Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Join a Digital Photo Academy teacher for Washington, D.C. photo workshops, small group or private live sessions. You’ll learn all about your camera controls and how to create powerful images.
Click or scroll down for full schedule of live workshops
Welcome to the Washington, D.C market for the international network of live and online photo classes, all under the banner of Digital Photo Academy.
This section is devoted to our Washington, D.C photo workshops. The DPA Instructors who lead these workshops are professional photographers who have lived in Washington, D.C for at least 10 years, usually longer.
These pro shooters also have teaching experience and they love teaching. (Not all photographers do.) They know the local retailers where you can get the better deals on photo equipment and more importantly, they know where the best photo ops are which allows us to provide you with a rotation of interesting places to shoot, throughout the year, whether indoors or outdoors, winter, spring, summer of fall. Sometimes one time of day to shoot is better than another and our DPA instructors keep us informed.
About Our Washington, D.C. Photo Workshop Venues
Often, the DPA Instructors even have private access to various locales in the city where they live. Themes vary from street photography and dynamic architecture, to flowers and landscapes, as well as waterscapes, sunsets, lush scenery and everything in between.
During one month, you might be invited to rendezvous in the luxurious natural light streaming in to a religious venue via spectacular stained glass windows and the following month, it might be a small relatively unknown park with very special landscapes. This is why we offer a special ALUMNI Discount to people who attend more than one workshop.
Nationally, we organize these workshops to provide variety for the participants in each local market, but we could not do it without the expertise and connections provided by the DPA instructors in each of those markets.
Phone the national headquarters of Digital Photo Academy at 1 877 372 2231 but know that each of the Digital Photo Academy markets includes a local office. In Washington, D.C. that office is at:
108 HILLTOP RD SILVER SPRING, MD 20910-5448
E-MAIL US AT [email protected] OR CALL 1-877-372-2231 OR click here TO LEARN ABOUT OUR PRIVATE ALL DAY OR HALF DAY CLASS
And in case you’re interested, click here to check out some FREE SAMPLES of our ONLINE CLASSES
Renee
Hi Bob,
I tried your eraser trick and it seems to have worked! I did some test shots before going to the airport today and it looks like the aperture is moving again! You saved me from shipping my lens to Canon repair.
Thank you,
Renee
Bob’s Tip:
“Possible solution…….
1. Take the back lens cap off.
2. Get a clean pencil erase.
3. Erase the small contacts on the metal ring, (do not touch the glass).
4. Gently blow the eraser crumbs away.
%. Install the lens and hope for the best.”
Chellsie Carter
First, I would like to say thank you for offering these workshops. This was an eye opener for me and my fiancé and we learned some great tools and controls on how to take our photography and videography to the next level. I was so impressed with Robert not because of his age but because of his ability to really teach and take his time with us. He was very personable and his life story that he shared with us made it even more worthwhile. We will be taking more classes with him on the private side as we have some projects we would like his expertise on.
Thanks,
Chellsie Carter
John
The DPA team has to coordinate the DPA workshops across the whole country; which I imagine entails a lot of names. Your national office team members and the folks who teach where they live do a wonderful job. That’s why I keep coming back!
David Dettman
Hi there. It was great. My son really loved the instructor. We’d love to do it again sometime.
Kenneth Clare
Thank you for the opportunity to attend the workshop. Bob Stevens was great to chat with. I look forward to future workshops and continuing my photographic journey.
Jaden Jones
I hope your day went well because my day went great. Bob was a very nice and educated guy who sat with me, talked about my camera, and even took me out to put into practice what he had taught me. I can say that I got some beautiful shots. He was a great guy overall and we had great conversations, both related to photography and other topics. This was a great experience for me and I appreciate the time and effort he put in to help me.
Ann Spevacek
Rene and I really enjoyed the class with Bob. He’s a wonderful teacher, and we felt we got a lot out of it.
Andy L
Bob was a terrific help giving me a wide-angle look at photography as well as in the weeds helpful hints about the kinds of photos I’ll be taking. As a result of this class, I have a renewed confidence in my ability to not just improve my photographs but to keep learning as I go. It was a fun three hours and I’m raring to take improved shots!
If Digital Photo Academy had an option of a star ratings, Bob would get a 5 star review out of a possible 5 stars as the best.
Meriem Malouche
The session was very insightful. Bob was patient in his teaching and generous in his technical and artistic advice. I definitely feel more empowered to better use my camera, but most importantly to notice the various elements in the setting/landscape.
Brittany Harding
The class was great, I learned so much about my camera. Bob was awesome. I didn’t get the chance to do the second half of class because something personal popped up and I unfortunately had to leave. Thank you so much for all your help signing up! I very much enjoyed it.
Hope all is well especially with all the craziness going on!
-Brittany
kevin
Took this in Washington, D.C. Bob was great. He’s very knowledgeable and I learned so much.
Alex Alepohoritis
Hello! Thank you so much for the wonderful class on Saturday! We had a great time and enjoyed listening to your tips from your expertise! Once we upload our pictures, I will send along!
In the meantime, do you mind sending me a few names of photographers you had mentioned that might be good for wedding photography? Thank you again!!
Ginny
This class was exceptional and tailored to the needs of the students. I would sign up for another one in a heartbeat. What a fun way to learn!
Taylor Presley
I had an amazing time and definitely learned a ton about my camera and how to operate it now in varying light and looking at things with a more artistic eye.
Bob was great in both of my classes, in the morning with me and my camera and then on the walk about.
Hands down, amazing Saturday for me and much appreciated.
Keith K
The class was awesome. Bob is an amazing teacher. Explained everything in a way you can grasp even the most complex concepts of photography. Would take a class with him again at anytime.
Wendy Simmons
Took this class in Washington DC. We met outside of the Botanical Garden. Bob was everything you would want in an instructor. He explained the basics, answered all our questions, and showed us how to better use our digital cameras. I loved it!!!!
CaSaundra Smith
The class was amazing. I was afraid that my lack of knowledge would either slow the class down or I wouldn’t understand a thing. Bob was great! He met everyone at their level and explained things so everyone could understand. I really enjoyed the class and plan to let others interested in photography know all about it.
Shantris F
Bob was knowledgeable and fun. He explained concepts very simply. The class was perfect for beginners, I’m looking forward to taking another.
Jessica Wilkerson
“The class was great! Looking forward to my second one on august 25th!”
Jessica Wilkerson
Maxine Robinson
“Bob is an excellent instructor. He shared his knowledge on the do’s and don’ts on how to use the camera so that one could take the perfect picture. Due to his patience and instructions, I am no longer afraid to use my camera. ”
-Maxine
Brenda Pomar
“Walt was great! Very nice workshop.”
-Brenda
Ransom Jackson
“Awesome class the best!. Learned so much. Looking forward to learning much more. I’ll be sending pics soon. Thanks so much. Excellent program for all levels of photography.”
-Ransom
Tariq
” I attended today’s session with Walt. He was really good and helpful in getting us a good understanding of the Photography composition fundamentals.
Thanks”
-Tariq
Carrington Smith
I want to take a moment to thank you for the time, information, and inspirational energy that you shared with us yesterday. I hope that I did not offend you with some of my comments. It was not my intent to hog the conversation, but I have to tell you that you touched on some very critical areas that extend way beyond photography. First of all, you represented your craft in the highest way possible, yet found ways to make the subject relatable to all who were assembled. Secondly, there are just too many people who don’t do what they say that they will do. I believe in a zero gap (nobody’s perfect). Something that is just as important is for us to model our professions, activities, and aspirations in a way that it helps society. Thank you so much.
From my standpoint, you politely called me out. While I have taken some fantastic shots, I have not ventured over to the manual side in ages. Of course, then the manual side was the only side. I have not used the focus mechanism since Superman died. In addition, you introduced conversation that I have not been a part of since the early 80’s. Obviously, I need to practice more than I do, but I cannot insulate myself in just being better than some any longer. You have reintroduced a standard that I am, at least, vaguely familiar with. Great job.
“The only question that I would have at this point is from something that you mentioned when talking about the external hard drive. Yes, I purchased a 1TB drive and use it to store pictures. But, early one, I used it to transfer my files from my former computer to my newer one, which included iTunes. Unfortunately, the iTunes did not transfer. Is there something that you can share that I missed. I have nearly 3,000 songs that I still have on my I pod, but did not transfer. My niece told me about an off brand unofficial program called copy pod, but I haven’t used it yet.
At any rate, I can never say thank you enough. Unfortunately we are deeply involved in the “me” generation and sharing is a lost art. You helped to remind me to actually take my time an look through the viewfinder with a purpose. If our paths never cross again, please know that someone did appreciate you for who you are and what you do.”
-Carrington R. Smith
Student Remark
“I enjoyed the class. We’re in the throes of finals and completing school so I will get back to this next week. Great attachment! I can use this in Yearbook class, can’t I?”
-Debbie
Student Remark
“I very much enjoyed the class with Walt at the Capitol on Sunday morning. He is a natural and engaging teacher and was performing impressive feats of (photographic) strength with modest equipment during the session–very inspiring. I may try to to take the class again in an evening session after summer–the low light period evaporated shortly after our session commenced, unfortunately.
While I enjoyed the class and Walt, I think I would have profited from a class at a somewhat more advanced skill level or that afforded more one-on-one or intense instruction. I am a somewhat experienced amateur photographer (came up on film with 35mm SLRs) on the lookout for insights into capturing dramatic light and color, and also strategies for capturing industrial, architectural, and transportation subjects. Does DPA offer anything like that? ”
thanks for reaching out
v/r
steve
Student Remark
“I attached 2 pictures that I took during the Georgetown, Washington, DC class on Saturday. Hope they are interesting!Will Calahan was really open to giving feedback and asking questions and explained some photography principles in a way that helped to retain the information.”
– Carla
James Anderson
“Thank you, I found it very helpful. I really enjoyed learning more of the backstory behind ISO, apeture/f-stop and shutter, and I really appreciated your demonstrations of how they work together. You have a great way of explaining these complex topics that really cleared it up for me.”
– James Anderson
Student Remark
“Thank you for teaching the class yesterday. It was a great day for the zoo and I appreciated your time and instruction.
I am attaching a few photos I took of the class if you want to share them. Not as creative as yours! (There will be a total of three emails.)
I took 198 photos yesterday and am very pleased with a number of the shots I got!”
– Susan E. Etter, Esq.
Niraj Gupta
“I was in Georgetown, Wash DC with our instructor Walter Callahan. Great class….had lots of fun and learned a lot.”
– Niraj Gupta
Glen Williams
“I took the Saturday class on the National Mall (Washington) taught by Walt Calahan. Walt was excellent! He effectively communicated important principles and gave valuable real-time feedback on shots we took onsite. Our area was under a heat advisory, but Walt found us a place to practice shots in the shade. The three hours passed too quickly.
I look forward to taking more DPA classes. Thanks for the great learning opportunity!”
– Glen Williams
Anthony Lambkin
“The class with Vincent was great. He is a very knowledgeable, enthusiastic and patient instructor. I definitely learnt more with him in 3 hours than I have known about photography for the last 3 years! Many thanks again for the lesson (and thanks to my wonderful girlfriend for buying it for me!)”
– Anthony Lambkin
Christopher McGuire
“Thank you so much for your class! We really enjoyed it and hope to be back again.”
– Jill & Chris McGuire
Student Remark
“Thanks again for all of you time and instruction yesterday. Patrick and I had a great time and learned a lot. Attached are two of the ones that I took and believe are best efforts. I will send you a separate mail with another pair. Please let me know what you think.”
– Malcolm
John Peterson
“My instructor, Thomas Arledge was absolutely outstanding. He has a very easy going manner and a great methodology. He was very helpful and attentive. I was amazed at how quickly we were all taking not only better photos, but experimenting with newer ways to look at composition.
I will certainly be looking to attend in more of both his DPA programs and your other ones as well as recommending them to others.”
– J.M. Peterson
John Peterson
“Thomas for such an informative and beneficial class. The whole time was packed with great ideas. (certainly more than what one would expect in three hours spent) I really like your easy going approach and ability to communicate so much of your experience so well. I can’t wait to attend your other classes around DC area!”
– John Peterson
Student Remark
“Great class, and we especially enjoyed the one-on-one time, which is when the real learning happened for me and Christy.”
– Lucian
Student Remark
“Thanks for a great class, I really appreciated receiving your pointers. Do you teach other composition in the field classes? I would be interested in taking other classes that you teach.”
– Christine Lyons
Evan Franke
“I took a composition in the field class in Washington, DC. My class was yesterday in Eastern Market. My instructor, Robert Stevens, led me and four other students through a very helpful and interesting class. I am a rank novice as far as using the full potential of my equipment. I shoot with a Canon Powershot SX10 IS. It is not an SLR, and everyone else at the class had a fairly impressive array of SLR digital equipment. Bob never had me do anything lesser or made me feel at all underpowered for his lessons. He challenged me, and he really started me in a new direction.
I went to the class to capture some basics about what I could do with my camera out of the automatic settings. I took a small step into a larger world with his help, and I really appreciate it. My photos and my technique will need a lot of expiramenting and work, but he really helped me start. I also greatly appreciated that he gave us his contact information for follow up questions. He was a very generous professional, and I learned a lot.”
– Evan Franke
Michael Saft
“In late October I took another DPA class, composition in the field , this time with Nikhil Bahl, and want to say he was a very attentive and informative instructor who patiently worked with all the attendees to bring out the best and most creative side of our efforts. There are two pictures I took which I am most proud of as my daughter has asked that I mount them for hanging in her apartment, which is the first time she has ever asked for any of my photo’s, and of course I am attaching as I feel they were also a reflection of Nikhil’s ability as an instructor to bring out the best in my work.”
– Michael Saft
Student Remark
” Great class today, my head is spinning with all sorts of info I need to try and remember/keep straight! ”
-John Nullmeyer
Pavit Gill
“Thanks Donovan! I really appreciate it! And thank you once again for your help yesterday. You’re a great teacher and we definitely learned a lot. Please keep in touch and keep us posted on your ventures.”
– Pavit Gill
Student Remark
“It was fantastic — what a great instructor — cool, informative, and serious about students understanding so much — really understanding how I got a great shot. Because of Donovan’s style and my ease with his instructions I am only going manual and never going back to program mode again—YEA!!!!!!”
– Andrea
Kelly Chmielewski
“Great session with Donovan Marks at Washington DC’s National Cathedral. Thanks for providing this opportunity via Living Social. Without that promotion, I never would have heard of the Digital Photo Academy. And without this session, I would not have learned how to make the shutter speed and f-stop work in enough harmony to photograph the dark recesses of the Cathedral’s organ with no flash.”
– Kelly Chmielewski
Doug Rodgers
“Excellent”
– Doug Rodgers
Student Remark
“I want to thank you on behalf of the Fords Colony Photography Club for the weekend Workshop held here in Williamsburg, VA this Saturday and Sunday. Dana Bowden did an outstanding job and gave 110% effort to train all of our attendees. Again, thank you very much for having the foresight to see the advantages of this type of a venue for your workshop series.”
– Len Taubman
Andor Czompo
“Just a note to tell you how much I enjoyed the beginning and intermediate classes you taught on Saturday for the Ford’s Colony Photography Club. I had signed up for the beginning class because I had a point and shoot camera. My husband was going to take the intermediate class with a Nikon D40 SLR camera (new to me, but I have used Nikon film cameras previously). Because of the “what to bring” list on the confirmation receipt, he noticed that he was supposed to bring a laptop. He is a bit computer challenged, even though he is becoming more comfortable with our imac. The only laptop we have is a PC, and he won’t touch it with a ten foot pole!!!! So I took the intermediate class instead of him. I learned a lot about the camera and digital photography from your talks. Anyway, I wasn’t sure what to expect and found the whole experience informative and pleasant. I hope that the Photography Club will schedule additional workshops in the future, and that our paths will cross again.”
– Andor Czompo
Brandon Hirsch
“Dana Bowden is a great instructor! I really appreciated the time he took to answer our many questions. His personality is perfect for an instructor, and I don’t get the feeling that he feels superior to his students (even though he is clearly a much better photographer!). I would love to take another class from him.”
– Brandon Hirsch
Student Remark
“Hands down, I thought Andre was fantastic; a true blend of humor/entertainment, teaching and constructive feedback. I enjoyed every single minute of it!! I am still new to photography and have yet to learn all the ins and outs of my new camera but got soooo much out of this class. Would absolutely take another!!”
– Theresa Stitzer
Student Remark
“Thanks for a great class on Saturday. I feel more confident with the features on my camera and really enjoyed all of the tips you gave me!”
-Heidi
Student Remark
“The Composition in the Field class was great! I learned a lot with my camera and the various functions to make pictures pop! I’m traveling to London in a few weeks and feel that I’m prepared to take some great shots!
Thank you so much!”
-Robin
Student Remark
“We had our class on Sunday with Andre at the National Zoo. It was great! Andre is a great guy, full of information, and just a fun person to be around. We hope he teaches more classes in the future.
My wife and I are interested in taking another class soon – National Mall in early December. We would have hoped that Andre was teaching it but just the fun of taking the photo classes is good enough.
Thanks again”
-Mark
Student Remark
“Andre was a phenomenal instructor. He is obviously very passionate about photography and his energy was contagious. He took the time to answer everyone’s questions and I’m sure that everyone learned something!”
-Student Kristin Kauffmann
Robert L. Vitale
“Andre Williams does a super job down here in Washington DC.”
-Robert L. Vitale
Student Remark
“Thank you for a very enjoyable class yesterday morning. As I told you then, although most of the info served as a refresher, it was great to be out for the sole purpose of shooting photos. Normally, I am a tourist, with my wife and me trying to see things for the first time.
Being able to just concentrate on the camera and shot was a lot of fun and helpful. That, of course, can have its drawbacks. I hadn’t played with the ISO rating in a while, wasn’t thinking, and set it to 800 for most of the shoot yesterday. I still got some good shots (I included that one of the rose you shaded for me).”
-Student Greg Goldman