We live in an era when almost everyone has a smartphone in their pocket, which means that everyone is also a photographer. Maybe you just snap a few pictures for fun, or perhaps you use your camera regularly as part of your job. Either way, you probably take photos, and you likely have some room for improvement. Improving your photography skills is a valuable investment that will allow you to more effectively capture your memories, express your creativity, and excel in your job. Even better, it can be a lot of fun.
Photography in Los Angeles: History, Influence, Identity
Photography has played an important role throughout the history of Los Angeles. In the late 1800s, when the city was still young, photography was often used to help attract new residents, with photographers capturing alluring images of beautiful beaches, sunshine, and real estate options. By the twentieth century, many photographers had moved on to more serious pursuits, using this form of art to explore their society, including themes such as race and gender, and the impact of media itself on society. Today, Los Angeles, which is known for its creativity and innovation, continues to be a center of innovation in photography. It is home to a number of large museums, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and the Getty Museum, which help collect and exhibit photography and drive the continual development of this art form.
In Los Angeles and elsewhere, photographers often specialize in a specific style of photography. Common styles include landscape, portrait, wedding, and sports photography, each with its own conventions for elements like lighting, subject matter, and composition. One style that has become popular in Los Angeles is celebrity photography. This style of photography is highly planned, with photographers using lighting, clothing, background, and other elements to make the celebrities they photograph appear glamorous, relatable, or aspirational, usually with a specific goal, like building a brand, selling a product, or telling a story. Since Los Angeles is the center of the film industry and home to thousands of celebrities, there is a strong market for celebrity photography there. Annie Leibovitz is known for her iconic celebrity portraits, which are bold and often intimate. For instance, in 1991, she photographed Demi Moore, seven months pregnant and nude, provoking widespread public controversy.
Conceptual photography is also popular in Los Angeles. Like celebrity photography, conceptual photography is carefully choreographed. The goal with this style is to convey a specific idea or emotion, and photographers often use creative methods like double exposure or digital manipulation to do so. John Baldessari is a famous Los Angeles conceptual artist who used found photographs, literally photos that he did not take, but found somewhere, which he then altered to create his own unique images. In some of his early work, for example, he used newspaper images but covered people’s faces with dots as a way of commenting on the concept of identity.
Photography Classes in Los Angeles
Los Angeles has a large creative community and offers many photography learning options. With so many ways to learn this skill, choosing the right class depends on what you’re looking to get out of the experience.
New to Photography?
If you don’t know a lot about photography, consider taking a basic class where you can learn how to use your camera properly and get a proper introduction to fundamental photography concepts like composition and the use of lighting. Understanding these basics will not only make it easier to create the types of photos that you want, but will make it less frustrating and a lot more fun to do so.
The Cell Phone Photography Masterclass is a great option if you’re looking to learn more about photography without investing in a fancy camera, since it is focused on something that almost everyone has: a cell phone camera. The class is offered by the Digital Photo Academy, a school that tailors its classes to each student’s skill level. You’ll start by learning professional composition techniques like layering, framing, and using negative space. Next, you’ll learn how to apply these techniques to your mobile device.
After covering the basics, you’ll get out of the classroom and go on an in-the-field shoot at a location of your choice (or your instructor can offer location suggestions). There, you’ll practice and expand on your new skills. Finally, you’ll learn a variety of editing techniques and tools for enhancing your photos, including both free and inexpensive apps. You’ll walk away from this class with the skills to produce stunning images regardless of your subject or location. The Cell Phone Photography Masterclass is a private class that can accommodate one to six people and is five hours long.
Master Your Digital Camera Controls is another great introductory class option for beginners, also offered by the Digital Photo Academy. The class is designed for anyone who has just purchased a digital SLR or point-and-shoot camera and wants to learn how to use it. An experienced instructor will take you through all the ins and outs of your camera, no matter what model you own. You’ll learn how to be a more creative and effective photographer and will also build a strong knowledge base that you can later build on with more advanced classes.
Some students pair this class with one of the Digital Photo Academy’s live-in-the-field workshops, which take place directly afterwards and where students practice their camera skills at an inspirational Los Angeles location like Venice Beach or Long Beach. An instructor provides guidance throughout these fieldtrips.
Looking to go Pro?
If you want to take professional-looking photos, you’ll need expert guidance. Exceptional photos involve more than just picking up a camera and aiming it at your subject. Professionals have an in-depth understanding of photography techniques and theories and have worked hard to develop their eye and their unique voice through both practice and education.
With the Private Digital Photography Six-Session Course from Digital Photo Academy, you can focus on the skills that are important to you, with individualized guidance every step of the way. You’ll learn a range of techniques and tricks used by professionals that will help you transform ordinary snapshots into compelling images that convey complex ideas and captivate your audience.
Professional instructors cover advanced camera functions like aperture, camera speed, and other manual controls. They also explain vital composition principles such as lines, angles, shadows, and patterns. In addition, you learn how to respond to various types of lighting challenges and how to utilize lighting to convey a specific mood. Finally, you’ll learn how to tell a story with your images and how to share that story effectively with other people. This private class can accommodate up to eight people.
If you’re interested in private training but looking for something shorter, the Digital Photo Academy also runs the All Day Private Digital Photography, or, for an even shorter option, the Half Day Private Digital Photography. These classes cover a wide range of professional skills, including mastering camera settings, in-the-field shooting techniques and tricks, and post-capture editing and sharing. They are offered on both weekdays and weekends, and can accommodate up to six people.
Just Want a Creative Outlet?
A photography class can be a valuable investment even if you’re only interested in taking photos for fun. With a class, you’ll be introduced to new techniques and ideas and will have the opportunity to connect with other photographers. You’re likely to walk away feeling more creative and inspired, with a renewed vision of what’s possible in your photography.
Live-in-the-field classes, like Digital Photography Live In-the-Field @ Santa Monica Pier, offered by the Digital Photo Academy, are one great way to jump-start your photography skills. These small-group workshops take place at photogenic locations across Los Angeles, such as Olvera Street and Echo Park, where students explore, take photos, and receive expert guidance throughout. If you want to learn how to capture the perfect photo in a location that inspires your creativity, this is a great option. You’ll get tips on using your camera settings and working with lighting and angles to capture the scene in front of you. Instructors will also cover techniques and composition theories.
The Santa Monica Pier workshop begins in the afternoon and stretches into dusk, giving you the opportunity to experiment with different levels of light. You’ll also find an abundance of inspirational subject matter, from the picturesque waves to the colorful scenes on the pier.
During Digital Photography Live In-the-Field @ Echo Park, you’ll also find a wide variety of photo opportunities. This setting includes a fountain, where you can practice using shutter speed correctly; a lake, where you can experiment with the way you capture water; and numerous other striking subjects, including statues, palm trees, skateboarders, and paddleboats.
The Digital Photo Academy’s Private Photo Workshop Date for Two is another way to learn more about photography in a casual, low-key setting. This is a two-hour session designed for you and a date, or a friend or family member. You’ll spend the session taking photos of one another, and an expert instructor will provide guidance and tips on composition, poses, and camera techniques. The instructor will also take shots of the two of you together and help you edit the best one for printing. This is a fun and memorable way to spend time together while learning more about photography.
Resources for Up-and-Coming Photographers
The photography community in Los Angeles is large, and you’ll find many resources within it. You can visit local organizations and venues like the Los Angeles Center of Photography, the Foto Studio, and local libraries to learn more about photography or find resources such as studio rentals or printing labs. The Los Angeles Public Library even has a Photography Studio, which is free to access and includes green screens, software, and the use of DSLR cameras. There are also many local photography groups in this city, such as informal meetups and photo walk groups, where you can connect with other photographers in your community.
If you’re looking for inspiration or a few new skills, you can try a class. In Los Angeles, you’ll generally find that photography classes are offered in two formats: in-person classes and live online options. When you take an in-person class, you’ll meet at a physical classroom location, where you can interact with your instructor and fellow students face-to-face. This format can be more engaging and can also make it easier to network with fellow students. One of the biggest downsides is that you’ll have to commute to class, which can be particularly challenging in a large city like Los Angeles. Live online classes, in contrast, don’t require a commute. Instead, you simply log on via computer from the location of your choice. Instruction is live, just like with an in-person class, and you’ll still have the opportunity to ask questions and get immediate feedback.
If you’re trying to learn more about photography, you’ll also find helpful resources online. The educational platform CreativeLive is one site that provides photography resources. Its curated photography career paths are especially helpful. These include a list of resources to help you get started in some of the most popular styles of photography. CreativeLive also offers classes, including a number of free classes. No matter what type of photography you’re interested in, this site is likely to have a class for you, from portrait to food to real estate. It even offers classes on how to start a photography business.
While classes, professional organizations, and peer groups can all help make you a better photographer, one of the simplest things you can do to improve your skills is just start taking photos. The great thing about photography is that all you need to get started is a camera and the desire to take photos, so grab your camera and get started on your photography journey today.
