We are a hands-on digital photography education center dedicated to helping photographers grow creatively and technically in a supportive learning environment.

We offer a wide range of photography education experiences for all skill levels, including:

• Foundations photography classes for beginners

• Guided photowalks and location-based workshops

• Studio lighting photography classes

• Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop workshops

• CPP (Certified Professional Photographer) preparation courses

• Specialized photography workshops and creative training

• Private mentorship for one-on-one instruction

• Domestic and international travel photography tours

• Printing services

Whether you’re picking up a camera for the first time or looking to advance your professional skills, our programs are designed to provide practical, real-world learning in an encouraging community atmosphere.

Getting started is simple. You can browse all available classes on our website and register directly online. Once you’ve signed up, you’ll receive confirmation and any additional details you need to prepare for your class or workshop.

If you’re unsure where to begin, we recommend starting with our Foundations courses.

What sets us apart is our commitment to small, supportive learning environments where students get direct guidance, personalized feedback, and the opportunity to actively practice what they’re learning.

Our approach is built around experience—learning by doing—whether that’s in the studio, on location during photowalks, in the classroom, or while traveling on domestic and international photography tours.

No, we are not an accredited school and we do not offer formal certifications or degrees.

Most of our classes are held in person at our Center in Downtown Santa Ana. The exception is our Certified Professional Photographer course, which is offered online.

The Foundations Program includes eight Starter Classes and one bonus Photowalk with David LaNeve. Each class is designed workshop-style, meaning students only need to take each class once.

Classes are typically offered on Saturdays (and occasionally Sundays) and rotate month-to-month. For example, Auto Mode & Shoot in Manual Mode may be offered one month, while Intro to Indoor/Outdoor Flash and Intro to Studio Lighting are offered the next. Because the classes repeat throughout the year, students can join the program at any time and complete courses at their own pace.

From the date of their first class, students have 10 months to complete the entire program. After 10 months, any remaining classes must be purchased separately. This policy helps us guarantee seating and maintain small class sizes for hands-on instruction.

A digital camera is required for all camera-based photography classes.

For Adobe workshops, students will need a computer with the appropriate software installed.

A portable flash that is compatible with your camera is required for our Flash classes.

Additional accessories such as tripods, wide-angle lenses, ND filters, and other specialty gear may be recommended or required depending on the class. Any additional requirements will be listed in the class description.

Absolutely! Our Expeditions (Travel Tours) are designed for photographers of all skill levels. Don’t let lack of experience hold you back from joining a bucket-list adventure. You’ll be traveling alongside David LaNeve, our Director and Instructor, who will guide you every step of the way — from choosing the right lenses and camera settings to helping you capture the best possible images in the field.

One of the best parts of traveling with a group is the inspiration and motivation that comes from being surrounded by fellow photographers who share the same passion for creativity and adventure.

Cancellation Policy — Classes, Workshops & Photo Excursions

We understand that plans can change, and we'll do our best to accommodate you whenever possible.

Cancellations More Than 72 Hours Before Your Class

If you need to cancel or reschedule your class, workshop, or photo excursion, please notify us at least 72 hours (3 days) before the scheduled start time.

You may choose one of the following:

• Full account credit for the amount paid, or

• Refund to your original form of payment, less a 25% administrative fee.

The administrative fee helps cover payment processing, administrative expenses, and the loss of your reserved seat.

Cancellations Within 72 Hours

Cancellations made less than 72 hours before the scheduled start time are not eligible for a refund, credit, or transfer.

Courtesy Rescheduling

As a one-time courtesy, we may allow you to reschedule a class when you notify us before the class begins, even if your cancellation is within 72 hours.

Courtesy rescheduling:

• Is limited to two courtesy reschedules per customer

• Is offered on a case-by-case basis

• Is not available for:

  • No-shows

  • Missed sessions without prior notice

  • Third-party purchases or registrations

Once the two courtesy reschedules have been used, any future cancellations made within 72 hours of the scheduled start time will not be eligible for a refund, credit, or transfer.

Foundations Bundle Policy

The Foundations Bundle is a specially discounted package that includes eight classes designed to provide a complete learning experience at a reduced price.

Our standard Cancellation & Refund Policy applies to each individual class reservation within the bundle. Students may reschedule or cancel individual class registrations in accordance with those policies.

Because the Foundations Bundle is offered at a significant discount, partial refunds cannot be issued for unused classes or the unused portion of the bundle, regardless of attendance or personal circumstances.

If you are unable to complete your remaining classes, we are happy to convert the unused value of your bundle into California Center for Photography account credit. Account credit may be used toward future classes, workshops, photo excursions, or eligible photography travel tours.

Account credit is non-transferable, has no cash value, and is not redeemable for cash.

Credits

Credits may be applied toward any future class, workshop, or excursion offered by California Center for Photography. Credits are issued for the full paid amount when credit is selected in place of a refund. Credits are non-refundable, non-transferable, and have no cash value.

Third-Party Purchases

Purchases made through third-party providers, including Groupon or similar promotional platforms, are non-refundable and subject to the policies of the original provider.

Class Changes or Cancellation by California Center for Photography

We reserve the right to reschedule or cancel classes, workshops, or excursions due to low enrollment, weather, or unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, students will receive the option of:

• A full refund, or

• Transfer to another date or program

California Center for Photography is not responsible for additional expenses incurred by students, including travel, lodging, parking, or other related costs.

Policy Acceptance

Registration for any class, workshop, tour, or excursion confirms acceptance of this cancellation policy.

Domestic Travel Workshops

Domestic travel workshops are any workshops that are longer than two nights. Our weekend workshops such as Borrego Springs, Joshua Tree, Yosemite, Yellowstone or Southwest fall under our regular workshop Refund / Cancellation Policy and are not subject to our Travel Refund Policy.

Domestic travel registrations require a nonrefundable deposit to secure a seat. If you are on a waiting list, you will not be charged a deposit fee until space becomes available for you. Your space in the workshop is not confirmed until your deposit has been received.

Cancellations, for any reason, must be submitted to The California Center for Photography in writing via email to info@californiacenterforphotography.com. Cancellation requests made 120 days prior to the trip will receive a full refund minus the deposit. Requests made 60 days prior to the trip will receive credit for half of the balance paid minus the deposit and any nonrefundable costs that may have incurred from third parties to reserve your space. The credit may be applied to future workshops and is valid for two years from date of issue. Cancellation requests made less than 30 days from the trip are not subject to refunds or credits.

If we need to cancel a workshop for any unforeseen reason, you will receive a full refund of all payments.

Need special payment arrangements? No problem, contact us via email at info@californiacenterforphotography.com.

International Travel Tours

 Our International photography tours require a substantial upfront cost and third party costs and thus the refund policy can be less flexible than our domestic travel workshops. International tours registrations require a nonrefundable deposit to secure a seat. If you are on a waiting list, you will not be charged a deposit fee until space becomes available for you. Your space in the tour is not confirmed until your deposit has been received.

Cancellations, for any reason, must be submitted to The California Center for Photography in writing via email to info@cailforniacenterforphotography.com. Cancellation requests made 120 days prior to the trip will receive a full refund minus the deposit. Requests made 90 days prior to the trip will receive credit for half of the balance paid minus the deposit and any nonrefundable costs that may have incurred from third parties to reserve your space. The credit may be applied to future tours and is valid for two years from date of issue. Cancellation requests made less than 90 days from the trip are not subject to refunds or credits.

If we need to cancel a tour for any unforeseen reason, you will receive a full refund of all payments.

Need special payment arrangements? No problem, contact us via email at info@californiacenterforphotography.com.