CEPA’s photography classes and workshops cover a variety of subjects for students of all ages and skill levels.
Take a class with us! Learn all about photography including film photography, digital photography, darkroom, photoshop, studio lighting, and more.
A 1-Day Class
Saturday, November 18th
10:30am–1:30pm
Ages 16+
Take your portraiture to the next level!
Creative and Conceptual Portrait Photography is an immersive, interactive course designed to transform how students approach and understand the intricacies of portrait photography. Diving deep into the technical aspects and artistic nuances, students will learn about the principles of various portrait photography styles, from traditional to contemporary, from studio work to outdoor settings.
This course emphasizes creativity and conceptuality, encouraging students to think outside the box and develop their unique photographic voices. Students will learn to identify and craft engaging themes and concepts for their portraits, draw inspiration from various sources, and execute their visions effectively. They will also have the exciting opportunity to put these new skills into practice during hands-on sessions with two professional models. This provides an invaluable chance for students to experiment with their images, receive real-time feedback, and refine their craft through experiential learning. By the end of the course, students will have expanded their technical knowledge and cultivated a refined artistic sensibility and a confident, innovative approach to portrait photography.
Learn to combine lighting, expression, posing, and use formal compositional elements to elevate your portraiture and imbue your images with meaning and intention. Students will have the opportunity to practice hands-on technique with two professional live models.
By the end of the lab session, you’ll understand a conceptual approach to portraiture and have a repertoire of fun and creative techniques to experiment with.
Class is taught by one of CEPA’s veteran instructors – Piotr Meszynski (see more about Peter below). Recommended for advanced students who are already familiar with studio lighting or have taken Piotr’s previous Studio Light Class. Purchase both classes and receive a 15% discount (will be refunded when your card is processed).
CEPA Education Center
Saturday, November 18th
10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Membership starts as low as $40/year for individuals—and even lower for students at only $25/year!
Learn about CEPA Membership »
Check out the description below to learn more about the teaching artist for this workshop.
A 1-Day Class
Saturday, November 4th
10:30am–1:30pm
Ages 16+
If you’re new to studio lighting, it is easy to get intimidated by the amount of stuff you have to learn. In this hands-on class, you’ll start to learn the complexities of controlling light in a controlled space. CEPA will provide studio space and equipment, introducing you to some of the most basic studio lighting equipment and terms you will need to navigate a photography studio.
A model will be on site for hands on experience working in a real studio setting.
Class is taught by one of CEPA’s veteran instructors – Piotr Meszynski (see more about Peter below). By the end of the lab session, you’ll have the skills to tackle any type of indoor shoot, whether it’s in a huge warehouse or your spare bedroom.
In this class you will learn how to:
· Set your ISO, shutter speed and aperture.
· Understand depth of field and shooting groups.
· Use all sorts of flashes, including strobes and hot shoe flashes, as well as modifiers.
· Build your studio and buy the right gear for the right price.
Follow up what you learn in this class by signing up for Piotr’s advanced class – Conceptual and Creative Portraiture. Purchase both classes and receive a 15% discount (refunded when your order is processed).
CEPA Education Center
Saturday, November 4th
10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Membership starts as low as $40/year for individuals—and even lower for students at only $25/year!
Learn about CEPA Membership »
Check out the description below to learn more about the teaching artist for this workshop.
A 1-Day Class
Saturday, October 28th
10:00am–3:00pm
Ages 16+
The workshop will focus on what is possible with one light, a flash, on and off-camera. This will be a hands on, in the field, multiple scenario, intensive crash course in what you can do with “one light.”
The class will begin at CEPA and then move to an actual shoot at the Nash Lofts (2 mins up the road from CEPA) for a practical, hands on component to see the techniques covered in action.
DSLR or comparable mirrorless system with a hotshoe adapter required. We will show you how to get that flash off-camera, and what we can do with light.
If you are new to flash photography, or an experienced pro, or have just been intimidated by guide numbers, and the inverse square law, we can offer some insight to the possibilities of one light photography.
Class is taught by one of CEPA’s veteran instructors, Stephen Gabris. Stephen is the ASMPWNY chapter president, an editorial photographer for Buffalo Spree Magazine, and a portrait photographer among other things.
CEPA Education Center
This class is limited to 8 participants.
Saturday, October 28th
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Membership starts as low as $40/year for individuals—and even lower for students at only $25/year!
Learn about CEPA Membership »
Check out the description below to learn more about the teaching artist for this workshop.
The Mobile Darkroom introduces students to a mode of image making that has vanished from our everyday experience of photography. Material photography is hands-on, it teaches patience and problem solving, rewards experimentation and connects students with the science and magic of light, water and chemical reaction, the natural phenomena that make photography work.
For more information or to book a Mobile Darkroom event contact: nate@cepagallery.org
Photography is a powerful tool of communication and self-expression. It is an art form that is accessible to all ages and abilities.
CEPA creates unique programs using photography, technology and the literary arts to awaken curiosity and creative thinking. Our classes are taught by talented and dedicated local artists who are passionate about teaching art and empowering people to find their voice.
At CEPA people from all walks of life come together to interact and learn from one another in a safe and welcoming environment. Students have unlimited access to CEPA’s darkroom, digital lab and photo studio. They are offered many opportunities to stay engaged with CEPA and photography, often becoming mentors and teaching artists.
Our classes and workshops offer a variety of subjects for students of all ages and skill levels. We also offer custom workshops for four or more people as well as one to one tutoring.
In addition to our signature arts education programs, we develop customized projects to meet the specific needs of schools, groups, and communities. Read on to discover the variety of arts education programs that CEPA provides to people of all ages—and find out how you can get involved.
Recognized by Michelle Obama with a 2013 National Arts & Humanities Youth Program Award, CEPA’s nationally celebrated community arts programs create opportunities for children throughout Buffalo and Western New York to come together and learn in a unique and supportive arts education environment.
Under the instruction of our teaching artists, students of all ages engage in film photography, digital photography, pinhole cameras, darkroom printing, digital graphic design, animation, creative writing and bookmaking.
CEPA provides free tours of our galleries for school and community groups. If you can stay for awhile, take one or all of our workshops for a small fee.
Students visiting CEPA will see a variety of photographic art. Often the images are challenging in a way that stretches the mind.
CEPA’s art programs in schools are tailored to specific classroom curriculum and designed with a particular focus or subject area. Interdisciplinary in nature, these projects expand upon students’ understanding of language arts, science, social studies and technology.
Working with teachers, CEPA’s exciting art programs educate students of all ages and abilities about the arts, as well as engage them with their community and their world.
Photography is an art form that is accessible to individuals of all ages and abilities. CEPA is honored to partner with some of the best organizations in Buffalo to bring arts education to people with special needs—whether developmental, social, or otherwise.
Participants study and practice a variety of photographic processes, including black-and-white film photography, digital photography, darkroom printing techniques, digital graphic design, creative writing . . . and more!
CEPA summer art programs are a blast! Students learn the art and science behind photography, experimenting in both the darkroom and computer lab.
There are classes for 8-12 year olds as well as teenagers and they run for a full week, half day. There is something for everyone, beginners as well as advanced.