Photography Workshops | How to be a Photographer

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Death Valley

Our most popular 2-day workshop. Discover what makes Death Valley so mysterious!

November 2021

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Valley of Fire

Come explore and capture the natural sandstone wonders, and mystery, of Valley of Fire!

November 2021

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Eastern Sierra

The Eastern Sierra region offers a wide variety of unique and amazing locations for day and night photography!

October 2021

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Mount Shasta

California's hidden gem! This area offers many vistas, waterfalls, lavender fields and more!

July 2021

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Yosemite After Dark

Join us and learn how to capture the night sky and moon-bows against the mighty Yosemite Valley backdrop!

June 2021

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Yosemite After Dark Photography Workshop

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So many of us are passionate about photography, and whether it's our bread and butter, or a hobby enjoyed while making new friends and visiting beautiful locations, it is important to us, and adds to the richness of our lives. During this time of concern, at the Aperture Academy, we understand that most people have been touched in a big way by the Outbreak of COVID-19, but we want to remind you that you are not alone-we are all in this together! Our students are family, and we support each other, and will get through this together!

The Aperture Academy (as are so many others), is feeling the huge impact of the COVID-19 situation, but we want to reassure you that at our office we are doing our best to field customer questions and concerns, while staying vigilant and in communication with our local Government agencies, National Park Service, and the Forest Service. We urge everyone to please follow the CDC guidelines for COVID-19 in an effort to help keep all of our families safe and healthy! For updated information, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/.

What Others Say...

:: Tim R. ::
COVID-19 has challenged everyone. Aperture Academy has risen to the challenge and presented a great workshop in Mount Shasta. Monique's frequent COVID-19 updates were timely and gave comfort knowing that everyone was paying attention. Instructor Brian Rueb implemented the COVID-19 requirements and provided a fabulous workshop experience. His amazing ability to switch between students of different expertise and variety of cameras made it possible for everyone to take many quality photos at each location. All students were respectful of everyone's space and the face covering requirement. Great job Aperture Academy!

:: Alice C. ::
My family and I had a terrific experience with Brian Rueb from Aperture Academy. We were a family group taking a private photography tour of Joshua Tree National Park in the middle of COVID, so this was challenging! That said, we all felt safe (and several of us are doctors, one of them over 75 years old, so we're on the cautious side), Brian was flexible and helpful, and the photographs were fantastic. Attached is a photo I took on the trip -- which was my second experience EVER with a manual SLR. Our photography tour was easily the highlight of our Joshua Tree trip.

Brian met us the evening before our 2 day workshop in order to do a quick introduction/orientation. We did this with masks, socially distanced. The next two mornings, Brian met us in his own vehicle before sunrise, and we'd caravan to the first shooting site. Everyone wore masks, but it was still quite easy for Brian to give us pointers on technique or good places to take photos. Our group had both experienced photographers and beginners, and we all enjoyed it.

If you want to try photography or improve your existing skills, and you want to have a great experience while staying safe in a pandemic, I highly recommend Aperture Academy.