academy for anyone who wants to improve their photography skills!
Response from the owner · 3 weeks ago
Thank you, Gowthami. I appreciate your kind review.
S
Stan Kelly4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Stan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I'm currently half way through my Photography 1 class having taken 3 of the 6 classes in the course. It has been very challenging for me and it's not coming that easy as a 76 year old with memory issues. But I must say, Walter has taken the time and patience with me and others in the class to explain or put things in terms that help us when we are not getting it. I've also found that the materials and online classes, allow me to go over as many times as I need to at home, so that new material can sink in. I would recommend this class to my family and friends.
Response from the owner · 3 weeks ago
Thank you, Stan. I appreciate your kind words.
S
Sheryl ForkeyLocal Guide · 15 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Sheryl has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Today I photographed the hummingbirds that frequent my flower garden. I focused on the flowers prior to the birds arriving. Picture was too dark on this cloudy day. I doubled my ISO. I then set my shutter speed because I wanted definition on the wings. Yesterday I tried to photograph them and was too close. One click of the shutter and the birds were gone. I set up a little farther away and adjusted my aperture. HMMM. Looked at my meter and it was negative 2. A few more adjustments on this cloudy day and the meter is at 0. Walter taught me this. Before this class I did not know about the meter, white balance, etc. I got several good pictures today. Below are two that have not been photoshopped.
I went to New York the week after we learned the meter. I could not remember how to change the meter while in NY. I was taking pics and once or twice by a miracle I adjusted the meter. I spoke to Walter about this at the next class. He responded, "You should have called me," Wow! I didn't know he was available after class hours.
I learned a lot in this class. Walter has a lot of experience and knowledge.
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you, Mary Ann. Reading this made my week. But the real story here is you. You stood in your garden, saw the meter at negative two, and worked it back to zero on your own. That was you doing photography. I just handed you the tools. And yes, always call me, during class or after. That offer never expires. Now go chase those hummingbirds.
