I can not recommend this class enough! I've had a basic DSLR for years and used it while traveling and shot family and friends but even after a couple theoretical classes and countless YouTube videos, I would always struggle with getting my pictures to turn out how I envisioned. I would always get frustrated and go back to auto. Hector and this perfect mix of theoretical and practical application has made me feel so much more confident and I am finally shooting how I always wanted to. I will warn, you do need to do the homework and make sure you stay engaged in the class, as it is a long day, but if you do; it pays off. Hector has a great way of connecting with each student and addressing their needs. Do yourself a favor and book now! read more

DSLR classes - Photography Classes Near Me - Long Beach, California

I have been what some may call a semi-professional iPhone photographer for a few years now....which means not much of a photographer at all. lol. I travel a lot and love taking pictures of landscapes during my travels. I have long thought about getting my feet wet in the real world of photography. It was an intimidating thought but I was honestly tired with the limitations of a phone camera, so I finally bit the bullet. A friend of my husband's suggested purchasing a Sony Alpha 6000 as a good "starter" camera, so I did. Only problem was, I had no freaking clue how to use it. Cue Hector and his class. I did some research and found Hector. I live in Ontario, so I was hoping to attend a class closer to home (he offers classes in Redlands and Temecula) but it was difficult getting the required amount of attendees to commit. I was tired of waiting, so I went to the San Pedro class. From start to finish, Hector was incredibly professional and responsible. His frequent communication will put the most anxious person's mind at ease. I let him know the equipment I was working with and he told me what I would need for the class. He didn't take payment from us until he received confirmation from the minimum amount of students (I believe it's five) - and he confirms and reconfirms just to be sure. Yes, there's homework. And if you want to get the most out of the class, you will do it and take it seriously. Hector does his best to cover just about everything under the sun regarding your new camera. You will come out learning so much information, and if you haven't done your homework, you may feel a little lost. Plus, you'll hold everybody else back, so don't be that guy. I had a basic knowledge of the things Hector went over because I taught some of it myself by watching youtube videos and practicing. He does provide you with videos to watch on your own prior to to the class. Watch them! They really help you get a better understanding of how to work your camera. The class itself was jam packed with information. He provided us each with our very own binder with all the information we covered. A great reference tool for later when you find yourself forgetting some things. We did countless exercises and Hector was great at checking in with us to make sure we were getting it all. I really had such a great time learning about my camera and really feel like my understanding of photography has increased a great deal. You certainly get more than your money's worth for this course. The day is long, so make sure to get some good rest the night before and come prepared. Be ready to have your mind blown with what your camera can do! Hector truly was an awesome teacher, and I couldn't have been happier with this workshop! read more

I attended Hector's workshop in San Pedro yesterday. It was outstanding. He was patient, extremely knowledgeable and the class was hands on. I went not knowing a thing about my camera, besides what I learned from the homework he sent prior to the class (if you do the homework, it will greatly benefit you during the class) and left after a full day of instruction feeling comfortable and familiar with my camera. Not only is Hector a great instructor, he has a good sense of humor! He gave all of us a 3 ring binder to take home to refresh our memories and he brought snacks for the class; Gatorade, water and chips. Thanks Hector! I'd highly suggest anyone with a DSL camera take his class. It is well worth the money and the 8 hours spent on a Saturday. Last, I appreciated the intimate size of the class, which allowed Hector to give each student individualized attention. Get out of auto mode and enroll in Hector's class! read more

After reading all the positive reviews about Hector's classes, I decided to sign up and boy, am I so glad I did! It was a long day out in the sun (bring your sunscreen!) but it allowed us plenty of time to understand manual settings and grasp how our cameras and lenses really work, learn a great deal of techniques and tips (there were many "ah-ha!" moments) and practice our newfound knowledge with hands-on shooting. I was a little nervous and intimidated at first, but there was no reason to be. Not only were all of us students beginners, Hector is also a super friendly, very knowledgeable instructor who repeated information for us and took the time to answer all of our questions. You can tell he has a genuine, deep passion for photography, and that is definitely what I want in an instructor. The day was exhausting- but that's a good thing. Hector was very thorough and kept us learning and shooting through different exposure and image quality settings all day. (Don't worry, there are plenty of bathroom breaks and a lunch break.) Whether you want to do this as a hobby or take the workshop as a first step in a photography career, you will be happy with the results. I went in there knowing next to nothing about my camera and came out feeling much more confident! After a little more practice on my own, I will definitely be ready to take more advanced classes in the future. read more

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Summary: Get Out of Auto class was empowering. Hector does a great job of going through the controls of each camera and explaining the way that light works with aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and white balance. He gives a lot of analogies and reference material before and during the class. His demeanor is very positive and friendly. The class itself goes from 7am to 5pm with lunch. The homework and emails were littered with grammar and syntax errors that made it hard to understand the point being conveyed at times. Also, a lot of time was spent on rehashing the basics during the first half of the class and the second half didn't have as good of a pace when actually applying the concepts and attempting to take better pictures (portraits, scenery, etc.). A great value for $175 and certainly a great class to take for dedicated beginners. For our 10 year anniversary, I purchased a Nikon D7200 and a couple of nice lenses for my wife as a gift. The problem was that neither of us knew how to use it in any mode other than auto. I Yelped around for some DSLR classes and found this very highly rated service provided by Hector Gonzalez. After reading the reviews and the website for more information about the classes, my wife and I submitted the interest form for her to attend the class. Since my wife tends to like to learn new things with me and Hector doesn't accept guests at his classes, I borrowed a D700 and a couple of lenses from a buddy so that I too could attend and learn as well. After submitting the interest form, we received an email indicating that the next class had been scheduled for Saturday, October 15th at 7am in San Pedro. We then RSVP'd for that class and received some instructions back attempting to indicate that the class had 8 slots and that if more than 8 people signed up the first 8 people actually pay for the class AFTER the payment start date would be confirmed for the class. The wording of these emails was a little confusing because of the grammar/syntax errors, but we managed to get clarity and then stayed up until midnight the day that payments were open for submitting to reserve our two spots. In hindsight, the next person that signed up did so much later that day. Then others trickled in over the next several days. Oh well. A week before the class (after the 8 slots had been confirmed), Hector sent out a homework email with an attachment indicating some basics to learn and videos to watch prior to the class. Again, the email and attachment had some poor grammar and syntax, but the gist was that everyone needed to really learn the basics prior to class or they would slow the rest of the students down. My wife and I are pretty studious, so we did as we were instructed and came to the class well prepared. We met at a park for our lessons. Since it was early, the weather was a bit cool, so jackets/warm clothes are definitely recommended. We arrived early while Hector was still unloading his SUV and met him plus a couple of other students. Soon others arrived and we made our way over to where we would set up for the day. I should note that Hector spoke very clearly and effectively despite his written resources being more confusing. After the class, my wife and I offered to help improve his written resources, so hopefully other students won't have the same confusion that we had prior and during the class when reading these items. Hector got out folding chairs for each person and set up a ring with Canon users all adjacent to each other and the three Nikon users on the other end of the circle. He then gave us an overview of the day, told us about the cooler of waters and Gatorade, as well as the snacks and Whoppers that we were welcome to enjoy. Soon we were reviewing the items discussed in the homework, going through the buttons in our cameras, and learning all of the good stuff that we were there for. The first half of the day went until 12:15pm when we broke for lunch (45 minutes). The fundamentals were being hammered home during that first half, so the pacing was a bit slow for my wife and I, but seemed about right for some of the other attendees. I empathize with Hector's challenge of trying to accommodate 8 students at once with varying experience, skill, and retention levels. He did a solid job. My wife and I walked over to Walker's Cafe for some lunch to go, ate, and then geared up for round two. The second half of the day was much sunnier so I had to bust out the sunscreen to avoid getting crispy. This round we started shooting in the different modes while Hector gave us various targets and verbal directions to modify our settings and see the results. Some of us became the subjects of the shots, which effectively took them out of learning mode while others experimented. This was kind of unusual, but useful for those taking the pics. Soon it 5pm and time for the final test. The last portion definitely felt like a blur compared to the first, but it was fun and educational day. read more

I was booked on the Get out of Auto Workshop as a Christmas present and was extremely excited at the prospect of learning more about using my Canon DSLR. I have used SLR and DSLR cameras for quite a while now, with my first SLR a couple of decades ago (film), and despite years and years of ownership, I was a complete novice. I lived in the Auto mode on my camera, and regardless of how many youtube videos I watched, the concepts never stayed fresh. This class made everything I had read or seen actually make sense. The course itself provided the right amount of theory mixed in with the right amount of practice to make learning the concepts of properly setting up your exposure. Where I had always struggled before was in how to leverage the aperture, ISO settings, and shutter speed correctly - and all of those concepts were addressed and taught in a way that really made sense to me. I can't wait to apply what I have learned in this class out in the wild on my next photo adventure. I was so impressed and enjoyed the class so much that I am hoping to attend again with my wife so that she can get comfortable behind the camera. I would happily recommend this to anyone looking to learn more about the proper way to take beautiful photographs, and Hector was a great teacher to learn from. read more

Hector is an amazing instructor, very patient and knowledgeable. His knowledge of Knowing how to set up a shot it was quite amazing. Hector mentioned that he enjoyed photographing couples, and that really came to light when he photographed Laura & James you could feel love in there relationship by looking at the photos. Met some beautiful people including Hector, who during our breaks spoke of his wife and family and told her some stories. Going into the day not knowing what to expect thanking this is gonna be a long day, the day didn't seem long at all we learned quite a bit and met some amazing people. It was money well spent. read more

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Totally impressed! I took my daughter to Hector's class thinking it would be great for her to learn a little more about her camera thinking that I didn't need to know too much more about photography. Coming from a film / photography major. Having worked in the film industry for a decade, I wanted to find a common passion with my daughter. Years ago, I left the film industry to raise my family and have kept photography as a hobby and part time job off and on over the years. When I went digital, I never really shot in manual mode again. Leaving my fate to chance with auto settings sometimes I nailed it and sometimes my photography paid the price by not getting the right exposure. I was totally blown away at how much I learned. My daughter did great too. It wasn't like the class was too easy for me and too hard for her. It was definitely small enough for personal attention. Opened my eyes to a whole new way of photography. Now I get to practice! read more

I took Hector's "get out of auto" workshop and had an amazing time and experience. I had always wanted to get to learn how to take proper pictures, especially nature and landscape. In order to do so learning how to shoot in manual mode is necessary. Before I came to the workshop I had no idea how to use my camera other than the auto function. I didn't even know the proper buttons or how to correctly handle my camera. Luckily, hector provided us with homework to complete before we arrived at the workshop so we can get the most out of our day. The homework helped and forced me to understand basic concepts behind how my camera actually works and gave us a head start in the class so we could get to business. Still, everything is easier to learn with hands on practice. Through Hector's workshop, I was able to hands on successfully learn how to shoot in Aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual mode. With different exercises he took us through, he showed us real life experiences of how to work each mode and also when it is beneficial to use one verse the other. I am happy to say I now know exactly when and how to use any mode, and more importantly, how to create the picture I want regardless of what environment we are in and how much light there is (or isn't). Hector's workshop was well organized and thoroughly thought out. You could tell he has been doing this for a while and knows how to teach each concept to different types of learners. He genuinely cared to see each person grow as a photographer and was helpful in answering any extra questions we had. I have already recommended this to a couple of my friends and would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about their camera and how to create great pictures without using boring auto mode. Thanks Hector! Kourosh read more

Hector is amazing. I took his workshop about 4 years ago and my photography improved by leaps and bounds. And I just took it again to review what I had learned and what fill in the blanks for things I'd either never mastered or forgotten. Hector did not disappoint! He knows his craft - and that's just the beginning. In our class of 7 people, we learned about every button and dial on our camera quickly and simply. Digital Cameras Demystified! Even though people can take great pictures on their phones and on Auto Mode on their SLRs, it's extremely liberating to learn what's possible once you have the skills. With practice, it's now about creativity and self-expression. I highly recommend this workshop to anyone who has a DSLR or is considering getting one. It's a shame to have a camera that can do amazing things and not be able to take advantage of it. The workshop is worth every penny. Go for it!! read more

This was the first time I took a photography class. I bought a Canon T6 Rebel and had zero clue how to use it. Hector did a great job in teaching this workshop and yes, the hours are from 7am-5pm and it may seem long, but time flows because it is a very thorough class. I felt so much accomplished after this class that I finally understood my camera and all the information I learned from Hector was awesome. Great class and teacher! Well worth it. read more

My wife bought me a one day 'Get Out of Auto' class, she is the queen of research and once again her due diligence paid off in selecting Hector's class. His class is well structured, with useful handouts, and Hector takes his time to explain the important functions, which has allowed me to get creative with my camera. I'll never use 'auto' again! One note, Hector does hammer home the importance of doing some pre-class homework. It isn't difficult, but it really helps you get the most out of his class...make sure you do your homework! read more

I'm a new to photography in general and immediately researched classes or workshops for help on how to correctly shoot photographs with my new DSLR. I came across a 5 star class, with Hector Gonzales. Our class happened to be in Long Beach and was with 6 students including myself. I was intimidated prior to arriving due to the fact that it was an all day event and that I was a beginner. However, luckily the group of women in my group were amazing. We had such a good time - we all meshed well together and laughed during the whole class which helped relieve some of the intimidation. There was so much information that was given regarding the camera. However, Hector is hands on and showed each one of us individually the buttons, or the specific topic we were covering to make sure we all understood. We did exercises with the cameras on shooting trees, objects, stuffed animals, each other and even of Hector. We were shooting during different times of the day with the sun and when the sun went down. He gave us a book that during some of the class we sat down and went over the book like a lecture. We sat and went over the book with the camera hands on to review and understand what we were learning. I definitely felt like I gained an immense amount of knowledge about my camera and about the art of photography. I feel like it was money well spent, and hope to join another class when I feel I am ready for the next subject. To any of the ladies that were in Long Beach on 12/3/2016 - thank you for making class so fun and enjoyable. You all made me laugh and hope to come across some of your photographs :) Thank you Hector for sharing your knowledge! -Samantha read more

I'm always a bit skeptical when I see every review on a business having 5 stars, but after taking the class, Hector definitely deserves all of them! He is passionate about photography and it shows in his teaching style. The class was just the right size and he was able to give individualized support when needed. Auto mode is all about having the camera make every possible decision for you. After taking the class, I have a much better understanding of the "exposure triangle" (Shutter Speed, Aperture and ISO) and how to adjust them in order to get the right exposure without my camera being the boss. I highly recommend this class! Thanks Hector! read more

Whether you are just getting into photography, or have been shooting for several years, Hector's class is massively beneficial. I walked into his class having only owned my DSLR for a few months, and ten hours later, I not only developed a basic understanding of the different features of my camera, but I learned how to shoot in aperture, shutter, and manual modes. Hector's class opened my mind to both subjects and techniques I would eventually incorporate into my future photography. He is a true pro with a passion for photography that carries throughout his workshop. And to cap things off, he gives every student a 50+ page binder of everything covered in his workshop, so if you find yourself shooting in aperture, for example, and maybe forget a thing or two from his workshop, you can go back to the binder to help refresh your memory. The binder was another nice takeaway from the workshop. Take Hector's workshop! You will not regret it! read more

I took Part I in Long Beach last weekend (02/23/13) with Hector. It was fantastic. He explains your camera mechanism in a very simple way. I'm an Engineer myself, and I'm supposed to be able to read manuals/read online/ watch YouTube videos and figure things out on my own....that's not the case. Having Hector, the instructor, explain then practice helped me tremendously. If you have a DSLR camera, it's a must taking his class. He is very patient with all students and will answer all of your questions. I've had my camera (Canon T3i) for about a year and I always shot in Auto. Some pictures would come out great, others not so much or mot what I intended. Take the class and get a full use out of your camera. read more

I took Hector's class this past Saturday. It was freezing but I bundled up and learned more than I ever expected. Hector was very patient, answered everyone's questions, and explained our entire camera in great detail. Once going over the functions of the camera, Hector then showed us how to take "photographs" in all of the different modes. I am excited to put all of the knowledge I've learned into use. I highly recommend this class if you want to get out of auto mode! read more

Thank you Yelp!!!!! I found Hector through yelp and I can't thank all the reviewers enough. I took his get out of Auto mode class this past Saturday and learned so much! There was tons of useful information he went over in one day but that's the goal right. This class is for hands on, intimate,informative and affordable. He provided everyone with a binder with the information but being able to actually do what we learned is what I love. Hector is a great instructor who is very passionate about what he does and wants all his students to take away from the class! I can't wait to practice what I learned and I will definitely be back! read more

DSLR classes - Hector caught me in action!!! - Photography Classes Near Me - Long Beach, California

I've always been interested in taking photography and I received a DSLR camera for my birthday. I've been shooting with a point n shoot camera and I knew nothing about DSLR cameras prior to taking this class. I wanted to see what was out there and found his page on Yelp. So, I chose to take his "Get Out of Auto" class, since that was the perfect beginning point for me. So here's what happens..you contact Hector and tell him you're interested. You secure one of the 8 spots when you pay him through pay pal or send him a check. Then he sends you a homework assignment. He keeps you updated on the weather and any other important information. So the day of looked like this..show up at 6:45 am. Practice hands on portion with our cameras and shooting based on the lecture. It's a detailed time line and he does go by a certain pace. The class mainly focuses on aperture, shutter speed and ISO. You will learn ALOT from this class. Am I a professional photographer now? NO far from it!! Was it overwhelming? Yes. Honestly, I probably don't even remember half the stuff I learned from the class. It was a lot of info lol. Think of it as a crash course!! It's not some magical one time course that will make you a pro. But, I did get exactly what I wanted to get out of of it....a starting point with my camera. To be a bit more informed and comfortable with playing around with the different modes. Now it's just about practicing! Oh btw, you will get a notebook with all the topics that was covered in the class. The class has a low student to teacher ratio....so you will get lots of attention and help from Hector. He super nice and very informative. He really wants everyone to learn!! Here's what you should know before going into the class: -Study more than you think you should (you'll thank me later) -there's water and chips provided for you -you will be outside the whole time so dress warm!! - he brings camping chairs and pens for you to write with read more

Great class, I HIGHLY recommend for those who want to learn how to actually use their camera. I took the class Saturday...Hector is a natural instructor with a wealth of knowledge... I've left the class more than satisfied. I know it's hard to believe that a class can be so highly rated...I read the reviews and knew it would/ should be pretty good but you don't really understand what good is until you take the class. Prior to the class we were provided homework and referred to some youtube sites so I thought to my self "if I watch these videos enough what more can I possible learn." A LOT is the answer... Since the class I feel so comfortable w/ my camera and actually know what all the buttons are for and how/why to use them. Great Class with loads of execelent information...Thanks again Hector for doing what you do. read more

This class went beyond my expectations. Hector is an amazing teacher and made sure everyone in the group understood the topic and could perform the action. His class was hands on and he covered every learning style so you truly understood and would remember. The class went at a great pace and the day flew by. It was the best photography class I've ever taken. I truly understand how manual works now and thanks to his folder I can go back and re-check myself and look at the camera and understand everything he told us. I highly recommend his class to anyone that wants to know how to work your camera. Amazed at how patient and kind he is everyone in the class truly understood what we were doing and learned a tremendous amount during the day. Thanks so much!! read more

This class was great! I've been messing around with photography for a couple years but am no expert by any means. Up until this class the majority of what I knew about photography I knew through google, but Hector's class taught me SO much just in a few hours. The way he teaches is easy to understand, and the exercises are very effective. Not only that, but he's extremely nice and cares genuinely about helping the students. He provides an in-depth binder of notes for you to take home, lenses to rent if needed (ask ahead of time), snacks and drinks, and even comfortable lawn chairs for when you need a break :) I would recommend this class for anyone with a DSLR who is looking to step up their photography skills. Thanks Hector! read more

Just finished an intensive workshop with Hector G. and 7 photographers-in-training, like me. This is an incredible class and a tremendous value for the breadth of information covered and the instruction put to practice throughout the course of the day. I won't lie that 7am - 5pm on a Saturday is a long haul, especially if you're fairly new to photography concepts; however, you could not ask for a more knowledgeable, patient, enthusiastic, or supportive teacher! Hector excels at both the technical and artistic aspects of photography and provides so much more than "this is what F-stop does; this is what shutter speed does..." He can also explain how the non-technical aspects of photography, such as a subject's emotion and posture, for example, impact the outcome of your photograph. Whether it is landscape, portraiture, or product photography you're interested in mastering, Hector is an expert and uses a combination of notes, demonstrations, and interactive lessons to drill concepts. No sooner than you learn, you act. Every section of the course lesson is followed by hands-on practice with his variety of props, and of course, the natural elements of light and shadow. One of the first things Hector said at the beginning of class was "you've invested a lot of money in your equipment, so congratulations on investing in yourselves." So true! Buying a fancy camera thinking it will make you an amazing photographer is like buying a fancy hammer thinking it will make you an amazing contractor; if you don't know what you're doing and cannot stretch beyond the limits of "auto" or "priority," the fancy gear is lost on you. I am so happy that I took this class and look forward to signing up for future classes with Hector! You will not be disappointed!! read more

Hector is a great teacher, very creative and patient. I've taken his intro course 4-5 years ago and I just took the flash/lighting course. Comprehensive and practical, he gives lots of tips and secrets! Highly recommended! read more

DSLR classes - Photography Classes Near Me - Long Beach, California

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This class is perfect for anyone new to a DSLR. I have had a Canon 70 D for over a year and was stuck in auto mode. I tried youtube tutorials and reading the manual, but it was never enough. The one day class with Hector finally got me out of auto and now I understand the settings and how they effect each aspect of the photo. I HIGHLY recommend this class for anyone interested in photography. I just wanted to take better pictures of my family and friends and this class improved my final shots immensely. Hector is a great instructor and good with newbies, as well as, people with some experience. read more

Not only did my husband surprise me with my first DSLR camera but also with a photography class with Hector. I took the class "Get out of auto mode". I went knowing nothing about photography and by the end of the day I felt like a professional :-) Hector really cares about you learning, he will make sure you understand how to use your camera to great photos. I really recommend taking this class or any class with him. I'm looking forward to taking more classes with him. read more

GET OUT OF AUTO MODE: If you are still shooting in auto mode, you MUST take this class. I couldn't help but to rave about Hector's course to my co-workers, family, and friends. First, the class size is perfect. By not taking on too many students, Hector is able to give individualized focus when needed, and stop to answer all questions. Second, if you are worried about a class taking up your whole Saturday, I would say time flies by when you're having fun!! My class actually ran over and none of the students recognized we were almost an hour after our scheduled end time! Weighing the cost of this course against the price you paid for your DSLR and lenses makes it a no brainer. After spending hundreds, if not thousands of $$ on a DSLR, isn't it time you learn what it can truly do? I can't thank Hector enough for developing this class and bringing it to the Long Beach area!! Hector is personable, responsive, and makes himself available to answer your questions no matter how small or big. When you sign-up to take his class, I highly advise that you take the time to do the small homework assignment he gives to get the best bang for your buck. It can help you avoid feeling frustrated and slowing down the class as you try and figure out how to switch and set functions for your camera model. The knowledge you gain from this class will set you on the right path to becoming a better photographer. Just remember, you will get out what you put in...so come with your best foot forward, a positive mindset, and your camera equipment. Hector will provide the rest. read more

After operating in Auto Mode of my DSLR Camera for 6 years, now I know how all the buttons in my camera works...thanks to Hector. He is great instructor. Class seems to be very long but he makes it very enjoyable and challenging and the day goes by fast. He said he is Civil Engineer by profession but knows whole heck of lot about camera than anyone that I have met. He has answers for everything and suggestions regarding different brands of camera. I was thinking it will be "do this/do that" kind of work shop but he explains "why" we "do this" which makes you remember lot of nitty gritty information. Few tips before you go: ***Please finish the homeworks he gives you. Practice and practice and practice. You will enjoy more if you do the homework. ***Have plenty of sleep the night before. ***Bring your lunch. There are some restaurants but the sandwich will cost your about $12.00 a pop. read more

I just took Hector's get out of auto class today. It was an exhausting, but fantastic day! I learned so much about how to use my camera and I'm more excited than ever to take more pictures. Like most of the people in my class, I had purchased a DSLR but was mostly using the auto features. At the start of the class, I pretty much only knew a little bit about shutter speeds, apertures, etc., thanks to Hector's homework. But by the end of his class, I feel like I have a much better foundation and can use my camera in manual mode. Hector did an amazing job of matching the pace of all of his students, explaining and demonstrating how to use the various settings, and was enthusiastic about teaching. It's clear he's very passionate about photography and teaching. I highly recommend this class if you want to learn more about your camera! read more

This class was great! I learned so much about my camera and about everything that goes in to using my camera's manual setting and the other settings. I had taken a class before with someone else and it wasn't what I was looking for. This class is what I was looking for! It's hands-on and Hector is great at going through each aspect of the camera and he puts it all together in a well thought-out manner. Hector is patient and welcomes questions. If you want to learn how to use your camera, this is the class to take! I highly recommend it! What you need to know: the class is held on the grassy park area behind the Aquarium of the Pacific (follow the walkway on the left hand side of the aquarium). Hector provides chairs, snacks, water, plus a binder and pens. Park in the aquarium parking structure and bring cash for parking. Pack a lunch, the choices are limited. Dress in layers. I took the class in January and it was cold. read more

March 16th Part 1 Amazing class. I have had my camera since May of 2012. Have taken it on a few extended vacations and probably shot somewhere in the range of 10k photos with it.... So to say I feel comfortable with it. But I learned so much about my camera and how it functions, as well as how to make adjustments to it. I had been shooting primarily in auto w/o flash or Aperture Priority mode. Had read up in a few books, websites about what that all means and how to make adjustments. But still had felt overwhelmed by all the new terminology and the actually doing it on the spot. It was great to have Hector looking over your shoulder and guiding you along the way. Helping you when you got stuck, but then allowing you to figure things out as well... I feel so much more confident with my camera, and being able to make adjustments on the fly while shooting in manual now. Before it always felt like I couldn't remember the right item to adjust or just couldn't get it right quick enough... Now I don't have that fear at all... I totally plan on returning to Hector and taking his other courses... If you want a class that you will walk away feeling knowledgeable and having the practice and ability to put it all to work. Then Hectors class is the one for you.... read more

I would 100% recommend Hector and his workshops. I'm a newbie when it comes to photography and knew nothing when I bought my Canon DSLR Rebel camera. It can be intimidating learning something new but Hector not only makes the experience painless but tons of fun! He is extremely knowledgeable in this field so I can assure you that you'll be happy with your small investment (cost of class) for the wealth of information you will receive during the workshop. The class I attended was outdoors in Long Beach. A great setting for an all day class but don't forget to bring a jacket in the morning and sunscreen along with sunglasses for the afternoon. I was so sunburned when I got home because I forgot my sunscreen. Don't make the same mistake. If your debating on taking the class, stop! Sign up today. Seriously, you'll be so happy that you did. read more

Very good, very informative class. This class allowed me to understand what I have read from the camera manual and all the instruction videos on YouTube. Hector's teaching style suited me well. If you do decide to take this class make sure you work on the homework. The homework is designed to get you familiar with your camera. This will help out a lot during the class. Overall good class and good instruction. read more

This is a great class especially is you're interested in making photography a hobby. Hector does an excellent job of explaining the need to know functions that will get you out of auto mode. He then follows the instruction with lessons that apply that knowledge. Be aware that he will give pre-work to complete prior to the class. It is very helpful if you have the time to do it. If you don't have the time, don't freak. He goes over everything in class. Also, the class is outdoors and lasts from 7-5'sh. It is a long day and you will be tired but the class itself flies by. I highly recommend taking this class if you've invested in a nice camera and want to get some great pics for your money! read more

I have had 7 years with a dslr and after this past Saturday I can say, I get it. Finally! Thanks to Hector I can say that I know how to purposely use my camera. This was done in 1 day. I tried watching videos on line but that only gave me a baseline of what all of the buttons did. Thank you Hector, I will never forget what you explained so well. read more

I have never in my life learned so much in one day I had had my camera for five years and never knew how to use it in the first two hours of Hector's class I learned so much if you don't know how to use your camera this is a class for you not only did did he know about cannons he also knew about Fugees Nikons read more

I got up at 5am on a Saturday to drive to Long Beach for a class that started at 645am, so I thought "this better be good!" It was better than good! Hector is an amazing teacher and the hands on approach is the way to learn how to better use your DSLR camera. Keeping the class intimate also aided in the one-on-one attention and Hector brings a great personality and humor to this process. The day flew by (over 10 hours for the class - but don't be deterred!) and I can honestly say I learned more in this class than endless hours of poring over my manual. Thanks to my friend for recommending this and I highly recommend to anyone either just starting out or wanting to get more out of their DSLR. read more

Let me begin by saying that I was signed up for this class against my will. I've had a Canon for a while but was not taking photos (because I didn't know how to use my camera lol) My husband sent me an email with the class info and told me he signed me up because the reviews were really good. I was in Hector's "Get Out Of Auto" class. It was very educational, fun, easy and empowering. He taught us how not only use our cameras but also gave us tips and on how, where and where. He 'made sure that every single person was on the same page and understood how to use their camera, settings etc..(even though there were all different types of cameras). The class is fairly long 7am-5:30pm. But you'll learn so much. He's very professional yet very personal. Very warm personality, friendly and funny. You will not regret taking this class especially if you are a beginner. I had a fantastic time, learned a lot and at the end of the class we all became friends. I would love to take another class by Hector. Can't wait to see what he's got in sore next! ***DON'T FORGET TO PRACTICE WHAT YOU'VE LEARNED!!!! read more

I have been thinking of getting into photography for years, and finally took the plunge and bought a DSLR camera. I was trying to do reading and research on how to use it, and was getting more and more confused. I wanted a class where I could have the functions clearly explained to me, and Hector delivered! A very informative and interactive class, the perfect mixture of lecture and practice (I say this as a high school teacher). Hector is very knowledgable and helpful, and helps to put the use of the camera in easy to understand lessons. read more

I have had a Canon 20D for 3 1/2 years that was given to me by a friend who upgraded and I have had good success with it. However, I only used it in the various auto modes. Last month I upgraded to the 60D and decided I wanted to learn how to use my new camera at a higher level than just auto, so I enrolled in Hector's class that he held last Saturday. He has put together a very well planned course that teaches a lot about the mechanics of using your DSLR in the various manual modes as well as how to control the light you are capturing under various conditions. I highly recommend this course to anyone that wants to improve his understanding of DSLR photography read more