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Come along to our bimonthly photo sessions to dust off your camera and get snap-happy with a professional photography instructor.
Brush up on your camera skills and learn new photography techniques whilst on a casual photo walk with other local photographers. No formal lectures, just a chance to meet-up, share ideas and receive feedback!
next available date - scroll down for more
Saturday the 23rd of November 2019
Learn Your Camera Workshop - Starbucks Fenton - 9 am - 3 Hours
Appropriate for complete beginners, or those who want to brush up on the basics and start enjoying our regular group meet up sessions. Learn how to get out of Auto Mode and onto Manual Mode, and learn the basics of composition. This course is designed to give you a solid understanding of the fundamental basics of photography, the ‘nuts and bolts’ stuff that will set you on the path to understanding your camera and how to create great shots. Armed with these fundamentals, you will have the skills and the confidence to approach any style of photography, from portraits to landscapes and everything in between. Bring all of your camera equipment and a laptop if you have. This will be all in a classroom, however we will help you have a complete understanding of all of your equipment. Limited to 6 people per class. Cameras, their functions and all their accessories can be overwhelming if you’re not already familiar with them. Learn how to use your camera to capture moments, events, and people in your everyday life. The class will cover a range of technical aspects, including aperture, shutter speed and ISO. You’ll also cover focal length and lenses, lighting and correct exposure, among other photography principles.
$55pp     only 5 places left
or Buy a Voucher as a gift
We have a different photo theme bimontly and the two hour sessions take place in different outdoor locations around San Diego. It's a great opportunity to try something new with the guidance of a professional photographer, and come away with some new shots for your portfolio or album.

Who can attend? Open to all skill levels, from amateurs to professionals. The photography instructor is there to help you with camera settings and provide any advice you need.

Complete beginner? Please complete a Beginners Photography Class before attending a regular group session. This is a 3 hour structured workshop where you’ll learn the basics of using your camera with more 1-on-1 time with the instructor. Scroll down for dates.

What to bring? We recommend bringing a camera that has full manual mode or semi-manual modes (Aperture or Shutter Priority). Compact cameras and smartphones also welcome!

What’s involved? Each session starts with an introduction to the theme, and the photography instructor will chat about the camera settings and techniques to use. You’ll then have time to take lots of photos, with the instructor present to answer any questions. You’ll receive feedback and have a chance to chat with everyone to share tips and ideas. We’re a social bunch!

The meeting point and full details for the day are sent in the booking confirmation email to the email address you provide at time of booking.

We also occasionally hold more formal beginners classes which last 3 hours and are limited to 6 people. These classes are perfect for complete beginners who want to start using manual mode and those who want to brush up on the basics. See the dates below.

Join the San Diego Photography Facebook Group to share your photos after the session.
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Subscribe to the San Diego Photography Group to find out about upcoming events
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Upcoming Dates
Bookings close 1 hour prior
Saturday the 23rd of November 2019
Learn Your Camera Workshop - Starbucks Fenton - 9 am - 3 Hours
Appropriate for complete beginners, or those who want to brush up on the basics and start enjoying our regular group meet up sessions. Learn how to get out of Auto Mode and onto Manual Mode, and learn the basics of composition. This course is designed to give you a solid understanding of the fundamental basics of photography, the ‘nuts and bolts’ stuff that will set you on the path to understanding your camera and how to create great shots. Armed with these fundamentals, you will have the skills and the confidence to approach any style of photography, from portraits to landscapes and everything in between. Bring all of your camera equipment and a laptop if you have. This will be all in a classroom, however we will help you have a complete understanding of all of your equipment. Limited to 6 people per class. Cameras, their functions and all their accessories can be overwhelming if you’re not already familiar with them. Learn how to use your camera to capture moments, events, and people in your everyday life. The class will cover a range of technical aspects, including aperture, shutter speed and ISO. You’ll also cover focal length and lenses, lighting and correct exposure, among other photography principles.
$55pp     only 5 places left
Saturday the 30th of November 2019
Close Up & Macro Photography - Balboa Park Spreckels Pavillion - 9am - 2 Hours
In macro photography the image is nearly as big as the object photographed. To achieve this the photographer must get object very close to the lens. Learn how to overcome challenges relating to the depth of field and lighting when shooting macro images.
$28pp     9 places left - requires 4 bookings to proceed
Saturday the 14th of December 2019
Introduction to Portraiture Photography - Balboa Park Spreckels Pavillion - 9 am - 2 Hours
Portrait photography uses lighting, backgrounds and posing to capture the personality of a person. Portrait photography is one of the most useful types of photography to learn because there are so many photography genres that involve photographing people; weddings, documentary/photojournalism, newborn photography, corporate headshots and editorial work, to name just a few. Even if you're only interested in taking "everyday" candid snapshots of your family and friends, using portrait photography techniques can help to improve them.
$28pp     9 places left - requires 4 bookings to proceed
Saturday the 4th of January 2020
Photography Crash Course - Part 1 - Balboa Park Spreckels Pavilion - 9 am - 2 Hours
Appropriate for complete beginners, or those who want to brush up on the basics. Get of Auto and onto Manual Mode, and learn the basics of composition. Cameras, their functions and all their accessories can be overwhelming if you’re not already familiar with them. Learn how to use your camera to capture moments, events, and people in your everyday life. The class will cover a range of technical aspects, including aperture, shutter speed and ISO. You’ll also cover focal length and lenses, lighting and correct exposure, among other photography principles. Limited to 6 people per class.
$28pp     8 places left - requires 4 bookings to proceed
Refund Policy: Full refunds given with 5 days notice. Dates can be changed with 3 days notice.
Photos by Zac Alviz
Reviews
4.9/5 from 49 reviews
Going into it I did not realize it was going to be mainly portraits. But it turned out to be fun and interesting.
4/5 by Becky Paetow
3-11-2019
The limited number of participants made it so that it felt like a personalized workshop, and any question I had was promptly answered.
5/5 by Angelo Mella
28-10-2019
My head was about to explode. So much information but given in a very understandable format.
5/5 by Rick Dally
23-9-2019
I really enjoyed the Butterfly Farm. It was nice to have Desi there giving pointers.
5/5 by Patricia Crockett
22-9-2019
It is always great to get out with other photographers and try something new or different. Desi does a great job giving instruction and finding fun places to practice our photography skills.
5/5 by Anne & Mark Smith
22-9-2019
Perfect location. Desi was there for all questions and suggestions.
5/5 by Becky Paetow
22-9-2019

5/5 by Craig Levitt
29-7-2019
I had a lot of fun with the group and learned A lot. Especially like how I capture the eagle My friend and I are going do it again
5/5 by Tamara Davila
28-7-2019
Awesome event
5/5 by Craig Levitt
14-7-2019
I learned a lot about the subject. The instructor incorporated several elements into the session and was able to answer all of my questions.
5/5 by Monica Slack
14-7-2019
Very enjoyable. Desi was very knowledgable and personable.
5/5 by Bernadette Clowers
30-6-2019
I enjoyed it very much. Very informative. And I liked the class size.
5/5 by Becky Paetow
30-6-2019
Excellent location. Desi did his usual great job.
5/5 by Steve Looby
27-6-2019
Great way to get through the road blocks as a beginner .
5/5 by Renee Lee
24-6-2019
Great way to get through the road blocks as a beginner .
5/5 by Renee Lee
24-6-2019
Very informative. Excited about getting to know my camera.
4/5 by Becky Paetow
23-6-2019
Great instructor and location
5/5 by jay castillo
9-6-2019
Always an amazing class with Desi, but I think today was the beat. It was so much fun!!
5/5 by Dena Meeder
1-6-2019
It was amazing! I learned a lot from the instructor and the venue was perfect. I also enjoyed meeting others in the group.
5/5 by Monica Slack
24-5-2019
Desi is a great instructor! He laid back attitude makes him a natural for events like this. I appreciate the fact that he makes himself available to us via his email. He was kind enough to respond to my inquiry about a particular location I wanted to try a shot at.
5/5 by Steve Looby
24-5-2019
loved it, learned a lot.
5/5 by Nikkk Hildebrand
15-5-2019
Very informative. The instructor was very personable and knowledgeable. I will definitely be signing up for some future events.
5/5 by Steve Looby
14-5-2019
As a new photographer, I found the beginner photography workshop was filled with details of the "exposure triangle", depth of field, and much more. I left the class feeling enriched, and excited about my dream of taking great photos. Andrew, my instructor was very knowledgeable, and presented details in a well paced presentation. All my questions were addressed, and we also took time to work with my camera. This workshop is invaluable, and I recommend it to those who are new to photography.
5/5 by Venell Dunn
5-5-2019
Desi always keeps it interesting!
5/5 by Dena Meeder
28-4-2019
Great as always
5/5 by Christina Duncan
16-4-2019
It was a good lesson! I learnt a lot of things! Andrew took time with me and the other student. It was very pleasant because he explained with our two cameras.
4/5 by Marie
10-4-2019
Andrew has always been great and informative. I've been in photography for a while and still learning new things
5/5 by Arnold Conchas
3-4-2019
Always enjoy getting out and taking pictures with Andrew and fellow photographers!
5/5 by Dena Meeder
2-4-2019
Great experience. Thank you for the kind explanation.
5/5 by KWON, OH KEUN
31-3-2019
Had a wonderful time, and I always learn something new.
5/5 by Victoria Pennick
11-3-2019
 
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