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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Craft Your Artist Statement with Ben Hickey
$50.00 – $75.00Price range: $50.00 through $75.00A 2-Day Class
Thursday, October 30th and November 13th6:00pm – 9:00pm
Ages 18+A Photography Class for Ages 18+
Spend two evenings creating an artist statement with Ben Hickey, Executive Director of CEPA and seasoned curator. With years of experience reviewing countless artist submissions, Ben knows what curators and galleries are looking for—and he’ll guide you through the process of shaping a statement that truly elevates your practice.
In this hands-on workshop, Ben will share insider knowledge and lead an interactive discussion on best practices, followed by focused writing exercises, group evaluation, and editorial feedback. You’ll walk away with a polished, professional statement that captures both your work and your voice.
• Session 1: Discussion of effective artist statements + strategies for framing your practice.
• Between sessions: Two weeks to draft your statement at home.
• Session 2: Review, refine, and finalize your statement with Ben’s feedback.By the end, you’ll have a fully vetted artist statement that reflects your vision and stands up to professional scrutiny.
Pre-workshop preparation will include:
• A short reading.
• A brief survey.
• Sharing information about your work (social media, website, portfolio, CV, etc.).A full list of materials to bring or send will be provided in advance.
Workshop Location
CEPA Learning Center
Limited Availability
This class is limited to 8 participants.
Dates & Times
October 30th and November 13th
6:00pm – 9:00pmJoin 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 » -
Photo Manipulation
$75.00 – $95.00Price range: $75.00 through $95.00A 1-Day Class
Friday, November 14th
6:00 – 8:30pm
Ages 13+A Photography Class for Ages 13+
During this class participants will have the opportunity to experiment with different photo manipulation techniques.
This class is divided into two parts. In the first half, participants will explore and experiment with gel plate printing, discovering creative techniques and unique textures. In the second half, participants will dive into the art of Polaroid lifts, learning how to create captivating and one-of-a-kind images.
Supplies are included.
Please call or email info@cepagallery.org if you have questions.
Workshop Location
CEPA Learning Center
Limited Availability
This class is limited to 8 participants.
Dates & Times
Friday, November 14th
6:00 – 8:30pmJoin CEPA Today and Save!
Membership starts as low as $40/year for individuals—and even lower for students at only $25/year!
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Conceptual and Creative Portraiture
$100.00 – $120.00Price range: $100.00 through $120.00A 1-Day Class
Saturday, November 22nd
12:30pm–3:30pm
Ages 16+A 1-Day Photography Class for 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).
Location
CEPA Education Center
Date & Time
Saturday, November 22nd
12:30pm–3:30pmJoin 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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Darkroom I
$65.00 – $75.00Price range: $65.00 through $75.00A 1-Day Class
Friday, December 5th
6:00 – 8:30pm
Ages 16+A Photography Class for Ages 16+
Darkroom I serves as an introduction to the basics of analog photography. Students will learn proper techniques for loading and exposing film, 35mm camera controls/technique, developing B/W film in the darkroom using a daylight tank. As any seasoned analog photographer knows, there are many easily avoidable ways to ruin your film. This course is a great way to avoid a lot of those beginner mistakes helping you get started in the darkroom quicker and easier.
Students will leave the class with sheet of negatives, as well as an understanding of exposure and basic photo chemistry. Get 15% off if ordered alongside Darkroom II.
Supplies are included. Students are welcome to bring their own 35mm cameras to the class. CEPA has a limited number of 35mm cameras available to rent.
Please call or email info@cepagallery.org if you have questions about your camera or to arrange a camera rental.
Workshop Location
CEPA Learning Center
Limited Availability
This class is limited to 8 participants.
Dates & Times
Friday, December 5th
6:00 – 8:30pmJoin CEPA Today and Save!
Membership starts as low as $40/year for individuals—and even lower for students at only $25/year!
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Darkroom II
$85.00 – $100.00Price range: $85.00 through $100.00A 1-Day Class
Saturday, December 13th
12:30pm–4:00pm
Ages 16+A Photography Class for Ages 16+
Darkroom II covers all the basics of enlarging and printing black and white film in the darkroom. Students will learn how make a contact sheet, evaluate their negatives, use an enlarger, control print contrast, archival processing/washing, as well as creative techniques for dodging and burning. Your first steps in the 100 year tradition of darkroom printing!
Class includes 3 additional hours of Lab time to practice further.
Get 15% off Darkroom I if ordered together.
Supplies are included. Students need to bring their own negatives or take Darkroom I.
Please call or email info@cepagallery.org if you have questions.
Workshop Location
CEPA Learning Center
Limited Availability
This class is limited to 8 participants.
Dates & Times
Saturday, December 13th
12:30pm–4:00pmJoin 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 » -
Photo-Collage and the Cut Up Technique
$20.00 – $30.00Price range: $20.00 through $30.00A 1-Day Class
Friday, January 9th
6:00 – 8:30pm
Ages 13+A Photography Class for Ages 13+
Cut-up technique is a type of poetry that comes out of the Dadaist art movement of the early 20th century. A literary form of collage, this technique creates a poem by taking lines from previously-written text or phrases, cutting it up, and then rearranging it all into something entirely new.
During this workshop we will be drawing inspiration from Dada methods and other “found poem” styles, creating a poem that explores not just chance and avant-garde methodology, but combines existing images and text to build a new, surreal creation.
Supplies are included.
Please call or email info@cepagallery.org if you have questions.
Workshop Location
CEPA Learning Center
Limited Availability
This class is limited to 10 participants.
Dates & Times
Friday, January 9th
6:00 – 8:30pmJoin 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 » -
Intro to Digital Photography and Camera RAW
$120.00 – $150.00Price range: $120.00 through $150.00A 2-Day Class
Saturday, January 17th and 24th12:30pm – 3:30pm
Ages 16+A Photography Class for Ages 16+
This course serves as an introduction to the basics of digital photography. Over the two day workshop, students will learn how to set up and use their digital cameras, the basic methods for properly exposing photographs, and tips for creating compelling images with your camera. This class will also cover the workflow for uploading and editing images in Adobe Camera Raw. It is required that you have a digital camera to participate in this course.
Participants must have a digital camera with the capability to shoot in RAW. CEPA has limited cameras available to rent. Please call or email info@cepagallery.org to arrange a camera rental.
Workshop Location
CEPA Learning Center
Limited Availability
This class is limited to 8 participants.
Dates & Times
Saturday, January 17th and 24th
12:30pm – 3:30pm
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 »
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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Intro to Photography 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.
Once your order is placed, CEPA will reach out within a few days to schedule a time.
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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 loading, exposing, developing and processing your film by hand. Learn about film exposure, chemistry, how to load a daylight tank, as well as some tips and tricks to avoid common beginner mistakes. Includes a roll of 35mm film to practice.
Recommended to take prior to Basic Darkroom Printing. Receive a 15% discount when ordering both.
Once your order is placed, CEPA will reach out within a few days to schedule a time.
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Basic Darkroom Printing – Tutorial
$100.00Basic Darkroom Printing
New to the darkroom? This tutorial covers the basic process for enlarging film in the darkroom, including how to use an enlarger, control contrast and exposure, archivally process and wash prints, dodging and burning, plus other techniques to get you up and running in the darkroom quickly. Students need a developed roll of B/W film, other materials provided. Includes 1 hour of instruction and 3 hours of lab time to get you started.
This tutorial is recommended to follow B/W Film Development. Receive a 15% discount if purchasing both.
Once your order is placed, CEPA will reach out within a few days to schedule a time.
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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.
Once your order is placed, CEPA will reach out within a few days to schedule a time.
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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.
Once your order is placed, CEPA will reach out within a few days to schedule a time.
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Intro to Alt Process – Tutorial
$100.00Intro to Alternative Process
New to alternative process photography? Alternative or non-silver photography offers both digital and analog photographers the ability to make unique, hand made prints using traditional methods without the need for a darkroom.
Cyanotype is simple, affordable and non-toxic, serving as a cheap gateway to more advanced non-silver processes such as Platinum Palladium, Calotype, Van Dyke, and many other variations that use a contact print and UV light.
Learn how to correctly set up and print a digital negative in photoshop, practice the technique for coating water color paper with light sensitive emulsion, and print an image using UV light.
Once your order is placed, CEPA will reach out within a few days to schedule a time.
Youth Summer Classes
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.
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.