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Digital Photo Academy

This school offers nationwide workshops on digital photography, taught by professional photographers in various cities. It tailors each class to students' skill levels and aims to build long-term photo communities by providing helpful tips and techniques for all different camera types.

Digital Photo Academy

Upcoming Classes at Digital Photo Academy

  • All Day Private Digital Photography (New York)

    Master the art of digital photography with personalized instruction tailored to your specific needs and interests. Capture stunning images in various categories like landscape, portrait, and architecture, and learn post-capture techniques to enhance your photos. Schedule a private session with Digital Photo Academy and discover the endless possibilities of photography.

    Next start date: Friday, Mar 22nd, 10am–4pm Eastern Time
    Price: $600
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  • Half Day Private Digital Photography (New York)

    Discover the secrets of professional digital photography with personalized instruction tailored to your specific camera and interests. Unleash your creativity and capture stunning images as you explore landscapes, portraits, architecture, and more. Enhance your skills with expert guidance on post-capture techniques and image organization.

    Next start date: Friday, Mar 22nd, 10am–1pm Eastern Time
    Price: $350
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  • Master Your Digital Camera Controls (New York)

    Want to take better pictures? Master Your Digital Camera Controls at the Digital Photo Academy in New York is the workshop for you. Learn how to make simple and creative changes to your pictures using the functions of your camera.

    Next start date: Saturday, Apr 20th, 9:30–11am Eastern Time
    Price: $90
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  • Digital Photography Live In-the-Field @ Battery Park

    Capture the essence of Battery Park City and learn professional photography techniques in this immersive workshop. Explore landscapes, waterscapes, architectural shots, and environmental portraits within the scenic surroundings of Battery Park. From stunning sunsets to captivating city skylines, every turn of the park offers unique and compelling photo opportunities.

    Next start date: Saturday, Apr 20th, 11am–2pm Eastern Time
    Price: $125
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  • Digital Photography Live In-the-Field @ Grand Central

    Capture the vibrant energy and stunning architecture of Grand Central Terminal through the lens of your camera. Join our expert instructor for a hands-on photography experience in the heart of Manhattan, where you'll learn to master your camera and capture breathtaking images of both the grandeur of the terminal and the diversity of its visitors.

    Next start date: Saturday, May 18th, 11am–2pm Eastern Time
    Price: $125
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  • Digital Photography Live In-the-Field @ Brooklyn Bridge

    Experience hands-on learning in the heart of Brooklyn as you capture breathtaking images under the guidance of expert photographers. Explore the art of digital photography in a dynamic outdoor setting.

    Next start date: Saturday, Jun 15th, 11am–2pm Eastern Time
    Price: $125
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  • Digital Photography Live In-the-Field @The NYPL

    Capture the beauty of the New York Public Library through the lens of your camera. Discover new perspectives and techniques in this immersive photography workshop. Enhance your skills and create breathtaking images of historic architecture and stunning interiors.

    Next start date: Saturday, Jul 20th, 11am–2pm Eastern Time
    Price: $125
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  • Digital Photography Live In-the-Field @ Chinatown

    For color and variety in NYC, it’s Chinatown. Roasted Ducks hanging in the window, fresh fish and vegetables, and people playing cards and Chinese checkers in the park, all on display. And the food is wonderful also. On this Field Composition outing, we will walk the streets and explore the vibrant stores.

    Next start date: Saturday, Aug 17th, 11am–2pm Eastern Time
    Price: $125
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Description

The school began with the idea of a nationwide workshop series dedicated to promoting the culture of digital photography. The workshops would be taught by talented and accredited professional photographers who live in the cities where they teach. The classes would be small, and the students would be grouped according to skill level so that nobody would feel bored or intimidated.

Richard Rabinowitz and his company R2Rainmaker, which has been working with the world's most accomplished photographers for the last 25 years, started by finding talented professional photographers to teach in each city. A long and rigorous selection process led to signing up 48 accomplished shooters from 26 cities around the country. During intensive meetings and many friendly meals, we hashed out the curriculum for each skill level, developed detailed ideas for outdoor shoots involving students in the advanced workshops, and decided on the equipment required to enhance their skills at post-capture image manipulation. We knew that if we wanted to build long-term photo communities, the tips and techniques had to be helpful to people who owned all different cameras, no matter who manufactured them.

On April 23rd, 2007, our instructors from around the country traveled to DPA headquarters to launch the school. During a four hour photo-shoot designed to express our collective joy in digital photography, the instructors captured hundreds of beautiful images of flowers, ponds, waterfalls, and the inimitable inhabitants of the big apple, which comprise much of the photos on the the school homepage. Shortly thereafter, all the instructors return to their cities, and began running classes throughout the country.

All of the DPA instructors have brought their cameras back to their cities, to assist in teaching the DPA workshops hands on. You can bring any make or model of digital camera manufacturer to your workshop, as our instructors have knowledge and experience with all different kinds of cameras.


Reviews of Digital Photo Academy

(4.7-star rating across 146 reviews)
  • All Day Private Digital Photography (Chicago)

    Anonymous review on 3/16/2024
    Great workshop with the guidance and expertise of Ron ! Ron is very experienced in all aspects of photography… makes it clear and accessible. Learning a new way to approach street photography and depth of field! Thank you
  • Half Day Private Digital Photography (Los Angeles)

    Reviewed by Stacy I. on 1/16/2024
    Ming is a terrific teacher; I got exactly what I wanted from this class and enjoyed every minute.
  • Half Day Private Digital Photography (New York)

    Reviewed by Mike W. on 12/15/2023
    Alina was great. I really enjoyed the course and can't wait to try some of the things I learned. The school's communication pre and post course were stellar.
  • Master Your Digital Camera Controls (Chicago)

    Reviewed by Brian C. on 11/11/2023
    Ron was an excellent instructor, especially for beginners. He helped ensure the content was easy to understand and provided really great recommendations on how to use a camera without overcomplicating things. Really nice person, accommodating, and made sure to answer every question.
  • Master Your Digital Camera Controls (Los Angeles)

    Reviewed by Mark J. on 9/16/2023
    It was a very good course, but parking in the Echo Park area on the weekends is a nightmare. I suggest perhaps a different location, a weeknight or an early morning time.
  • Digital Photography Live In-the-Field @ Eldridge St

    Reviewed by Frederick M. on 8/27/2023
    I bundled two photo classes back to back. The class(es) itself was great and the instructor was personable, patient and friendly. The synagogue and its environs are perfect and the instructor got to know us well enough that she could adapt the class to what we would shoot in our personal and professional lives. Would recommend. The lead-up to the class was difficult — the coordinator (NOT the instructor) kept changing instructors on us, course times, duration, etc. Communication got confusing via text message, email, phone call at once, with sometimes contradictory info like “Enjoy your class Saturday!” when class was actually scheduled for Sunday. That said, the coordinator was very personable and friendly and I enjoyed talking to him, as delightfully scattered as he came across.
  • Master Your Digital Camera Controls (New York)

    Reviewed by Frederick M. on 8/27/2023
    I bundled two photo classes back to back. The class(es) itself was great and the instructor was personable, patient and friendly. The synagogue and its environs are perfect and the instructor got to know us well enough that she could adapt the class to what we would shoot in our personal and professional lives. Would recommend. The lead-up to the class was difficult — the coordinator (NOT the instructor) kept changing instructors on us, course times, duration, etc. Communication got confusing via text message, email, phone call at once, with sometimes contradictory info like “Enjoy your class Saturday!” when class was actually scheduled for Sunday. That said, the coordinator was very personable and friendly and I enjoyed talking to him, as delightfully scattered as he came across.
  • Half Day Private Digital Photography (Houston)

    Anonymous review on 8/16/2023
    My teacher gave me lots of very useful information along with a handout detailing camera functions. I do wish he had reviewed his own camera more extensively before we met. Our cameras were the same except mine was a bit of a newer model. He was not able to answer some of my questions about various menu functions of the camera. Other than that it was a very good session.
  • Master Your Digital Camera Controls (Los Angeles)

    Anonymous review on 7/16/2023
    Really enjoyed the experience. Learning the controls and navigating the camera was what I wanted to accomplish by taking the course. Adding the next session which allowed me to experiment and apply techniques learned from the previous session was most beneficial to better understand the different aspects of the camera.
  • Digital Photography Live In-the-Field@Fisherman's Wharf

    Anonymous review on 6/26/2023
    Great class. Well worth it.
  • Master Your Digital Camera Controls (San Francisco)

    Anonymous review on 6/25/2023
    Great class
  • Master Your Digital Camera Controls (Houston)

    Anonymous review on 6/18/2023
    The instructor knew virtually nothing about my Sony despite that fact that I submitted the maker and model weeks in advanced as requested. I was told it was so the instructor could familiarize himself with the students’ cameras prior to the class. As a result, he was unable to answer any questions that were specific to the controls on my camera.
  • Half Day Private Digital Photography (San Francisco)

    Reviewed by Natalie C. on 6/7/2023
    Jerry Downs was an excellent teacher and great fun.
  • Digital Photography Live In-the-Field @ Garfield Park

    Reviewed by Melissa B. on 6/4/2023
    Garfield Park Conservatory is an outstanding location and Ron taught me many helpful technical tips about using my camera & stylistic elements to consider while taking photos. Thank you, Ron!
  • Half Day Private Digital Photography (DC)

    Reviewed by Andy L. on 5/14/2023
    Bob was a terrific help giving me a wide-angle look at photography as well as in the weeds helpful hints about the kinds of photos I'll be taking. As a result of this class, I have a renewed confidence in my ability to not just improve my photographs but to keep learning as I go. It was a fun three hours and I'm raring to take improved shots!
  • Master Your Digital Camera Controls (Chicago)

    Reviewed by Melissa B. on 2/5/2023
    Ron is an excellent instructor! He was very friendly and patient with all of the students and covered all of the important features on my digital camera. Ron provided and explained each concept with specific examples that were easy to understand and see. He also provided many tips about using the camera settings. I’m hoping he teaches a class at the conservatory so I can take another class with him.
  • All Day Private Digital Photography (Seattle)

    Reviewed by Emily J. on 11/29/2022
    Steve was a phenomenal resource and Richard went the extra mile to make everything was super smooth and taken care of. Perfect! Thanks!
  • Digital Photography Live In-the-Field @ LA Arboretum

    Reviewed by Kelly N on 10/24/2022
    I purchased the Digital Photography Live-In-The-Field at the L.A. Arboretum course for my father for his birthday. He loved it! Mom had just bought him a high-end mirrorless camera, which was above his skill level since he had really only used a point-and-shoot in the past. So, to get him comfortable with his new camera in the field, I thought this course would be a good fit. Dad really enjoyed it and captured some beautiful nature shots and has since created some treasured family photo memories for us since taking this course. The instructor was very approachable, took his time with the students, and facilitated a fun and educational experience. Dad said he would definitely take this or a similar photography class from Coursehorse again, and I look forward to joining him next time, as I also am an amateur photog. This experience makes for a terrific gift. My parents are in their '70s, so I am finding that they value experiences over material items at this age. Therefore, classes from Coursehorse represent the perfect gift for them.
  • Master Your Digital Camera Controls (San Diego)

    Reviewed by iris h. on 10/23/2022
    Definitely it was amazing. I highly recommended. The instructor was thrilled. We took very good photos. I did nit have any knowledge of photography. After the amazing class, I was a pro and was taking photos that catch the eye with the rule of thirds, asymmetrical and leading lines. It was a great class. Thank you Mr. Miller for the amazing class.
  • Digital Photography Live In-the-Field @ Big Shoulders

    Reviewed by Adithyan S. on 10/10/2022
    I was really uninspired with photography bit after this class I've found a new perspective and am excited to shoot again
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Review Summary by CourseHorse

Students who have taken classes at Digital Photo Academy have generally had positive experiences and felt that they learned valuable skills. Many students praised the instructors for their knowledge and ability to explain concepts clearly. They mentioned learning about many technical aspects of photography. Some students appreciated that the instructors provided specific examples. Overall, students felt that the classes were worth their time and helped them improve their photography skills. Quotes: 1. "I learned so much from Scott about composition and technicals, like how to best use shutter priority or aperture priority, exposure compensation, etc. Really had such an amazing set of moments." 2. "Ron is an excellent instructor! He was very friendly and patient with all of the students and covered all of the important features on my digital camera. Ron provided and explained each concept with specific examples that were easy to understand and see. He also provided many tips about using the camera settings." 3. "Jim Caldwell was very knowledgeable and willing to share his expert experience. He provided many basics for we beginners, but also practical tips that even experienced photographers would find useful."

Teachers at Digital Photo Academy

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