I just finished Peter's class today. I've read so many things on the concepts of how the elements of apeture, shutter speed and ISO work, but I couldn't get the concepts to click to put it into action with my camera. I'm now walking away finally understanding the main concepts to get my DSLR out of AUTO and it has already significantly improved my photography. Peter was patient, funny and very knowledgeable. I highly recommend this class to anyone wanting to improve their skills. I will say that this is not a class for someone that doesn't know how to use their camera at all. You do need to know the basics of how to find and adjust settings and in my opinion you'll get way more out of the class . Thanks Peter for inspiring my creative side again! read more

I highly recommend this photography class! Peter is a very skilled photographer and will explain how to work your camera and take beautiful photos. He will give you tips on how to se read more

As a holiday present, I treated my wife (and myself!) to photo classes with Peter Diggs, and the experience did not disappoint. As relative newbies to photography, Peter (patiently) walked us through the basics of the camera, functionality, shooting process, and a few tricks of the trade. Entering the class practically unaware of how to turn on the camera, I left the class a relatively confident photographer eager to test out my new skills and improve. I highly, highly recommend Peter's class for beginners, novices, and more experienced photographers. He has wonderful interpersonal skills, is a fantastic teacher, and can cater his class to several different models of cameras. It was a fantastic experience! read more

I recently purchased a Nikon SLR camera and wanted to learn how to get off of automatic mode. Going into the class I didn't really know much and after taking the 3 day workshop I have a better understanding of the camera and some new techniques for taking pictures. There were four students in the class. Peter makes the classes fun and he is hilarious. As is his little dog that joins us on our excursions. The setting is very relaxed and Peter makes you feel at home with a glass of wine or beer. He is also very good at sending you follow up emails regarding things covered in the class. However, I felt the classes were too casual. Overall it would have been helpful if there was more structure to the lessons. Since I am a beginner (as was everyone else in the group) I would have liked to have spent more time going through all the different aspects of the camera and have more instruction on how to use it. My preference would have been to try and maximize the teaching/learning in the 2-3 hour classes but there was a lot of down time and socializing. I've got enough friends to sit around and drink beer with that don't cost $30/hour. I guess it depends on what you are looking for. Perhaps it would be more effective for someone that understands the basics and is looking for some creative inspiration and have some fun along the way. read more

I just got a Canon Rebel SL1 and wanted to learn how to use the manual settings. I carefully researched photography classes on yelp and picked Peter's beginning photography classes based on the following reasons: 1. I wanted an in-depth class that was more than just a 2 or 3 hour session. Peter's classes are 8 hours over the course of three sessions. After taking the classes, I could not imagine learning the basics of ISO, aperture and shutter speed in any less time. We were not only able to learn and discuss the concepts, we took photos during class so we could see how each concept played out in our shots. 2. Small group size - 5 students in the class means individual attention and time to ask questions. When we took our test shots, Peter was able to look at each of our photographs and give us individual feedback. I was also able to discuss my thought process in deciding each of the settings for my shots with Peter which was really helpful in learning the concepts. 3. The reviews were really awesome, and Peter really lived up to them. He is a seasoned photographer who not only takes amazing shots on his own, he is able to break down photography basics to beginners. After taking the class, I highly recommend it to anyone who wants learn how to use your camera's settings in manual settings. A really fun bonus is he taught us how to take really cool creative photos playing with lighting and shadows! read more

Picture perfect. I highly recommend Peter's photography class. I think I take a pretty nice picture, but let's be honest, until you move your camera out of AUTO... you still have a lot to learn. I loved the laid back nature of the 3 classes -- everyone in the class was able to get what they needed out of it -- whether they were a little more advanced or a total beginner (like me). We did lots of practicing in the studio and walking around outside -- Peter even let me come in early one day for a little extra one-to-one help and he helped me pick out my new camera! I left Peter's class with my nose in my camera manual -- being able to understand every word -- and a new inspiration for capturing great photos. read more

Peter Diggs is an extremely talented photographer who is now sharing his extensive experience with others through his comprehensive photography classes. I had never participated in a photography class before because I thought it would intimidating for an amateur like myself. I have always wanted to learn about lighting, composition, and capturing the right shot, and now I am so excited about applying everything he has taught me! His classes are fun and affordable for all levels of experience. Thank you Peter! read more

I've been an amateur photographer for a few years, and finally decided to take my first real photography class with Peter. It was a series of 3 classes in a week and what I loved about the class is that is was hands on and discussion based. The class gave me a great base to start exploring off. Books and videos, can at best teach you the technical elements of photography, but what Peter also taught us was the artistic, creative and human element that makes for "interesting photography." Understanding the intricacies of exposure is probably the most important and most difficult part, and Peter really simplified it for me and help me get a proper grasp on it. Sitting around the dining table drinking wine and discussing photography along with the little field trips made the class a whole lot of fun. read more

Just finished Peter's three-day workshop and I really enjoyed it. The class is great for anyone new to photography or for those like me who have been shooting for years but never really grasped the concepts of what makes for a great shot. I have many pictures I'm proud of but most of my best shots are happy accidents. I couldn't answer questions about how I got a shot, and was never sure if I could make a shot work until I saw the result. The classes are very laid-back, more of a hands-on chat than a formal course. Peter opens your eyes to what your camera can do, but also makes you open your manual get to know your own camera. He really emphasizes working with the lighting, which is a key aspect of taking great photos. After the three-day workshop I wasn't left feeling like I could take a perfect shot every time, but I do feel like I have a great foundation for taking charge of my camera and improving beyond the those few lucky shots. Thanks Peter! read more

I just finished taking Peter's photography class and was amazed at the amount of stuff I learned. You're going to be taking photos for the rest of your life, so might as well learn how to take good photos. Have you ever looked at regular pictures that most people take (aka most of the pictures on Facebook), and then gone to an art museum and looked at the photos on display and went "wow?" Why do the art museum photos make you go "wow" whereas the Facebook photos don't? Peter will teach you what makes photos "wow" photos and how to create those photos yourself with your own camera. It's all in how you see the world through your lens and adjust the settings on your camera. The class meets over three days. The first class deals with the technical aspects of photography. What is shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and how do they all relate with each other. You won't just learn the theory, but actually start shooting to see the difference making these adjustments to your camera will make. You take pictures at different camera settings to see the difference. The second class focuses on composition. This is where you learn "what makes a good picture" and go out on a photoshoot, and start composing good shots. You walk around a regular SF neighborhood looking for good shots out of everyday subject matter. You learn how to make your photos balanced, intriguing, and give it the "wow" factor I talked about earlier. The third class is more composition, but focuses on portrait photography and flash photography. If you look at art exhibit photos, none of them use the built in flash on the camera. Peter will show you how to use the flash right. I thought I was an advanced-amateur photographer before I took the class. I've been reading up on and doing photography for 8 years. I knew all about f-stops and what makes for a good photo. But I've never taken a class before. Peter's class was hands on with a good instructor and it brought my photo skills to a whole new level. I can now walk into any room our outdoor environment, know what settings my Aperture/Shutter/ISO should be, recognize the light source, and know how to shoot stunning photographs on the spot. Also, Peter is a pretty laid back instructor. Most of the "lectures" involve sitting around his living room table having a beer, talking about photography, reviewing your pictures, and then the class moves outside for hand on shooting and reviewing. I'm really glad I took this course. You're going to be taking pictures for the rest of your life (at weddings, graduations, parties, travel, everyday happenings). Why not make those pictures great pictures? When I look on Facebook, I see lots of pictures of the same thing - people on vacation, partying, at graduation, etc. Why not makes those pictures museum quality pictures? Peter will show you how. He's a great instructor and I'm glad I took his course. I highly recommend his course to everyone. You won't regret it. Knowing how to take good pictures is a good skill to have since you'll be using it for the rest of your life. read more

I've taken a few intro photography classes before, but I highly recommend Peter's class. It's a very hands-on class, and the combination of doing an overview of some basic photography principles (depth of field, shutter speed, ISO, white balance, and how these affect each other), taking pictures as a group in his studio and outside, and then doing a critique works really well. You learn a lot in a relatively short period of time that helps you through the full "life-cycle" of taking better pictures. He breaks down the basics in a clear way, sharing what variables are best for different lighting conditions so that you're able to have much more control over the shot you want to take. Peter is extremely supportive and encouraging, and shares some of his own tips and tricks, which were also beneficial. After just the first session, I felt much more comfortable using my camera 'on the fly' and started to look at photos with a much more critical eye than I had before. read more

Thank you for sharing your generosity time and knowledge of photography. The class was informative gave me a much better understanding of the multiple varied functions of my camera and useful in the field. Debra read more

I've been meaning to write this review for ages. It's like the Thank You card you didn't send the next day, or the next week, and then it just feels stupid to send it at all, but still, in the back of your mind, when you think about the party you went to or the gift someone sent, there's this nagging voice telling you, you are an idiot and stop feeling embarrassed because you belong to that big group of lugs that doesn't get things done on time, just do it already. Back to the case in point: Diggs' photography class. Each session began with our small group gathering around the dining table in his loft apartment, with a little beverage, if you so chose, because this isn't a school for a stay-in-your-seats-nicely and put-up-your-hands-quietly group of students. In short order, he will make you feel very much part of his creative family, encouraging you to take shots you didn't know you (or your camera) had in you, and getting you launched on the street like a kid on a bicycle with training wheels and handle bar streamers, aka field trip, which might only result in a couple of blocks straying from his front door, but you wouldn't know it looking at the end results. It's all good stuff coming out of this class. Like shooting totally in manual with my SLR, feeling like a creator, rather than just a point and click, automatic cult follower. Fairly quickly you get the point that the difference between a nice shot that gets skipped over in a slide show and one that causes a pause and oohs and aahs from friends can be as simple as having the know-how to ease your body into a different angle and look, I mean really look. Peter is like a seeing eye dog, guiding you around a landscape you've been to before, but couldn't quite navigate in an artful manner without some prompting in the right direction. What looks like a boring hallway gets transformed into light streams and angles and contrast and composition and just plain coolness. Peter, this is a bit late, but Thank You for passing on the gift of seeing and then drawing with my camera. Cheers! read more

Highly recommend if, like me, you love to shoot, but can't totally wrap your head around all the manual settings, and you want to understand more about your camera. I admit for the first second or two, because of the casual atmosphere, I thought we were not covering "enough." Not so. I learned a lot -really a lot- and I truly absorbed the material. Peter is incredibly generous with his knowledge. I'm forever off auto - yay! I'm confident setting my camera, I understand how I might make adjustments to improve my shot, and I feel prepared for a number of potentially difficult shots and lighting situations. Great class! read more

Peter's classes are wonderful for beginners as well as slightly more practiced amateur photographers who want to polish up their technical skills. The classes helped me to learn to use all my camera functions to their fullest potential. In addition to the technical aspect, Peter emphasizes creativity and using light to be able to see things a bit differently as you photograph. The class is done in a pretty flexible format - Peter really does his best to tailor the classes to the specific needs and skill levels of the students, and because he keeps the class sizes small, he's able to do this very successfully! I learned a lot in these classes not only from going out and taking pictures, but also from the discussions we would have afterwards - and they were always a lot of fun too! read more

I just completed an 8 hour workshop with Peter and it was well worth it. Before the class even started, I had several conversations with Peter on the phone and email to discuss what I was looking to get our of the workshop. That was a nice way to start everything off as no time was wasted when we actually kicked the classes off. This is a laid back workshop with a open format. Not much of a lecture but more of a conversation and putting things into practice. He showed us some cool and easy tricks with the camera to create interesting images and took time to look at each of our photos and gave critique. Also, he's down for beer and tacos while you're out photographing - my kind of class and teacher. Definitely recommend for people looking to learn basics and some advances techniques. read more

I recently purchased my 1st DSLR camera and took a two day class with Peter and loved it. He is quite a character and a book of knowledge when it comes to cameras. The class was well laid out so we covered a great deal, however, extremely casual so everyone felt comfortable regardless of their experience level. It was held in his gorgeous working studio space and he did a great job of balancing both group lectures/ discussions with actual time on our cameras. I think each person was given a great deal of individual attention and left not only feeling challenged, but excited to try more on their own at home. I walked away feeling like I had a *far* better grasp of how my camera works and the relationship between shutter speed, aperture and ISO. Peter is an incredibly artistic and colorful individual - He was full of great tips and tricks for all types of shooting situations and made sure we each worked with our cameras in a number of different environments- both inside and out. I feel like I definitely got my money's worth and made a great contact for the future. read more

This class was SUCH a great experience. I have been trying to learn the basics of photography for years. I've purchased online courses, tried to have friends teach me, etc. It wasn't until coming to Peter's class that it finally 'clicked'. Besides that, Peter is absolutely delightful. He demonstrated total expertise in the field of photography and was able to answer all our questions, but in addition to that, he was hilarious and charming and created a really fun atmosphere for the class. Oh, and Peter's loft studio where the classes are held - also AMAZING. Overall, I would recommend Peter's photography classes 100% to anyone looking to either learn the basics of photography or expand on their current knowledge. Peter's class will advance your photography skills regardless of what level you're at. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND! read more

I couldn't decide whether to take Peter's beginner's class or take the private, one-on-one workshop that he offers. I finished up doing both. I write a food blog and I wanted to take my own photographs, but I only knew how to take photographs in AUTO. I knew that limited me and so I took the beginners class to get an overall knowledge and then took the private class to concentrate on photographing food. I am now using my own photography on my site...and loving it. Although there were 6 people in the class he paid each of us individual attention. He has a very pleasant...and humorous way about him...and he knows his stuff! And his loft is so cool! I recommend him highly. read more

I recently completed Peter's May class session. I have had my camera for a few years, but never got around to learning the basics (in the past only shooting in auto mode!). Peter is a great teacher, but more importantly the format and pace of the class was excellent. We learned the fundamentals but were also given the freedom to explore our newly-learned knowledge during class. If you are interested in learning more about your camera or photography in general, I would absolutely recommend Peter's class to take you to the next level. Looking forward to shooting like a "pro" on my upcoming travels and exploring my newfound hobby. read more

Learning from Peter is a treat. I learned a great deal in a small group about how to shoot in raw, navigate manual settings, and edit in lightroom. After the class, I completed a pet photography project using my learnings. The project achieved 100k followers on instagram. Lastly, Peter is a fun person to be around, patient and very much a master of his craft. read more

I took a 3 day day 'Introductory Photography' class from Peter and loved it. This past Saturday, 11/02/12, was the final meeting. The class takes place in his studio/home and the topics discussed ranged from "What's the 'P' button do?" to detailed analysis and objective critiques of the pictures we took during the lesson. What I really liked about Peter's course is that the discussions were relatively free of syllabus parameters so each student could learn and gain experience at his/her own speed. This was exactly what I wanted in a beginner digital photography lesson. I'm much more confident when I pull out my Nikon now and would definitely take another class from Peter if given the opportunity. Chris read more

We bought a "fancy" camera for vacations and I've always wanted to learn more about how to take better pictures. Peter's class was just the ticket! I learned so much about how my camera works and different techniques for capturing the spirit of any moment... vacations, food pictures, kids, weddings, portraits... you name it! The class was a lot of fun with lots of time spent practicing with our cameras and really learning how to use shutter speed, aperture, and ISO to make good pictures... on top of lots of nifty tricks for adding extra flare. Peter is a fun, collaborative teacher. Highly recommended! read more

I went to Peter's class because I had a camera that cost a lot of money but I didn't know how to use anything but 'AUTO'. He helped demystify the other settings/buttons/dials to where I'm now comfortable using them, and to where I'm getting a great deal more out of my camera and my photography. While he taught us (there was 6 of us, which is the max. sized class) the technical we took photographs to use this info. Peter's creative guidance was cool: since taking his class I'm looking at the world differently. Peter's easy-going style and the vibe of the class made it seem more like a Parisian artist's salon than a classroom, especially when the wine was poured! read more

My 15 year old son and I took Peter's class last month. It was terrific. We learned about the technical and artful aspects of photography. No more shooting on Auto Mode! Peter is very patient and fun. My son has "developed" into an avid (and talented) photographer. I'm so-so, and getting better. read more

My wife and I scheduled some last minute lessons before our trip to Africa in the hopes that we'd at least gain some rudimentary competence with our newly acquired SLR's so we wouldn't spend a week and a half in the bush snapping photos of lions, leopards and crocodiles eating wildebeests only to come home with blurry, disappointing photos. With only 8 hours of instruction from Peter over three days, we made massive improvements in our photography skills and were even helping others on our trip with their cameras. Photography was a lost ancient art for me (it had been many years) and brand new to my wife. Peter was able to teach us so much in a short period of time. Not only is Peter an excellent teacher, he makes the learning process fun and relaxing. My wife had to drag me to the first lesson, but after we got started, we both couldn't wait for the next two lessons. read more

My boyfriend and I recently (September) traveled to San Francisco for a little vacation. While researching things to do while we were there, I came across Peter's photography classes. We had recently purchased a Canon EOS 60D and were trying to figure it out like a bunch of amateurs! Thought it would be fun to take a class while we were in San Francisco and then use our new found knowledge while checking out the city! Fun was the perfect adjective! My boyfriend and I learned so much about our camera, but it was also very entertaining. Peter has a very charismatic personality, which made the session a blast! I definitely recommend Peter for his sessions! You will not be disappointed!!! read more

Best photographer in SF. Very attentive, artistic, and took unbelievable shots of me. Don't waste your time going anywhere else. He's the best read more

Peter is an exceptional photographer that knows his medium like few others. To take one of his inspiring and highly educating photography classes will elevate your knowledge and understanding of this craft and will lead you to the next level. Everybody thinks he or she is a photographer today with point and shoot equipment abound and smart phones offering better image quality and some options. In Peter's class you can learn to make a true difference and how to use your equipment to it's best. Highly recommend it. Great professional photographer, great class, picture perfect! read more

I was like everyone else. I bought a new Nikon D3100 and couldn't work it pass the automatic settings that would limit it to any ol' point and shoot camera I've had in the past. I wanted to step up my photography where I could have complete control over what I wanted to do with my photography. I went through countless painful youtube videos trying to score the same help the provided commentators said they received. I wanted a visual guide but the technical speeches just left me more confused. Finally, I decided to find maybe a little seminer somewhere that wasn't too expensive, and boom, I found Peter Diggs. I read through all the comments that gave him rave reviews for just over the course of three spread out days. I have to say, It made me very excited. The first day I finally got what an F-stop was, the iso, and shutter speed, and how they work together. I got all this information I never could retain before and got hands on experience doing so. The class is of 6 people, so you're not overwhelmed or lost in a crowd. Meeting in his flat and offered a drink, you're relaxed and its like you're gathered for a get together with people all sharing a passion to learn a new art. Rather than it being a teacher being a class, its like youre discussing something with a friend and when you think you might now be getting what you came for, you realize you're getting far more than that. The time passes by so fast, and I was sadden each time a class ended. The space between classes, gives you time to work a bit with what you've taken away so far (don't be stressed if you don't get the time outside of class either), and he always takes the time to give hands on experience. You don't have to be afraid to ask questions. Hes very inviting when it comes to having you email inquires and searching for the answers he doesn't know before giving you any information. Hes very funny, quirky. Just a very relaxed guy that you can tell is very passionate about what he does. I had my last class Saturday, and I'm just in every way a changed photographer. I know how to work my camera now to the point I can handle any situation, if not at least know how to think my way through it. I highly recommend this course for anyone like me! You will not be disappointed! read more

PS. Peter also has a Facebook account, which it looks like he's starting to post to more regularly with photos and tips. www.facebook.com/diggsphotographyclasses read more

My first photography class after purchasing my first DSLR. I loved the small class size, and being in Peter's studio. He has a lot of real world experience to share, as well as an artistic approach, which is an excellent combination. read more

I had been wanting to take my photography to the next level. After checking out the Yelp reviews and Peter Diggs' website, I signed up. Our small group met over the course of three sessions. It would not be overstating it to say that by the end of the first session, I had already become a better photographer. The next evening, at an event, I made informed decisions about how to shoot it. Then, later that weekend, spent the afternoon on a photography walk practicing. What I think is great about working with Peter is his determination and approachable teaching style. Each of our group was interested in different subject matter- architecture, nature, people, travel and action. Peter made sure each of us had a chance to share our work, get into the nitty gritty of subject challenges and help troubleshoot. If you're thinking about achieving a better understanding of photography in a relaxed environment, sign up for Diggs Photography. read more

Great intro to the adventures of the world of photography. Peter is very thoughtful, patient, and inspiring. Lovely space and atmosphere - perfect for a small class. read more

Take this class if you want to learn and have fun at the same time! I was shooting in full auto and on the phone camera for a long time and now it's so liberating to finally have some control and creative flexibility. You can't learn everything in 8 hours, but it's a grate jumpstart. If you don't have a camera yet, email Peter and he will help. Highly Recommend! read more

My friend and I signed up for a 2 day photography class with Peter. We were both pretty much in the same boat in terms of photography skill level: amateur photographers with SLR cameras set on automatic all of the time. We both wanted to learn what these fancy cameras could actually do, and Peter helped us do exactly that! All around, this class with Peter was excellent because he catered to where we were at and what we wanted to learn so we hit the ground running. Also, we really enjoyed the casual atmosphere of the class itself where it was much more of a dialogue between the three of us. Peter himself is a charismatic and personable man, and it was entertaining and insightful to have him as an instructor. His loft is full of his stunning photography and it's clear to see he's an expert in the field. It's always a pleasure to learn from an expert open to sharing. We received mini lectures from him in a casual Q and A session, then practiced shooting in different scenarios and camera settings to put our knowledge into action. He gave us feedback on our photos and helped us make the necessary adjustments to achieve the effect we were going for. Peter also showed us some of the editing magic that takes place in Lightroom. We both loved this class, and learned what we wanted and more. Goodbye, automatic setting, and thank you again for an excellent 2 day class, Peter. read more

Peter's class is fantastic! He was very patient with all of my beginner questions and even loaned me one of his cameras. I had a great time, and learned a ton. read more

I really enjoyed learning from Peter. He's a very pleasant and enjoyable person to be around. I recently bought a new Sony Cybershot camera and was overwhelmed with all of the options it had for taking pictures. It was quite a few steps up from my Iphone. Anyway, Peter was very patient with me and his knowledge was impressive. He made learning fun. I'm not taking automatic shots anymore and his teaching me how to use manual mode makes taking pictures more rewarding and fun to play around with. read more

I had a great time working with Peter to learn more about shooting in non-automatic. The setting is relaxed and there's a great sense of community sitting with fellow classmates at his kitchen table. Peter is funny and helpful and I highly recommend taking his class! read more

I just finished my 3-day class with Peter Diggs. What a remarkable teacher! I have a fancy Canon 50d camera which I have been struggling with for years and just settled for keeping it on "Automatic" but unsatisfied with the photos. Well, I learned all the basics of how to use my camera and now only shoot in Manual mode with confidence. I also learned how to tweek photos on the computer to make them perfect. Peter's extraordinary personality makes the class so much fun, never boring. He has a great way of teaching you what to look for in a good photo, how to shoot it, what angle, what speed, etc. I really enjoyed this class. I have a friend who took his one-on-one class also and my friend was very pleased. read more