If you live in Los Angeles, you may have become accustomed to using your smartphone’s camera to collect impressive snapshots, but you also may be looking to take your photography skills to the next level. Los Angeles has a great many schools dedicated to helping hobbyist photographers take the next step in their personal process by teaching them how professional photographers approach the art of taking pictures.
These courses are all ideal places for students without a lot of prior experience to start learning the techniques that will help them transform their old snapshot-taking habits into real works of art. Whether you just purchased your first DSLR camera or you have years of experience with one, there is something for you to learn in these classes. As an added bonus, many of the courses are taught on location at some of Los Angeles’s most beautiful landmarks or natural spaces since you’ll need to have subjects for your photography. This can make the classes a great way to practice your new hobby while also visiting some of the finest places that the city has to offer.
If you are interested in learning more about the photography classes available in Los Angeles, visit CourseHorse to learn more. You can also visit CourseHorse to learn about all of the fun things you can do in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Center of Photography
The Los Angeles Center of Photography is one of the city’s largest nonprofit art education organizations, and, as the name suggests, they specialize in teaching students how to photograph the city of Los Angeles. The school teaches introduction to photography classes for students with no background in photography, and they teach focused in-field workshops for students looking to get experience photographing the most scenic parts of the city. In addition, the Los Angeles Center of Photography also offers practical courses in photo retouching, printmaking and the use of industrial printers for mass production.
Digital Photo Academy
The Digital Photo Academy is a nationwide photography school that aims to help students take the leap from casually using their smartphones to creating vibrant and deliberate artistic photographs. Students can enroll in an introductory course in which a professional photographer will guide them through the use of their specific digital camera, and once they feel comfortable, they can enroll in practical field courses that will take students all over the city, including trips to Santa Monica Pier, Little Corona or Echo Park. The Digital Photo Academy also offers private photography lessons for students seeking one-on-one instruction.
Creative Photography Workshops
Founded in 2004 by a pair of photographers who had received their Masters in the Fine Arts together, Creative Photography Workshops aims to make photography education as accessible and inviting as possible for new students. These courses aim to provide students with an introduction to the process and practices of digital photography, including basic lessons like how to frame shots and how to work with photo retouching software once you’ve returned to your studio. They also offer a range of courses for aspiring photographers in high school, hoping to help give the next generation of photographers the training and attention they need to succeed.Â
Los Angeles City College
Los Angeles City College is among the city’s largest adult continuing education schools, and they offer a staggering range of classes, covering everything from QuickBooks to Ballet. Among their classes are a range of photography courses aimed at new photographers. These courses are taught by experienced photographers, and they aim to help students become comfortable with the advanced techniques that professionals use to make their work stand out from the output of hobbyist and casual photographers. These courses don’t offer college credit, but they are a great way to get started on your path as a digital photographer.
Santa Monica College
Another school of continuing education, Santa Monica College, offers a wide variety of art classes, including courses in digital photography. These courses aim to help students use photography to tell stories and communicate ideas to an audience without words. This makes the courses ideal for intermediate and advanced digital photographers looking to hone their skills and add new dimensions to their work. Beginner students can still learn a lot in these classes, and taking these courses is a great way to get yourself off on the right foot if your aim is to approach digital photography as an art form.
Atwater Photo Workshops
Atwater Photo Workshops, located in Atwater Village, is a small, intimate photography studio that aims to help students of all ages and skill levels learn the art of digital photography. Students enrolled in courses at this school can work with instructors with decades of photography experience who can share their advice and knowledge with beginners. These classes aim for small cohorts of students to ensure that every student can work closely with their instructors. Whether you are looking to train your technical skills with a camera or prepare for a major art project, Atwater Photo Workshops has the course you need to get started.
SPACE (South Pasadena Art Center)
The South Pasadena Art Center is a community-driven art education space that offers a range of courses for students of all ages. Among their art classes are adult and children-focused digital photography classes that aim to help ease students into the world of high-quality digital photography. SPACE offers single workshop courses for students looking to get practice with their cameras and summer photography camps and labs aimed at helping younger artists prepare for their future in the field. If you are looking for a sociable photography course taught by instructors who understand and value the communal nature of the art form, look no further than SPACE.