Education

Club members attend classes for free, non-members pay a $5 donation fee. Most classes are held in the Photo Lab Educational Classroom at Clubhouse 4. Classes are announced by email, and are listed on this web page. Join the Club!

Registration links are provided approximately one (1) month in advance.

Many other educational resources are provided below. Click the jump links above for quick access, or visit the Previous Classes & Workshops page.

Teach a class! Continue the Club tradition of members sharing their expertise. Contact Mary Madden, Education Chair and let her know your area of expertise.

View the Club Calendar Online   |   View Classes From Previous Years

2026 Classes & Workshops

• June

• Field Trip: Astro Photography
  Ted Koelsch
  SATURDAY JUNE 13, 2026
  Location TBD

  Repeat class.

  Registration link soon.

• Night Sky Photography: A Conversation on Tools & Planning
  Ted Koelsch
  TUESDAY JUNE 9, 2026 10:00am – 12:00pm
  Clubhouse #4, Educational Classroom

  Repeat class.

  Now that the core of the Milky Way is visible in the northern hemisphere, come join us for an interactive presentation and discussion on EVERYTHING (probably not quite everything – but who knows!) you need to know to capture the beauty of the night sky.

  For those who have never attempted Night Sky Photography we will go over the basics:

  What type of camera?
  What lenses?
  What settings?
  Can I use my phone?
  For those who have ventured out into the darkness – bring your questions and experiences.

  Additionally, we will go over what tools are available to help you plan your night sky adventure, including but not limited to Google Earth, Stellarium, PhotoPills and Planit Pro, and use them to actually plan a shot at Crater Lake – or a location of your choice.

  Registration link soon.

• May

• May Classes
  TBD

  Classes being scheduled.

• April

• How to Create a Photo Calendar
  Doe Krug
  TUESDAY APRIL 21, 10:00am-12:00pm
  Clubhouse #4, Educational Classroom

  NEW class.

  Learn the tricks and tips of how to create a professional looking photo calendar from Camera Club member Doe Krug.

  Doe has been making calendars for friends and family for years. She knows the companies that can provide you with starter templates, printing services, and all you need to end up with a great photo calendar.

  Get the inside info directly from Doe in this new class.

  Registration link soon.

• Beginning Photoshop
  Art Ramirez
  TBD
  Clubhouse #4, Educational Classroom

  Repeat class.

  If you have never worked on a photo program before, Art has 2 words for you…
  DON’T PANIC!

  This class will introduce you to the basics of adjusting your Photographs. Some of the topics covered will be: How to Adjust Light & Color, Cropping, Removing Unwanted Objects, Adding Text, and Working With RAW Images, plus a few more. Be sure you have Photoshop Creative Cloud installed on your computer.

  $10/each class, Art will supply images for the class.

  Registration link soon.

• Intermediate Photoshop
  Art Ramirez
  TBD
  Clubhouse #4, Educational Classroom

  Repeat class.

  This seven week (7) class will introduce you to more advanced methods of editing your photos. Topics covered include: Adjusting Light & Color, Using Layers & Groups, Working with Masks, Removing Objects, Working with Text, Sharpening Images, and much more…

  ($10/each class)

  Registration link soon.

• Beginning Printing
  Jack Salvador
  TUESDAY APRIL 14, 10:00am-12:00pm
  Clubhouse #4, Educational Classroom

  Repeat class.

  This class prepares you to start printing, and shows you how to improve your printing process- it is not a hands-on printing class.

  – why are prints important for photographers
  – what makes a good print
  – evaluating your image for printing
  – what steps are needed to produce a good finished print, including Adobe Photoshop steps
  – how printers can improve your prints

  Jack will show how printing actually begins in the camera, how to address typical image problems that interfere with achieving a good print, and how you can use the Camera Club Photo Lab to advance your printing skills.

  Print examples by master photographers will be referenced.

  Registration link soon.

• March

• Workshop: Advanced Printing
  Jack Salvador
  TUESDAY MARCH 31, 10:00am-12:00pm
  Clubhouse #4, Educational Classroom

  Limited to six (6) participants.

  Jack will demonstrate the print process using images provided by the participants.

  Print resolution, color balance, sharpness, print gamut, resizing (up or down), resolution, color mode, and more will be considered while preparing images for print.

  All participants may submit up to three images for consideration for printing. All registrants will have one image evaluated and reviewd, but time constraints may not permit all registrants to receive a finished print.

  Finished printed images may be sized from 4″x6″ up to 44″x60″ inches, as per the wishes of the participants. Print charges will apply, including test prints.

  Register for this class

• Mounting & Matting Photographs
  Jack Salvador, Stuart Rubin
  TUESDAY MARCH 10, 2026 10:00am – 12:00pm
  Clubhouse #4, Educational Classroom

  Repeat of a popular workshop.

  Learn the fundamentals of matting and mounting your photographs. Examples will be demonstrated of classic methods of this essential part of displaying your images. Matting materials will be provided for some hands on practice.

  Limited to 15 persons.

  Register for this class

• Lightroom
  Adriana Greisman
  MARCH 6, 13, 20, 27, 2026 10:00am – 12:00pm
  CONTINUATION of 6 Classes from February
  Clubhouse #4, Educational Classroom

  This 6 session class will cover importing photos directly to LR & via Photo Mechanic, catalogs, keywording, basic editing sliders, histogram, masking, tone curve, color adjustments (white balance, mixer, grading, calibration), sharpen/denoise, effects, lens blur, transform, lens corrections, integration with photoshop-topaz/HDR/focus stacking, presets, plugins, & workflow recommendations.

  This class will be a combination of lectures &demonstrations – with a lot of time spent working with students on their computers, assisting them in importing, keywording, editing photos, and addressing questions or problems they may have encountered in completing assignments. Students must have Adobe Lightroom installed on their computers.

  Registration required via club website. $60 for the 6 session course. Please contact hello@adrianagreismanphotography.comto arrange payment.

  Registration link in February listing.

• Major Photography Competitions: Do’s & Don’ts – NEXT
  Adriana Greisman
  THURSDAY MARCH 5th, 9am – 11am
  Clubhouse #4, Educational Classroom

  This class will cover several of the major competitions and what each is looking for today. Topics such as how to select your photos, postprocessing for competition, how to enter, & benefits other than prizes that you gain from entering competitions.

  Register for this class

• February

• Lightroom A to Z – ONGOING
  Adriana Greisman
  FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20, 27 MARCH 6, 13, 20, 27, 2026 10:00am – 12:00pm
  Six (6) Sessions
  Clubhouse #4, Educational Classroom

  This 6 session class will cover importing photos directly to LR & via Photo Mechanic, catalogs, keywording, basic editing sliders, histogram, masking, tone curve, color adjustments (white balance, mixer, grading, calibration), sharpen/denoise, effects, lens blur, transform, lens corrections, integration with photoshop-topaz/HDR/focus stacking, presets, plugins, & workflow recommendations.

  This class will be a combination of lectures &demonstrations – with a lot of time spent working with students on their computers, assisting them in importing, keywording, editing photos, and addressing questions or problems they may have encountered in completing assignments. Students must have Adobe Lightroom installed on their computers.

  Registration required via club website. $60 for the 6 session course. Please contact hello@adrianagreismanphotography.comto arrange payment.

  Register for this class

• Design Elements: 3 Sessions – ONGOING
  Penni Rubin

  PART 1: “Get the Picture” – Design Elements
  THURSDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2025 9:30 – 11:30am
  Clubhouse #4, Educational Classroom

  There are 10 design elements that will enhance your photography and inspire you to get better results.
  Learn how to spot these elements and shoot fabulous photos using tricks of good design.

  AND

  PART 2: Field Trip
  POSTPONED DUE TO RAIN
  NEW DATE TBD
  Fielf Trip – Location TBD

  Travel to a location for a photography field trip.

  AND

  PART 3: Classroom Critique
  POSTPONED UNTIL PART 2 COMPLETED
  NEW DATE TBD
  Clubhouse #4, Educational Classroom

  Review the images taken on the Field Trip in light of Design Elements.

  One registration is good for all three parts of this class.

  Register for this class

• “Baker’s Half Dozen”, Beginning Photography – COMPLETED
  David Dearing and Friends
  MONDAY FEBRUARY 9 & TUESDAY FEBRUARY 10, 2026 1:30 – 3:30pm
  Two Sessions
  Clubhouse #4, Educational Classroom

  The Baker’s Half Dozen Tips will be offered two days in the Clubhouse 4 Camera Club Classroom.

  For Beginner to Intermediate photographers, we will cover a broad range of topics: composition, lighting, post processing and sharing among others

  Built into the class is time for individual hands-on-learning with one of David’s able assistants: Mark Rabinowitch and Peter Battin.
  Please bring your camera manual!

  Cell phone images are part of the instruction.

  Student images taken on first class will be discussed the second class.

• Mounting & Matting Photographs – COMPLETED
  Jack Salvador, Stuart Rubin
  FRIDAY FEBRUARY 6, 2026 10:00am – 12:00pm
  Clubhouse #4, Educational Classroom 

  Learn the fundamentals of matting and mounting your photographs. Examples will be demonstrated of classic methods of this essential part of displaying your images. Matting materials will be provided for some hands on practice.

• January

• Beginning Printing – COMPLETED
  Jack Salvador
  THURSDAY JANUARY 29, 9:30am-11:30pm
  Clubhouse #4, Educational Classroom

  This class prepares you to start printing, and shows you how to improve your printing process- it is not a hands-on printing class.

  – why are prints important for photographers
  – what makes a good print
  – evaluating your image for printing
  – what steps are needed to produce a good finished print, including Adobe Photoshop steps
  – how printers can improve your prints

  Jack will show how printing actually begins in the camera, how to address typical image problems that interfere with achieving a good print, and how you can use the Camera Club Photo Lab to advance your printing skills.

  Print examples by master photographers will be referenced.

• Lightroom Masking Techniques – COMPLETED
  Ted Koelsch
  THURSDAY JANUARY 15, 9:30am-11:30pm
  Clubhouse #4, Educational Classroom

  To make an image come to life, most images need more than just global edits (which affect the entire image). Masking allows you to make targeted local edits, which affect only specific parts of an image.

  In this class, we will explore advanced masking techniques available in Lightroom Classic, Lightroom, and Adobe Camera Raw (ACR) that can be used to select those parts of your image that, when adjusted, can make your images truly your own.

  We will explore the strengths and weaknesses of AI masks used to select items such as Sky, Subject, Landscape, and People, as well as Manual masks (Brush, Linear, and Radial Gradients) and Range masks including Color, Luminance, and Depth. Moreover, modification and refinement of these basic masks through adding masks together, subtracting one mask from another and intersecting masks with each other will allow the creation of complex, targeted masks that are unique to your image and which will allow you to bring your vision to life.

• How to Submit to a Critique – COMPLETED
  Rodney Cooper & Friends
  WEDNESDAY JANUARY 14, 1:30am-3:00pm
  Clubhouse #4, Educational Classroom

  Submitting to a Critique

  Rodney Cooper is the Critiques Chair and Past Camera Club President and he has plenty of Critique submissions under his belt – he knows the pitfalls, highs, and lows of the Critiques.

  Rodney will review the guidelines for a Critique and how to prepare your images. The workshop will go over the rules and guidelines for submission and the category definitions. Then we will answer your questions. If you would like to bring images on a thumb drive, we will walk you through the process for making sure all the naming and size requirements are met and how to submit them for critique.

  Note: This is a process workshop rather than a feedback on image content.

  This class will:

  • Teach you how to prepare your images for submission
  • Give you feedback on some of your images
  • Discuss the Critique Categories
  • Discuss the Submission Rules

  Critiques can be a lot of fun, a real challenge, and a great way to grow as a photographer. Join Rodney and the Critique’s Team for this informative session.

  For more information, see the Critiques web page.

  This workshop is limited to 20 attendees.

• iPhone Photography – COMPLETED
  Gene Holloway
  MONDAY JANUARY 5, 12, 19, 26, FEBRUARY 2 (5 weeks), 1:00-2:30pm
  Mac Club Learning Center
  3rd Floor, Laguna Woods Village Community Center, 24351 El Toro Road, Laguna Woods. 

  This five (5) week class starts at the beginning level, and builds upon each week’s material. Handouts will be available for future reference.

  This course is provided by the Laguna Woods Village Mac Club for and in collaboration with the Camera Club. A two dollar ($2) donation for each class is expected. Handouts for each class will be provided.

  You may attend each class individually. Limited to 25 participants.

  Register for this class

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Photo Lab – Fred Granger Learning Center

Located at Clubhouse 4 in the Photo Lab, The Fred Granger Learning Center provides a classroom like setting for various in-person workshops and classes available through our Educational Program.

The Photo Lab also has a wide range of equipment and supplies for use by Camera Club Members and Laguna Woods Village residents.

Supervisors can provide guidance during open hours on using the Lab computers, software, printers, tools, and equipment.

Lab hours: 10:00AM–2:00PM Monday-Friday, and Tuesdays until 8PM.

Map of the Clubhouse (JPG, 175 KB)

The Resources/Lab Page – details about the Photo Lab.

Saddleback College Emeritus Institute

The Institute was established as an educational opportunity for the pursuit and enhancement of lifelong learning, primarily for the older adult. The Emeritus Institute offers several photography-related courses – free to Village Residents – that meet in the Clubhouse 4 Photography Classroom.

You can pick up a copy of the class catalog at the Emeritus Institute office in Clubhouse 4.

Emeritus Institute Classes: http://www.saddleback.edu/emeritus/.
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Handouts / Guides

Photographic Guides Helpful in the Photo Lab 2025

Matting & Mounting Guide 1 (PDF)

Matting & Mounting Guide 2 (PDF)

Beginning Printing with Photoshop (PDF)

Making Test Prints in Photoshop (PDF)

UpRez Images with Topaz Gigapixelin Photoshop (PDF)

Recommended Smart Phone Apps for PhotographersBy Erin Manning, Travel Photographer

An informative list of smarting phone apps for photography, video, and travelling.

Photographic Apps, by Erin Manning (PDF, 157 MB)
Print MattingHandout from Alan Pollock’s class, May 6, 2013.

Print Matting (PDF, 637 KB)
Ways to Share Your PhotosPresentations from Joel Goldstein’s class, July 18, 2017.

Sharing Photos Workshop Outline (PDF, 116 KB)
Ways to Share Your Photos (PDF, 2.5 MB)
Learning Google Photos (PDF, 2.4 MB)
How to Take Great Pictures of PeopleHandouts from Cliff Getz’s workshop, September 24, 2013.

PowerPoint Presentation (PDF, 4 MB)
Handout (PDF, 188 KB)
Epson 4800 PrinterHandout from Tim Talbert’s workshop on the Epson 4800 Printer, January 15, 2013.

Epson 4800 Printer (PDF, 767 KB)
Printing GuideA 2-page guide on how to print photos.

Printing Guide (PDF, 652 KB)
Wildlife PhotographyHandouts are from the Wildlife Photography workshop held on February 14, 2012

Wildlife Photography Tom Getz (PDF, 53 KB)
Wildlife Photography Mike Bray (PDF, 8 KB)
Uses for Your CameraHandouts from Joel Goldstein’s workshop on Uses for Your Camera

Uses for Your Camera (PDF, 12 KB)
Valuables Inventory (PDF, 119 KB)
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Other Resources

Adobe Learn

Adobe TV has been phased out and replaced with “Adobe Learn”, with hundreds of informative videos. Adobe “Discover” displays free assets and giveaways.

Adobe Learn
Adobe Discover

Photoshop Cafe

Originally “Software Cinema”, Photoshop Cafe offers a large selection of Free and “Premium” (pay) online tutorials.

Phtographer and educator Tim Cooper has several excellent tutorials in this collection.

Photoshop Cafe
Tim Cooper Tutorials

ON1 Free Adobe Presets

Two sets of Free presets from ON1 and ON1 partners.

Free Camera Raw Presets for Adobe Camera Raw (ACR) work in Adobe Photoshop CS6 or Creative Cloud.
Free Adobe Lightroom Presets work with Adobe Lightroom 4, 5, 6, and Classic CC.

Adobe RAW Presets
Lightroom Presets

Stephen Burns Photoshop Tutorials

Photographer, instructor and author Stephen Burns has a series of excellent short tutorials on beginning and advanced subjects. You can even learn to calibrate your printer.

Stephen Burns Tutorials

LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning now manages the resources previously found on Lynda.com

These classes are an excellent, extensive resource for learning software and processes for photography, video, email, social media, and website building.

Online training is based on either a monthly or yearly fee.

LinkedIn Learning: Lynda

CreativeLive

CreativeLive is a web site offering tutorials on photography, Lightroom, and Photoshop. When a class is being broadcast “live,” you can watch it for free.

You must create an account to participate, but registering does not obligate you financially.

You can also purchase unlimited viewing rights to any of their classes.

Highly recommended are the Photoshop classes taught by Ben Willmore and Leza Snyder.

CreativeLive Photography

Simplephotoshop.com

This site has free tutorials on basic topics. You can also order an online book that has a more in-depth set of tutorials.

View Tutorials
Purchase Photoshop Book

PhotoPills

More than 35 eBook photo guides, workshops, a blog, camps, and a Photo App are part of the PhotoPills mission to “help you improve your photography, and have lots of fun doing so”.

Go to PhotoPills

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Location Ideas for Shoots

Heritage Hill Historical Park, Lake Forest

Heritage Hill Historical Park, near the Ralphs Shopping Center at Serrano and Lake Forest Drive in Lake Forest has historical buildings and old farm equipment that you can photograph. The park is open on Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Admission is free. During the school year, be aware that groups of school children frequently tour the park in the mornings, so it is best to plan your visit for the afternoon.

Flower Fields

The 50-acre Flower Fields in Carlsbad is a great place to shoot spring blooms. The site is open only rom early March through early May, so be sure to plan a visit. Hours are from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm daily. Visit their website for the lastest info for visiting the Carlsbad fields.

Laguna Niguel Regional Park

Laguna Niguel Regional Park at 28241 LaPaz Road offers opportunities for images of Great White egrets, geese, and squirrels before noon. A small stream flows through the park near the entrance. Further into the park there is a lake with fishing from the shore and small boats.

San Juan Capistrano

The City of San Juan Capistrano offers several areas for photography. Get there by taking the 5 Freeway south and exit at Ortega Highway. Turn right to access the mission and the historic district.

Los Rios Historic District, SJC

The Los Rios Historic District (PDF, 6.2 MB), in San Juan Capistrano includes 31 structures which line both sides of Los Rios Street, between Del Obispo and Mission Streets. The District comprises one of the oldest continuing neighborhoods in Orange County, and includes three adobe homes built in 1794 for Mission families. Park at the San Juan Capistrano train station and walk across the tracks to Los Rios Street. You must purchase a photography permit from the city to be able to take photos in this district.

Mission San Juan Capistrano

Historic Mission San Juan Capistrano is an architectural jewel that attracts thousands of visitors and offers myriad possibilities for photographers. After exiting the freeway at Ortega Highway, turn right and proceed approximately three blocks. The Mission is on the right side of the street, with free parking is available in two adjadent lots. Hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily. Admission is $9 for adults and $8 for seniors.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts

The Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa provides good opportunities for architectural images and reflections. Be aware that security guards are very protective and might ask you to leave.

Soka University

Soka University offers excellent opportunities for architectural images. The fountains in front of the complex are active subjects in early morning. Late afternoon offers great opportunities for architectural studies with shadows and reflections.

Union Station, Los Angeles

Take the Metrolink into Union Station for an opportunity to photograph this art deco architectural treasure. Tripods are not allowed, but you can freely roam the site and take unlimited hand-held shots. Be sure to increase your ISO for the dim lighting.

Your Ideas

Share your favorite locations for photography in Southern California. Send an email to cameraclub@cameraclublwv.org about your favorite locales, any links associated with them, and other tips (such as the best time of year or best time of day to photograph that locale).
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If you need any assistance, please email cameraclub@cameraclublwv.org