Alejandro Velarde Photography

(7 reviews)

Miss Jessica is a wonderful teacher of piano. It's amazing how a room of young children pick up how…read moreto play and read music so quickly with her. My daughter has been loving her lessons with Miss Jessica and asks for additional music to play or tries to figure out notes to some of her favorite songs. Ms. Jessica also arranges a recital at the end of each series of classes which was a great experience for my daughter.

We are so pleased with Miss Jessica and her piano classes! My son absolutely loves her classes…read more It's impressive the way she manages multiple kids in one class. My son has learned so much from her. And best of all, he really has learned an appreciation of music. Miss Jessica communicates clearly and effectively with parents. She somehow manages to have high expectations for her students yet teach them in a friendly way that the kids really respond to. Her recitals are also a wonderful way for the kids to display what they have learned. Low key yet tremendously special at the same time. I highly recommend!

A B C Preschool

(1 review)

They are great! My son went to ABC Preschool and Pine Japanese Language After School. He has…read morelearned a lot! I'm glad we have them in the SF Bay Area.

Audio Institute of America

(2 reviews)

Having familiarity in the field, this Institute has it all. The University allows for the students…read moreto do much research and knowledge of book development. Audio Institute of America gives their students a solid foundation in the industry of audio engineering and music production.

Hi, Audio Institute Of America is a great school for beginners, that would like to enter the Music…read moreindustry. I completed the course in 2009 and learned so much about becoming a Recording Engineer, and Mr. Miller(Big Boy Pete) is #1! I submitted my songs that I composed to BMI Music and all songs got accepted. Thank You Mr. Miller, Amy Kelley.

Joey's Surf Lessons

(3 reviews)

I took a lesson with Joey at Ocean Beach a few weeks back after having not been on a surfboard in a…read morelong time. Joey was communicative, prompt, encouraging, flexible (met me at a different spot that worked better for me), technical, and answered all my questions - all while maintaining a laid back vibe. I felt much more confident being in the water (OB, no less) and on the board by the end of our lesson! Would highly recommend!

The first thing I did when I found out I was going to San Francisco for the first time was book a…read moresurf lesson, and I am really glad I did. Communication and planning with Joey beforehand was super easy, and he met me at the beach with a board and wet suit ready to go first thing in the morning the day of. We covered some on land basics and then headed into the water. He picked waves, helped push me into them, and i even managed to stand up a few times on the board!! We chatted a bunch about how to read the water, time the waves, how to maneuver yourself and the board if bigger waves are coming in while youre trying to go out. I was comically bad, but he was encouraging the whole time. And i feel prepared enough to pick out a board and try some non guided surfing at my local east coast beaches! All in all great experience for something I've wanted to do for a long time.

Michael Wong Driving Instructor School

(20 reviews)

Michael is a calm, patient, and thorough teacher…read more He responded promptly to my request for a driving session, picked me up at work, and took me driving for more than two hours of practice. After warming up on city streets, we entered and exited freeways many times (during rush hour!) to practice merging, lane changes, and adjusting from highway driving back to city streets. I felt completely safe at all times. Michael gave me very practical instruction on checking the blind spot, watching for pedestrians, defensive driving, etc. The lesson cost $220. For my situation (licensed but inexperienced driver), one lesson was all I needed.

Michael was patient, thorough, and supportive! I was able to pass my driving test after initial…read moreattempt. He helped me focus and improved my driving anticipation when I was behind the wheel. He was a huge help with my hip issues by providing a cushion to help ease my back pain and thereby helping me focus on defensive driving! His supportive but tough approach to defensive driving help me get over my behind the wheel anxiety. It was a great learning experience in addition to a thorough instruction in defensive driving fundamentals! Michael wong is worth the investment !

Cross-Culture Communications

(12 reviews)

In the blink of an eye, I've been working with Susan for almost four years now. An updated review…read moreis long -overdue! Susan has been instrumental in facilitating my career transition from one in technology to one in public service. In the past few years, we worked together in "branding" my background, restructuring my resumes, and reviewing my public essays. When it's been necessary, we've had mock verbal interactions to better prepare me for interviews and public events! The constant feedback that I've received from her has helped refine my communication skills to this day. A critical step in my career pivot has been obtaining a Master degree in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School. Susan was a trusted advisor during the grueling application process and served as a good sounding board while I was at school. Her flexibility in conducting coaching sessions over Skype allowed us to continue even though I was no longer in the Bay Area. Her support was essential in helping me make the most out of my graduate program. Due to the nature of my work, Susan and I often discuss political and policy issues during our meetings. I have always been impressed by her awareness of current events and her intellectual capacity to question and debate ideas. Not only is she coaching me to communicate my ideas better, but she is also ensuring my ideas are sound and defensible. Thanks to her, I am now able to articulate political and policy positions confidently and succinctly. Susan has indeed become one of my trusted confidants! There's no doubt in my mind that Susan is one of the catalysts who helped jump start my career in public service. I don't think you'll find a better communication instructor and career coach than Susan.

I moved to the US two years ago to pursue my career goals in the business heartland of the Bay…read moreArea. Realizing how important communication is on this journey, I was looking for a tutor who can help me recognize my errors and understand the more in-depth, cultural aspects of the English language. I have worked with Susan on my English language communication skills since I started looking for my first job in San Francisco. She has helped me throughout each stage of the interview process, asking me the right questions that I could use to better navigate between companies in finding my next opportunity. She has been focused and highly professional during the full time of our sessions, kindly helping me with mock interview questions and discussing the parts where I had more room for improvement. Her knowledge of the English language is extraordinary. I have been deeply impressed by her explanations of the small and essential details that make pronunciation sounds more natural for a foreigner. She has quickly identified all my personal mispronounced sounds so we could focus on those more efficiently. There is no need for better proof of Susan's highly professional approach and knowledge than the fact that I just started my new job two weeks ago. I would warmly recommend her to any of my friends!

Terra Schools

(33 reviews)

Terra has felt like San Francisco's best kept secret for our family. The biggest thing we noticed…read moreearly on was how much our son genuinely looks forward to going to school. He comes home excited to talk about what he learned, what he built, and what he explored that day, which gave us confidence that we made the right choice. We visited a few public and private schools with a strong Mandarin immersion program. What stood out with Terra over time was how balanced the learning feels, both inside and outside the classroom. Academically, he has grown steadily in both English and Mandarin, and at the same time we have seen real growth in confidence, independence, and how he works through challenges. The outdoor program has been especially meaningful for him. Spending time learning outside each week has clearly shaped how he approaches learning. He often comes home talking about things he created or discovered in nature, and those experiences seem to stick with him in a way that traditional classroom lessons sometimes do not. The small class size has made a big difference for our family. His teachers really know him as an individual, including both his strengths and the areas where he needs more guidance. That level of attention has helped him grow academically and emotionally without feeling pressured to fit into a single mold. We have also appreciated how involved the parent community is. It feels collaborative, and communication between families and the school is very open. The after-school enrichment classes like engineering, cooking, and art have been another highlight because they give him more ways to explore interests he might not otherwise try. Terra is a smaller school, but for us that has created a strong sense of connection and support. Most importantly, our son feels happy, challenged, and excited to learn, which is ultimately what we were hoping to find in a school.

Teachers' changing rates are too high, seems like they can't keep teachers long term, my kid was…read morethere and he has teachers changed for 3 times in one semester. Then I checked their teachers comments on the school, it's really bad.

Wedding Photography By IQphoto

(296 reviews)

When I was thinking of proposing to my then girlfriend, I already knew of Joseph's reputation,…read moreskill, and experience as he is one of the top San Francisco proposal photographers and has been around for over a decade. It was a no brainer. And knowing that this guy has been doing it for so long tells you he is consistent in his work, he does great work, and his clients love him (obviously he has 5 stars everywhere!) When you want someone to photograph this once in a lifetime moment, you know you need the expertise of someone like Joseph, who has photographed hundreds of proposals himself. I knew of his reputation as one of the best San Francisco wedding photographer companies, but can wholeheartedly recommend him for all photography needs as he puts a lot of care and time into all his clients.

Joseph saved the day when my booked photographer cancelled last minute the day before I planned the…read moreproposal. His care for detail in instructions for proposal sessions made it so that I felt at ease the day of. The photos came out amazing and captured the feeling of that day perfectly. Highly recommend!

Apple Tree Children Center

(99 reviews)

We feel incredibly fortunate to have had our daughter attend Apple Tree for a short but very…read moreimpactful six months before we moved out of San Francisco. It was, without a doubt, one of the best decisions we made for her early development and happiness. From day one, we had complete confidence in Jasmine and her dedicated team. They made a thoughtful effort to ensure our daughter felt welcome during her transition into daycare--bringing her favorite toys (baby dolls) to her at drop-off to help soothe her. By the third day, she was no longer crying at drop-off and quickly began looking forward to going to school. She regularly talks about her amazing teachers--Chloe, Toni, and Ruby--and all the friends she made in her classroom. One standout example of Apple Tree's incredible attention to detail: during her very first week, they surprised us by celebrating her 2nd birthday with a cake and singing, even though she was brand new. She was absolutely beaming in the photos they shared with us. The classroom activities were varied, thoughtful and based on monthly themes. We loved receiving weekly photo updates that showed all the fun and educational things she was doing. It was clear she was thriving in this environment. A unique and helpful perk of Apple Tree is the monthly Parent's Day--offering full-day weekend drop-in care. This gave us valuable time to recharge, knowing she was in a safe and familiar space where she was happy and well-cared for. We also really appreciated the flexibility Apple Tree provided with our variable weekly schedule, allowing for earlier drop-offs when needed. Since starting at Apple Tree, our daughter's confidence and independence have blossomed. The school gently encouraged her to do things on her own--like putting on her jacket and shoes--which built her self-esteem. We started potty training over spring break, and thanks to the attentive support from her teachers, she was fully potty trained within a month. There are so many more positive things we could say about Apple Tree. We are deeply grateful for the nurturing and joyful community they created, and we feel so lucky our daughter was a part of it, even for a short time. If you're considering enrolling your child here and have any hesitations, let this review be the encouragement you need--Apple Tree is truly a gem.

We have been sending our daughter to Apple Tree for the past year and a half, since she was a baby,…read moreon the recommendation of a friend. Now as a toddler, she loves to tell us about her friends and teachers there. Jasmine and the team are very warm, experienced and communicative, and all the kids look delighted to see them each day at dropoff. They plan an amazing range of activities, usually with a fun "theme" of the week, and we've noticed at home that she picks up practical skills like tidying and putting on clothes. We also appreciate that they have a large outdoor space, and provide meals for the kids. We are very grateful and would highly recommend!

SOMA Daycare & Preschool

(60 reviews)

We sent both of our sons to SOMA over the course of four years. Our older son was there for three…read moreyears, and our younger son for one. We would have happily kept sending our younger son there longer, but we moved to Berkeley. We had such a wonderful experience at SOMA. Over the years, we built really close relationships with the teachers--so much so that on our son's last day, all of us were tearing up. It really felt like saying goodbye to people who had become part of our family's daily life. Our kids loved the teachers, the activities, and all the little "firsts" they experienced there. They learned how to try new things, make friends, share, work through conflicts, and grow in so many ways. The teachers were also amazing partners for us as parents, helping us guide the kids through changes, transitions, and the normal ups and downs of family life. Communication was another thing we really appreciated. Between Brightwheel updates, photos, messages, and seeing the teachers every day at drop-off and pick-up, we always felt connected and supported. It truly felt like we had partners helping us through some of the most important years of our kids' lives. SOMA set the bar so high that when our older son started kindergarten, it was a real adjustment. No daily pictures? No regular drop-off and pick-up chats with teachers? No easy messaging? We had gotten spoiled. And when we moved to Berkeley, it was hard to find another preschool that matched the warmth, care, and community we had at SOMA. We're so grateful our kids got to spend those four years there. We'll really miss SOMA and the wonderful teachers who made such a lasting impact on our family.

SOMA has been an incredibly special place for our family and, most importantly, for our son . We…read morejoined the SOMA community after moving to San Francisco from Houston, and it was a year filled with big changes and emotions for our little one. From day one, the teachers at SOMA welcomed him with open arms, creating a warm, nurturing, and joyful environment where he could truly thrive. The care, empathy, and intention the staff brings to each child is remarkable. The teachers took the time to understand our son as an individual--his personality, his sensitivities, his interests--and supported him through his transitions with patience and love. Under their guidance, we saw him blossom socially, emotionally, and intellectually. He is always full of stories about his teachers and friends. SOMA is more than just a preschool--it's a place that values connection, creativity, and growth. We're so grateful to the entire team for such a strong and loving foundation. While we're sad to be leaving due to a move, SOMA will always have a very special place in our hearts.

Holistic Seedlings

(13 reviews)

Massiva, Younes and their family are such warm and supportive caregivers and I am so grateful that…read morethey founded Holistic Seedlings and I feel so blessed that we were fortunate enough to find them online and for our son Camden to be accepted into their program. What Massiva offers at Holistic Seedlings is truly unique. It is clear that running her daycare, in the way in which she does, is both her passion and purpose in life. She an exceptional cook and with her holistic nutrition knowledge she makes the most delicious and nourishing food from scratch for all the children every day. (Breakfast, lunch and snacks). She often shares homemade snacks, dates or freshly baked sourdough loaves with the parents as well! She takes the children to their community garden every week to teach them about where their food comes from, how to tend to the plants and how to harvest and enjoy whatever is in season. Her eldest sons host and teach soccer every Friday afternoon. Their support and influence has had a remarkable impact on my son, who loves soccer and basketball and clearly looks up to the older boys and enjoys playing with them. It warms my heart to see Camden so well taken care of. Massiva and her husband Younes, provide such a warm and loving environment at their home. I trust them wholeheartedly and I honestly could not imagine what I would do without their holistic support. My husband and I felt instantly at ease with them, in contrast to other daycares we visited that just cannot compare. An added bonus is that Massiva an excellent and creative photographer! The regular photos she sends parents through the daycare app are an absolute gift and treasure for us to have. We can see all the wonderful activities she has created for the children and get to witness all of the joy that radiates from their smiling and excited faces. I also keep each of these high quality photos as a document of my son's growth and development. I also so appreciate the bi-monthly mother meetings that Massiva hosts to bring the mums together over a delicious homemade meal to discuss important topics related to our children and how best we can support them and align in our approach. Most importantly it's been an incredible blessing to find someone like Massiva that shares so many of my own concerns and values regarding nutrition and a blend of both traditional and modern, holistic approach to childcare. Her care is not only consistent with our approach at home but supports, amplifies and exceeds any expectations we could have for Camden's health, happiness and wellbeing.

We've had our little one at the holistic seedlings wonderschool for just about six months now from…read morethe age of 11 months. From the moment we met Massiva, we were assured our son would be well taken care of. We have had no problems at all, a testament to how Massiva keeps the kids safe and happy (what more can you ask for?) She fills his tummy with nutritious (and delicious!) food, helped us put him on a regular nap schedule, and she regularly updates us with pics and videos on how much fun he's having throughout the day (indoors and outdoors). Definitely the best option you will find with a home day care in SF.

Cool Valley Kids

(4 reviews)

We had a fantastic experience sending our kid here between the ages of 1.5 and 2.5. Every day, he…read morehad a smile on his face when we dropped him off and a smile on his face when we picked him up. It was wonderful to see how much he flourished and developed here. The staff are very responsive and truly love the children in their care.

We've had such a great experience at Cool Valley Kids! Eli is incredibly warm and caring, and it's…read moreobvious how much attention she gives to each child's individual needs. Stacey and Vika do an amazing job with the food and are always so communicative, which we really appreciate. Stacey also creates opportunities to connect with the wider parent community. It's no pressure, but really valuable if that's something you're interested in. We love getting the daily updates, photos, and videos to see what the kids are up to. It's a bit more expensive than some other options that we looked at, but having meals provided, the overall quality of care, and the super convenient location right off the N line make it totally worth it. Our daughter comes home happy and tired every day, and it's clear she enjoys her time there. I whole heartedly recommend Cool Valley Kids for anyone in the market for a new daycare.

Building Kidz of Daly City

See more unrecommended reviews

(16 reviews)

Inquired for daycare services and was routed to so many different locations when I was referred to…read morethe pacifica location and was told by the regional manager there was spaces for my child. Upon arrival for my tour that was not the case... they took a $25 waitlist fee and the rates provided to me over email were not the rates provided to me upon my visit. Also when I did visit the facility the care takers or teachers looked as if there were in some sort of tension or disagreement. All in all it didn't seem like a peaceful environment I would want my child to be admitted to. Unfortunately building kids isn't for me and the can keep my $25 waitlist fee I guess.

We could not love BK more! The teachers are kind, caring, and nurturing, and you can tell they love…read morewhat they do. Parents are kept in the loop and there are regular updates in the school app. Plus the staff plans fun, themed days for the kids.

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

39 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Karen C.

12 years ago

I've wanted to learn digital photography for most of my adult life and FINALLY made the plunge. Soon after, however, reality set in and I came to the quick realization that I had absolutely NO idea how to actually USE the camera I had just invested in. I took two classes; one from a camera shop and another from a website that had high reviews and came away from both classes not knowing much more than when I started. Hence, my search for the best instructor for MY personal goals and objectives for photography. Note: I'm convinced that classes/instruction from a camera shop are centered around selling you more equipment and nothing about teaching the basics of photography and beyond. If you want to learn from the best, Alejandro is the one you want. His private, one-on-one classes are customized just for you and money WELL spent. In my opinion, learning photography is liken to learning a foreign language. You have to learn the basics; shutter speed, aperture and ISO before you can conjugate the digital verbs, (composition, lighting adjustments, etc.). The two-hour class I took focused on basics and it's a lot of information to learn, but stay with it. Then...go practice and practice some more. The more you practice the better you become, we all know that, but you have to really DO IT. Once I've become comfortable with my "practice", I'm scheduling my next class with Alejandro to further learn and develop my skills. He is ABSOLUTELY the best and with limited time and resources, I'd be crazy not to continue learning under his instruction. read more

Karl B.

10 years ago

My wife Sue always thinks out of the box when it comes to events. We were in the Bay Area during my birthday week visiting from New York. I never get enough time to explore my photography interests. She surprised me with a 3 hour session with Alejandro. Since it was a total surprise I did not come fully equipped . Alejandro helped me find a local store to purchase an emergency tripod. We had a great 3 hour session to follow. I rarely shoot manual due to lack of confidence. Alejandro took me through a half dozen scenarios from daytime to nighttime scenes. I was able to get several 'keepers'. He is very instructive. Very amiable. It was like hanging out with an professional friend. 3 hours flew by quickly. Would have been willing to go 6. It was a great birthday present. If I lived locally I would certainly try to get more time with Alejandro. Post production instruction is what I would need as well and he offers this as well. He apparently comes over to the east coast at times. I will certainly plan on spending a session with him when he is available here. It was a great birthday surprise gift! Karl read more

Gabriel O.

218

15 years ago

I recently took the introductory class, and I highly recommend this class to others! Alejandro Velarde is an accomplished professional photographer, with great teaching skills allowing me to FINALLY feel comfortable with the manual setting on my SLR. After searching around for photography classes in SF, I found Velarde Photography. For the price of group instruction photography classes at other places, I got a spectacular one-on-one session. It was so worth it! The class started with an hour of theory, and then we practiced taking shots in the SF Botanical Gardens in Golden Gate Park. The theory section of the course was extremely helpful, full of analogies to help me clearly understand SLR photography basics. It was very personalized to things I like to shoot, and putting the theory into action really solidified my understanding. I am off now snapping pics, and am much more comfortable with my SLR. Thanks Alejandro Photography! Not only did I enjoy the class, I came out of the class inspired to take more pictures! I will be back for the advanced class once I get more practice in! read more

E M.

11 years ago

I highly recommend Alejandro's photography lessons. I contacted him while I was working on some research for which I needed to take architectural photographs (one of his areas of specialty). While the quality of my photographs did not need to be award-winning, I wanted to do the best job possible on this aspect of my research. I didn't know where to start and needed advice on equipment as well as lessons. I found Alejandro to be very knowledgeable, experienced and professional. He listened to me explain my project and suggested versatile equipment which matched my needs and wasn't too expensive. I could not have completed my project as well as I did without the camera and tripod he suggested. He is an organized and thorough teacher and patient in answering questions. While he clearly understands the complexities of photography (some of which is over my head!), he was able to communicate in a clear manner and I had all of my questions answered. I learned what I had hoped I would in just 2 lessons! If you are serious about learning how to use a camera I would suggest Alejandro! read more

Courtney T.

13 years ago

I recently had a one-on-one photography lesson with Alejandro and my relatively new DSLR camera, and it was terrific! Alejandro is extremely knowledgeable about photography and a great teacher. Alejandro specifically asked about my knowledge in different areas so as not to waste time on subjects with which I was already familiar. He quickly figured out the settings on my camera, allowing me to learn more about the equipment and experiment with ways in which I could use the settings to capture more creative photos. After discussing my camera and some theory (he also provides a helpful "cue" sheet), I was able to exercise the information that he shared and do some actual shooting. It was very helpful to be able to take a picture and have Alejandro critique the outcome, as this was one of my main goals of the lesson. Overall, I really enjoyed my lesson with Alejandro and am ready to put all of his advice into practice. I would definitely recommend a lesson with Alejandro and felt that my two hours with him was much more valuable than a multi-week group class! read more

Kristen L.

12 years ago

I was given a photography class with Alejandro as a birthday gift. He worked with me to find a time for our session, was on time and completely prepared for our lesson. He is incredibly knowledgeable and a very great teacher for an amateur. We spent just under 2/3 of our lesson in a cafe going through all the adjustable features of my camera and how they affect the final picture. He had a very helpful printout to go through and was able to explain complex camera features with simple examples. Once outside, he brought items to photograph to explain aperture and shutter speed and how they interact. He was very easy going yet very hands on in helping test out different creative angles. He had a lot of good advice that I will continue to use as I further my photography knowledge. I also feel he would be a great teacher for more advanced students, and I intend to schedule another session to learn about photograph editing software. I highly recommend him as a teacher, and I personally share his style of photography so it was a great learning experience! read more

Mark R.

13 years ago

As prep for our upcoming honeymoon trip to Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, my fiance and I scheduled a couple hours of private lesson time with Alejandro. We wanted to make sure we had the basics down on our cameras so we don't come back from a once-in-a-lifetime vacation with a bunch of blurry pictures. While I have a little more photography experience than my fiance, it was very helpful time for both of us. Alejandro walked us through all the specifics of our cameras (Canon 5D Mark II and Canon 30D) and walked us through the theory of photography and then worked with us on practical exercises to demonstrate and practice what we had been taught. His way of explaining the theory was all very easy to understand and logical. Extra star for his follow-up - Alejandro reached out a couple days after we had spent time with him to check in and see if we had any follow-up questions and also asking if we needed any other help with lens choices for the trip (I had asked for some thoughts on longer telephoto and prime lenses for safari). read more

Barbara D.

11 years ago

I just finished my second private lesson with Alejandro and I wish I lived closer so that I could do regular sessions with him. I live on the East Coast and contacted him before my trip so we could schedule a session. He was very flexible with the timing and offered suggestions when I told him what I was hoping to learn and shoot while I was in town. A friend joined our session and between the two of us we came away with shots that I'm thrilled with. I learned how to handle low light situations that I've always struggled with and take advantage of some more settings on my camera that I hadn't used before. Alejandro's enthusiasm for photography is contagious and he takes a down to earth approach with his clients no matter what the level. He provides an environment where you aren't afraid to ask silly questions, and gave me some good tips that I will use regularly. Check out his amazing work at http://www.velardephotography.com/ and schedule a session if you want to take your photography to the next level. read more

Vasu V.

13 years ago

My family loves taking photos and while certainly not pros, they do take some really good pictures. However, we were not getting the results we'd hoped for from the DSLR particularly for night and action shots. I knew a general group lesson would not work for us, and found Alejandro's services on yelp. Based on reviews, I looked up his website. His photography was spectacular and I knew we'd found the right photographer to help us. Alejandro took the time to understand what we were looking for and personalized the lessons based on the input. He gave them some really useful pointers, is very patient, flexible, and really took the time to ensure we 'got it', by having us take a lot of photos and giving tips to improve each 'take'. We really enjoyed his lessons and came away feeling the sessions were worth every penny. Since then, we've taken some really good night shots of the SF skyline. We are very pleased and would highly recommend Alejandro's private lessons. read more

Arwa S.

13 years ago

I signed up for a lesson with Alejandro and found it really helpful in understanding the basic concepts of photography and simply knowing your camera equipment. After his class I never went back to using Auto mode on my camera again. We covered the basics of Exposure, Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO and White Balance. With exercises to better understand the Depth of Field and other features such as panning his class helped me improve my understanding of composition. Alejandro was really patient and worked with me to understand these basic principles of photography. I had an amazing experience and I would definitely recommend his tutoring to all. I have been to other photography lessons before but I must say that I found Alejandro's class the most beneficial. He is an amazing photographer himself and will make sure you walk away with a better understanding and a wonderful experience to get you started with your own photography ventures. read more

K S.

13 years ago

I have been interested in learning more about photography and recently looked into courses on yelp. Alejandro's appealed to me because of his excellent reviews, amazing photographs and that the course is one on one allowing it to be catered to my skill level. The course was exactly what I needed. Alejandro went over the basics of SLR to give me a better understanding of the settings on my camera and how they effect the end result. After thorough explanation with helpful analogies, Alejandro helped bring it all together with practice shots at the end with a focus on depth of field. I feel much more comfortable with the manual settings on my camera and am now excited to get out and practice before following up with another session with him to further expand my knowledge and skills. Alejandro was a great instructor and is an amazing photographer. I would definitely recommend him. read more

Max T.

13 years ago

We are trying to sell a property and we were not happy with the photos taken by our agent's photographer, then we heard about Alejandro Velarde from an architect friend who is using Alejandro's services to photograph architecture and interior projects in order to promote his business. Our friend was definitely right; Alejandro asked a lot of important questions about the location, the light and direction of the property against the sun, he also takes the time to understand what we wanted to emphasize in the images, and he came up with great suggestions on angles that we had not even thought about, then he also recommended different ways to stage the place, and he was able to capture details that are unique to our property. I would definitely recommend Alejandro for your architecture and interior photography needs. read more

Kelly B.

14 years ago

Our San Francisco firm utilized Velarde Photography to decorate our new office space. Alejandro was extremely personable, efficient and professional. He came by our office initially to see the space and made recommendations as to how many pictures we needed and what sizes. He also gave us suggestions on which photos would look best in our space. Ultimately we selected the photos. We ordered over a dozen 16X24 framed photos and they arrived in our office within the week. A couple of the frames were slightly damaged and he immediately dealt with the issue and two new pictures arrived within a few days. We couldn't have been happier with the quality of the photos, the efficiency in delivery and the customer service. I would highly recommend Velarde Photography for home or office. read more

Derek T.

11 years ago

My wife and I took a 3 hour photography lesson from Alejandro prior to our Honeymoon in Tanzania. Neither of us had any experience with digital photography (we were point and shoot and auto mode regulars). That changed immediately after working with Alejandro. He is an unbelievably patient, comprehensive, and methodical teacher. His passion for his work is unquestionable, and it is contagious. We came home with wildlife photos that we never would have been prepared to take without the skills that Alejandro taught us in such a short amount of time. I would strongly recommend a photography course with Alejandro for anyone who thinks that they may be interested in exploring photography, you won't regret it! read more

Gemma B.

10 months ago

Alejandro was amazing! I recently got a new camera and could only use it in auto mode, but he broke down the mechanics in a simple, approachable way. I loved that he started with the foundation and took the time to explain everything clearly. He's prompt, communicates well, and made the content easy to grasp. He even brought a worksheet to help guide the lesson. The second half of the class was all hands on practice, which really helped solidify what I had learned. It was a lot of content, but I was engaged the entire time, and he made sure to keep it interesting. I'll definitely be booking another session soon once I've had some time to practice! read more

Chris S.

13 years ago

Having taken a basic group DSLR class in the past, I was looking for a good one on one class to get me off of P and using M more on my camera. I came across Alejandro and I have to say, money well spent. For the first 45 minutes we went through a recap of the basics. Then, to Alejandro's backyard where we practiced depth of field. Finally, for the last 1.5 hours of the 3 hour class, we went to the Sutro baths and too some amazing pictures. Alejandro was fantastic and if I could I would give this 6 stars I would. Once I get better with the basics, I will be going back for an advanced class. read more

Kyle M.

9 months ago

I took Alejandro's beginner photography class and had a fantastic experience. He explained the core fundamentals -- aperture, shutter speed, and ISO -- in a clear and approachable way that made it easy to understand. He was very patient with all my questions and even took the time beforehand to research my specific camera (Ricoh GR IIIx HDF), which I really appreciated. We wrapped up the lesson with a quick drive to Golden Gate Park to put everything into practice. I walked away feeling much more confident and excited to take photos. Highly recommend his class to anyone starting out! read more

Mike S.

11 years ago

After meeting with Alejandro, I would definitely recommend his services. I scheduled a three hour private lesson where we discussed the basics of photography among various other topics. He took his time to explain all of the topics until I was comfortable with the material, and we even did some practice photos at the end of the session. Alejandro was very professional. He arrived to our meeting on time, answered all of my questions and taught me many techniques to help enhance my photo taking for future images. I cannot say enough good things about his service. read more

Ted C.

14 years ago

This class is a must if you want to understand your camera more than reading a manual or go to you tube. Alejandro has the skills to show you how to use your camera. After you take his one on one class you will have a different look at how to set up your camera and put the setting to manual rather than t he automatic settings. The two hour class is more than what you could learn from a class or reading a manual. Will be coming back to learn more photography tricks in the near future. read more

Annie T.

15 years ago

I signed up for his private photography lesson upon seeing his Yelp reviews and very reasonable price. I am a beginner who took some classes before but still having trouble on certain shots. Alejandro was patient, detailed, and answered all the questions I had. He also watched me taking several photos and help to point out what I can do to improve. If you are someone who is looking to improve your photography skills, I recommend Alejandro's private lessons. read more

Alejandro Velarde Photography - specialtyschools - Updated August 2026

People who viewed Alejandro Velarde Photography also viewed

Method Photo

(6 reviews)

If you've ever considered taking a class in photography, Alex is type of teacher you want. He…read moreclearly and simply describes each element of the shot (shutter speed, types of film, aperture, etc) and the tradeoffs/adjustments of the camera. During the beautiful walking tour of North Beach, he answers all of your questions no matter how rudimentary or technical. Highly recommended. I can't wait to see how my photos of the parrots at telegraph hill came out.

Fantastic afternoon spent in North Beach. An ideal way for visitors to see some of San Francisco…read morewithout just aimlessly wandering around - you learn about photography at the same time! As a complete rookie it was great to have all the basics clearly explained and demonstrated in a relaxed atmosphere, and then straight away have the chance to put some of that knowledge into practice. Definitely recommended. Tip: Make sure to leave enough time in SF to get your photos back!

Photosprouts Photography Workshops

(77 reviews)

I recently finished the Beginner and Intermediate 1-2 workshops at PhotoSprouts. Jordi is an…read moreamazing and incredibly knowledgeable instructor who knows how to break down technical settings so they actually make sense. Photosprouts provides their own mirrorless cameras and lenses for these workshops but you can bring your own as well. I brought my own and Jordi helped a ton with helping set it up and answered tons of my questions about when to use various features. The class structure is a mix of lectures and immediate hands-on exercises. The photowalks during the intermediate sessions were especially useful for applying manual settings to real-world scenes and learning how to compose shots on the fly. Getting that direct practice with my own gear was the biggest takeaway and I walked away with a much better handle on my camera. Highly recommend PhotoSprouts and I plan to take some of the more advanced workshops in the future!

Christina is the best!…read more I first came across PhotoSprouts when I took a beginner photography lesson in 2023 with Jordi. Afterwards I followed up with questions on what the best camera to buy for a safari would be, and PhotoSprouts owner Christina went above and beyond in helping me compare and contrast the 2 models and lens I was debating. She literally wrote me an essay and I remember being blown away. Fast forward to 2025 when I bought my first real camera (the Canon mirrorless one that she'd recommended two years ago) in advance of a safari honeymoon. I took 2 private lessons with her to learn how to use it. I'm a complete beginner (ex. I barely knew how to attach the lens and adapter to the camera base). Christina is knowledgeable, warm, and patient. She suggested we go to the SF Zoo to practice shooting different animals to best recreate what the honeymoon would be like. We started off with the basics (ex. aperture, ISO, shutter speed) in the Zoo cafe. Christina was prepared with printouts, props, and example pictures which helped me grasp the concepts faster. After we went through the 101 printout, we walked around the zoo to put the concepts in action. It was so helpful to have her next to me so I could ask her all my questions as they came up in real-time. For example, she pointed out that I had a tendency to over-expose my shots (because they looked dark on the LCD and viewfinder when we were out in the sun) and that I could be more aggressive when pressing + holding down the shutter release button. I also only had one battery which died within an hour, and she kindly lent me another for the remainder of class. I was amazed by how much I learned in the 2 hour lesson and took a follow-up lesson on how to import, store, and edit photos. Thank you Christina for the amazing classes and tips!

PKB Visions Photography

(11 reviews)

I've hired several professional photographers to document various stages of our lives (wedding,…read morepregnancies, kids) and the BEST photos are the ones that Paul took. They just look so natural and unstaged. His personality puts you at ease, my kids loved him. I will definitely use him again whatever the next stage may be!

Paul is thoughtful about the setting and subjects, bringing out the the most unique details even in…read morean "ordinary" background. He captures light and contrasts colors and angles so that each photograph tells a story. Not only are his photos just amazing... but Paul makes you feel comfortable in front of a camera. He's funny, professional, accommodating, and makes sure you have fun and look and feel natural in your pictures. You don't need a special occasion - my boyfriend and I hired Paul for an ordinary day in the park, and we cherish those pictures because Paul was able to capture details and feelings in seemingly simple black and white photos. You won't regret picking Paul.

HeadShots Inc

(133 reviews)

To be clear, I have had a number of head shots taken over the last few years, and none as…read moreprofessionally as at Headshots, Inc. Top of the line equipment, excellent direction to the subject, and it's wonderful that you review the potential photos - twice! - to be sure the results are what you want to see. Cannot recommend highly enough.

I had all but given up on getting a great headshot, so I was visibly nervous from my very first…read morecall with Headshots, Inc. But from that moment on, the entire team made me feel like a VIP, delivering an exceptional experience from start to finish. Their professionalism, humor, and attention to detail immediately put me at ease. During the session, their expertise was undeniable. Every element--from the precisely calibrated equipment and meticulous lighting setup to their thoughtful guidance on posing--was designed to highlight my best features naturally. They allowed plenty of time for every possibility (hair, makeup, my neurosis), ensuring the final images captured me at my best: relaxed, polished, and nuanced. Even after the session, their dedication to my satisfaction continued with an artful, meticulous editing process and expert advice on using the photos for social media and professional platforms. The results exceeded my expectations--I finally have headshots I'm proud to share for the first time! A great photography studio is like a trusted mechanic--once you find one, you stick with them for the long haul. Headshots, Inc. is that kind of place.

Eddie Hernandez Photography

(71 reviews)

I'm gonna be real. I was not excited about getting LinkedIn photos taken on a random afternoon. But…read moreoh boy did Eddie completely changed that experience. Let me tell you, this man is a walking encyclopedia of photography! And all other things too, turns out. Let's just say he knows what he's doing! Detail oriented doesn't even cover it, he will notice things you never would and quietly make it all better without making a big deal out of it. What surprised me most was how natural and comfortable the whole thing felt. It was quick, easy, and I genuinely forgot I was being photographed at some point, which I think is the highest compliment you can pay a photographer. Eddie is also just a great person to talk to. 10/10. Would let Eddie photograph my face again without hesitation.

I am between professional roles and wanted an updated, approachable photo for LinkedIn. Eddie was…read morethe perfect choice: he worked with me on location, time of day, and personal presentation. He was friendly and calm during the shoot. And his photos are terrific -- I now have several options to use, all of which I love. I highly recommend Eddie and would hire him again!

OPEN LATE Studio

(3 reviews)

Rami is an extraordinary photographer and art director. I was stoked to hear about his new photo…read morestudio 'OPEN LATE' the photos Rami took were awesome and he was amazing to work with. He has a creative eye and will work with you to deliver extraordinary photos quickly and professionally. I would highly recommend OPEN LATE photo studio for personal, family or event photo needs!

So smooth! And great shots. Have my new headshots on LinkedIn and Insta, will be using others for…read moreYouTube thumbnails. It was a really fun session, and we got a ton of shots in a small amount of time. Thank you, Rami!

Paper Fox Studios

(21 reviews)

Kien is absolutely the guy you want for your wedding photography. The photos he took of our August…read morewedding at a historic hotel are masterpieces of texture and color. I cried when I saw them because they so perfectly convey the atmosphere we were hoping to create with our event--moody, serious, romantic. Kien is a master of light, which allowed him to fully capture the sumptuous details of our venue's indoors and outdoors spaces alike. I was especially impressed by how vibrant he made our dancefloor look, even though it was pitch-dark by the time dancing began! On the business side, Kien is excellent as well. Thanks to a thorough pre-wedding call, and clear communication throughout the day itself, he knew exactly what we wanted him to document, and didn't miss a single moment. I trusted him and his assistant Katrina completely as they efficiently but gently guided us through our day, keeping an eye on the timeline throughout. Also, he sent us our gorgeous photos within one week of our wedding--insanely fast! Do NOT miss the chance to work with Kien for your event.

We had Kien do our Wedding day photographs, which came out amazing, but he also was an incredible…read morehelp when it came to day of schedule and timing logistics that was essential for the day to run smoothly. He expertly guided us thru natural movements and genuine gazes and smiles. He soothed and encouraged uncomfortable bridesmaids and fussy uncles throughout the family portrait sessions. We would highly recommend Kien for any professional photographs, his sheer talent and ease of clarity for direction were absolutely amazing.

Reece and Katrina Photographers

(4 reviews)

I am going to be a senior in the fall and Reece & Katrina took my senior pictures a few weeks ago…read more I was nervous and didn't really know what to expect, but the experience was so great! They were so friendly and very organized with their scheduling and they let me pick the places where I wanted to have the pictures taken. Their photos are of great quality and I was so excited to see how they turned out. The pictures made me feel beautiful and I am more than satisfied. I really liked how they had two photographers taking pictures so you could get creative pictures and have more to choose from. I would 100% recommend them to all of my friends! Thank you so much Reece and Katrina!

A 5 star review for a truly 5 star experience and product! My husband and I chose Reece and…read moreKatrina as our photographers for our November 2013 wedding and we are so thankful that we did. My husband and I had a 5 month engagement and due to timing/distance, we first met with Reece and Katrina over Skype and they had a wonderful way of setting us at ease and making us feel like friends - a feeling that continued throughout our experiences with them. And, without spoiling the surprises here, along the way they go above and beyond in lots of "little" ways to make you feel like less of a "customer" and more of a friend. We were pleasantly surprised to find out that their wedding packages also include an engagement photo session - something that we probably would not have had done/been able to afford otherwise. The engagement session was a great way for us to get to know them and for them to get to know us BEFORE the big day, something I now see as such a good idea and so important. In preparing for the wedding, there was lots of communication beforehand about what shots were wanted and who all would be involved so that when the wedding day came I felt confident that we were all on the same page and didn't once have to worry about the photographers getting the shots I wanted. Every couple is different and Reece and Katrina have a gift for working with each couple to illuminate their personality and style, as I have seen from their many lovely gallery photos. My husband and I were perhaps not as comfortable or artistic in front of a camera as some, but they worked with us to bring out who we are and I never felt like the photos were forced or contrived. They also have a gift for capturing beautiful images in a wide variety of settings. Our wedding was a traditional church wedding in the city of Vallejo - perfect for us but perhaps not the most picturesque setting - and they captured our day beautifully without letting the confines of the setting be a hindrance to that. The photos from both our engagement and wedding were uploaded to their gallery website in a very timely manner and the site itself is easy to use to manage your photos. We opted to include a professional wedding album in our package and it is gorgeous! When it took a little longer than expected to get our album preview ready for us (something that I had hardly noticed) they automatically upgraded the number of pages in the album at no additional cost to us. If you choose Reece and Katrina Photographers as your Engagement/Wedding photographers, I promise you will not be disappointed!

John Griffin Photography

4.2

(17 reviews)

Great wedding photographer! Delivered quality photos as promised; good value for the price he's…read moreoffered. The work he's done for us: http://johngriffinphotography.com/darkroom/share/?client/mondave

First of all, if I could give John ten stars I would do it in a heartbeat!…read more My husband and I were lucky enough to find John to take our wedding pictures. I am BAFFLED as to why anyone would give him a low rating!!! From the very start we were impressed with him. He was kind enough to meet with us at our home and was very attentive when we told him what we wanted. We were both so impressed by his portfolio! One of the reasons we went with John is because it is so clear that he loves his work and is very passionate about it. I had gained some weight before the wedding and was really nervous about seeing our pictures. When John finally showed us our proofs I just about DIED (in a good way)!!! We absolutely LOVED LOVED LOVED our pictures! Apparently so did the people at The Knot magazine because our wedding photos were PUBLISHED! We were completely impressed with John. His website will show that his pictures speak for themselves. We love his photo-journalistic approach because the last thing we wanted was the typical "okay everyone line up in a straight line and say CHEEEZ" photos. We had many formal shots of the bride, groom, bridal party and family. We loved all the pictures of our guests (not an easy task with almost 500 of them). Every picture in focus - every picture gorgeous! I have recommended John to so many friends and they are all just as happy as we are. Again, I believe his work is phenomenal and will be recommending him to many many more people in the future! With all due respect, I have to completely disagree with Julie L.

SRK Headshot Day