Join a Digital Photo Academy instructor for an evening photo session in Long Beach, one of the most scenically varied and visually rewarding venues in our Southern California rotation. Long Beach rewards photographers at every level of experience, and this session is designed to help you make the most of everything the location offers.
There is perhaps no better time to photograph Long Beach than at sunset. As the light shifts and softens over the harbor, the Queen Mary takes on a truly spectacular illumination that is unlike anything you will see at midday. Your instructor will demonstrate how to compose and expose for this kind of dramatic, directional light, offering real-time guidance on both camera settings and compositional strategy so you come away with images that genuinely do justice to the scene.
The lighthouse and its reflection in the surrounding water offer a perfect opportunity to practice compositional decision-making. Should the lighthouse sit at dead center for maximum symmetry, or would the Rule of Thirds create a more dynamic and personally expressive composition? There is no single right answer, and exploring the options with your instructor and fellow students is one of the most valuable parts of the experience. Similar questions arise at every turn in the harbor and marina, where the interplay of light, water, boats, and architecture creates near-limitless possibilities.
What to Bring:
Bring your camera or smartphone along with any gear you can comfortably carry. Ensure your batteries are fully charged before you arrive and that your memory cards have sufficient space. Dress appropriately for the evening weather and wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking. A tripod can be helpful for longer exposures in fading light, though your instructor can advise on stabilization alternatives if you do not have one.
Meeting Spot:
- Meet in front of Hooters on the waterfront. The aquarium parking structure is the recommended parking option for the evening.
Each Composition in the Field class begins with a discussion led by one of our experienced instructors, covering the compositional and technical concepts most relevant to the location you are shooting. You and your fellow students then walk through the venue together, shooting, experimenting, and getting personalized feedback from your instructor as you go. The Digital Photo Academy works across more than twenty cities across the United States and Canada, and the images included in our materials are a mix of student and instructor work from many different venues and locations.
You will enjoy the session, develop your eye for strategic and intentional shooting, and walk away with both better images and a stronger foundation for improving your photography in every situation you encounter in the future.
Please note: If a class must be cancelled due to weather or other circumstances beyond our control, we will work with you to reschedule at no additional cost. If you need to cancel and request a new class date, please contact us. A $25 transfer fee applies without at least three days' notice before the scheduled class.
