Composition in the Park
Saturday 21 June
909 Kiely Blvd - 10am - 2 Hours
Fin Liu
Come and join us as we explore composition in photography.
Composition is one of the most critical element in photography. Composition is how a photographer arranges the visual elements within their image, frame. I promise you that if you search for information on composition you will find plenty You will find formal rules, opinion, some of which you can trace back to historical art movements and painters.
Even in the digital world, composition remains the key to creating strong images. Composition is what guides our eye through an image and gives importance to the subject. It creates the story for the viewer and how we as photographers convey that message.
This meetup will explore composition using our frame and tools available to us as the photographer.
Natural Light Portraits
Saturday 28 June
El Camino Real - 10am - 2 Hours
Fin Liu
This meet-up will explore how we can take beautiful portraits using natural light and backgrounds. We will explore how to recognise flattering light and how to manipulate it whilst shooting in a less controlled environment than a studio. We will explore how we can work collaboratively with our subject to achieve a portrait that captures their personality and style. We will also look at posing and setting your subject at ease. Technical learning points will include accurate focusing and metering for skin tones.
Note: Please bring a friend or a family member as a model.
Street Photography Meetup
Saturday 05 July
Downtown Mountain View - 10am - 2 Hours
Nithin Kumar
People, cafes, vendors, street merchants, buskers, historic buildings, art installations and much more. The power of observation underpins the art of great street photography. Learning to "see" interesting detail is a practised skill and we introduce you to easy methods that will open your photographer's eye and expose you to a world that is alive with detail. The most rewarding part of the class is learning how to approach interesting people and have them willingly pose for you.
We will also go over settings, focusing techniques and lens choices common to street photography to help us capture those random chance encounters.
Rule of Thirds Meetup
Saturday 21 June
501 Monterey-Salinas Highway 68 - 10am - 2 Hours
Izzy Lyons
One of the most basic tenets of composition is the Rule of Thirds. Although most people are familiar with this technique it is often forgotten in the haste to take a photo. However you ignore it at your peril as it can make an average snap into something which is has tension and dynamism.
In this meetup we will practice using the Rule of Thirds in a setting full of photographic possibility.
Landscape Photography
Sunday 22 June
Joaquin Miller Park - 10am - 2 Hours
Rocky Laber
Landscape photography is possibly one of the most popular genres, so we'll be looking at how you can improve your shots and help your photos stand out from the crowd. We will be focusing on composition, panoramas, equipment tips and settings to use.
All skill levels welcome! The professional photography instructor will be there to provide advice, feedback and tips on how to improve your photos and camera skills.
Long Exposure Photography
Saturday 28 June
Fort Ord - 9am - 2 Hours
Izzy Lyons
Learn the basics of long exposure to capture light trails along with tripod photography.
Long exposure refers to a technique where you keep the shutter open for an unusually long period of time. This results to interesting effects in your photographs.
Beginner's Photography Class
Saturday 28 June
Grand Lake District - 10am - 3 Hours
Mel Chircop
Ready to learn more about your camera and get out of automatic exposure? Now is your chance!
Join us as we break down your camera to help you learn about shutter speed, aperture, ISO and how these settings affect your exposure.
We will then put your new knowledge to the test with the guidance of a professional photographer.
Shooting in Manual Mode Class
Saturday 28 June
Financial District - 3:30pm - 3 Hours
Michael Forks
This class is for anyone looking to switch their camera mode from Auto to Manual and learn how to shoot using the Manual Mode. The goal is to help everyone become more confident when using their camera settings. We will touch on essential camera functions and the exposure triangle: Shutter Speed, Aperture, and ISO.
Shooting in Manual Mode Class
Saturday 26 July
Financial District - 3:30pm - 3 Hours
Michael Forks
This class is for anyone looking to switch their camera mode from Auto to Manual and learn how to shoot using the Manual Mode. The goal is to help everyone become more confident when using their camera settings. We will touch on essential camera functions and the exposure triangle Shutter Speed, Aperture, and ISO.
50mm Lens Meetup
Sunday 27 July
China Basin Park - 3:30pm - 2 Hours
Michael Forks
The 50mm lens is one of the flexible and useful lenses in any photographers gear bag. It is neither a wide-angle or telephoto lens, but allows the camera to see on the same scale as your eye. As such, it can be used for a variety of styles, from landscape and street photography to portrait and product photography. In this meetup, well review the basic camera settings. Well then cover some of the advantages of shooting with a prime lens, and some basic techniques to using the 50mm lens. As always, there will be ample opportunities for you to put your new knowledge into practice.
Beginner's Photography Class
Saturday 02 August
Financial District - 3pm - 3 Hours
Michael Forks
Ready to learn more about your camera and get out of automatic exposure? Now is your chance!
Join us as we break down your camera to help you learn about shutter speed, aperture, ISO and how these settings affect your exposure.
We will then put your new knowledge to the test with the guidance of a professional photographer.
Mindfulness of Our Surroundings Through Photography.
Saturday 09 August
North Beach - 3pm - 2 Hours
Michael Forks
This photography group class and photo walk will focus on cultivating mindfulness by deepening our awareness of the world around us. Through intentional observation and creative composition, we'll use photography as a tool to slow down, engage our senses, and appreciate the beauty in everyday moments. this experience will help students see the world with fresh eyes and capture meaningful images with presence and purpose.
Photograph San Francisco!
Saturday 06 September
Financial District - 3pm - 2 Hours
Michael Forks
Join us on a photo walk, covering some of the most iconic San Francisco locations. We will start at the Ferry Building with views of the Bay Bridge. Then walk through the stunning financial district, and end in bustling Chinatown. Practice your street and architecture photography while exploring one of the World's most beautiful and dynamic cities!