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LA's Best Crash Courses In Photography

DSLR Photography Classes header
(credit: DSLR Photography Classes)

Cameras have never been easier to use, and for Southlanders who want to go beyond point-and-click, there is no shortage of learning opportunities. From university level to beginner classes, and from high-end digital cameras to camera phones, an expanding world of photography promises that everyone can produce professional-level images. Learn how to use your camera correctly with help from these photography classes in LA.

DSLR Photography Classes
(credit: DSLR Photography Classes)

Get Out of Auto Mode
DSLR Photography Classes
Long Beach, CA 90802
(619) 864-4614
June 15, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
www.dslrclasses.com

Your digital single lens reflex camera (DSLR) is a versatile instrument with yet-to-be-discovered potential – it's time to get out of auto mode. Hector Gonzalez presents an all-day, technically-oriented photography class for beginners ready to get serious. The former civil engineer brings practical skills to photo artistry. Through a step-by-step process, students will learn how shutter speed, aperture settings, light and lenses are used to create effects and much more.

Bel Air Camera
(credit: Bel Air Camera Superstore)

Introduction to Digital SLR Photography
Bel Air Camera Superstore
10925 Kinross Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 208-5150
July 13, 10:30 a.m. to noon
www.meetup.com/FREE-Photography-Classes-and-Workshops

This 90-minute class offers beginning photographers the first steps to move past point-and-click photos. This introduction to lens options, shutter speed, aperture, metering and more is the ideal start of a new and engaging hobby. In an open format, students are encouraged to ask questions and share their experiences. Bel Air Camera is one of the Southland's premier camera stores that truly deserves the name "superstore."

Related: Best Art Exhibits In LA This Summer

UCLA Extension
(credit: UCLA Extension)

UCLA Extension: Photography Classes
UCLA Campus and online
Le Conte Ave. and Westwood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 825-9971
Summer 2013 quarter, starting June 26
www.uclaextension.edu

For a deep and rich understanding of photography, there is no substitute for a university-level class. In a continuing series of academic and hands-on learning classes, students of all ages have the opportunity to move from beginner to expert. On campus or online, the rich offerings include travel, business, architecture and creative photography. Classes develop skills far beyond basics and explore the fundamentals. Nobody completes a class without an enriched appreciation, nor does a serious student leave without greater photographic skills.

julia dean photo workshops
(credit: The Julia Dean Photo Workshops)

The Urban Landscape for Teens with Dottie Lopez
The Julia Dean Photo Workshops
755 Seward St.
Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 464-0909
July 15 through 19, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
www.juliadean.com

Budding photographers get a leg up with Dottie Lopez and her five-day workshop. Lopez has a deep understanding of digital photography that she zealously imparts to her students. After the first day at the Julia Dean Studio, students move out to the diverse urbanscapes of Hollywood and Los Angeles. Going beyond mere photos, the workshop culminates with the students' project presentations that capture the cultural essence of urban life.

rei
(credit: REI)

Outdoor Photography with your Smartphone
REI
Monrovia Canyon Park
1200 N Canyon Blvd.
Monrovia, CA 91016
(310) 458-4370
June 23, 8 a.m. to noon
www.rei.com

With recent technological innovations, smartphones are ready to move past point-and-shoot. Professional instructors cover the basics of smartphone camera functions. Many new apps are available to further advance these cameras abilities. Composition and exposure techniques combine with the newest application to create quality images. With your smartphone always at hand, it's easy to capture any scene at any time as inspiration hits.

Related: Tech-Savvy Gifts For Senior Moms

Robert Cuthbert is a freelance writer covering all things Los Angeles. His work can be found on Examiner.com.

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