I can not recommend this class enough! I've had a basic DSLR for years and used it while traveling…read moreand shot family and friends but even after a couple theoretical classes and countless YouTube videos, I would always struggle with getting my pictures to turn out how I envisioned. I would always get frustrated and go back to auto. Hector and this perfect mix of theoretical and practical application has made me feel so much more confident and I am finally shooting how I always wanted to. I will warn, you do need to do the homework and make sure you stay engaged in the class, as it is a long day, but if you do; it pays off. Hector has a great way of connecting with each student and addressing their needs. Do yourself a favor and book now!

I have been what some may call a semi-professional iPhone photographer for a few years now....which…read moremeans not much of a photographer at all. lol. I travel a lot and love taking pictures of landscapes during my travels. I have long thought about getting my feet wet in the real world of photography. It was an intimidating thought but I was honestly tired with the limitations of a phone camera, so I finally bit the bullet. A friend of my husband's suggested purchasing a Sony Alpha 6000 as a good "starter" camera, so I did. Only problem was, I had no freaking clue how to use it. Cue Hector and his class. I did some research and found Hector. I live in Ontario, so I was hoping to attend a class closer to home (he offers classes in Redlands and Temecula) but it was difficult getting the required amount of attendees to commit. I was tired of waiting, so I went to the San Pedro class. From start to finish, Hector was incredibly professional and responsible. His frequent communication will put the most anxious person's mind at ease. I let him know the equipment I was working with and he told me what I would need for the class. He didn't take payment from us until he received confirmation from the minimum amount of students (I believe it's five) - and he confirms and reconfirms just to be sure. Yes, there's homework. And if you want to get the most out of the class, you will do it and take it seriously. Hector does his best to cover just about everything under the sun regarding your new camera. You will come out learning so much information, and if you haven't done your homework, you may feel a little lost. Plus, you'll hold everybody else back, so don't be that guy. I had a basic knowledge of the things Hector went over because I taught some of it myself by watching youtube videos and practicing. He does provide you with videos to watch on your own prior to to the class. Watch them! They really help you get a better understanding of how to work your camera. The class itself was jam packed with information. He provided us each with our very own binder with all the information we covered. A great reference tool for later when you find yourself forgetting some things. We did countless exercises and Hector was great at checking in with us to make sure we were getting it all. I really had such a great time learning about my camera and really feel like my understanding of photography has increased a great deal. You certainly get more than your money's worth for this course. The day is long, so make sure to get some good rest the night before and come prepared. Be ready to have your mind blown with what your camera can do! Hector truly was an awesome teacher, and I couldn't have been happier with this workshop!

David was great, very positive and encouraging I learned something! Can't wait to the other…read morefoundations courses

Great opportunity for beginners. I loved getting to know my camera I am excited to learn more and…read moretake more classes.

I just needed to leave a review of the Weston Figure Workshop with Mark Comon and Kim Weston. This…read morewas the best photography workshop I have attended. I learned so much, it was inspiring, the other photographers were amazing, and the models were phenomenal to work with. I have been attending classes and workshops for years at CPA, and always have such a great time, then forget to tell the world. If you are looking to really improve your skills, no matter what level, the Weston Figure Workshop is a must. Thank you Mark for all you do and how well you take care of your students.

Kenneth. Is. The. Man. I got an expensive camera 5 years ago from my husband after my son was born…read more I resigned to taking automatic pictures but felt "if we paid all this money, I want better shots." I've been thinking of taking the boot camp for a while, but decided to start slow with the "How to Shoot in Manual Mode Class." My only regret is that I waited so long. I tried using YouTube tutorials, reading articles, etc., but my pictures still weren't coming out anywhere near what I hoped. After this two hour class, my pictures have improved DRAMATICALLY. I'm so mad I waited 5 years to unlock the potential of my camera. I learned more in that two hours than the countless hours spent trying to learn on websites and tutorials. It's hands on, you can ask any question you want, you get to experiment, and they feed you! I mean, come on - snacks?! Sign me up! Kenneth was amazing. His energy was contagious, he was so knowledgeable, but he was able to teach in a way to make even the most photographically challenged students understand. His assistant Hector was so knowledgeable, too, and was available for questions. Per their recommendation, I'm going to practice every day and then sign up for more classes once it becomes more second nature. I cannot wait for my next experience here. Thank you, Creative Photo Academy, Kenneth, and Hector for the gift of creativity! Can't wait to see you again!

So I have had my camera on auto-mode for way too long. However, I have done significant youtube…read morevideo viewing of how to get out of that plus have friends that are photographers and have always wanted to be at least an OK picture taker. I decided to look up a Groupon and then was directed to this group. Upon arriving there was a small room with chairs facing the front of the class and our class teacher Stephen. The location was actually pretty easy to find after receiving an email from someone letting us know the day before the location had changed. The class I will say was informative and definitely what someone with no experience should look into. For me personally this was very basic of stuff I am already aware of but found it helpful either way being I had an instructor right in front to ask questions. Plus, it was great to get a reminder of and different point of view from other people. I would definitely recommend this class to anyone that wants to "up" their camera game!

Wow I learned a lot about my own camera from this class! Adam was very patient with such a large…read moreclass. He was able to answer individual questions. I found him to be very helpful and had a very clear lesson plan. I was so excited to get out there and use my camera.

I've only been a part of LACP for a month or two but between one webinar and one workshop, I've…read morealready learned more than I would've on my own. Truly worth being a member. The knowledge you will gain is priceless. The attached image is from my photowalk with Thomas Alleman in Boyle Heights. If you're into street photography, he's your guy. So much knowledge shared within our small time together.

My teenage son was thrilled to join a week-long workshop this summer, and it exceeded all his…read moreexpectations. Although he felt a bit nervous at first, he quickly settled in and felt right at home. His instructor, Brianna Lopez, was kind, engaging, and incredibly knowledgeable. My son shared that he learned a lot and felt very comfortable asking questions. Each day was a little adventure--they explored downtown and even visited Griffith Park. I was personally impressed by how quickly he acclimated. He looked forward to attending class every day and was consistently mindful of his assignments. We're so glad we discovered LACP--a true gem in the heart of DTLA. We'll definitely be keeping an eye out for future programs!

Alaina is such a talented artist and she has such a gentle presence, working with her was such a…read morepleasure. She was incredible with my energetic 3.5 year old and was a total baby whisperer. Our pictures are ones I will always treasure and they captured us in a natural way and with beautiful detail.

I was completely uncertain if I wanted to do this but I was having my second child and keeping the…read moregender a secret. I wanted someone to capture the moment of birth. To capture our reactions and all the emotion/excitement. I came across Alaina through Yelp. I met with her and we instantly clicked. She is so sweet! I ended up booking her package that came with a maternity session, a labor session and a fresh 48. The pictures were amazing and they captured so much emotion which is just what we wanted. My family and I are so happy that we decided to do this. I loved all my photos and cant thank her enough

Atwater Photo Camp was the hit of our summer! My son is 13, so finding a day camp for him was…read moretricky but APC saved the day. They were off on adventures every day and exploring parts of the city that were new to my son. He learned a TON about composition and light and how to shoot in manual. The folks who run the camp have such a passion for photography and lots of energy and patience to ignite that passion in the campers. Also, as a parent, I really appreciated how organized everything was and how clear the communication was. Fabulous camp and a godsend for parents of tweens and young teens. Thanks Atwater Photo Camp!

This camp was great. My daughter was very anxious about going but Greg and his team were incredibly…read morepatient and kind with her to make it as smooth as possible. They plan such an amazing week for them and the kids learn so much. The show at the end of camp is really fun but seeing everyone's pictures in the full photo gallery at the really showcases the talent they cultivate. Highly recommended!

Thank you Hector for making this photography workshop available. After taking your class I now have…read morethe confidence to shoot almost exclusively in manual and aperture priority mode. I enjoyed every moment of the 7-8 hours we spent practicing and learning the art form of photography. You inspired us to get out of our comfort zones and to think creatively about our exposures. I'm still learning but I'm way better now than before I enrolled in your course. Thank you again my friend for all the effort you put into our class. You provided much value that I'm so grateful for. Peter

If you're looking to learn how to use today's picture taking technology, look no further. I…read morerecently bought a new mirrorless camera, and let me tell you, I was very intimidated by all its capabilities. I had been trying to learn through online courses and YouTube , but it only left me with more questions than answers. I couldn't have picked a better workshop to take. Hectors' lesson plan and hands on exercises left me feeling very confident in what I was doing. My knowledge of camera functions and capabilities have vastly improved. I highly recommend this workshop. thank you Hector for your patience and knowledge

This Bootcamp has been such an incredible experience for me in so many ways. It's the first…read morephotography class I've taken and I've learned so much from Annie and from all of the other artists in the class! I finally found a playground to bring all the photos I've been storing on my phone that were waiting to be birthed into world. Right now is a perfect time to be in a creative space and explore your inner and outer landscapes. I've loved having a weekly joy date to look forward to !!! Annie brings a wide range of knowledge of the craft, experience in the photography world and wide permission to explore your unique talent and calling. Whether you're a beginner or already developed it doesn't matter. I felt so welcome and at home and loved the whole experience ! Thank you Annie !! I hope to meet you in the next class ;)

Many thanks to Annie Appel, photographer extraordinaire, who assisted in producing my recent one…read moreman photography exhibition, and book, displaying my works shot in INDIA 2016. Her insight, and ability to direct me to fully recognize the potential in my photographs, allowed for the production of a wonderful show, and book, displaying my works. In addition, her years of professionalism in the industry, allowed for a smooth and fluid transition, through the process of editing, framing, and book publishing. All in all, it was a wonderful experience! George Woytovich - Photographer

IVA has been a wonderful experience. We are looking forward to our second child also attending. The…read moreentire staff, faculty and admin truly want to be there. The support is unmatched not only academically but also socio-emotionally. The community is diverse and welcoming. My child is challenged academically but not stressed and she loves her school and teachers/staff/faculty/admin. The way the material is presented and discussed is all truly with curiosity, engaging and to develop critical thinkers. We know there is nothing like IVA middle school in the best way possible.

I absolutely loved the learning environment at IVA. My son went here as part of the foundational…read moreclass and transferred out when he moved to Seattle. IVA was my school of choice for my son, because LB Unified refused to let my son attend his home school when we moved to another part of Long Beach. LBUSD also made the school selection and enrollment process so much more difficult that I decided to pull my child out altogether. Save the drama for your mama. In comparison, IVA had an easy enrollment and application process. I was able to contact someone from the school every time I had a question or concern. The student-teacher ratio is something LBUSD has historically fallen short on, and with IVA teachers knew my son by name. The learning environment became a small community built on pillars of intellectual virtues. As a parent, I appreciated the one-on-one communication from my child's instructors. I also enjoyed the social gatherings of parents, students and instructors, when I did have time to participate. Really, it's a private school feel without the price tag. My son was afforded opportunities he would have never had experienced in LBUSD as far as athletics and extracurricular activities such as weight lifting club, photography, and yearbook committee. Geographically, the area of the school is a little rough, but the school does have a nice outdoor area in the back for student activities away from the "distractions" of LB Blvd.