CEPA’s photography classes and workshops cover a variety of subjects for students of all ages and skill levels, including film photography, digital photography, darkroom, photoshop, studio lighting, and more.
Photography Classes & Workshops
Due to COVID-19, Big Orbit Project Space is temporarily closed to the public.
As of August 8, 2020, CEPA Gallery (including the FLUX Gallery, the darkroom, and the digital photo lab) has reopened with restrictions.
In order to continue to serve our members and the public while adhering to social distancing and other safety guidelines during these unprecedented times, all other activities are currently online only.
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Pinhole Photography
$60.00 – $80.00A 1-Day Workshop
Saturday April 29th, 2023
11:00am–3:00pm
All agesA 1-Day Photography Class for All Ages
For thousands of years the phenomena of the camera obscura, French for “darkened room” has been known – that light passing through a tiny aperture (or pinhole) into a darkened space will reflect an image of the outside world. This is the central principal on which all photography is built. Camera-like devices employed pinholes long before the advent of photography or even lenses. Today, making photographs using only a pinhole is a refreshing change from conventional photography, allowing those who practice it to experiment with the earliest forms of photographic image making.
In this one-day workshop, students will learn the principles of pinhole photography by creating their own working pinhole cameras from ordinary household items (oatmeal canisters, Pringles cans, cigar boxes, shoeboxes, etc.) the design of which will determine the size, quality, and effect the final image will have. Students will then shoot and process their own pinhole photographs in the black and white darkroom.
Workshop Location
CEPA Gallery Learning Center
Limited Availability
This workshop is limited to 8 participants.
Date & Time
Saturday, April 29th, 2022
11:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.Join CEPA Today and Save!
Membership starts as low as $40/year for individuals—and even lower for students at only $25/year!
Learn about CEPA Membership » -
One Light Studio with Stephen Gabris
$100.00 – $125.00A 1-Day Class
Saturday, March 25th
10:00am–3:00pm
Ages 16+A 1-Day Photography Class for 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.
Location
CEPA Education Center
Limited Availability
This class is limited to 8 participants.
Date & Time
Saturday, March 25th
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.Join CEPA Today and Save!
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.
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Eco Friendly Darkroom
$120.00 – $150.00A 2-Day Workshop
Time and Date TBD
Ages 16+A Photography Workshop for Ages 16+
Charlie has been doing research to help create eco-friendly B&W film and paper developers using common household ingredients!
This class will give you the knowledge and skill to develop your film in the darkroom or at home using common household items.
Photo taken by Charlie and developed with common ingredients like instant coffee and vitamin c!
Workshop Location
CEPA Gallery Learning Center
Limited Availability
This workshop is limited to 8 participants.
Dates & Times
The class will be scheduled on a TBD weekend when enough participants have signed up to run it. We will poll class participants to schedule the most available week.
Your order will be held and you won’t be charged until the class is scheduled and you’re able to attend.
Questions/Concerns, please email – nate@cepagallery.org
Join CEPA Today and Save!
Membership starts as low as $40/year for individuals—and even lower for students at only $25/year!
Learn about CEPA Membership » -
Studio Lighting
$100.00 – $120.00A 1-Day Class
Saturday, May 6th
10:30am–1:30pm
Ages 16+A 1-Day Photography Class for 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 – Peter 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).
Location
CEPA Education Center
Date & Time
Saturday, May 6th
10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.Join CEPA Today and Save!
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.
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Conceptual and Creative Portraiture
$100.00 – $120.00A 1-Day Class
Saturday, May 13th
10:30am–1:30pm
Ages 16+A 1-Day Photography Class for Ages 16+
Take your portraiture to the next level!
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 a professional model.
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 – Peter 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).
Location
CEPA Education Center
Date & Time
Saturday, May 13th
10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.Join CEPA Today and Save!
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.
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Seeing in Black & White
$80.00 – $100.00A 1-Day Class
Saturday, May 20, 2023
10:30am–1:30pm
Ages 13+A 1-Day Photography Class for Ages 13+
In this class, you will learn how to previsualize what works well in a black-and-white photograph. It’s this ability to form an image in your mind’s eye of what a finished photograph will look like before you ever release the shutter that allows you to hone in on subjects and compositions that will translate well into black-and-white.
Once you’ve trained yourself to identify certain compositional elements that typically work well, it will become second nature to “see in black-and-white.” In addition to the visualization session, class participants will learn how to manipulate digital images to obtain desired B&W effect.
The class includes 3 hours of lab time for participants to return to CEPA at a later date to edit/print their B&W photographs, either in the darkroom or in the digital lab.
Location
CEPA Education Center
Date & Time
Saturday, May 20, 2023
10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.Join CEPA Today and Save!
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.
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Learn Your Digital Camera
$90.00 – $120.00A 1-Day Class
Saturday, June 17
10:30 AM– 2:30 PM
Ages 13+A 1-Day Photography Class for Ages 13+
Designed specifically for beginner photographers, this course will walk you through the essentials of how to use your digital mirrorless/SLR camera and all the key functions. Take a deep dive and become more comfortable with your camera, perfect for someone who has recently acquired a camera but haven’t learned it inside and out yet.
You will learn photography tips about everything from shutter speed to aperture, depth of field to ISO. You will get a primer on how to compensate for bad lighting and how to compose your shot for maximum effect and better photos. By the end of the course, you‚ will be ready to take your photography skills to the next level and continue your education with a more advanced photography course.
This class will help you:
- Learn the most essential functions of your camera
- Gain confidence in putting new features into action
- Understand basic photographic terminology including the rule of thirds and the exposure triangle
- Get a solid understanding of lighting and composition techniques
- Figure out how to position yourself and your subject for optimal results
- Learn to take great photos with the camera you have without extra gear.
Location
CEPA Learning Center
Date & Time
Saturday, June 17
10:30 AM –2:30 PMJoin CEPA Today and Save!
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.
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Phone Photography
$60.00 – $75.00A 1-Day Class
Saturday, June 24
10:30pm–1:30pm
Ages 13+A 1-Day Photography Class for Ages 16+
A phone camera is a powerful tool, whether an Apple or Android. This class will help you unlock the potential of your smartphone so you can take awesome photos wherever you go. Discover new apps and practice processing images right on the phone. You can crop, correct color, apply filters, and more.
The best opportunity for photos is usually the camera in your pocket. This class will cover how to find the best light for your subject and tips to add light to make it pop. We will discuss composition techniques or ways to frame your subject, so they are most pleasing in the photo. The ins and outs of when to use portrait mode, HDR, or even filters for more effects. With this class, you’ll be taking photos that make memories last a lifetime.
Location
CEPA Gallery Education Center
Date & Time
Saturday, June 24
10:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m.Join CEPA Today and Save!
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.
Basic Tutorials
CEPA is now offering one hour tutorials covering basic and commonly requested topics. These are brief introductions, designed to get you started on your journey with photography quickly or to help refresh those looking to get back into it.
For more in depth instruction, see our workshops above or arrange a one on one lesson.
Tutorials are by Appointment Only. To book a tutorial, purchase a tutorial product and then email nate@cepagallery.org or call 716-856-2717 to arrange an appointment.
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Basic Exposure and Image Control – Tutorial
$100.00Basic Exposure and Image Control
Learn about the basics of Photography! This one hour tutorial covers the fundamentals of exposure and image control through Aperture, ISO and Shutter Speed, as well as basic camera control for either digital or film.
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Basic B/W Film Development – Tutorial
$100.00Basic B/W Film Development
New to the darkroom? This tutorial covers the basic process for developing and processing your film by hand. Learn about chemistry, how to load a daylight tank, as well as some tips and tricks to avoid common beginner mistakes. Bring a roll of exposed B/W film to learn with hands on.
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Basic Digital Workflow in Lightroom – Tutorial
$100.00Basic Digital Workflow in Lightroom
This tutorial covers a basic workflow in Lightroom. Learn about the RAW file format, as well as how to import, organize, edit and export your digital images.
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Basic Digital Printing – Tutorial
$100.00Basic Digital Printing
Learn how to print your digital images! This tutorial covers resolution, cropping/resizing for print, as well as color profiles and proofing.
Don’t see what you’re looking for?
We can create a custom class for four or more people, and we also offer one-to-one tutoring. To discuss, contact Nate Ely, our Education Director:
- By e-mail at nate@cepagallery.org
- By phone at (716) 856-2717
Darron Whitsett
Featured CEPA Graduate
A former student of one of CEPA’s many art programs in schools, Darron Whitsett participated in a photojournalism program where students created a newspaper from the ground up. He later joined ArtWorks!, one of CEPA’s after school programs. During the year-long advanced photography course, students worked with all of CEPA’s artists in residence—learning and working in their style, exhibiting their work throughout Buffalo, and producing a personal catalogue at the end of the program.
“CEPA’s art programs helped shape my life in so many positive ways. The things I learned then are the foundation of what I do today. They have afforded me the chance to travel and be creative, a dream I have had since I was a child . . . a dream that CEPA’s program gave me a framework for. For that I will be forever grateful.”
Darron is a professional photographer, designer, and artist. Learn more about him at darronlw.daportfolio.com.