The SOPHA

5.0 (4 reviews)

InexpensivePhotographers, Art Schools, Art Galleries

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The SOPHA - A quick shot of Studio A at SOPHA (The Studio of Photographic Arts) - Photographers Near Me - Manchester, New Hampshire

The SOPHA - Pen And Ink artwork of Buckleys restaurant as it was some thirty years ago. - Photographers Near Me - Manchester, New Hampshire

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Erica T.

Elite 16

134

143

16 years ago

I love this place. I love the people, I love the art-- this is where you can find photography at it's finest in all of New England. They offer studio space for photographers (as well as gear rental), classes ranging from beginner to advanced on a variety of topics, and gallery space to show off the amazingly beautiful art created. Speaking of which, they also do fine art printing. Studio for the Photographic Arts is absolutely a hub for everything photography. I love when I have the opportunity to go up and work there with them. If you can think of it, somebody there shoots it. From weddings & engagement to boudoir and glamour, SOPHA captures it all by it's members. They've really built a community within SOPHA that is incredibly warm and welcoming. It is a real pleasure to work at SOPHA and with it's members. read more

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Keith S.

16 years ago

recently attended the SOPHA open house for their new location on Merrill street. Better parking situation than the old downtown Elm street spot but really not that far away. The place is fantastic. multiple studios with different permanent and movable sets. Tons of professional lighting equipment and a really open and welcoming community. Bud and Dave and their staff have really grabbed onto and made SOPHA a really welcoming community of photographers. This is a great place whether you're a professional photographer or beginner wanting to learn. For clients it's a one stop shopping trip for professional head shots, product shots, weddings and events, family portraits or sports and dance recitals, Bud and Dave and the rest of the crew can point you to the right photographer to hire. Sign up for their email newsletters and watch the BUD AND DAVE SHOW... video at it's funniest even when they don't mean to be funny.... these guys are the best. read more

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Timothy C.

14 years ago

SOPHA is such a great studio space. It has just about everything you need to create portraits or commercial work.; just bring your cameras, lenses and memory cards. They have all the lighting gear you could ever need along with sets, backdrops and props. It really is a complete solution. Did you forget a lens, or want to try a different lens? They have a great rental selection. Even as a professional photographer, I just can't own every lens and to have a local source where I can get what I need as a rental is wonderful. Did you just get your first DSLR camera, or are you thinking about it? There is a class for that! Check out their website and see all the great classes they have. They have classes for someone just getting their first DSLR to advanced lighting classes. The staff are great teachers; they are not about sitting in a classroom and talking, they are about picking up your camera and shooting because it's the best way to learn! I took an advanced lighting class and was blown away at how well it was run. read more

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Tim G.

486

14 years ago

This has to be one of the best places to learn, grow and excel my photography interest. Bud/Dave have been a huge part of my re-entry into the photographic realm, their hands on approach to teaching has helped..more like forced. me to grow in my photographing skills.. if you need studio time... membership has it's privileges so sign up! the studio space is awesome... and has all the equipment needed to make photographic magic.. i have attended several classes, group shoots and even did my own portrait session there with clients... modern space, tons off backdrops, client meeting rooms and more.. if you are looking to further your photography skills, this is the place to learn, grow and be part of a large family of awesome photographers willing to help and share.. read more

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More info about The SOPHA

15 Merrill St
Manchester, NH 03103
Directions
(603) 782-8403
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.thesopha.com/

Payment methods

Does The SOPHA take credit cards?

Yes, The SOPHA takes credit cards.

Services

Is The SOPHA by appointment only?

No, The SOPHA is not by appointment only.

Outdoor Amenities

Does The SOPHA have parking?

Yes, The SOPHA has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Does The SOPHA have free WiFi?

Yes, The SOPHA has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

SOPHA is a member-driven community of photographers that come together to improve or practice the art and/or business of their photography. We offer classes and workshops, equipment rentals, studio rentals (and we include the gear you need), gallery shows, client meeting space, and a whole bunch more. Our classes and workshops include such topics as basic digital SLR, basic and advanced Photoshop, Lightroom, photography, studio lighting, lighting with speedlights, wedding and engagement photography, glamour lighting and posing, location lighting, heck, you name it, we probably have it. You don't have to be a member to take our classes, but members do get big discounts on programs. Check out our website at theSOPHA.com for all the latest news. Our Statement of Purpose: The Studio of Photographic Arts is a new photographic center located in historic Manchester, NH. With over 6,000 square feet of studio, classroom, and gallery space, SOPHA can be your studio.

History

Established in 2007.

SOPHA is a bit of an odd duck. We aren't a school in any conventional sense, nor are we a rental studio in the typical commercial terms. We fit the needs of a new breed of photographer with purpose-driven programs, easy to use fully equipped rental studios, and (new) gallery shows. We have a large format printer, working in a fully calibrated and profiled workflow. But most importantly, we are a community of photographers - here to improve our art, our technical skill, and in some cases, our business of photography.

Meet the Business Owner: Bud T.

A working photographer with over 16 years of experience, Bud is an accomplished adult educator and is the owner and manager of SOPHA. With the help of a small group of dedicated staff, SOPHA is here to help photographers of all levels.

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Kimberly S.

15 years ago

SOPHA is a must for any photographer in the area. With all the classes, technology and expertise I would not have been able to create my photography business. Having use of such a great studio (6000sf), with all the lighting, sets and props one can imagine. It is a warm and inviting community, supportive of learning and growth. The membership pays for itself (very low cost). I am proud to say I am part of the SOPHA community. Bud and Dave offer so much expertise in so many areas it is priceless. I look forward to the member events and classes that are held. Just this year "First Fridays" were introduced, each member submitts 3 images for peer review, no behind the scene judging, all out in the open with your fellow members. Lots of positive critique and feedback. I can go on and on...as a photographer you owe it to yourself to check out The SOPHA! read more

Becky B.

15 years ago

I took the intro to DSLR class with Bud and it was absolutely worth every cent and every minute spent in there. I learned more in the 12 hours with Bud than I have in all my years reading books on photography and doing hands on photography. I seriously wish I took this class five years ago when I bought my first DSLR. I would encourage everyone interested in knowing how to operate their DSLR to take this class. The feel of the class if very laid back and extremely interactive making it really easy to get questions answered, yet the content is incredibly comprehensive. I cannot recommend this class enough. It was phenomenal. I will be taking the follow up class and the lighting course, at a minimum. After one class, I am a huge advocate of SOPHA and Bud! read more

joe d.

15 years ago

If you are a photographer looking for a place to find instruction, learn the art of studio lighting, or anything else photography related,looking to network and find likeminded folks, then SOPHA should be your destination. From classroom instruction by master instructor Bud, to monthly group shoots with models featuring a variety of lighting set ups run by Dave, to a great place to rent studio space for an affordable rate that provides all studio equipment, this is the place to be. I can't recommend SOPHA highly enough. they have helped me tremendously in my understanding and appreciation of studio lighting-something I never had a desire to learn before. read more

Lisa c.

15 years ago

I just signed up my third class with Bud. He is a great teacher! He tells memorable stories and uses analogies to teach. Now, I understand how to read a histogram and how making adjustments can make my picture taking better. He makes learning fun. He welcomes questions and does not make you feel inferior. His new studio is impressive in space, background options, and equipment. Bud and Dave offer a range of classes and expertise in use of both cameras. They even offer equipment rentals. I will definitely be back! read more

Michael And Stacia M.

13 years ago

Recently joined Sopha and have been thrilled since. Bud and Dave are great and easy going. The photographers and models are wonderful to work with, the atmosphere is perfect all photographic levels. I highly enjoy the comradery with my peers. The Studios are great and what is offered all around it a a steal at the cost. The classes are great learning and when you leave a class you acquire several friends. I just love it there! read more

Luke u.

15 years ago

If you live in the greater New England area and want to become a better photographer, you need to check out the SOPHA. They have a great selection of classes, rental gear and hands on workshops. Did I mention the HUGE rental studio with multiple backdrops and sets? Yep, it's a place to dive deep into photography. Plus Bud and Dave foster a no attitude/no BS environment, so everyone can feel free to learn. It's a great place! read more

Gregg M.

15 years ago

If you are looking for the ultimate community of photographers, you have to check out The Sopha. I have been a member for a little over a year now and it seems to be my second home. Bud and Dave have really created something amazing, with monthly group shoots, classes from intro to DSLR to advanced lighting, and a monthly review there is nothing like it! read more

Amy C.

14 years ago

I took the Kickstart to dSLR class at the SOPHA and learned so much! The instructors are great-very knowledeable and passionate about photography. They really want you to understand your camera and learn how to take great shots! The studio is very cool as well. I plan on taking more classes and would recommend them to anyone! read more

Roger R.

15 years ago

I've been a member here for about 2 years. I can't remember how I found this place but I was so pleased I did. I still remember Bud's "Welcome to the ranch" speech when I first signed up. The place is great with excellent studio space, amazing staff that are helpful and friendly. The classes are top notch. read more

Elsa P.

15 years ago

I enjoyed the photography class I took here. Bud is a great instructor - engaging, informative, very knowledgeable and willing to answer any questions you may have - even staying after class for the benefit of the students. The atmosphere was fun and relaxed - a wonderful learning environment. read more

Allyson J.

15 years ago

Just finished Digital Kick Start class. Relaxed, unintimidating atmosphere. All questions are welcome. Bud Thorpe is an excellent teacher. Looking forward to taking other classes in the future. read more

Martin P.

15 years ago

I've been with the SOPHA since Feb 2009 and it has been paramount in getting my business set up for success. The one thing you cant overlook is the friends you will make. read more