San Diego

San Diego

Join a Digital Photo Academy teacher for San Diego photo workshops, small group or private live sessions. You’ll learn all about your camera controls and how to create powerful images.

Click or scroll down for full schedule of live workshops

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Welcome to the San Diego market for the international network of live and online photo classes, all under the banner of Digital Photo Academy.

This section is devoted to our San Diego photo workshops. The DPA Instructors who lead these workshops are professional photographers who have lived in San Diego for at least 10 years, usually longer.

These pro shooters also have teaching experience and they love teaching. (Not all photographers do.) They know the local retailers where you can get the better deals on photo equipment and more importantly, they know where the best photo ops are which allows us to provide you with a rotation of interesting places to shoot, throughout the year, whether indoors or outdoors, winter, spring, summer of fall. Sometimes one time of day to shoot is better than another and our DPA instructors keep us informed.

About Our San Diego Photo Workshop Venues

Often, the DPA Instructors even have private access to various locales in the city where they live. Themes vary from street photography and dynamic architecture, to flowers and landscapes, as well as waterscapes, sunsets, lush scenery and everything in between.

During one month, you might be invited to rendezvous in the luxurious natural light streaming in to a religious venue via spectacular stained glass windows and the following month, it might be a small relatively unknown park with very special landscapes. This is why we offer a special ALUMNI Discount to people who attend more than one workshop.

Nationally, we organize these workshops to provide variety for the participants in each local market, but we could not do it without the expertise and connections provided by the DPA instructors in each of those markets.

Phone the national headquarters of Digital Photo Academy at 1 877 372 2231 but know that each of the Digital Photo Academy markets includes a local office. In San Diego, that office is at:

3077B Clairemont Dr Ste 236, San Diego, CA 92117

E-MAIL US AT DPAbooking@digitalphotoacademy.com OR CALL 1-877-372-2231 OR click here TO LEARN ABOUT OUR PRIVATE ALL DAY OR HALF DAY CLASS

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And in case you’re interested, click here to check out some FREE SAMPLES of our ONLINE CLASSES

CLASSES & DATES

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60 thoughts on “San Diego”

  1. “I thoroughly enjoyed the Composition in the Field class taught this weekend by Christian Michaels on Ccoronado Island. The Hotel Del Coronado is an icon in the area and my favorite shot was captured in the hotel lobby. I learned to adjust the ISO on my camera to capture shots in low light – plus Christian challenged us to look at our subjects from a unique perspective. I’m looking forward to the next class!”

    -Maile Geis

  2. “Just wanted to let you know that I enjoyed Chis’s advanced class this past weekend and will definitely be recommending the courses to other students.”

    – Stephanie Fong

  3. “TALK ABOUT PICTURE PERFECT…

    I recently got into photography and decided to take a Digital Photography class at this school!

    When you walk in, you are in awe of the space! WOW! I would love to live here! It’s huge! There is a HUGE room where they have photo shoots which has a kitchen and loft. It seemed very “East Coast” vibey and got my creative juices flowing!

    Christian Michaels was our instructor and he was very knowledgeable about photography! I could have sat there for hours learning about photography! I can’t wait to take an advanced class here!”

    -Hula Ramos

  4. “I really enjoyed the time in his class. I will be back again For the 5 th ! Chris is so awsome! He is an A+ teacher!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

    -Heni Thoma

  5. “We got so much out of the course. Being fairly new to DSLR cameras and photography, I can’t think of what could have been included, that wasn’t. We have already begun to use the information we learned and are taking better photos! Thanks so much!”

    – Beth Vicker

  6. “Chris, Here are 2 photos each from Sean and I. We had a great time in the class also and learned an incredible amount about the camera. We have been out a couple of times shooting since the class and are able to get much better results now since learning about the camera controls. We appreciate you having the class and being a great teacher! I have already recommended the class to others – hopefully they take it! Thanks again. We had a good time!”

    – Jessica & Jeffrey

  7. “Chris: Just wanted to extend a sincere thanks for your efforts in making the class a success. It was exactly what I had hoped for. You really opened my photographic eyes to the possibilities of what to shoot and some great techniques to do it. I also enjoyed your perspective on mental aspect of photography. I now realize that is why I have been attracted to it as a hobby. I hope I can email you from time to time for your opinions / advice.”

    – Mark Zucker

  8. “Thank you so much for the wonderful class on Saturday. I feel like I can confidently tinker with the camera now. Now I just need to tinker in a more meaningful way. The class was exactly what I was looking for and you taught it very well.”

    – Kahleb

  9. “Thank you so so very much for the wonderful class! Leo and I actually had a great time learning altho it was a lot to take in in one day. 🙂 You’re a great teacher! and you know what? because of you, we actually had fun editing our pictures using Photoshop & NIK softwares and we spent hours doing it without getting frustrated. 🙂 especially ME!”

    – Miri Kim & Leo Linares

  10. “Hi Richard,
    I wanted to follow up with you and let you know how much I enjoyed my photo classes on Saturday with Patty. I had a lot to learn-I knew virtually nothing about my camera. Patty broke down the basics in understanding how my camera works- aperture, shutter speed, ISO. We then hit the streets of San Diego challenging me to use what I’d learned in a variety of settings. Patty was friendly, helpful, and encouraging.

    I’m off to Africa and look forward to using my newly acquired skills.
    Happy summer.”

    -Jackie Durward

  11. “I thoroughly enjoyed working with Martin Miller. He was encouraging, well prepared and taught me a great deal about composition. I would definitely attend other workshops with him. Valuable insight!”

    -Suzanne

  12. “Martin Miller from Digital Photo Academy made this meet up really profitable. His overall comments and individual instruction were clear and concise and very encouraging.”

    -Jennifer

  13. “Prior to working with Patty, I was having trouble getting my camera to focus on the primary subject and eliminating the background noise. Patty was able to quickly help me make adjustments to own my camera and show me how to capture my subject as the primary focal point of the image. This picture is one of the first results of her teaching. I am looking forward to joining Patty again for another class in the field. Thank you, Patty!”

    -Parish

    • Any editor would love this image. You included enough of the background to give “place” to the image. Her head turned just so really lends it’s self to what’s going on in the background. I would crop the left side of the image just to the black line, you have plenty of room to do that. Thank you for giving me credit toward your improvements.

  14. “Thanks for your event. I enjoyed learning about composition besides socializing.
    Mr. Miller is very patient and professional. He has so much to teach us. I am an amateur learning in how to use my iPhone features with the camera and today, I gained experiences in learning more… please, let me know when you have another event, and I will pass down to my friends… it was great!”

    -Gisela

  15. “Had a workshop class this weekend the basics and also compilation. Martin was my instructor and to be honest I️ don’t think I️ have the words to describe how nice and patient and knowledgeable he was. Both of the classes where incredible and such a great price. I️ look forward to taking more classes when Martin is teaching again!”

    -Mayra

  16. Great experience for setting your home town in a new view. I was able to see what a pro looks for when walking the streets or seeing the bay. I highly suggest for beginners to experienced photographers.

  17. I had an amazing time and took some phenomenal photos!! I’ll make sure he joins the facebook page to upload some of his snaps. Thank you so much for the amazing experience – I definitely won the birthday gift competition this year 😉 .

    Best,

    Alexi

  18. I learned in a lot in just a few hours. Martin was a fantastic instructor who showed me how to get the most out of my camera, and helped me learn composition to be able to take memorable photos that can tell a story. Well worth it for anyone who wants to become a better photographer.

  19. I purchased the Digital Photography Live-In-The-Field at the L.A. Arboretum course for my father for his birthday. He loved it! Mom had just bought him a high-end mirrorless camera, which was above his skill level since he had really only used a point-and-shoot in the past. So, to get him comfortable with his new camera in the field, I thought this course would be a good fit. Dad really enjoyed it and captured some beautiful nature shots and has since created some treasured family photo memories for us since taking this course. The instructor was very approachable, took his time with the students, and facilitated a fun and educational experience. This experience makes for a terrific gift. My parents are in their ’70s, so I am finding that they value experiences over material items at this age.

  20. I really enjoyed the workshop. Since my previous photography teacher retired in August of 2023, I’ve been looking for a photography workshop or class that is interesting, challenging and fun, and this workshop met my expectations; in fact it exceeded those expectations. I’m looking forward to taking some of the other Composition in the Field workshops as I really like what is taught and the locations that we can explore. By the way, even though it rained for almost the entire time of our workshop, Martin found work around’s to keep us engaged and focused on finding interesting images (I’ve attached a couple of them).

  21. Hi Martin,

    Thanks again for another outstanding photographic outing! It’s a pleasure working with you as I always learn so much. As I said during our class (and Dorothy agreed!) to work with someone like yourself is a fantastic privilege. Not only are you a master photographer, but a master teacher as well. Also, thanks for your kind words regarding my path in exploring Black & White Photography. I look forward to taking another Composition in the Field class with you soon.

    All the Very Best!

    John Hamilton

  22. Thank you so much for the class, it was really great. Martin was patient when I couldn’t figure it out. I am still trying to transfer the pictures in my camera to computer. Martin encouraged me to submit some of my photos to San Diego County Fair the photo contest.
    I may possibly do it. I’m looking at my schedule for your next class when I’m avaliable. I am following you Instagram page now.

    Thanks again.

    Dorothy

  23. The DPA team has to coordinate the DPA workshops across the whole country; which I imagine entails a lot of names. Your national office team members and the folks who teach where they live do a wonderful job. That’s why I keep coming back!

  24. Martin

    I appreciate the guidance you provided in class. It has taken my passion for photography in a new direction. More importantly, I’m having a great time doing it.

  25. You have been a wonderful support and resource for me and it’s truly appreciated.

    I look forward to speaking to both Martin and John as I don’t want to make the same mistake I did when I bought the camera I gave my grandson.

    Martin was an excellent tutor but the camera was just too complex for me and is better suited fit my young, sharp minded grandson.

    Again, thank you for your support.

    Best regards, Joe

  26. I think this was a great start for me. Made me start thinking and I need more practice. I think I will plan on coming again next month.
    Please let me know when the class is.

  27. The class was great. I enjoyed brushing up on the principles of photography. And learned some tecnics I’m definitely going to implement on my everyday shooting.

  28. I thought the class was great! John is a great teacher, and was very thorough. Not sure the camera I rented is the best for me to start with, as I had some difficulty navigating all the menus. He suggested I might try one with more button controls vs. screen menus, so I will be checking out some other cameras.

  29. Martin was fantastic and I learned so much today and definitely became a better photographer!! He stayed til the last minute and I got some great shots I hope to use in my portfolio! Fun group too!

    Thanks so much and happy holidays!

  30. Martin was great! I learned a lot and am excited to keep practicing. Thank you Martin for all your help and knowledge.
    The small group size is perfect, anyways nice to meet others with similar interests. Martin gave us all individual help as well as group help.
    I will check out the two sites mentioned.
    Thank you again and look forward to more classes.

  31. Mr. Rabinowitz, your assistance has been invaluable, and I will certainly recommend Digital Photo Academy should any of our contacts require photography instruction.

    Sincerely,
    Jaudat Shaad

  32. I can not even express how much I enjoyed Saturday! The first part of the day was so informational, I gained a lot of knowledge about my camera and photography in general. I can not thank you enough for being so patient with me!!

    The Composition part of the class was super inspirational and I intend on practicing a lot!! Which I obviously need!! You will be happy to know I took a lot of pics at the German Club dance show that my Great Niece and Nephew performed at directly on my way home from our class. Then I did stop by the tree I have been eyeing to photograph for at least 10 years!! It took some searching of the correct dirt road to take but I did it!!

    At home I will continue studying all of the different ISO, Aperture and Shutter speeds of my pics to try to improve!!

    I am planning on signing up for the July class at Liberty Station. I will also keep an eye out for a class at Balboa Park that will be taught by you!

    Again, I can not thank you enough for all of your help!!

  33. Today’s sessions far exceeded my expectations and I had high expectations going in. Martin is a phenomenal teacher and though obviously expert in the field, he clearly went out of his way to ensure I had a good experience by meeting me where I was at, developmentally. I learned so much today and just want the opportunity to do more of it.

    Thanks!

  34. Thank you so much Martin for such a great class. I really appreciate you taking the time with me yesterday! I learned a lot working with you and I am even more eager to get out there and take some photos!!

    Here’s a picture I took and edited.

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