BEYOND THE CLASSROOM: Photowalks and Excursions
Master your camera in the field. From the architectural lines of Downtown Los Angeles to the desert vistas of Joshua Tree, our professional photowalks and excursions are designed for hands-on learning. Join our expert-led photography tours across Southern California to improve your composition, master manual mode, and capture professional-grade landscapes. Whether you're exploring night photography on an urban 'Night Crawl' or chasing the Milky Way in the desert, our expeditions bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world art.
DESCRIPTION
This guided photowalk at Seal Beach Pier is designed to help photographers develop their skills in natural light photography during the golden hour and sunset. Participants will learn how to evaluate changing light conditions, make exposure adjustments, and create stronger compositions in a coastal environment.
Instruction will focus on practical camera settings, composition strategies, and creative approaches to working with dynamic lighting as the sun moves toward the horizon.
This class is suitable for photographers using DSLR or mirrorless cameras who want hands-on experience applying photographic concepts in a real-world setting.
MATERIALS
Camera
24-70mm lens (recommended)
Fully charged battery (spare battery recommended)
Tripod (recommended)
Comfortable walking shoes
Payment for parking
LOCATION - Seal Beach Pier
LEVEL - Beginner to Intermediate
INSTRUCTOR - David LaNeve, CPP
Note: Shooting time is the time indicated on the booking - however, we ask that you arrive 30 minutes prior to locate the group and set up.
DESCRIPTION
Step into the fascinating world of Macro Photography at the beautiful Fullerton Arboretum. This hands-on workshop is designed to help photographers develop the skills needed to capture the intricate details, textures, patterns, and colors that often go unnoticed in nature.
Working among the Arboretum’s diverse collection of plants and natural subjects, you'll learn how to create compelling macro images of flowers, insects, leaves, and abstract details while gaining a deeper understanding of both the technical and creative aspects of close-up photography.
MATERIALS
DSLR or Mirrorless Camera
Macro lens (recommended)
Telephoto lens with close-focusing capability (optional)
Tripod or monopod (optional)
Extra batteries and memory cards
LOCATION - Arboretum and Botanical Garden at Cal State Fullerton
LEVEL - Beginner to Intermediate
INSTRUCTOR - Scott Crawford
DESCRIPTION
Participants will learn how to capture dynamic light trails from passing traffic, photograph illuminated cityscapes, and create striking images of the iconic Queen Mary. Instruction will cover camera settings for night photography, tripod techniques, managing highlights and shadows, focusing in low-light situations, and using long exposures to add movement and visual interest to your photographs.
Throughout the evening, students will receive hands-on guidance, practical shooting techniques, and individualized feedback while exploring a variety of urban and waterfront scenes. The class will also address common challenges photographers face after sunset, helping participants gain confidence in creating sharp, well-exposed images in changing lighting conditions.
This class is suitable for photographers with a basic understanding of their camera who want to expand their skills and creativity in night photography.
MATERIALS
Camera
24-70mm lens (recommended)
Fully charged battery (spare battery recommended)
Tripod (recommended)
Comfortable walking shoes
Payment for parking
LOCATION - Downtown Long Beach; Shoreline Marina
LEVEL - Beginner to Intermediate
INSTRUCTOR - David LaNeve, CPP
Note: Shooting time is the time indicated on the booking - however, we ask that you arrive 30 minutes prior to locate the group and set up.
DESCRIPTION
This hands-on field workshop is designed to help early-bird photographers improve their camera skills while exploring one of Southern California’s premier locations for wildlife and nature photography.
The sanctuary's network of wetlands, ponds, and walking trails provides excellent opportunities to photograph a variety of bird species, natural landscapes, reflections, and environmental details. Throughout the morning, participants will learn how to observe, anticipate, and photograph wildlife while developing a stronger understanding of composition, exposure, and natural light.
TOPICS
Camera settings for wildlife and nature photography
Techniques for photographing birds and moving subjects
Understanding shutter speed, aperture, and ISO in outdoor environments
How to use natural light to create more compelling images
Composition techniques for landscapes and wildlife subjects
Creating stronger images through framing, perspective, and storytelling
Focusing techniques for sharp wildlife photographs
MATERIALS
DSLR or Mirrorless Camera
Telephoto lens (recommended for wildlife)
Wide-angle lens (optional for landscapes)
Extra batteries and memory cards
Comfortable walking shoes
Sun protection and water
LOCATION - IRWD San Joaquin Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary
LEVEL - Beginner to Intermediate
INSTRUCTOR - Scott Crawford
DESCRIPTION
Explore Downtown Los Angeles through the lens of black & white architectural photography. This photowalk will focus on using shape, line, texture, pattern, light, and shadow to create strong monochromatic images. Along the route, we’ll photograph a variety of DTLA’s historic and modern architecture while discussing composition, perspective, and how to identify scenes that translate well to black & white.
We’ll also cover practical techniques for photographing architecture, including working with different perspectives, controlling converging lines, and using contrast to add depth and visual impact. Be prepared for a fair amount of walking and bring comfortable shoes.
MATERIALS
Camera with a wide-angle or standard zoom lens
Optional: Tripod
Optional: cable release
LOCATION - Downtown Los Angeles
LEVEL - Beginner to Intermediate
INSTRUCTOR - Scott Crawford
Learn how to capture the night sky in one of California’s best dark sky locations!
DESCRIPTION
Join us under the desert stars for a two-night Milky Way photography experience in beautiful Borrego Springs—one of Southern California’s designated Dark Sky Communities. Designed specifically for beginners, this immersive outing will guide you step-by-step through the fundamentals of capturing the night sky, from camera settings and focusing in the dark, to composition and post-processing tips.
You can join us for one night or stay for both to build your skills and explore multiple locations under different conditions. We’ll take advantage of the new moon and minimal light pollution for the best views of the Milky Way core as it arcs across the sky.
SCHEDULE (details will be sent in an email)
Evening - meet & greet. Meet for dinner and discuss objectives and equipment.
Sunset and Blue Hour - Go out into the field to practice composition, bracket exposures, and capturing blue hour.
After Dark - Capture the stars and milky way!
MATERIALS REQUIRED
DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual mode
Wide-angle lens (14-24MM or faster is recommended)
Tripod
Remote shutter
Extra batteries and memory cards
Red-light headlamp
NOT INCLUDED
Lodging - we recommend checking Palm Canyon Hotel and RV Resort
Meals
Transportation to Borrego Springs
LEVEL
Beginner - Advanced
DESCRIPTION
When the sun goes down, the cameras come out. Photograph the City of Angels in its night-time glory. Capture Disney Concert Hall, Grand Park Fountains, The Financial District, and more. You will be directed to the best camera locations along the way. There will be a fair amount of walking, so bring comfortable shoes.
MATERIALS
Camera with a wide-angle lens
Tripod
Optional: cable release
LOCATION - Downtown Los Angeles
LEVEL - Beginner to Intermediate
INSTRUCTOR - Scott Crawford
DESCRIPTION
Experience the magic of the Milky Way in Joshua Tree National Park during one of the best times of year for night sky photography. This beginner-friendly workshop is designed to help you confidently capture the beauty of the Milky Way while exploring the park's iconic rock formations, twisted Joshua trees, and dramatic desert landscapes.
Whether you're photographing the night sky for the first time or looking to improve your astrophotography skills, we'll guide you step-by-step through camera settings, achieving sharp focus in the dark, composition techniques, and practical tips for creating stunning Milky Way images. August offers warm evenings and an excellent view of the Milky Way core, making it an ideal time to learn and practice.
Throughout the workshop, we'll visit carefully selected locations that showcase Joshua Tree's unique scenery, giving you the opportunity to create memorable nightscape images while building confidence in your night photography skills.
SCHEDULE (details will be sent in an email)
Evening - meet & greet. Meet for dinner and discuss objectives and equipment.
Sunset and Blue Hour - Go out into the field to practice composition, bracket exposures, and capturing blue hour.
After Dark - Capture the stars and milky way!
MATERIALS REQUIRED
DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual mode
Wide-angle lens (14-24MM or faster is recommended)
Tripod
Remote shutter
Extra batteries and memory cards
Red-light headlamp
NOT INCLUDED
Lodging - we recommend checking Motel 6 Twentynine Palms; Best Western Twentynine Palms Joshua Tree; or Holiday Inn Twentynine Palms- Joshua Tree
Meals
Transportation to Joshua Tree
LEVEL
Beginner - Advanced