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Basic Photography is unfortunately unavailable

Thankfully we have 11 other Beginner Photography Classes for you to choose from. Check our top choices below or see all classes for more options.

Cyanotype: Wet and Traditional

Los Angeles Center of Photography See all classes by this school

One of the early photographic processes, invented in 1842 by Sir John Hirschel, was the cyanotype. It is based on sunlight causing a change in a light sensitive emulsion brushed onto paper or fabric. Many of the early photographic images were called “sun prints” because they had to be exposed using UV lights, or sunlight. This is a contact print process, and you will need negatives the size you would like your final image to be. We will start...

(43) All levels 18 and older
$675

6 sessions

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+6750 pts
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A Special Nikon Camera Users Virtual Photo Safari

Washington Photo Safari See all classes by this school @ Virtual Classroom

Sharpen your Nikon skills with a virtual photo safari led by professional photographer and Nikon user E. David Luria. Walk through your camera's menu, get a handle on advanced settings such as multiple exposures and Kelvin temperatures, and pick up specific recommendations on lenses and gear. A great chance to deepen your photography knowledge from the comfort of home.

(10) All levels 16 and older
$79
Attend
+790 pts
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Chemigrams: Composition and Concept

Penumbra Foundation See all classes by this school @ Virtual Classroom

Investigate the expressive range of cameraless photography through the dynamic art of chemigrams. Discover how to work with light, chemistry, and resists to produce abstract, one-of-a-kind prints. Through guided demonstrations and group critique, build both technical skill and conceptual depth in your creative practice.

(10) All levels 18 and older
$465

6 sessions

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+4650 pts
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Starting Where You Are: The Autobiographical Lens

Penumbra Foundation See all classes by this school @ Virtual Classroom

Explore the power of personal narrative through photography grounded in your daily life and surroundings. This reflective course encourages you to use your home, memories, and routines as creative inspiration while building a body of work. Through writing prompts, critiques, and artist studies, you'll develop a meaningful practice rooted in authenticity and self-discovery.

(10) All levels 18 and older
$465

6 sessions

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+4650 pts
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Design Your Own Photo Book

Los Angeles Center of Photography See all classes by this school @ *Virtual Classroom

Learn the fundamentals of designing your own photography book with expert guidance from Elizabeth Avedon. Explore essential topics like editing, sequencing, typography, and cover design to create a cohesive and professional-looking book. Through hands-on discussions and one-on-one feedback, you’ll gain the skills to bring your photo book project to life, whether for self-publishing or as a personal creative endeavor.

(43) All levels 18 and older
$775

4 sessions

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+7750 pts
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See all Beginner Photography classes Online

Master the art of digital photography and unleash your creative potential with this comprehensive workshop at the Los Angeles Center of Photography. Learn the fundamental concepts, controls, and functions of your DSLR camera, and gain the confidence to shoot consistently in manual mode. Develop your composition skills, understand lighting techniques, and explore the different effects achieved with lenses. Join us and take your photography to the next level.

  • Beginner
  • 18 and older
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  • *Virtual Classroom
  • 18 hours over 12 sessions

Start Dates (0) $475/person

  • No meetings 11/25 & 11/26

No upcoming dates are currently available.

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Class Description

Description

In this beginning workshop, students will learn all the controls and functions on their digital Single Lens Reflex (SLR) cameras, basic camera operation (including f-stop, shutter speed and ISO), fundamental concepts of photography, and how to control the photograph’s final look. 

Discussions include composition and light, how to get the background in or out of focus, how to stop or blur motion, why to use one ISO over another, when to use a tripod, and how to use the camera’s light meter to provide the best exposure. Other topics covered include using the appropriate lens for a desired effect (the difference between a prime lens and a zoom lens), how to hold the focus on a subject if changing camera positions (exploring auto focus modes and manual focus), and how to properly hold the camera.

Digital camera technology will be covered thoroughly, such as how to adjust the camera’s white balance, how to view and delete images, the difference between shooting RAW and JPEG, choosing the appropriate memory card, and how to transfer the image from the camera to a computer. The goal is to provide each participant with the technical information needed to operate his or her digital SLR camera properly and with the confidence and ability to shoot consistently in manual mode.

Students will work in both black-and-white and color while learning how to “see” in the chosen mode. Weekly assignments will be given followed by critiques during the next class session. Open to students who own a Digital Single Lens Relfex (DSLR) or Mirrorless camera.

Remote Learning

This course is available for "remote" learning and will be available to anyone with access to an internet device with a microphone (this includes most models of computers, tablets). Classes will take place with a "Live" instructor at the date/times listed below.

Upon registration, the instructor will send along additional information about how to log-on and participate in the class.

Refund Policy

Refund Policy

A $25 administrative fee will be charged on all refund requests.

  • The request must arrive greater than 7 business days prior to the course start date.
  • No refunds will be provided for requests arriving 6 business days or less prior to the course start date.

All refund requests must be submitted via email to [email protected]

Note: Special Guests Workshops carry different refund policies. Please refer to “Special Guest Refund Policy” sections below.

Upon receipt of a refund request, students will be provided the option of receiving course credit towards the purchase of another course. If a student elects to receive credit, no administrative fee will be charged. All credits must be used within two years from the date of issue.

Refund Policy for Rare Circumstances

In light of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, we are revising our refund policy for “Rare Circumstances.” These circumstances may include, but are not limited to, pandemic outbreaks, natural disasters, and economic collapse/depressions. During troubling times such as these, refunds are not permitted. Instead, students will be given credit good for three years from date of issue. Credits are good toward any class or workshop, except travel.

Credits

Credits may not be redeemed for refunds or cash back. A student’s decision to receive credit in lieu of a refund is final and may not be changed at a future date.

Transfers

Students may elect to transfer applicable course fees towards the purchase of another course, limit of one transfer per class. All transfer requests must adhere to the refund policy noted above and/or in conjunction with Special Guests Workshop refund policies below.

Course Cancellations

On occasion a course may cancel due to low enrollment or unforeseen instructor conflicts. If such a case occurs, all students will be refunded in full. We do not take responsibility for non-refundable airline tickets, hotel expenses, or any other costs that may be attributable toward enrolling in a course.

Special Guest Refund Policy

  • A $75 administrative fee will be charged on all refund requests arriving 62 business days or greater before the course start date.
  • If the request arrives 32-61 days prior to the course start date, 50 percent of the applicable workshop fee will be retained.
  • No refunds are provided for requests arriving 0 – 31 days prior to the course start date.

All refund requests must be submitted via email to [email protected]

In any event where a customer wants to cancel their enrollment and is eligible for a full refund, a 5% processing fee will be deducted from the refund amount.

Reviews of Classes at Los Angeles Center of Photography (43)

(4.6-star rating across 43 reviews)

This class: 4.5 out of 5 from 12 reviews

  • Basic Photography

  • Basic Photography

    It was an excellent class. Had lots of fun doing the assignments.
  • Basic Photography

    Awesome class!!
  • Basic Photography

    The class had no structure and wasn’t suitable for actual beginners. We rushed through all the crucial information and then were invited to go outside and just shoot. As a beginner, I need a lot more support and structure. I need to fully understand how my camera works. I didn’t get that. It felt intimidating. Not the way I want to learn.
  • Basic Photography

  • Basic Photography

  • Basic Photography

    This course was really well designed, each week and each assignment touched on a different subtopic of camera use/composition. Rebecca was so knowledgeable and her feedback was very helpful. I now know how to use my fancy camera, and will certainly do another course with LACP. Totally worth the money, do it.
  • Basic Photography

    This class is perfect for beginners who want to do more than press one botton. Classes are well thought so you are learning for 3 hours without being bored. It was worth the investissment! Mya
  • Basic Photography

  • Basic Photography

  • Basic Photography

  • Basic Photography

    Great class.
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Los Angeles Center of Photography

The Los Angeles Center of Photography (LACP) is a nonprofit organization providing photography education and enrichment for photographers of all levels. With a wide range of classes, workshops, exhibitions, and community events, LACP offers a comprehensive experience for photographers to learn, connect, and grow in their practice.

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