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Basic Photography is unfortunately unavailable

Thankfully we have 7 other Beginner Photography Classes for you to choose from. Check our top choices below or see all classes for more options.

Basic Photography

Los Angeles Center of Photography @ 252 S Los Angeles St, Los Angeles, CA

Unlock the full potential of your digital camera in Basic Photography - Part 1 at the Los Angeles Center of Photography. Learn how to master the controls and functions of your DSLR or mirrorless camera, and explore the fundamental concepts of photography. Develop the skills and confidence to shoot consistently in manual mode and create stunning images.

(41) Beginner 18 and older
$565

6 sessions

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Master Your Digital Camera Controls (Los Angeles) Deal

Master Your Digital Camera Controls (Los Angeles)

Digital Photo Academy @ 4741 Ellenwood Dr, Los Angeles, CA

Take your photography skills to the next level with this comprehensive workshop in Los Angeles. Perfect for beginners and those looking to enhance their photography, this course will teach you the ins and outs of your camera, allowing you to make simple and creative changes to your pictures. Don't miss out on the opportunity to receive an alumni discount for future photography classes!

(146) All levels 15 and older
Now:
$81
Was:
$90
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Surpassing Snapshots: Develop Your Photographic Eye

Los Angeles City College @ 855 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA

Elevate your visual storytelling abilities to new heights and join us on a journey to transform your snapshots into stunning works of art.

(782) All levels 18 and older
$69

2 sessions

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Floral Photography & Content Marketing

FlowerSchool Los Angeles @ 223 S Los Angeles St, Los Angeles, CA

Learn the art of floral photography and content marketing in this hands-on workshop. Master the skills to improve your photography practice and effectively market your brand to reach your customer base. Discover the secrets to capturing stunning still-life photos and take your social media engagement to the next level.

(33) Beginner 18 and older

Color Pipeline: Setting the Look in Production

AbelCine Training @ 801 S Main St, Burbank, CA

Uncover the secrets behind creating captivating visuals that enhance the storytelling process. Elevate your filmmaking skills and bring your creative vision to life with expert guidance.

(48) All levels 18 and older
$1,200

3 sessions

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See all Beginner Photography classes Los Angeles

Basic Photography

  • Beginner
  • 18 and older
  • $99
  • SMC Bundy Campus, Santa Monica, CA
  • 18 hours over 6 sessions

Start Dates (0)

  • $99
  • SMC Bundy Campus @ SMC Bundy Campus 3171 S Bundy Dr, Santa Monica, CA 90066
  • 18 hours over 6 sessions
  • Room 217 | No class on 07/04
Showing 10 of 0

Class Description

Description

What you'll learn in this beginner photography class:

Make your digital camera work for you. Learn about using available light (natural or artificial), composition, exposure, and techniques that turn snapshots into professional-quality photographs. You’ll shoot slides that will be shown and discussed in class.

Bring your cameras and camera instruction manuals to the first class. Digital and film cameras are welcome.

Bring your camera to the second class.


School Notes:

You MUST have and input a valid California address and US phone number when signing up for Santa Monica College in-person courses, or you may be rejected from the course. If you do not have a valid US address and phone number, your enrollment will not be accepted.

Students with any valid US address may enroll in online/remote classes. 

Also:

Santa Monica College's Community Education Office operates from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday, excluding weekends and holidays. Please bring your CourseHorse purchase confirmation with you to class. Your Classroom information is noted in the Special Notes. If you do not have a classroom on your purchase receipt, please reach out to [email protected].

You may also check our FAQ HERE.

Refund Policy

No cancellations after a class has begun, so choose courses carefully!

  • Requests for withdrawal from a class must be submitted in writing via email at least 8 business days before the start date of the class; receipt of requests made via other methods, such as phone messages, cannot be guaranteed.
  • You may receive a credit voucher applicable to future classes, which is valid for two years from the date of issue.
  • A minimum service charge of $15 per class cancellation will be withheld.
  • Refunds are granted ONLY if a class is cancelled, discontinued, or rescheduled.
  • In the instance of cancelled classes, course fee is automatically refunded.
  • Credit card refunds are processed with seven business days, check and cash refunds will be issued by check within 45 business days.

Transfers:

  • To transfer to another class, request must be submitted in writing via email at least 8 business days before the original class meets.
  • A minimum service charge of $15 per class transfer will be deducted.

Important Information:

  • Refunds are NOT issued for absences nor prorated for late registrations.
  • Missed class meetings may not be made up in another class. There is no auditing of classes.
  • Returned checks will be subject to a $25 handling charge.

Some high demand classes, such as Glass Fusing and Good Times Travel day trips, have separate and different refund policies stating that all registrations are final, and no refunds, credits, or transfers will be given. Please bear that in mind when registering for those classes.

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 Santa Monica College (513)

(4.3-star rating across 513 reviews)
  • Basic Photography

    Reviewed by Caitlin O. on 8/4/2017
    I've owned my DLSR for about 4 years but never really felt that I knew how to use it properly -- I just got lucky with shots. Jones know a lot about photography and gives his unabashed opinion -- he's a character! This class requires a DSLR and I was surprised by how many students on the first day thought they could use a point and shoot or their cell phone camera. You must have a DSLR to do the assignments. It says bring your camera to the second class, but I brought it to every class. I found it helpful to pull it out and look up / fiddle with things as he was describing them -- not waiting to try it when I got home. I agree with some of the other reviews that this class is more about listening/lecturing than 'doing' -- but the homework assignments are relevant and helped reinforce the materials. I'd recommend this to anyone that's starting to get into photography, or even wants a refresher.
  • Basic Photography

    Anonymous review on 5/29/2016
    Instructor was very knowledgeable and entertaining, I learned a lot.
  • Basic Photography

    Anonymous review on 12/15/2015
    Good class, awesome teacher with many years experience. The class should mention that its focus is mainly on dslr cameras, so if you don't have one and are not interested in getting one i wouldn't recommend this class. If you want to learn all about how to use your dslr camera this is a really good class to take.
  • Basic Photography

    Anonymous review on 2/13/2015
    The professor was great, but told a lot of stories that weren't really relative to photography. He had a great sense of humor & was encouraging. It was disappointing that the last class didn't really have any content, but was mostly a confusing review of the other classes.
  • Basic Photography

    Reviewed by Jenna J. on 10/23/2014
    Professor Jones is awesome! Such an awesome introduction into photography or a refresher! Definitely will be taking more of his classes and workshops.
  • Basic Photography

    Reviewed by Jasmine on 8/28/2014
    If you liked to be lectured at for a 3 hour period about photography, with no visuals... this is the class for you.
  • Basic Photography

    Reviewed by Jonathan C. on 3/30/2018
  • Basic Photography

    Reviewed by Susan H. on 2/14/2018
  • Basic Photography

    Reviewed by Rita M. on 2/9/2018
  • Basic Photography

    Reviewed by Mark M. on 10/12/2017
  • Basic Photography

    Anonymous review on 4/17/2017
  • Basic Photography

    Reviewed by Lien T. on 2/9/2017
  • Basic Photography

    Reviewed by Omar F. on 3/31/2016
  • Basic Photography

    Reviewed by Melissa C. on 2/17/2016
  • Basic Photography

    Reviewed by Jennifer H. on 12/14/2014
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Review Summary by CourseHorse

Students who have taken classes at Basic Photography generally have positive opinions about the course, expressing satisfaction with the knowledge they gained and the skills they acquired. Many students arrived at the class not fully confident in their photography abilities but found that the instructor, Mr. Jones, had a wealth of expertise and provided his unabashed opinions. The class emphasizes the use of DSLR cameras, which surprised some students who expected to use point-and-shoot cameras or cell phones. While the class is lecture-based, students found that the homework assignments were meaningful and helped reinforce the material covered in class. Overall, students recommend the class to those starting in photography or looking for a refresher. Direct quotes from the reviews that describe what they learned include: 1. "I learned a lot." 2. "If you want to learn all about how to use your DSLR camera, this is a really good class to take." 3. "Such an awesome introduction to photography or a refresher!"

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Santa Monica College

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