Don't waste your money here!! This is not an organization or school that cares about their students; only the bottom line. Response to Lily from PCNW: Response to owner: As mentioned in my Google Review, if you are going to respond to a review, be truthful. I never asked for a refund as indicated in our written correspondence. Secondly, any non-profit that claims to support the community, yet treats its benefactors/students unfairly and without empathy should re-evaluate their values. read more

I would like to share my AWFUL experience with The Photographic Center Northwest. At the beginning of this quarter, I paid full tuition (Photography black and white: 700 $ ) I took my first class, and everything seemed to be ok before the teacher gave us the "BIG SURPRISE". Every student has to pay extra money for the lab; around 200 $. Even you've already paid 700$, BE READY TO PAY 200 DOLLARS MORE! The day after, I received more bad news when someone from SCCC sent me a email telling me that one of my classes was overlapping with this class. I went back to the Photography Center Northwest trying to speak with someone and figure out how to solve my problem. Because I really needed to take my other class for my degree. When I arrived there, the secretary told me that she couldn't do anything for me. She gave me the email of the coordinator and suggested me to email her to find a solution. (This happened the next day of the first day of class) I was sending her emails every day, but she only answered me at the end of the week. My nightmare with this school started at this point. I emailed asking her if I could change my class on Tuesdays to Mondays; I saw on the website that this class wasn't full on Mondays; but how lucky I was when suddenly she replied back to me saying the class was full. However, they couldn't transfer me, even if I already paid the full course. I asked her if I could go to Monday class, and asked if someone wanted to change their class with me, but she said it wasn't a good idea. I was very stupid because I didn't go there, and what I found later was that the class had a waiting list. (So people who didn't even pay was before me) Guess why? Because they keep the 50% of your tuition even if you cancel the next day. I can not understand this because by law students have the right to cancel within 30 days (at least ,that was what I read in Washington website) In addition, the darkroom has more than 15 enlargers, but the maximum of students is 10. I can not understand why they have so much enlargers, if the maximum number of students is 10. I went there the next week, trying to cancel my class; there wasn't anything I could do, but the girl behind the desk told me that maybe there was a solution: transfering my money to the next quarter, so I wont loose 350 dollars and I ll be able to go to class. This day was the last day to refund my money, if not, they would keep the full tuition,700 dollars for just one class! unbelievable! I asked her to speak with the coordinator and let me know if they could do it. I though it was a very good solution. I received the last answer for this school telling me how sorry they are, even though I have been waiting almost 1 month trying to solve the situation. But they didnt do anything for me. It seems the dont care about their students, the only care about your money! I won't recommend this school ever! They charged my 350 dollar for just one class! Watch your backs with them! read more

I've been contacted by the PCNW and they have allowed me to reschedule my class. I appreciate the follow up and that they reconsidered.

I strongly recommend that people considering classes here ask about the *teaching* credentials of the instructors. This can be an issue in the arts, with people who are talented musicians, actors, artists, etc. teaching to support themselves without possessing a foundation in pedagogical techniques, the patience to guide beginners, or the ability to explain the basics of their art. A good school, however, will screen carefully for people who do possess these skills. That's not what we found at The Photographic Center NW. My daughter, who loves the arts, decided to try one of their summer teen workshops. It was advertised as for beginners, no previous experience required, but the 4 other students had previously taken photography classes and she was the only true beginner. As a teacher myself, I'm used to the fact that students arrive with widely varying levels of knowledge and ability. In a group of 5 it shouldn't be so hard to accommodate these differences. However, this woman - who is probably a wonderful artist (*not* the same skill set as teaching!) - decided to rush along without giving my teen a proper foundation. She told the 2 boys to pair up, and the 2 girls to pair up, leaving my daughter alone. She assumed this was so the teacher could work individually with her - good, right? Except that she didn't. Her manner was impatient, and when my daughter spoke up to ask about things she didn't understand, she didn't take the time to actually explain anything - she'd quickly show her, then move on. For almost $400 for a week of classes, this was not acceptable. She could have learned more by getting a Photography for Dummies book from the library and wandering around Seattle by herself. As an example, they were told that the whole first class (4 hrs) would be spent indoors learning the basics before heading out. But in fact, after just an hour in the classroom, they were outside taking pictures, four kids coasting on previous experience and one floundering without teacher support. read more

I agree with review from Valerie. But, like many photographers I switched from analog (darkroom) to digital a couple years ago. Luckily, the Photographic Center has me covered there also. The digital lab has all the equipment and software to work and print my photography. Everything is state of the art from software to printers and scanners, utilizing Mac computers that are calibrated on a regular basis. I have not printed this large but photos can be printed at 44" by 8 to 10 ft. It has allowed me to show prints at 17" wide on fine art paper and with color and nuance that would be difficult at best through a lab. I recently took a course in advanced Photoshop at the Center that made a large difference in how I color correct my photos. I thought after using the software for several years, that I had it figured out. I learned techniques that I could not have learned on my own, and I think the improvements are noticeable. It is also great to see the work of really talented fine art photographers in the gallery. They keep the exhibits revolving so there is almost always some new work to see. It keeps me motivated to keep my own work going. read more

I LOVE the Photo Center!! I've been shooting digital for years, but when i wanted to get into film I took a 10 week class with them that has started a life long love for black and white analog photography. The photo center isn't just a school, its a community full of artists just as passionate about photography as I am. If you have an interest in photography, this is a great place to be, whether it be a visit to a gallery show or a 10 week course I highly recommend walking in the door of this place!!! read more

I have loved my classes here, and learned a lot, but the administrative side of things is a mess -- it's hard to get a hold of anyone, emails and phone calls are never returned. The courses and the darkroom are fabulous, but it is very difficult to get concrete information from the front desk. read more

I just took their crash course in digital photography with Leslie and can't say anything negative. It gave me all of the foundational info I was looking for about using my camera a taking photos, and the energy was fantastic. It was truly a fun day! I plan on getting a membership here once I have some photos I am proud enough to print and can take the time to really dive into this. Thanks so much for a great class! read more

Their major focus is to raise money where wealthy white people bid on "artwork." Classes get poor reviews. They need a new director.

I want to support the Center because it is an oasis in a desert of digital, where photography is concerned. So I recently took a 2-day course in wet plate collodion photography. There were strong positives, but some negatives as well (no pun intended). I registered two months in advance and waited with great anticipation to hear more about the course. I wondered about parking, materials, if we could use our own cameras, even if aprons and safety gear were available to protect our street clothes from chemicals. I heard nothing until the morning of the course when a brief email arrived. Regrettably, there was no time to ask questions or prepare equipment. Folks, this is an example of poor communication. Arriving, I found a friendly, stimulating teacher and a lively group that included some high-grade individuals. It was good. We were allowed to use our own cameras, and custom-made glass plate holders were kindly provided. However, we were led to the poorly lit, busy office lobby to take photos of whatever we thought to bring to photograph. We made it work, but it was not good. On the second day a wonderful strobe and backdrop was made available, and people got some excellent portraits using this setup. Strangely, in a subject based on obtaining obscure chemicals and mixing them correctly, we received little info on sources, preparation, and methods of use. We were allowed to use the Center's materials and chemicals, but given no guidance on how to continue our work at home. WTF?? So I value what I learned, but it could have been much better if the instructor had communicated sooner and shared more about materials and methods. I had hoped to learn more basic information. As it is, I am on the prowl for information that I would have liked to have learned in the course. At home, I have no idea how to do this! Update (three days after course): The instructor finally sent out a brief email on materials. It has useful info, although it is undated and must be recycled from past years because it contains large errors--Two of the sources no longer sell essential products. The instructor seems not to be up to date on these things. This is disappointing because in the class he said quite clearly that we could buy materials from these sources. Not true, however! Just more evidence of the lack of care put into teaching eager students paying top dollar. It could have been much better. We deserved much better! read more

The other reviewers have their perspectives as students. I want to add my thoughts as a visitor to the gallery to see the Vivian Meier exhibit. Primarily I want to say that we are damed lucky to have a non-profit like this in our community notwithstanding periodic troubles with the classes. Now I want to say it is pretty cool that we have an institution like this to bring in the Meier exhibit from New York. I learned about her photos from slate.com; never did I think I could see some of them in person. Thank you Photo Center! read more

You want to have a nice date night for a inexpensive donation come here because the art and education is rich #Seattle #travelchannel @travelchannel @alexaalsept read more

I have been a student and member at the Photo Center NW for over 15 years. The Community here is a wealth of information and a terrific resource whether you are a beginner or more advanced photographer. The basic courses are always offered plus they have an ever changing array of specialty classes. Always something new to learn. a The staff is always helpful. There is a reason I keep coming back. It's just a good place to be. read more

I started taking classes at the Photo Center Northwest a few months ago, beginning with Black & White II (intermediate film photography). It helped me get more comfortable in the darkroom and generally become a better photographer. I have been inspired by instructors, staff and other students, and have found new friends. Black & white film development facilities and the darkrooms are well maintained, and the staff is always ready to help and offer good advice from their own, current photo experience. I am the type who likes to ask a lot of questions, and I never feel silly for doing so at the PCNW. Finally, another great thing about PCNW is the quality of seminars and exhibits they offer. read more

I recently took the DSLR crash coure in digital photography (with Dan) through the use of a Groupon and the experience was overall excellent. I have purchased over 6 other groupon like deals from several other groups that offer digital photography classes and overall this was absolutly the best by far. The others were a total waste of money. This was a 5 hour course that provided excellent insruction for the beginner but also for me who had a bit more than beginner experience. The instructor used a power point, hand outs, individual feedback, group and experiential activities. The information was thorough, detailed, individualized, practical and relevant. I learned so much and could not suggest a single area to improve upon this course. I highly recommend it and will be taking further courses, if I can afford it, with this center in the future. Also registering for the class went very well as I had to cancel the first one I signed up for and the registration office was very helpful and great at corresponding via email promptly. Thanks so much you have reinvigorated me for photography all over again! read more

This is one of those places that tries to do big things but they just can't do them right. I took several classes here because they are pretty much the only professional photo school in Seattle (other than classes you can take at UW). The interesting thing is that the best class I had was an introduction to Digital Photography with Leslee Saber and even though it was a basic class I finally understood some concepts that allowed me to use my camera better and take better pictures. I took Digital I with Patricia Ridenour and I think that was by far the most scattered instruction I have ever received in my career as a student. I got an idea of the concepts I had to learn to improve my photography (histograms, color space etc...) but I had to go elsewhere to learn them. I took Digital II with Keeara who is lovely instructor but boy she gets lots with art critic for so long that, out of the 3 hours class, we probably spent the last 15 minutes discussing the next week's assignment. Most of the time I actually understood what I should have done only after seeing what other people had brought to class. I like her training module in the sense that she gives you assignments you would not get elsewhere and you really have to dig into your camera manual and menus to understand what you want to get out of it and how but I felt that I did not get those concepts out of her explanations, just out of my trials and errors. I also thought that she spent an unusual amount of time discussing pictures that frankly were just awful (I did this intentionally to see if she would tell me what I did wrong, but everything is always lovey dovey according to her). Then I took Photoshop I with Juan, who is a bit of a character, very energetic and likes to tell jokes and stories but, after teaching so many years, he still does not have a handout or exercises you can practice at home. I thought that his class was all over the place at times. What I got out of it is the potential that Photoshop has, but I was not able to do much on my own after taking the class. This feeling was shared by other people who took the same class. Also, I agree with the other review, that they don't explain you about lab fees when you register. So when I took Digital II I ended up spending another 50% more on lab and printing fees. Had I known how much it would have costed me I could have bought a semi-professional printer and still use it. I also got charged completely different amounts by different people for using the lab exactly the same amount of time and printing the exact same number of prints. I asked about it, I was given different answers with the usual line and in the end I gave up because I knew I would not sign up for other classes. Oh! And the one thing that drove me insane is that the lab hours expire at the end of your course. So if you only use half the hours you paid for (and the instructors always encourage you to get the big package) you cannot use the hours after your course is over. I thought this was the biggest rip-off ever because if I paid for the lab hours why do they care that I use them by the end of my course? Obviously this is also something they don't tell you until your last day when they go "and your lab hours expire today". And the reason it drives insane is because you always have to check out at the desk when you're done with the lab so it would be nice if they at least told you "you have x amount of hours left before x date". read more