OAKLAND
PHOTOGRAPHY
GROUP

Upcoming Events

Landscape Photography

Landscape Photography

Sunday 22 June
Joaquin Miller Park - 10am - 2 Hours
Rocky Laber
Landscape photography is possibly one of the most popular genres, so we'll be looking at how you can improve your shots and help your photos stand out from the crowd. We will be focusing on composition, panoramas, equipment tips and settings to use.

All skill levels welcome! The professional photography instructor will be there to provide advice, feedback and tips on how to improve your photos and camera skills.
book now
$47      
Beginner's Photography Class

Beginner's Photography Class

Saturday 28 June
Grand Lake District - 10am - 3 Hours
Mel Chircop
Ready to learn more about your camera and get out of automatic exposure? Now is your chance!

Join us as we break down your camera to help you learn about shutter speed, aperture, ISO and how these settings affect your exposure.

We will then put your new knowledge to the test with the guidance of a professional photographer.
book now
$92      

Nearby Photography Groups

Street Photography: Learning The Decisive Moment

Street Photography: Learning The Decisive Moment

Saturday 14 June
Financial District - 3:30pm - 2 Hours
San Francisco Photography Group
Michael Forks
People, cafes, vendors, street merchants, buskers, historic buildings, art installations and much more. The power of observation underpins the art of great street photography. Learning to "see" interesting detail is a practised skill and we introduce you to easy methods that will open your photographer's eye and expose you to a world that is alive with detail. We will also go over settings, focusing techniques and lens choices common to street photography to help us capture those random chance encounters.
book now
$47       5 places left
Composition in the Park

Composition in the Park

Saturday 21 June
909 Kiely Blvd - 10am - 2 Hours
Santa Clara Photography Group
Fin Liu
Come and join us as we explore composition in photography.

Composition is one of the most critical element in photography. Composition is how a photographer arranges the visual elements within their image, frame. I promise you that if you search for information on composition you will find plenty You will find formal rules, opinion, some of which you can trace back to historical art movements and painters.

Even in the digital world, composition remains the key to creating strong images. Composition is what guides our eye through an image and gives importance to the subject. It creates the story for the viewer and how we as photographers convey that message.

This meetup will explore composition using our frame and tools available to us as the photographer.
book now
$49      
Natural Light Portraits

Natural Light Portraits

Saturday 28 June
El Camino Real - 10am - 2 Hours
Santa Clara Photography Group
Fin Liu
This meet-up will explore how we can take beautiful portraits using natural light and backgrounds. We will explore how to recognise flattering light and how to manipulate it whilst shooting in a less controlled environment than a studio. We will explore how we can work collaboratively with our subject to achieve a portrait that captures their personality and style. We will also look at posing and setting your subject at ease. Technical learning points will include accurate focusing and metering for skin tones.

Note: Please bring a friend or a family member as a model.
book now
$49      

Shooting in Manual Mode Class

Shooting in Manual Mode Class

Saturday 28 June
Financial District - 3:30pm - 3 Hours
San Francisco Photography Group
Michael Forks
This class is for anyone looking to switch their camera mode from Auto to Manual and learn how to shoot using the Manual Mode. The goal is to help everyone become more confident when using their camera settings. We will touch on essential camera functions and the exposure triangle: Shutter Speed, Aperture, and ISO.
book now
$92       5 places left
Street Photography Meetup

Street Photography Meetup

Saturday 05 July
Downtown Mountain View - 10am - 2 Hours
Santa Clara Photography Group
Nithin Kumar
People, cafes, vendors, street merchants, buskers, historic buildings, art installations and much more. The power of observation underpins the art of great street photography. Learning to "see" interesting detail is a practised skill and we introduce you to easy methods that will open your photographer's eye and expose you to a world that is alive with detail. The most rewarding part of the class is learning how to approach interesting people and have them willingly pose for you.

We will also go over settings, focusing techniques and lens choices common to street photography to help us capture those random chance encounters.
book now
$49      
Shooting in Manual Mode Class

Shooting in Manual Mode Class

Saturday 26 July
Financial District - 3:30pm - 3 Hours
San Francisco Photography Group
Michael Forks
This class is for anyone looking to switch their camera mode from Auto to Manual and learn how to shoot using the Manual Mode. The goal is to help everyone become more confident when using their camera settings. We will touch on essential camera functions and the exposure triangle Shutter Speed, Aperture, and ISO.
book now
$98       4 places left

50mm Lens Meetup

50mm Lens Meetup

Sunday 27 July
China Basin Park - 3:30pm - 2 Hours
San Francisco Photography Group
Michael Forks
The 50mm lens is one of the flexible and useful lenses in any photographers gear bag. It is neither a wide-angle or telephoto lens, but allows the camera to see on the same scale as your eye. As such, it can be used for a variety of styles, from landscape and street photography to portrait and product photography. In this meetup, well review the basic camera settings. Well then cover some of the advantages of shooting with a prime lens, and some basic techniques to using the 50mm lens. As always, there will be ample opportunities for you to put your new knowledge into practice.
book now
$49      
Beginner's Photography Class

Beginner's Photography Class

Saturday 02 August
Financial District - 3pm - 3 Hours
San Francisco Photography Group
Michael Forks
Ready to learn more about your camera and get out of automatic exposure? Now is your chance!

Join us as we break down your camera to help you learn about shutter speed, aperture, ISO and how these settings affect your exposure.

We will then put your new knowledge to the test with the guidance of a professional photographer.
book now
$98      
Mindfulness of Our Surroundings Through Photography.

Mindfulness of Our Surroundings Through Photography.

Saturday 09 August
North Beach - 3pm - 2 Hours
San Francisco Photography Group
Michael Forks
This photography group class and photo walk will focus on cultivating mindfulness by deepening our awareness of the world around us. Through intentional observation and creative composition, we'll use photography as a tool to slow down, engage our senses, and appreciate the beauty in everyday moments. this experience will help students see the world with fresh eyes and capture meaningful images with presence and purpose.
book now
$49      

Photograph San Francisco!

Photograph San Francisco!

Saturday 06 September
Financial District - 3pm - 2 Hours
San Francisco Photography Group
Michael Forks
Join us on a photo walk, covering some of the most iconic San Francisco locations. We will start at the Ferry Building with views of the Bay Bridge. Then walk through the stunning financial district, and end in bustling Chinatown. Practice your street and architecture photography while exploring one of the World's most beautiful and dynamic cities!
book now
$49      

Other Nearby Groups

Beginner's Crochet Class

Beginner's Crochet Class

Sunday 29 June
Sunnyvale - 2pm - 3 Hours
San Jose Crochet Club
charanya chinnasamy
If you are brand new to crochet, haven't picked up a hook in years, or simply want a little more guidance on those all important basic stitches this is the class for you. We will start with techniques for holding the yarn before moving onto forming the stitches that make up a traditional granny square.

Crochet materials are included as well as a free tea or coffee.
book now
$78      
Summer Painting Watercolor Class

Summer Painting Watercolor Class

Sunday 06 July
Municipal Rose Garden - 10am - 2 Hours
San Jose Watercolor Group
Joy Hallare
Join us for a relaxing watercolor class focused on capturing the beauty of summer scenes. This beginner-friendly session is perfect for those looking to enjoy painting outdoors and explore their creativity.
book now
$49      
Beginner's Crochet Class

Beginner's Crochet Class

Sunday 06 July
Sunnyvale - 2pm - 3 Hours
San Jose Crochet Club
charanya chinnasamy
If you are brand new to crochet, haven't picked up a hook in years, or simply want a little more guidance on those all important basic stitches this is the class for you. We will start with techniques for holding the yarn before moving onto forming the stitches that make up a traditional granny square.

Crochet materials are included as well as a free tea or coffee.
book now
$78      

Beginner's Crochet Class

Beginner's Crochet Class

Saturday 19 July
Downtown San Jose - 10am - 3 Hours
San Jose Crochet Club
Tyah-Amoy Roberts
If you are brand new to crochet, haven't picked up a hook in years, or simply want a little more guidance on those all important basic stitches this is the class for you. We will start with techniques for holding the yarn before moving onto forming the stitches that make up a traditional granny square.

Crochet materials are included as well as a free tea or coffee.
book now
$78      
Summer Painting Watercolor Class

Summer Painting Watercolor Class

Saturday 20 September
Municipal Rose Garden - 10am - 2 Hours
San Jose Watercolor Group
Joy Hallare
Join us for a relaxing watercolor class focused on capturing the beauty of summer scenes. This beginner-friendly session is perfect for those looking to enjoy painting outdoors and explore their creativity.
book now
$49      
ABOUT OAKLAND
PHOTOGRAPHY
GROUP
Come along to our photo sessions to dust off your camera and get snap-happy with a professional photography instructor.

Brush up on your camera skills and learn new photography techniques whilst on a photo walk class with other local keen photographers!

We run two hour photography sessions based on a photography theme/technique/style and they take place in various locations in Oakland.

  • New to photography? We also run a popular 3 hour Beginners Guide to Photography Class once a month. And once in a while we will run special niche 3 hour classes, for example, Astrophotography - so do subscribe to our newsletter to know when the next on is!

  • Who can attend? Open to all skill levels, from beginners to keen amateurs. The photography instructor is there to help you with camera settings and provide any advice you need.

  • What to bring? We recommend bringing a camera that has full manual mode or semi-manual modes (Aperture or Shutter Priority). Compact cameras and smartphones also welcome!

    The meeting point and full details for the day are sent in the booking confirmation email to the email address you provide at time of booking.

    Join the Oakland Photography Group on Facebook to share your photos after the session.

    Got a question? Try our FAQ.
  • REVIEWS
    I appreciated the instructor for taking the time to talk with each participant to become more familiar with their experience level and approach. He had a lot of great knowledge and insights to share.
    4/5
    Brooke
    2025-05-05
    Enjoyed meeting fellow photography enthusiasts in a supportive, creative setting. The teacher was personable, and I appreciated his choice of Berkeley venues and thoughtful, manageable assignments.
    5/5
    Nestor
    2025-04-21
    Always a great environment to attend.
    5/5
    Rogers
    2024-07-28

    John, is great he took the time to interact with all the photographers. He asked how we was going to take black & white pre or post processing. He let us go on or own to find that unique shot at the Oakland public market & Lake Merritt. I'm looking forward to his chasing the sunset class.
    5/5
    rogers
    2024-05-26
    It was fun event, John brought his girlfriend Kat to be my life model, and later we were asking strangers to take pictures of them and they were very enthusiastic and agreeable.
    5/5
    Irina
    2023-12-11
    PHOTOGRAPHERS
    Mel Chircop
    Hi! I am a photographer from and based in the Bay Area, specializing in portraiture and concept exploration via analog processes. I hold a BFA in Photography from San José State and have been a professional photographer for over 5 years.

    I see photography as an energy capture —this energy being the essence of who or what is in front of my camera. I am inspired by warmth, truth, and the nuances of the individual. Recently, I have been embracing digital photography techniques to capture events and nightlife.

    Check out my website for examples of my work: melchircop.com

    Mel Chircop is available for private bookings

    Open availability for private tutoring, portraits, events, brand shoots, etc!

    Rocky Laber
    My name is Rocky Laber, I'm a photographer and videographer living and working in Oakland. In my career, I've been very fortunate to be able to shoot in a wide variety of settings, covering an equally wide variety of subject matter: sports, events, portraiture, landscape, travel, weddings, musical performance, motor sports, architecture, real estate, and construction. I've been a certified FAA drone pilot since 2018. I like to read, cycle, travel, and cook, I'm a music lover and sports fan, and I have deep roots in the Bay Area.

    Rocky Laber is available for private bookings

    Among the services I offer are portraiture and headshots, small shooting workshops on location, software training in Photoshop, Lightroom, and Premiere.

    PHOTOS
    Oakland Photography Group
    2025-06-12
    Title or Location: Richmond, CA
    This was shot on 35mm Kono Sunstroke film at Full Queer Wrestling?s Aftertaste show at Armistice Brewing. The wrestler featured in the photo is Richie Coy holding the Princex of Pride Championship belt.
    Credit: Patrick Kelly
    Instagram: @pat2396

    Oakland Photography Group
    2025-05-25
    Title or Location: Oakland
    Photographed Lindsey on Easter Morning with Nikon D850, 70-200mm f2.8 Nikkor optics
    Credit: Warren Hukill
    Oakland Photography Group
    2024-09-01
    Title or Location: Urban Muse. in Verona's Hiden Corners
    Verona, Italy, a city known for its stunning history and architecture, holds a special place in our hearts. But beyond the iconic landmarks lies a different side?one perfect for industrial and off-the-beaten-path photography. In 2019, we ventured into these lesser-known corners of Verona, capturing the raw beauty that often goes unnoticed. This image is a testament to the hidden gems that make Verona truly unique.
    Credit: David Karamian
    Facebook: David Karamian
    Instagram: David Karamian

    Oakland Photography Group
    2024-01-10
    Title or Location: Shoreline Beach
    I took this photo after shopping at the Daiso store at the Shoreline Shopping Center in Alameda, CA. It had been raining so I knew I would get some great sunset photos with San Francisco in the background.
    Credit: Regina Dailey

    Oakland Photography Group
    2024-01-10
    Title or Location: Rodeo Beach, Fort Cronkite, Marin Headlands, CA
    I had raised the ISO up to 800, as the light was beginning to fade late in the day. And the colors on the horizon were crazy, the clouds in the top of the frame had some crazy textures and colors, too - but there was a great glow to the foreground as wel. I shot this on a Nikon Z7ii with a 24-120mm F4 lens. With the ISO up, I was able to get some good depth of field down to f9.0, and the shutter was set to 1/800 sec, so that I could get a good quick shutter to catch the action on the wave, a
    Credit: John Douglas White
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jdwhitesf/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdwhitesf/
    Oakland Photography Group
    2024-01-10
    Title or Location: Rodeo Beach, Fort Conkrite, Marin Headlands, CA
    A great afternoon with dramatic light. Some strong winds was blowing the clouds and the spray off the waves, but the surfers were stoked. Shot on a Nikon Z7ii, I went for a low ISO of 100 for detail, and the 70-200mm lens was at 80mm, f5.0 at 1/400 sec.
    Credit: John Douglas White
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jdwhitesf/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdwhitesf/

    Washington DC Photography Group
    2025-06-13
    Title or Location: dudhwa national park india
    We were in Dudhwa national park safari ride. And suddenly tiger came out of the bushes chasing peahen. Seeing our safari jeep, tiger stopped and got luck to take this shot.
    Credit: siddhartha gupta

    Peterborough Photography Group
    2025-06-12
    Title or Location: Masai Mara Kenya (Mara triangle)
    This is Osidai.He is a leopard I encountered during a safari trip to the Masai Mara in Kenya last year. He was a beautiful animal and it was an absolute privilege to spend some time watching him.
    Credit: Lyndsey Williamson
    Dundee Photography Group
    2025-06-12
    Title or Location: Sunset at Achuvoldrach
    "After a stunningly beautiful day in the remote north of Scotland, the sky offered one final gift?a pastel-hued sunset that painted the horizon and left a warm glow in our hearts."
    Credit: John Cuthbert LRPS ARPS
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/john.cuthbert.963

    Orange County Photography Group
    2025-06-11
    Title or Location: Sabi Sands Greater Kruger South Africa
    Early morning safari Leopard approaching the vehicle. Light came from the headlights of the jeep. Under expose to get the background dark.
    Credit: Tai Hoang
    Instagram: Lb_sleepy

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