Find a photography instructor in San Mateo, CA

Find photography classes in San Mateo, CA

Find photography classes in San Mateo, CA

Confirm your location to see the best photography classes near you.
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Find photography classes in San Mateo, CA

Confirm your location to see the best photography classes near you.
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

48+ years in business
Serves San Mateo, CA & Online
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...
Gabrielle Rondell Photography

Gabrielle Rondell Photography

5.0Exceptional(9)
1 hire on Lessons.com
25+ years in business
Serves San Mateo, CA & Online
Sneha S. says, "Gabi was knowledgeable, kind and took a hands on approach to learning that I appreciated. We had a great time, and I learned a lot. Would highly recommend her!" Read more
Adam Jacobs Photography

Adam Jacobs Photography

5.0Exceptional(5)
2 hires on Lessons.com
17+ years in business
Serves San Mateo, CA & Online
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
North Point Photography

North Point Photography

1 hire on Lessons.com
Serves San Mateo, CA & Online
Photography is my passion. I would love to share the magic with curious people.
Ärtefākt:ATELIER

Ärtefākt:ATELIER

15+ years in business
Serves San Mateo, CA
Welcome to ärtefākt:ATELIER, your creative community resource in Monterey, CA. We specialize in growing your portfolio through our tailored photography and modeling sessions, designed to inspire and develop your skills. When you're ready for capturing the world through a lens, or strutting your stuff on the catwalk, our expert guidance aims to elevate your artistry. Explore the world of film, digital, or fashion photography with our expert tutelage, perfect for aspiring photographers and models alike, eager to bring their passions to life. Join us in our atelier and embark on your artistic journey today.
Apex In-Focus Photography

Apex In-Focus Photography

25+ years in business
Serves San Mateo, CA & Online
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.
Arthur Koch Studio

Arthur Koch Studio

5.0(2)
22+ years in business
Serves San Mateo, CA
Carlene L. says, "Arthur was very helpful and knowledgeable. He was also very patient. I highly recommend him. What is most important is that he was very honest and fair. He was very good at explaining how things work and fit together." Read more
Guta Galli Private Photography Lessons

Guta Galli Private Photography Lessons

14+ years in business
Serves San Mateo, CA & Online
Master in Photography Master in Fine Arts at SF Art Institute 10+ years of experience as a professional photographer 5+ years teaching students of all levels, areas of interest and backgrounds
Visual Storytelling By I Am Vitaliy

Visual Storytelling By I Am Vitaliy

17+ years in business
Serves San Mateo, CA
I am a San Francisco based visual storyteller. Along with my wife I have been photographing weddings and portraits since 2008. During the past few years I have taken interest in architecture and commercial photography projects. Whatever the subject may be photographs always tell a story. Recently I've had the opportunity to mentor a few students and have really enjoyed the process of helping and encouraging others as they learn to navigate their cameras and find their artistic voice....
Photography Lessons For Mobile And SLR

Photography Lessons For Mobile And SLR

5.0(1)
14+ years in business
Serves San Mateo, CA & Online
Sandra H. says, "Patient and easily relatable. Great knowledge of photography. She even gave me worksheets to help me improve on my own time." Read more

Your Photography Lessons questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Lessons.com.

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.
Lori Ann V.
Gabi made me feel so comfortable during our photo session & took some beautiful candid shots of me that I didn't even notice her taking! She truly captured the most natural part of me! We were on adventure travel together and the shots were taken in perfect natural lighting & in gorgeous settings. I'm so happy with the photos & how they captured the softness of my spirit! Thank you Gabi! ~Lori Ann
Gabrielle Rondell Photography
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
Andrew C.
Arthur did a fantastic job in improving my fine art skills in a very short time. He exposed and reintroduced me to a variety of mediums and fostered not only my abilities, but those of everyone in my class. His tutelage gave me a strong foundation for the next classes in my series and prepared me to see the world from different artistic perspectives. He was a great instructor who is both personable and helped create a relaxing atmosphere. He obviously loves his work with art, creative industries and his work with young people. His experiences in the creative/entertainment/ gaming industries were enlightening and helped me to focus my direction while I was attending school and are currently help me refine my talents to finding a job in the industry. Overall, he is a great inspiration to those who are ready to learn, listen, and try different techniques. His critique is honest, direct, and helpful and the work of his that I he shared with my class was on the cutting edge for its time.
Arthur Koch Studio
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