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Best Photography Classes In Sacramento

Photographs are a wonderful way to celebrate and commemorate family, best friends, first dates, a baby's first steps, a rose in full bloom, the wedding party, a kitten in the sunshine and much more; these days, even the plate of food you're about to eat offers a chance for a shot. And while popular apps like Snapchat allow users to post a picture that disappears in seconds, there is nothing better than a skillfully taken photograph that will provide lasting memories of your life.
Photography My Way
425 University Ave. Suite 201
Sacramento, CA 95821
(916) 781-0880
photographymyway.com

Photography My Way offers small hands-on classes with an emphasis on getting the most out of digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras. The one-night basics class is ideal for those who recently purchased a DSLR, as it includes elemental information about the camera functions, lenses, focusing techniques, file types, resolution and terminology, all in a user-friendly format. Other class topics include the proper use of light, the art of photo composition, aperture, ISO and shutter speeds and the use of Lightroom, an image processor. In addition, there are advanced workshops on taking portraits, using Photoshop and setting up an engagement shoot. Instructors also offer follow-up support for questions that may arise down the line.

Action Camera
1000 Sunrise Ave. Suite 10B
Roseville, CA 95661
(916) 786-2288
actioncamera.com

In addition to selling cameras and photographic supplies, Action does equipment repair, rents out cameras and offers a range of classes and events. There is a three-hour course, perfect for novices, that teaches the basics of creating images with a digital camera. For those who wish to move beyond the fundamentals, there are a number of fascinating specialty workshops that may be available. Past and upcoming classes include learning how to take sports and action shots, photographing the evening sky and other creatures of the night, using advanced Photoshop luminosity masking and working in a studio setting. One workshop is especially helpful for people who are frustrated during certain holiday displays -- the two-hour course teaches how to take high-quality shots of fireworks.

Related: Best Places In Sacramento To Take Family Photos

Muir Adams Photography
(916) 936-1982
www.muiradams.com

Muir Adams is a talented professional Sacramento photographer specializing in weddings and portraits. He also offers classes for digital SLR owners of every level of experience, helping them to grow beyond using the camera's automatic mode and into creating exceptional photographs. The classes are typically held at the Sierra 2 Center for the Arts, one evening per week for four weeks. The weekly sessions include understanding the basics of shutter speed, aperture and ISO, as well as photo composition and lighting, meters and histograms and working with Photoshop. Call for details on upcoming classes.

Learning Exchange
1111 Howe Ave. Suite 115
Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 929-9200
www.learningexchange.com

The Learning Exchange offers several different photography courses at any given time, most involving one or two three-hour sessions. There is an introduction to DSLR photography that covers the basics, as well as a follow-up course which offers somewhat more advanced techniques. Photographer William Miller, renowned for his wildlife and nature images, often leads a class on how to take travel photos. The Exchange also offers a less commonly found course, involving tricks and tips for taking better photos with an iPhone.

Mirth To Earth
5921 Stanley Ave, Suite B
Carmichael, CA 95608
(916) 202-3709
www.mirthtoearth.com

Mirth To Earth's highly skilled team of Lonnie Winston, Bo Passer and Chris Buckley take professional wedding, studio, event, sports, pet and marketing photos. They also offer photography classes, including a lively and enjoyable 101 introduction course on the second Sunday of each month. Another course, every third Sunday, is on speed light for those new to flash photography, and each third Thursday there is a Lightroom Quickstart class.

Related: Best Places To See Local Musicians In Sacramento

Valerie Heimerich is a freelance writer out of Sacramento. She typically covers business, employment, animal rescue, volunteerism and nonprofits. Her work can also be found at Examiner.com.

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