Photography Classes
Learn Photography with Classes at Horn Photo
Horn Photo’s photography classes will fill your brain with knowledge. Each two-hour session is packed with useful information to jumpstart your photography skills! To make learning easy and enjoyable, our instructors have created handouts tailored to each class, eliminating the need for note-taking. We encourage you to simply soak in the lessons, and ask any questions you may have during and after the class. Our instructors will stay with you until all of your photography questions are answered.
Our regularly scheduled classes:
- Photography Basics Class
- Photography Composition Class
Occasionally, we offer photography classes presented by special guest instructors:
- Landscape
- Portraiture
- AstroLandscape
- Travel
- Introduction to Videography
Bird Photography
Class Dates
- Basic Photography Class January 9th, 2025 / 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm with Emily Bunting
- Basic Photography Class February 6th, 2025 / 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm with Emily Bunting
Location: Horn Photo
Tickets: $45
Basic Photography Class
Whether you’re new to photography or just want to better understand what makes a picture great, this class if for you. You will learn how to use your DLSR or mirrorless camera, no matter what brand you shoot.
This informative two-hour class will teach you the fundamentals of photography. It will give you the confidence to take your camera out of Auto Mode, and put it in Manual Mode. Manual Mode is where the photographic possibilities are endless, and where you can let your creativity take over!
You will learn how aperture (f/stop), shutter speed and ISO all work together to make the proper exposure. You will also learn how these three camera settings can be used creatively.
Class Dates
- Bird Photography Class January 16th, 2025 / 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm with Darrin Armstrong and Jan Flanigan
Location: Horn Photo
Tickets: $25
Bird Photography Class
What to Expect: Discover what makes the Pacific Flyway so special during the great migration. Learn about the variety of birds you're likely to encounter at the refuge, including waterfowl, raptors, and other migratory species.
Camera Settings Made Simple: Our knowledgeable instructors will guide you step-by-step through the ideal settings for getting tack sharp bird photos, including: Shutter speed, Aperture, ISO, Drive mode, Auto Focus Mode, Auto Focus Area
We'll also show you how to adjust these settings on your specific camera model, so you'll feel confident and ready to capture stunning images.
Why Attend? This class is perfect for photographers of all skill levels. Our friendly and experienced instructors know how to explain technical concepts in a clear, easy-to-understand way. Whether you're new to bird photography or want to refine your skills, this session will set you up for success at the event.
Learn our tips and tricks prior to our Bird Photography Outing at Merced National Wildlife Refuge later that week on Saturday, January 18th!
Class Dates
- Composition in Photography Class February 20th, 2025 / 6:30 - 8:30 pm with Emily Bunting
Location: Horn Photo
Tickets: $45
Composition in Photography Class
Rise above the ordinary snapshot, and learn how to make your images interesting.
Composition is equally as important as lighting and proper camera settings. This class will take you beyond the basics of photography and teach what it takes to make your pictures interesting. We invite you to send us three or four of your images that you would like critiqued. When you sign up, we will give you instructions on how to send them to us. This comprehensive course will cover elements of composition and how you can apply them to creating your images: Unity, Balance, Movement, Contrast, Pattern, Rule of Thirds, Leading Lines, Framing, Simplify, Point of View, Compression, and more
Photography Meetups
Event Date
- Bird Photography Outing Saturday, January 18th, 2025 / 1 pm - 5:30 pm (sundown)
Location: Merced National Wildlife Refuge
Tickets: FREE! Registration Required, Space is Limited
Join Horn Photo for an Exciting Bird Photography Adventure!
Experience a thrilling day of bird photography, hosted by Horn Photo. Registration is required, but here's the great news: This event is completely free!
There's no entrance fee to the refuge-your only cost is gas.
This event will take place regardless of weather conditions. A foggy or rainy day can create unique and dramatic photo opportunities.
We've timed this event to coincide with peak migration season for waterfowl. Expect to photograph a variety of ducks, geese, sandhill cranes, and more. Raptors like hawks, kestrels, owls, and even the occasional bald eagle may also make an appearance. This is your chance to capture incredible images of birds in flight, on the water, and in their natural habitats.
Don't think you have the proper lenses? No worries. We've got you covered. Sony will have a representative on-site, offering super-telephoto lenses for loan. Additional gear from other brands, including binoculars, will also be available. Loans are first-come, first-served, so arrive early to secure your spot.
What to Expect
- Arrival Time: Arrive anytime after 1:00 PM. Look for the Horn Photo canopy near the entrance-we'll be there to greet you! We'll provide you with tips on navigating the refuge and point out the best spots for photography.
- Expert Assistance: Our knowledgeable team from Horn Photo will be available throughout the day to answer your photography and camera-related questions.
- Meet Darrin Armstrong: Don't miss the chance to chat with Darrin Armstrong, our expert camera specialist, champion duck caller, and passionate waterfowl photographer. Darrin will be on hand to share fascinating facts about waterfowl and photography tips.
- Special Bonus: The event includes a ranger-led talk about sandhill crane fly-ins at sunset-a perfect way to end the day with some stunning photographic opportunities!
Birds are not the only subjects to photograph at the Merced National Wildlife Refuge. You will also find wildlife, and when the conditions are right, the valley's most beautiful sunsets.
Trade-In Trade-Up Events
Our next BIG Camera Trade-In Event is happening February 28th - March 2nd, 2025!
Clicking Caravan
Check back soon for details on our next Clicking Caravan!
Horn Photo’s CLICKING CARAVAN is a fun free event for people who love photography. It doesn’t matter if you are brand new to photography or a seasoned professional photographer. All are welcome! We hire professional models to photograph, set up portable lighting, and have expert photographers available to assist beginners. Our events take place in different locations each time, so there’s lots of great backgrounds with interesting features to photograph. We love variety.
LUMIX posted a blog about our last event! Take a look!
Photo Walks with Central Valley Camera Club
Check back soon for our next event!
For more information or photos and videos of our previous events visit the Instagram page for our friends at @central.valley.camera.club!
Follow @central.valley.camera.club and @hornphoto on instagram for Photo Walk updates!
Questions? We would love to hear from you.