Find a photography instructor in San Mateo, CA

Find photography classes in San Mateo, CA

Find photography classes in San Mateo, CA

Share a few details and we'll show you the best photography classes in your area.
Zip code

Find photography classes in San Mateo, CA

Share a few details and we'll show you the best photography classes in your area.
Zip code

Top 10 photography classes in San Mateo, CA

Students agree: these San Mateo photography classes are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Stephen Johnson Photography

Stephen Johnson Photography

New on Lessons
Offers online services
47+ years in business
Serves San Mateo, CA
Stephen Johnson has taught photography at the college level since 1977, and for the groundbreaking Kodak Center for Creative Imaging in Camden Maine (1991-93). Additionally he has taught numerous workshops for industry, designed digital photography programs, and has an ongoing photography, publishing and consulting business. He has lectured for leading digital and photographic industry forums including: Seybold, MacWorld, Image World, VISCOM, PhotoEast, PhotoWest, PhotoPlus, Fotofusion, the Agfa Technology Expo, FOGRA (Germany), Digital 95 (Great Britain), the International Symposium on Electronic Photography at Photokina (Germany), FotoMasso...
North Point Photography

North Point Photography

New on Lessons
Offers online services
1 hire on Lessons
Serves San Mateo, CA
Photography is my passion. I would love to share the magic with curious people.
Apex In-Focus Photography

Apex In-Focus Photography

New on Lessons
Offers online services
24+ years in business
Serves San Mateo, CA
I teach what my students want to learn about photography and help them to be a better photographer. My goal is to prep them for photography as a hobby as well as a side profession. I love meeting new photographer with new perspective and a fresh artistic point of view.
Adam Jacobs Photography

Adam Jacobs Photography

5.0Exceptional(5)
Offers online services
2 hires on Lessons
16+ years in business
Serves San Mateo, CA
Dean M. says, "Adam was such a great teacher. Super approachable and easy to get along with. I had some basic knowledge about photography, but Adam was able to expand on this and give me some really useful and practical tips for taking better shots. Thanks, Adam! :) " Read more

Your Photography Lessons questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Lessons.

How much do photography classes cost?

Photography classes cost $80 to $300 at a local photography center, museum, or online course provider. A beginner photography course at a university costs $250 to $500+, while the cost for a photography degree program is $10,000 to $30,000 per year on average.

Prices depend on the type of class, skill level, and your location. A basic Introduction to Photography class typically costs less than advanced classes or workshops taught by an experienced photographer.

Why take photography classes, and are they worth it?

A photography class is worth it if you want to master your camera, learn new techniques, and gain the ability to capture moments in exciting, memorable images. You do not need to be an aspiring professional photographer or artist to benefit from a class.

You'll learn to observe the world around you in new ways and develop an eye for details, light, color, shape, and texture. Through expert feedback from the instructor, you'll identify areas where you need improvement and become a better photographer as a result.

What do you learn in a photography class?

A beginner photography class teaches basic camera skills and techniques, including:

  • The exposure triangle—aperture, shutter speed, and ISO—and how each setting affects motion, depth of focus, and noise in your images
  • Light and how it affects your photos
  • Composition techniques, the Rule of Thirds, and leading lines
  • Color, shape, and texture
  • White balance
  • Lenses and filters

More advanced photography classes teach post-processing techniques in Photoshop, Lightroom, or other similar photo editing programs. Post-processing techniques include color correction, retouching, adjusting contrast and sharpness, and more.

Advanced courses may also focus on a specific type of photography, such as landscape photography, portrait photography, or street photography

Do I need my own camera to take a photography class?

Most photography classes require you to bring your own camera. However, if you're interested in exploring photography before investing in your own camera gear, consider taking a class anyway. Whether you take photos with your cellphone or a high-end digital camera, you can benefit from the skills learned in the class.

During the class, you'll learn not just how to take great photos but also about the features you'd like in a more complex camera, as well as the best lenses and filters for the type of photography you're interested in. This knowledge will better prepare you for the expensive purchase.

Can you take photography classes online?

Yes, you can take photography classes online through universities, web course providers like CreativeLive and SkillShare, and a wide variety of websites dedicated specifically to photography. Most sites offer both beginner photography classes and a vast selection of intermediate and advanced classes focused on specific types or aspects of photography.

Where can I take photography classes near me?

Keep these tips in mind when choosing a photography class:

  • Look for a course targeted toward photographers at your skill level. Advanced photographers may want to consider taking a workshop with a specific photographer instead of a class.
  • Decide if you want to take a class that focuses on a specific style or type of photography.
  • Read the instructor's reviews on Lessons and Google.
  • Check out the instructor's portfolio, as well as portfolios from previous students.

What questions should I ask photography instructors?

Ask the instructor these questions before enrolling in the class:

  • What skill level is this class designed for?
  • What topics will the class cover?
  • Do I need to bring my own camera?
  • Where will the class meet?
  • Will the class include instructor feedback?
  • Will you share our photos on the school website or social media?

Reviews for San Mateo photography classes

Recent success stories from people in the San Mateo area.
Jane Z.
Working with Adam was an absolute delight. He has vastly improved my photography skills as well as hugely improving my knowledge of post production techniques in programs such as Lightroom and Photoshop. Couldn't recommend him more highly!
Adam Jacobs Photography
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