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Thankfully we have 24 other Beginner Photography Classes for you to choose from. Check our top choices below or see all classes for more options.

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Basic Photography

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
  • $475
  • *Virtual Classroom
  • 18 hours over 12 sessions

Start Dates (0)

  • $475
  • *Virtual Classroom
  • 18 hours over 12 sessions
  • No meetings 11/25 & 11/26
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Class Description

Description

What you'll learn in this beginner photography class:

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 (41)

(4.6-star rating across 41 reviews)
  • Basic Photography

    Anonymous review on 2/27/2020
    It was an excellent class. Had lots of fun doing the assignments.
  • Basic Photography

    Reviewed by Tamara L. on 1/19/2019
    Awesome class!!
  • Basic Photography

    Anonymous review on 6/9/2018
    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

    Reviewed by Katie S. on 12/15/2017
    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

    Reviewed by MYA S. on 11/27/2017
    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

    Anonymous review on 11/9/2014
    Great class.
  • Basic Photography

    Anonymous review on 4/16/2021
  • Basic Photography

    Reviewed by Cindy S. on 6/8/2018
  • Basic Photography

    Reviewed by Filippo C. on 3/28/2018
  • Basic Photography

    Reviewed by kim b. on 5/30/2015
  • Basic Photography

    Reviewed by Briana R. on 5/27/2015
  • Basic Photography

    Reviewed by Christopher W. on 5/16/2015
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Review Summary by CourseHorse

The overall consensus from students who took Basic Photography - Part 1 is that it was a useful and enjoyable class. The majority of students had fun completing the assignments and found the course to be well-designed, covering different subtopics of camera use and composition. They praised the instructor, Rebecca, for her knowledge and helpful feedback. Students appreciated that the class provided more than just basic instruction on pressing a button and instead offered a comprehensive learning experience. The majority of students felt that the class was worth the investment and would consider taking another course with LACP. Direct quotes: - "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." - "This class is perfect for beginners who want to do more than press one button. Classes are well thought out so you are learning for 3 hours without being bored. It was worth the investment!"

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Los Angeles Center of Photography

The Los Angeles Center of Photography (LACP), a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization, is a photo center devoted to advancing the skills and increasing the personal enrichment of photographers of all experience levels and ages. The organization offers nearly 150 photography classes and workshops...

Read more about Los Angeles Center of Photography

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Los Angeles Center of Photography

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