Studio lighting provides a unique opportunity to gain total control over light for portraits and full-body photography.

Move beyond natural light! Learn what’s involved in studio lighting and how to master the gear that makes it work. Join Professional Photographer Ahmed Akari for a practical, hands-on session covering the foundational tools and techniques of studio lighting.

What You’ll Experience & Learn:

• Two Dedicated Stations: Gain hands-on experience working in two distinct setups—an environmental portrait station and a seamless paper background station.
• Lighting Gear & Controls: Learn how to set up, control, and trigger both Profoto off-camera lighting solutions and a Godox speedlight setup.
• Hands-On Practice: After covering core lighting concepts, participants will take turns photographing each other to practice placing lights, shaping modifiers, and dialing in exposures.
• Post-Course Materials: Any presentation slides and reference guides used during the theoretical portion will be provided after the class so participants can focus on learning by doing.

This class size is small to ensure everyone gets ample time behind the lens and hands-on experience with the equipment.

Recommended Equipment:
A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a standard hot shoe and lenses ranging from 24mm to 150mm (35mm equivalent).

Questions about this class can be directed to Marie Joabar at info@capitalphotographycenter.com

Class Limit: 4-6

Painting with light is an exciting and artistic way to portray your subject in a completely unique manner. Using the darkness as the backdrop, the photographer works like a painter using a flashlight to illuminate, highlight, and emphasize their subject.

Bring your creativity to capture otherworldly light designs outdoors in the dark! Join instructor Lori Saunders to learn light painting techniques and skills in the field.  

With special nighttime access to the historic Ivy Hill Cemetery in Alexandria, we’ll light paint some of the older tombstones, some dating back to the 1800s, as well as the old crypt. We'll begin around sunset to go over introductory information about light painting -- including recommended camera settings, focusing, and considerations for working with light pollution. Lori will give step-by-step demonstrations of multiple light painting approaches, including how to incorporate outdoor elements with light designs. Then, everyone will have the opportunity to practice painting with light using Lori's hand-held tools to experiment and see what works best. You are also welcome to bring your own light painting tools! 

Participants should be comfortable with their cameras and know how to change basic settings (shooting mode, focus, ISO, speed, F-stop). Shooting will be in manual mode and setting guidance will be provided.

Recommended Gear: A digital camera with manual exposure controls and the bulb setting. Lenses in the range of 12-70mm.  A sturdy tripod and a remote trigger that can use Bulb.  

NOTE!  There will be bright flashing and strobing lights. Make sure you are comfortable with this before signing up.   

More information about the cemetery can be found on their website, https://ivyhillcemetery.net/

Questions can be directed to Marie Joabar at info@capitalphotographycenter.com.

Class limit: 8-9

Take a leisurely ride on a pontoon boat and explore the tidal tributaries of the Patuxent River, one of central Maryland’s wildest. 

Join naturalist Matt Felperin for exciting bird photography opportunities such as Osprey, herons, shorebirds and songbirds. WIldlife abounds in the area as well and we'll hope to see beavers and turtles. We'll also see wildflowers and explore marshes in places inaccessible by foot. With good weather, we'll also catch a beautiful sunrise!  

You’ll also learn more about this special place and its role in keeping the Chesapeake Bay a healthy ecosystem under tremendous environmental pressures. 

Topics include:
-Tips for photographing wildlife
-Being ready for the shot
-Focus settings that work best
-Exposure and camera settings

Recommended gear: DSLR, mirrorless, or superzoom camera. A telephoto zoom or prime lens with a minimum of 300mm focal length. A normal 24-105mm lens for closer encounters. No tripods but monopods are OK.
Consider renting a lens, we recommend Aperturent in DC, use CPC10 for a 10% discount on your rental.

Prerequisite: Participants should be familiar with their cameras and somewhat familiar with exposure settings of ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed. We will not be able to introduce you this material at the class. If not familiar, consider taking the Photo Basics-Getting off Auto class first.

Questions can be directed to Marie Joabar at info@capitalphotographycenter.com.

Class limit: 8-10

Although Photoshop is powerful enough for the pros, it offers many options and opportunities for the digital enthusiast. Join Corey Hilz for a full day of hands on Photoshop training geared towards the new or limited experience Photoshop user (not for intermediate/advanced users).

This class focuses on the features of Photoshop that are useful for photographers and you'll learn skills that enable will you to use the program confidently and effectively. Corey will also share plenty of tips and tricks to save you time and make using Photoshop easier. Even if you find Photoshop complicated this class is designed to take away the mystery and make it easy to understand.

The class begins with an introduction to the Photoshop workspace and then explores features including layers, masks, selections and composites. The foundation of Photoshop is using layers, yet layers can be difficult to understand. You’ll progress from basic use of layers to more complex applications, giving you extensive repetition to solidify you familiarity and understanding of layers.

Corey also gives an overview of how images travel between Lightroom and Photoshop as part of your overall workflow.

Class topics include:
• Layers and Adjustment Layers
• Using Masks for selective adjustments
• Retouching tools
• Creating and using selections
• Creating simple composites
• Brushes (effective use of size, hardness, opacity and flow) • Non-destructive color and tone adjustment • Blending two exposures of the same composition

NOTE: This class is taught on student's own laptops loaded with Photoshop.

Pre-requisite: Comfort with basic computer skills such as locating, opening and saving files.

Questions can be directed to Marie Joabar at info@capitalphotographycenter.com 

Class Limit 8-9

This hands-on class will explore the unique aspects of the street photography genre. Michael Koren will be your guide as you create compelling photographs that go beyond the ordinary snapshot.  

Street photography is very popular now more than ever because photographers have access to high-quality cameras in mobile phones and smaller high-resolution digital cameras.  A camera’s ease of access and proliferation raises the issues of ethics and privacy in public places and the difference between a snapshot and a street photograph.

The group will photograph outdoors around the White House and Lafayette Park area where you’ll create photographs that demonstrate your personal vision while using your own gear optimized for street photography.

Topics include:

• Proper techniques and settings for street photography
• Pro tips and techniques for capturing compelling images
• Create captivating images using anticipation, patience, composition, and visualization
• Hands-on image capture
• Privacy and ethics concerning street photography
• Image review and feedback

Prior to the class participants will be sent the link to a recording that Michael has prepared providing tips and proven techniques for street photography.

Recommended gear: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual exposure controls and lenses in the range of 28mm - 70mm. Smartphone’s are welcome too.

Questions about this class can be directed to Marie Joabar at info@capitalphotographycenter.com.

Class Limit: 8-10

This class is held with Corey Hilz on Zoom on Thursdays, October 15, 22, and 29. We will meet from 7:00pm-8:30pm for the first session, then 7:00pm-9:00pm for the last 2 sessions.  All sessions will be recorded in case you miss a date.

Learn about the features of Photoshop that are useful to photographers, and gain the ability to confidently and effectively edit your photos. This class is designed to take away the mystery and make Photoshop easy to understand. Corey will share plenty of tips and tricks to save you time and effort!

The class begins with an introduction to the Photoshop workspace and then explores features including adjustment layers, masks, selections and composites. The foundation of Photoshop is using layers, yet layers can be difficult to understand. You’ll gain confidence as we progress from basic use of layers to more complex applications, giving you extensive repetition to solidify your understanding.

This class is appropriate for people with little or no experience using Photoshop. It is designed to introduce you to the fundamental tools to get you up and running, not to cover everything Photoshop can do.

Class topics include:

• Layers and Adjustment Layers
• Selective adjustments using masks
• Retouching tools and techniques
• Selection tools
• Creating simple composites
• Brush settings
• Non-destructive color and tone adjustment
• Blending two exposures of the same composition

This class is held live on Zoom and the Zoom link will be sent a few days prior to the first session. 

Questions can be directed to Marie Joabar at info@capitalphotographycenter.com.

This class is also offered on  10/25 & 11/15.

Whether you want to capture cherished moments with loved ones, document game-winning action, or preserve the beauty of your travels, this beginner photography basics class provides the tools you need with hands-on practice.

Learn how YOU, not the camera, can control the ‘look’ of an image by choosing the appropriate settings. Understand which tools you can use to freeze or blur motion, and how to beautifully blur backgrounds to make your subject stand out.

This class is designed for those who want to learn more about photo basics to comfortably get off the Auto mode.

Topics Include:

• Camera Controls – Learn the most important settings that affect exposure
• ISO Settings
• Shutter Speeds – Control motion to add emphasis
• Aperture Settings – To affect the ‘Depth of Field’ (the amount of blurring in the background)
• Manual Shooting Modes
• Focus Settings – Learn how to get tack-sharp focus in your photos.
• Resolution & Compression – Set your camera to capture the best quality images
• White Balance – Capture accurate and vibrant colors
• Fill Flash
• Lenses – Understand your lens options
• Composition – Learn tips for captivating photographs

Students are encouraged to bring their cameras. As we discuss camera features and menu settings, you can follow along and learn how to adjust them.  An extra battery, memory card, and your instruction manual are also very helpful to have on hand at the class.

People who like this class might also enjoy the In-the-Field-Photography classes, especially the FIELDWORK classes, as a way to reinforce the material covered in the classroom.

Appropriate for DSLRs and Mirrorless cameras with manual exposure controls.

Questions about this class can be directed to Marie Joabar at info@capitalphotographycenter.com

Class Limit: 10-12

Learn how to organize and edit your photos with Lightroom Classic. Join instructor Corey Hilz as he covers the 2 most powerful modules, the Library and the Develop Modules.

Learn tips for an effective digital workflow from beginning to end: from importing and organizing to adjusting, sharing and exporting your images. Discover the powerful editing tools and which adjustments to make, and in what order. 

This class focuses on using the version of Lightroom called Lightroom Classic.

Topics include:

• Importing photos into Lightroom
• Organizing photos with folders and collections
• Organizational tools: flags and star ratings
• Recovering highlight and shadow detail
• Adjusting color intensity
• Enhancing details
• Fixing color casts
• Converting to Black and White
• Intro to selective adjustments using Masking
• Retouching tools to remove distractions 
• Removing chromatic aberration and distortion 
• Noise reduction
• Sharpening
• Keyboarding basics
• Exporting images to share your edited photos

All students will receive a pdf handout with tips, techniques and screen shots. It'll be your post-class companion when you're back at home editing your photos. 

Note - At the class you'll bring your own laptop (desktops are fine too) loaded with Lightroom Classic.  If you haven’t installed Lightroom, go to the Adobe website and choose the plan called “Lightroom” for $11.99/month. Install the Lightroom Classic version prior the class. (You can also choose a fully functional 7-day free trial.)
FYI - If you choose the Photography Plan for $14.98/month, in addition to Lightroom, you will get Photoshop too.

Questions can be directed to Marie Joabar at info@capitalphotographycenter.com.

Class Limit:  8-10

Join us on the hallowed grounds of historic Gettysburg Battlefield for a Photo Workshop!  

We’ll explore the historic battlefields, re-enactors, the Gettysburg National Cemetery, and areas not open to the public through our special access arrangement. 

If that weren’t enough, we’ll be driven to each of the locations on the property by a Gettysburg Foundation guide who will share a bit of history and the significance of each spot we visit. 

Throughout the workshop Michael will be giving tips on composition techniques to help you frame thoughtful and compelling photos of cannons, historic structures and monuments to the fallen, as well as camera settings and exposure tips. 

Gettysburg National Military Park is where the battle of Gettysburg changed the course of the Civil War. Five months after the battle Abraham Lincoln would deliver the Gettysburg Address as a dedication to the fallen soldiers from that battle.

We will visit:
- The Gettysburg National Cemetery (Soldiers National Cemetery), with rows of more than 3500 gravestones memorializing many Union soldiers’ final resting place and the location of Lincoln’s famous Address.
- The living history program area featuring people in period dress that bring the past to life with demonstrations of tools, weapons and battle-camp life.
- Special access to Spangler Farm & Field Hospital. We'll photograph the exterior of the historic stone house which was used as a filed hospitapl during the war. On this property we'll also have the opportunity to photograph the summer kitchen, smoke house and the meticulously restored Pennsylvania bank barn.

A box lunch is also included in the price of the workshop and more details will be in the confirmation email. 

Walking will be minimal as each area is easily accessible from each of our drop off points. 

Note: This is a rain or shine event. 

A digital SLR or Mirrorless camera with a zoom lens with the range of 18-200mm will be fine. Smartphones and compact cameras are welcome too. A tripod with a cable release or remote is optional and may be cumbersome.

Questions can be directed to Marie Joabar at info@capitalphotographycenter.com.

Class limit: 8-10

Turn your favorite photographs into a polished digital photo book. In this live, online class you'll learn to plan, design, and produce a digital e-book using Adobe Lightroom Classic's Book module - no design experience required.

This class focuses on the skills that turn a folder of images into a finished book: storytelling, sequencing, layout, and design. You'll learn to organize your photos, build clean and effective pages, add text with purpose, and export a finished digital photobook ready for sharing or printing.

You'll walk away with a completed (or nearly completed) e-book and a repeatable workflow you can use on every future project.

Topics Include
•    Plan a photo book with a clear theme and audience in mind
•    Select and sequence images for strong visual flow
•    Judge realistic image counts and effective pacing
•    Design pages using Lightroom Classic's Book module
•    Add titles, captions, and short text thoughtfully
•    Export a digital photo book for screen view sharing or print

Students will follow along on their own computers with Lightroom Classic. 

Questions can be directed to Marie Joabar at info@capitalphotographycenter.com.

Class limit: 8 - 10

Go beyond the basics and take your skills to the next level. If you've got a good handle on exposure basics and are comfortable with setting Aperture, Shutter and ISO, then maybe it's time to build on that foundation and develop additional skills. 

Once we can master the technical skills, we can free our minds to be more creative and intentional with our photography. This class will help you understand the powerful tools available to you to make your exposures stronger. That in turn, allows you to more easily tap into your the right side of our brain for more imaginative images.

Topics include:

• Equivialent Exposures - achieve a different "look" by changing exposure settings without changing the brightness of an image.
• Exposure Bracketing - what it is, why to use it, how to set it on your camera, and how to process a bracketed set of images.
• Histograms - A powerful tool to evaluate your exposures before leaving the scene.
• Metering Modes - understand how your camera reads and measures light.
• Filters including Polarizers and Neutral Density filters - what they do and when and how to use them.
• Hyperfoal Distance - Where to focus to acheive more sharpness throughout the scene.
• Workflow Demonstration - Downloading, organizing (with Lightroom) and a popular image back up plan.

Bring your camera to the class to find some of the settings that will be discussed. This class is designed for DLSR and Mirrorless cameras with manual exposure settings.

This is not a beginner class, participants should be familiar with setting exposures and understand the role of ISO, Aperture and Shutter. They should be using either Aperture Mode, Shutter Mode or Manual Mode.  If you are not stong with these settings then consider taking the Photo Basics-Getting Off Auto class first.

Questions about this class can be directed to Marie Joabar at info@capitalphotographycenter.com

Class Limit: 10

How do you capture the essence of a person in a single image?  How can you manipulate light to produce an emotional response from the viewer?  And, how do you evoke genuine expressions from your subject?  In this hands-on portraiture class, we will explore it all.  

We will cover the technical elements, as well as the motivation and the artistry, involved in producing meaningful portraits.  Most importantly, we will explore how the collaborative relationship between subject and photographer can produce stunning results.

 Join us and unleash your creativity, and learn how to produce high-quality, aesthetically pleasing portraits that leave a lasting impression.

• Baseline camera settings for portraiture* (ISO, f/stop, shutter speed)
• Composition techniques to enhance your images (hand placement, camera angle, filling the frame)
• The do's and don'ts of posing to bring out the best in your subjects
• Evoking genuine expressions to add emotion and depth to your portraits
• Skillful control of light to achieve the desired mood and ambiance
• Harnessing the power of natural window light for captivating portraits
• Using continuous studio lights for seamless professional results
• Techniques for manipulating shadows to achieve the desired effect
• Correcting White Balance using a gray card in Lightroom for precise color accuracy

Unlock your true potential as a portrait photographer and create stunning images that stand out from the crowd.

*Participants will get the most out of this class if they have a solid understanding of exposure basics and are comfortable working in either Aperture Priority mode or Manual mode. 

Questions can be directed to Marie Joabar at info@capitalphotographycenter.com.

Class Limit: 10

This class is also offered on 11/15.

Whether you want to capture cherished moments with loved ones, document game-winning action, or preserve the beauty of your travels, this beginner photography basics class provides the tools you need with hands-on practice.

Learn how YOU, not the camera, can control the ‘look’ of an image by choosing the appropriate settings. Understand which tools you can use to freeze or blur motion, and how to beautifully blur backgrounds to make your subject stand out.

This class is designed for those who want to learn more about photo basics to comfortably get off the Auto mode.

Topics Include:

• Camera Controls – Learn the most important settings that affect exposure
• ISO Settings
• Shutter Speeds – Control motion to add emphasis
• Aperture Settings – To affect the ‘Depth of Field’ (the amount of blurring in the background)
• Manual Shooting Modes
• Focus Settings – Learn how to get tack-sharp focus in your photos.
• Resolution & Compression – Set your camera to capture the best quality images
• White Balance – Capture accurate and vibrant colors
• Fill Flash
• Lenses – Understand your lens options
• Composition – Learn tips for captivating photographs

Students are encouraged to bring their cameras. As we discuss camera features and menu settings, you can follow along and learn how to adjust them.  An extra battery, memory card, and your instruction manual are also very helpful to have on hand at the class.

People who like this class might also enjoy the In-the-Field-Photography classes, especially the FIELDWORK classes, as a way to reinforce the material covered in the classroom.

Appropriate for DSLRs and Mirrorless cameras with manual exposure controls.

Questions about this class can be directed to Marie Joabar at info@capitalphotographycenter.com

Class Limit: 10-12

Join us on Halloween and explore the holiday decor throughout the Old Town area of Alexandria!

This class is designed for those who have taken any of the Photography Basics classes and want the opportunity to work in the field to reinforce the material covered in the classroom. We’ve encouraged you to leave the Auto settings behind and to shoot in the Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority or Manual modes so now it’s time for some hands-on.

Our location in Old Town gives us plenty of photo opportunities to practice exposure settings and creative captures. We begin down by the waterfront capturing the details in the harbor area, we’d then photograph quaint shops and historic homes. We'll end at the Farmers Market in front of City Hall where we’ll find street scenes, colorful produce, flowers stalls, and more.

We'll be working with you to reinforce:

• Camera Controls
• ISO Settings
• Controlling motion with Shutter Speeds
• Depth of Field and setting the aperture for the 'look' you want
• White Balance
• Focus Settings
• Playback tools to evaluate focus and exposure
• Composition - Framing an interesting photograph

Join us and come away with stronger skills for setting exposure and capturing exciting images that you’re proud to show off.

Any camera with the Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority or Manual modes is appropriate. Bring your camera and any or all of your lenses. We’ll work with what you have in your bag. 

Please note: It is assumed you have already taken a Basics class and are somewhat familiar with the manual exposure modes. We will not be able to introduce you to this material at this class.

Questions can be directed to Marie Joabar at info@capitalphotographycenter.com.

Class limit: 7-8

Photo courtesy of Marisa Roinestad

Join us in this unique class photographing the truly majestic tall ships in historic Chestertown, Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay. Every fall, tall ships return to the Bay for the Sultana Education/Chestertown Downrigging Weekend, one of Maryland's most photogenic maritime events.

This waterfront festival draws 6 to 8 tall ships from as far away as New England, alongside Maryland favorites like the Pride of Baltimore II and the newly built Maryland Dove, giving photographers a rare chance to practice photographing tall ships and other wooden vessels up close. Additionally, participants have the opportunity to board and tour the tall ships firsthand.

Kim Kelly leads the group around the festival, sharing her knowledge of the many ways to capture these impressive ships and other wooden boats on display.

Topics include
•    Storytelling through your images — from the big picture down to the smallest details
•    Using lines and shapes to strengthen your composition
•    Composing waterscapes

Step back in time when tall ships were the maritime vessels gracing the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. This photography class is perfect for photographers of all skill levels.

Recommended Gear: A DSLR or Mirrorless camera with lenses in the range of wide to telephoto 16mm to 300 or 400mm if you have that.

After the class, participants may want to book a ticket to sail on one of the vessels and the ticket link can be found on their event page.

Limit 8

Join Corey Hilz for a morning photo hike in beautifully wild yet local Rock Creek Park. Expand your creative nature photography by getting off the beaten track and find the hidden treasures on the trail.

Along the rapids area of Rock Creek Park the road is closed on the weekends to auto traffic bringing peace and quiet along the water. With a meandering trail along the river this adventure allows us to slow down and create compelling compositions of bridges, granite boulders and flowing waters.

This class will focus on learning to use camera settings and filters for slow exposures that create silky water effects. We’ll photograph along the rapids section with historic bridges as backdrops. Along with developing your slow exposure skills, compositional techniques for nature photography will be emphasized.

Designed for any level of  photographer, we will concentrate on making thoughtful choices for compelling compositions and creating slow exposure captures.

Topics Include:

• How Neutral Density and Circular Polarizer filters are used in nature photography.
• Technical aspects including camera settings, the histogram, understanding light and composition.
• Creative composition for compelling nature captures. 

This class is on uneven and rocky terrain. Boulder stepping is necessary near the water’s edge. Estimated distance is 1½ miles on both paved, unpaved and rocky trails.

Recommended Equipment: Digital camera with a zoom lens in the 16 – 105mm range and a sturdy tripod. A circular polarizer filter and if you have it, a neutral density filter (6 stops or variable)

Questions can be directed to Marie Joabar at info@capitalphotographycenter.com.

Class limit: 8-10

Photo Credit: Karen Davis

Learn the fundamentals of Architecture and Interior photography and develop a strong foundation of skills that can be applied to Real Estate, Interior Design, and Hospitality photography.

Tammy will guide you through the core techniques used in architectural and interior photography, including working with natural light and HDR (High Dynamic Range) imaging. The course will explore composition theory and how it applies to photographing spaces, helping you create images that are both visually compelling and technically strong. You'll also learn practical approaches to managing a range of lighting situations, from straightforward interiors to more complex environments with mixed and challenging light.

By the end of the course, you'll have a deeper understanding of how to photograph interiors with accuracy, intention, and impact.

Topics include:

• How to approach a building and rooms
• Looking for problems and how to solve them
• Camera angles for interior shots
• Composition rules and tips
• Methods to balance indoor shots with window light
• Lighting conditions for exteriors
• Color accuracy and color casts
• Tips and tricks for dynamic photos
• Gear recommendations from simple equipment for a basic shoot and options for upgrading
• Camera and exposure settings
• Application of photography skills real estate

After the discussion portion, we’ll have a hands-on practice session taking photos of interiors and exteriors (weather dependent).  

Any camera will do, but for best results we recommend a digital SLR camera or a mirrorless camera with manual exposure controls with a wide-angle lens (10-20mm for digital DX SLR's, 12-24 mm for full frame/FX SLR's), a circular polarizer filter, an external flash unit if you have one, and a sturdy tripod with adjustable head. 

It's recommended that you have knowledge of exposure basics and can adjust the exposure settings with your camera. If not, consider taking the Photo Basics - Getting Off Auto class first.

The Business of Real Estate Photography - Optional 90 minute Add-On ($100) at 2:15 - 3:45pm

Tammy will share a lot of valuable information. There is a very active Real Estate Photography community and Tammy will introduce you to various paths for getting involved and learning more. Join us for an hour intensive discussion about the business of real estate photography - learn how to make these photography skills work for you and start earning with your camera. 

Tammy will cover: 

• Types of real estate work
• How to find clients
• What realtors expect
• Adding additional services (floorpans, virtual tours, video, drone)
• Licensing and pricing for real estate
• Scheduling, delivery and invoicing solutions
• The difference between freelancing and a business

What people are saying about this class. 

"The topics that were most useful to me were learning the best ways to photograph different rooms and how to work with different lighting and set-ups."
 
"The instructor has a good balance of the amount of information and was always showing examples which was helpful. "

"Tammy was really thorough and gave some very good information that I will definitely use."

Questions can be directed to Marie Joabar at info@capitalphotographycenter.com.

Class Limit:  8-10

This class is held with Corey Hilz on Zoom from 7-8:30 pm on Thursdays, Nov 5, 12, and 19. All will be recorded in case you miss a date. 

Learn the basics of organizing and editing your photos using Lightroom Desktop/Cloud. This class is appropriate for people with little or no experience using Lightroom. The class is designed to introduce you to the fundamental tools, not to cover everything available. Students will gain skills and confidence editing your photos without being overwhelmed!
 
Topics include:

• Storing your photos on your computer or in the cloud
• Organizing photos with folders or albums
• Organizational tools: flags and star ratings
• Recovering highlight and shadow detail
• Adjusting color intensity
• Enhancing details
• Fixing color casts
• Converting to Black and White
• Intro to selective adjustments using Masking
• Retouching tools to remove distractions 
• Removing chromatic aberration and distortion 
• Noise reduction
• Sharpening
• Exporting images to share your edited photos 

Each evening's session will be recorded and will be available to you for 90 days after the class starts. 

All students will receive a pdf handout with tips, techniques and screen shots. It'll be your post-class companion when you're back at home editing your photos.
 
Students will follow along with their own computers with Lightroom Desktop/Cloud installed. If you haven’t already downloaded Lightroom Desktop/Cloud go to the Adobe website and find the “Lightroom” plan for $11.99/month. You can also choose a fully functional 7-day free trial."

Not sure whether to use Lightroom Desktop (Cloud) or Lightroom Classic? This comparison between the two might help.
The core function of both versions of Lightroom is the same: they give you the ability to organize and edit your photos. The main differences come down to where your photos are stored, as well as if you need additional features that go beyond basic organizing and editing. The following is a list of the major feature differences, not a comprehensive feature comparison. Which one is best for you depends on your needs and preferences. 
    Lightroom Desktop (Cloud)
-Cloud and local photo storage: option to store photos on your computer or in the Lightroom Cloud
-Photos stored in the Lightroom Cloud can be viewed/edited from multiple devices: desktop computer, tablet or phone
-AI keyword search to find photos without manually adding keywords (Cloud-based photos only)

   Lightroom Classic
-Local storage only: photos are stored on your computer or external drive, and cannot be accessed from other devices 
-Extensive options for managing keywords and metadata
-Presets for adding metadata -Presets for exporting photos
-History panel with a list of every edit you’ve made to a photo
-Ability to tether a camera during a photoshoot
-Soft proofing in preparation for printing in the Print Module
-Map module: see geotagged photos displayed on a map
-Print module: layout and print photos yourself
-Book module: layout a book design

Questions can be directed to Marie Joabar at info@capitalphotographycenter.com.

Strong photography depends on strategic compositional choices that draw the viewer's eye in and hold it on the subject.

If you're ready to strengthen your composition skills, join Kim Kelly for a guided walkabout through the historic and scenic US Naval Academy. Kim will lead you around the grounds — including a few lesser-known spots on campus — as you explore elements of composition such as leading lines, negative space, layering, and vanishing points.

Each participant will receive a digital booklet featuring examples of the compositional styles used to create impactful images, including:

• Framing
• Curved Lines
• Layering
• Low Angle
• Shadows
• Colors
• Texture
• Depth of Field
• Abstracts
• Silhouette
• Five Senses

As we move through campus, we'll seek out real-world examples of these elements, training your eye to spot them wherever you go. Challenge yourself to see how many different techniques you can find and photograph along the way.

Please note: Before signing up, review this link to the US Naval Academy's visitor requirements and make sure you have the required documentation. 

Recommended Gear – A DSLR or Mirrorless camera with lenses ranging from 24-200mm.

The Photo Composition Elements booklet (in a pdf format) will be sent to you with the reminder letter a few days prior to the class. 

Questions can be directed to Marie Joabar at info@capitalphotographycenter.com.

Class Limit: 8-10

This workshop starts on Nov 14 at 1pm and ends on Nov 15 at 11am.

Join Naturalist Matt Felperin for an exciting bird, wildlife and nature photo workshop! Learn how to photograph shorebirds, raptors, and other wildlife in a variety of light conditions and compositions. 

If that weren’t enough, we’ll take in and photograph the beautiful scenic wetlands at sunrise and sunset.

You will also learn about the behavior and migration of these species to help you find and photograph them in the future.  

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is noted for attracting an incredible array of migratory birds, especially shorebirds. In the summer and fall, many of these shorebirds utilize Bombay Hook for their migration south while in the spring, they stop here on their migration to their breeding grounds in the North.

Some of these species include Semipalmated Sandpiper, Dunlin, Black-bellied Plover, Semipalmated Plover, Marbled Godwit, American Avocet, and even rare birds such as the Hudsonian Godwit and European vagrants. There are also large numbers of ducks, including the Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, and American Black Duck. Raptors such as the Northern Harrier, Bald Eagle, and even the Peregrine Falcon can be observed this time of year.

We'll be photographing through the afternoon of the 14th and will most likely catch a sunset over the wetlands. The following morning, we'll most likely catch a sunrise and then spend the morning seeking out bird and wildlife opportunities. 

We will hold an evening Zoom session a week prior and Matt will review how to photograph birds and wildlife with ethical best practices, he’ll also cover settings and answer questions. This will be recorded if you can't make it. 
There will be a follow up image review session two weeks after. 

Skill level: Participants should be familiar with their cameras and somewhat familiar with exposure settings of ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed. We will not be able to introduce you this material at the class and you don’t want to miss any of the amazing shots before you.  If not familiar, consider taking the Photo Basics-Getting off Auto class first.

In addition to Matt Felperin, Marie Joabar will join as second instructor so participants will get plenty of instruction and guidance.

We hope you’ll join us for this very special workshop.

Recommended Gear; DSLR, Mirrorless or Superzoom camera. Lenses with the range of at least 250mm, 400+mm is ideal. Tripod, Circular Polarizing filter and ND filters are optional and could be used for the sunrise/set opportunities.
Consider renting a lens, we recommend Aperturent in DC, use CPC10 for a 10% discount on your rental.

Recommended hotel info will be included in your confirmation email. Hotel is not included in the price of this workshop.

Questions can be directed to Marie Joabar at info@capitalphotographycenter.com.

Class limit:10-12

WORKSHOP CANCELLATION POLICY:
 - A refund or a credit towards another class (less a $30 processing fee) can be given if cancellation notice is given more than 5 business days from the scheduled class.   
- If there is no cancellation notice, or it is given 5 business days or less, no refund or credit will be given. 
 - Please check the name and date of the class carefully. Requests to reschedule a class will incur a $30 processing fee provided notice is given more than 5 business days prior to the class. If request to reschedule is given less than business 5 days prior to the class, no refund or credit will be given. 
 - If Capital Photography Center cancels or postpones a class due to weather or low enrollment, you can choose a full refund or a credit towards a future class.