Specialty Workshops

Go beyond the basics with our high-impact speciality programs. From kids camp to intensives, we provide the expert mentorship and hands-on studio time needed to turn a passion for photography into a career-ready skill set.

Kids Summer Camp Kids Summer Camp
Kids Summer Camp
$399.00

July 13 - 17, 2026

This is a fun, one-week camp held in Orange County, for kids and teens aged 10-14.

This summer camp teaches kids the elements of photography and how to use their cameras to take better shots and develop their skills. They’ll learn all of the settings on their camera, how to work in a studio, and how to set up great shots no matter where they are! All kinds of photography are explored, from studio and portrait to street photography and photojournalism – this is a chance for your child to dip their toes in different areas of this art and learn what they like best.

Each student will learn how to use and operate their digital camera, how to compose their photos, and have an introduction to Adobe Lightroom. Daily workshops include studio photography, architectural photography, street photography, techniques for posing and composition, and more!

KIDS SUMMER PHOTOGRAPHY CAMP TOPICS

  • Getting to know your camera and all that it can do

  • Composition; how to see more effectively and foundational compositional principles with photographic examples

  • How to shoot outdoors

  • How to shoot moving objects

ITINERARY

DAY 1

  • Learn and review the features and functions of the camera.

  • Photo walk around the Artist Village to practice what was learned in the morning.

DAY 2

  • Composition and thematic exercises

DAY 3

  • Old Santa Ana Courthouse as we learn how to shoot outdoors

DAY 4

  • Field trip to the Santa Ana Zoo (depending on Zoo capacity and hours). We will learn about photographing animals and motion and applying everything we have learned. Alternatively, we will take a photo walk and learn about shooting subjects in motion.

DAY 5

  • Photo Bingo & review

  • Each day includes:

    • Hands-on workshops (in the classroom and/or on location)

    • Breaks for lunch, snacks, and fun photography games!

WHAT TO BRING

  • Camera and camera equipment (extra charged batteries and memory cards)

  • A packed lunch and snacks

  • Comfortable walking shoes and clothing

  • OPTIONAL: Additional lenses or filters

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Ages 10-14

HOURS & DAYS

  • Monday - Friday

  • 9am - 3pm

INSTRUCTOR

David LaNeve, CPP

Certified Professional Photographer Certified Professional Photographer
Certified Professional Photographer
$595.00

Are you interested in raising your skills to an intermediate or advanced level? This certification program includes the prep course and final exam to become a Certified Professional Photographer with the Professional Photographers of America.

The official test from PPA will be administered on the last day of the course.

Classes that fit your schedule -

6 zoom classes held over 3 weeks.

Monday and Wednesday evenings.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

PART 1: CAMERA, LENSES, AND ATTACHMENTS

  • Camera controls, settings, and methods used to set the white balance

  • Impact on file size and format of the final image

PART 2: EXPOSURE AND METERS

  • How to interpret light meter readings.

  • Relations between shutter speed, f-strop, and ISO.

  • Dragging the shutter.

  • Equivalent exposures.

  • Exposure compensation relative to lighting situations.

  • How to read and interpret a histogram.

  • Exposure compensation while using a filter.

PART 3: LIGHTING

  • Light sources and specialized light equipments to create desired effects.

  • Establishing desired lighting rations (main light and fill light)

  • Light modifiers (light blockers, reflectors, gels, etc)

  • Type of lighting design (Rembrandt, split, broad, short, etc)

  • Controlling / utilizing light (natural light, window, studio, mixed lighting, etc)

  • Theory of light.

  • Selection of the appropriate filter color for the light source.

PART 4: COMPOSITION, DESIGN, AND POSING

  • Frame or crop the picture within the camera’s viewfinder.

  • The angle of the view produces the desired effect.

  • How to compose the elements within a scene.

  • Posing individuals and multiple subjects.

PART 5: DIGITAL POST PRODUCTION

  • Color spaces and which to work in

  • RGB, CMYK, LAB color, additive color, subtractive color.

  • File formats

  • Creating / employing a color managements system.

  • Cause and effect in the manipulation of digital images.

PART 6: IMAGE CAPTURE AND OUTPUT

  • Selecting the appropriate capture media for the subject matter.

  • Format requirements.

  • Identifying and correcting problem images.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE?

Below are the steps required to become a Certified Professional Photographer. They are designed to help you polish your technical and artistic skills.

  • Enroll in the Certified Professional Photographers Preparation class.

  • Pass a comprehensive written exam measuring your technical expertise.

  • Successfully submit your work to a panel of judges for review and approval.

  • Renewing credentials every three years with continuing education units or retaking the CP test.

MATERIALS NEEDED

  • Computer and access to ZOOM

  • ADDITIONAL COSTS =

    • If you are not already a PPA member you will need to join and pay the membership dues to PPA (approx. $28/month)

    • There will be a $200 exam fee payable to PPA.

    • These additional fees with be reviewed on the first day of class.

    • Included in this course is 1-hour of studio time to help you complete the practical portion.

  • Included in your PPA membership:

    • Insurance and protection

    • Perks and Member discounts

    • Professional development

    • And much more!

QUALIFICATIONS

Required to be at an intermediate or advanced level.