The Los Angeles Center of Photography (LACP) is a nonprofit organization providing photography education and enrichment for photographers of all levels. With a wide range of classes, workshops, exhibitions, and community events, LACP offers a comprehensive experience for photographers to learn, connect, and grow in their practice.
Upcoming Classes (39)
All courses are held at 252 S Los Angeles St, Los Angeles, CA unless indicated.
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 each year, programs a variety of community events, supports artists through group and one-person gallery exhibits, and produces four annual contests/exhibitions. LACP produces high-end workshops with some of the most well-known and respected photographers in the world, including Sam Abell, Phil Borges, John Paul Caponigro, Greg Gorman, Douglas Kirkland, Joe McNally, Duane Michals, Joyce Tenneson and Alex Webb.
LACP offers a broad range of coursework, with classes ranging from documentary and fine art photography to studio photography and portraiture. Certificate Programs are available for a comprehensive course of study, in addition to an intense One-Year Professional Program, where students may elect to take an unlimited amount of workshops for one year. For students looking to become more involved in the photographic community, LACP provides Membership which offers numerous perks and benefits, including discounts on tuition, free admittance to events and guest lectures, use of gallery and studio space, access to a library housing over 600 photo books, and more.
Actively involved in community outreach, LACP is committed to supporting other non-profits which aid underserved youth, including the Variety Boys and Girls Club, Spark Program , Hollywood Heart and Pablove Shutterbug.
The goal of the LACP is to offer a center of photography for the creative community, a home for photographers to show work and further their careers, a place where new photographers can be discovered, and an environment in which to gather for discussion, education, artistic growth, inspiration, and the exchange of ideas.
FAQs
What are some of your most popular classes that you offer on CourseHorse?
Basic Photography, After the Basics, Introduction to Studio Lighting, Crash Flash 1, The Business of Photography, and Street Shooting 1 are the most popular classes.
How long have you been in business? Can you share a bit more about your history?
The Los Angeles Center of Photography (LACP) was established in October, 2013. The organization obtained 501(c)3 tax-exempt status in August, 2014. Before LACP, the entity was called ³The Julia Dean Photo Workshops² (JDPW), which was created and founded in 1999 by Julia Dean, LACP¹s executive director.
What is your average class size?
Our average class size is 8–10 students.
What is your typical student like? What are their goals?
Our students are typically beginning amateur/hobbyist with a goal of pursuing photography in greater depth. Students wish to learn how to take better photos of special moments, loved ones and travel adventures.
Can you recommend activities in the neighborhood for before or after class?
There are plenty of activities in the surrounding area. Hop aboard a tour bus and explore some of Hollywood¹s storied history, purchase your favorite music at the famed Amoeba Records, grab a bit to eat at the numerous surrounding restaurants, or catch a movie at the nearby ArcLight Cinema.
Los Angeles Center of Photography
Mid-City, Westside 5566 W Washington Blvd Btwn Clyde & S Curson Avenues Los Angeles, California 90016
Reviews of Los Angeles Center of Photography
(4.6-star rating across
43 reviews)
Sharpening Your Photographic Vision with Sam Abell
diana r. • June 15, 2025
It exceeded my expectations. Sam was such a gifted and thoughtful teacher. 10/10
Working the Streets: Street Photography Basics
E Mily C. • May 23, 2024
Death Valley National Park with Michael E. Gordon
Billy H. • February 25, 2024
Introduction to Studio Lighting - Part 2
Bob V. • May 26, 2023
Hugh was a fantastic instructor; however, equipment was 1970's vintage and I was expecting current state of the art modern studio strobes.
How to Choose Yourself as an Artist
Anonymous
• March 26, 2023
Pixels, Paint, Pastel and Pencil: Altering Images
Anonymous
• March 19, 2023
Everything was great
The History of Photography
Anonymous
• September 18, 2022
Portrait Studio Lighting
Daniel C. • April 12, 2022
Basic Photography
Mosses R. • March 19, 2022
It was useful and I enjoyed
The Contemporary Landscape
Diane G. • September 10, 2021
Not for beginning or amateur photographers. Too jampacked for personal guidance. Was told that class appropriate for all levels-to gain vision. Not true-every week critiques often were related to technique and editing, which I have not mastered, leading to an ultimate critique, which crushed me as a photographer. You will be compared to students with an extensive photography background every week. Instructor not a "teacher", more of a photographer with advise.
Basic Photography
Anonymous
• April 16, 2021
The History of Photography
Anonymous
• April 15, 2021
iPhone Artistry: Fine Art Photography in your Pocket
Carol S. • January 17, 2021
The 7.5 Things I Love about My Camera Phone
Anonymous
• October 11, 2020
Inside Photography 2022: "Special Guest" Previews
Anonymous
• August 7, 2020
An Evening with Sam Abell
Karen H. • February 29, 2020
The size of the class was manageable; maybe 65 people. What I liked about the participants was that it was a diverse group of all ages & photo skills.
What do you say about Sam? Incredible photographer; probably one of the greatest living photographers of his generation. And he was so generous in sharing about his work and his views. I was not only inspired, but I learned a few things. I also felt challenged. And that's as good as inspired.
I only wish the lovely facility of LACP had adequate parking. Parking was a nightmare.
Basic Photography
Anonymous
• February 27, 2020
It was an excellent class. Had lots of fun doing the assignments.
Intermediate Studio Lighting
Eric A. • June 10, 2019
The classes were both incredible informative and fun. Great chemistry. And since there were people from all levels of experience, the instructor did a great job of explaining things to the less experienced while making it still relevant to those of us who had more experience. All in all a great experience, and I signed up for another class immediately.
Students at the Los Angeles Center of Photography (LACP) had positive experiences and felt that they learned a lot and gained valuable skills. They appreciated the knowledgeable instructors and found the classes to be informative and fun. Many students mentioned that they enjoyed the hands-on experience and felt that they learned a lot about studio lighting and working with models.
Quotes:
- "I was not only inspired, but I learned a few things. I also felt challenged. And that's as good as inspired."
- "The hands-on experience was super valuable and the instructor was fantastic."
- "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."
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