To me, photography had always been grabbing my point and shoot camera and clicking the button. The result was as you might expect it to be. Too light. Too dark. Out of focus. Then, I purchased my first "real" camera - a camera that had the big "M"... Manual mode!! Of course, at the beginning, I never ventured into the world of Manual shooting. I would play it safe and always use the Automatic mode. But after a while, I thought to myself, "Why after spending so much more money on this new camera, are my shots no better than the ones I used to take?" So I started to read the manual that came with the camera and some introduction to photography books. I was getting more confused! Shutter speeds, f-stops, ISO. Help! I then looked for some photography courses in the area that might help me use my new camera to its fullest. I searched the internet and came across GTA Photography. I read some of the reviews from students and they all praised the courses and the teachers. On my birthday, I got a gift from my wife! A weekend photography bootcamp with GTA Photography in Oakville!! We both enrolled in the Photo 101 beginner's class for two half days, Saturday and Sunday. There were about 8 of us in total in the class. I thought this was a nice number because the teacher would be able to spend more one-on-one time with the students. Stefano was our instructor. I had actually read quite a bit about him from reading some of the reviews from the GTA Photography website and he was supposed to be amazing! We covered the concepts of aperture (f-stop), shutter speed, and ISO and only used the Manual mode. Our homework was to study and learn this for the next day. Sunday arrived and we were quickly drilled and questioned about the concepts we studied the day before. We also studied composition and went through some examples. Now we were ready to hit the streets of Oakville for our field trip - to put into practice the principles we just learned! We were given a task list of the photos that Stefano wanted us to take and were given a couple of hours to finish the assignment. This was the most fun I have ever had taking photos! After we finished, we went back to the classroom and looked at everyone's photos where we reviewed and critiqued them. That was a great ending to a very informative and fun-filled 2-day photography bootcamp!! My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the classes, and just finished taking the Night Photography workshop last week. I would definitely recommend the courses and workshops to anyone who wants to learn how to get the most out of their camera by shooting in Manual mode, and go from just taking photographs to making photographs!!! read more

Parents beware! GTA Photography Camp needs to revamp its Chicago summer camp program for kids. My 11-year old daughter recently attended a weeklong session. I found GTA staff to be disorganized, unfocused, and uninterested in the campers who were there to learn how to shoot great photos and to have fun. They need to hire people who are responsible and who enjoy working with kids. I can only comment on two. Her counselor seemed to have some knowledge concerning cameras, but didn't appear 'kid friendly' and according to my daughter, she wasn't warm or nice to the kids in her group. Others were loud with 'childish behavior.' If you look at other reviews, they are mostly written by GTA employees. GTA doesn't keep a close eye on the children. Sometimes I met my daughter outside the building and other times I walked her out without signing her out. This is not a responsible way to run a camp. They were always in a different room and never let the parents know ahead of time. No signage in the lobby. One of the counselors was so loud and obnoxious at the last day of camp that I thought it was one of the children at first. I was amazed to learn she actually was in charge of kids. The rooms were not comfortable because of no air conditioning and there weren't enough chairs on the last day, so most of the parents were not only uncomfortably hot, but had to stand for the hour. I had hoped it would be a great camp, especially in view of the cost, but it was disappointing and not worth the money. I would NEVER recommend GTA to anyone. I did call the main office in Toronto to voice my concerns, but they had an excuse for everything. "It's early in the season" or "We're working on it." Perhaps they should have worked on it before camp started. There are plenty of other well-run Chicago creative summer programs for children. This is not one of them. I did notify a GTA representative Anna from the Toronto office before placing the review. She told me other parents had some of the same complaints. I stand by my review. read more

The best $250 I've ever spent! I took the 101 course this summer and I swear, after the first class, I already felt like I'd gotten my money's worth. I love that I now know how to properly use my nice DSLR camera, but more than that, I love that taking this class has awakened a passion in me that I didn't even know was there. I now look around me and see everything as if it could be a photograph. This class helped me see the beauty all around me, which makes me happier than I can say. The atmosphere of the class was very relaxed and I always felt comfortable asking the instructors (Lauren and Chloe) for any help I needed. The student to instructor ratio is also fantastic; the small class size allows the instructors to spend more time with each student, and provide more individual help where needed. I'm signing up for 201 ASAP and I plan on taking several of the workshops as well. If you're thinking of taking 101 or any of the other classes, just do it! You won't regret it. read more

I've taken a number of courses and workshops with GTA. 101, 201, night photography...and they are all tremendous. GTA has a formula which blends the right balance of art/composition with technical learning. All the teachers are great. Best of all, the classes are held in a really comfortable room with comfy chairs - so after a day at the office, it's not like you're sitting in school desk rows. My friend just finished 101 and after she got home from the final lesson, she called me to go out and take some shots with her. She loved the GTA 101 too. I tried a 201 course at Henry's and I left after 5 minutes - GTA is much much better. read more

Last weekend I did Photo 101 bootcamp course. I'm so glad I did. I took photography classes years ago and have always had an SLR. But then I got lazy as the years went by and was only using the automatic setting and I had let my skills get rusty. I can't believe how much I had forgotten. Last September I got a new camera and decided I wanted to seriously get back into photography again. This course was excellent review. I really liked the way it was structured with theoretical section followed by hands on practice with the guidance of an instructor. I now feel like I'm back on track and look forward to 201. read more

I just took Photo 101 last weekend with Chloe - who happened to be bright, engaging, very knowledgeable, fun and realistic. My husband gave me this class as a gift, and I must say, I was dreading it. I was perfectly happy taking photos with my iPhone. Anyhow, I don't know how learning real camera and photo basics could get any better! Information was relevant, not overwhelming, and, questions were answered with a positive slant. Ample time to practice new skills was included - the field trip was a real bonus. I would absolutely recommend this course to anyone who is looking to learn how to take a better photo! read more

I have take two courses with GTA Photo - 101 and 201 and both were equally great - Excellent format in a comfortable setting with knowledgable instructors! The implementation of a field trip at the end is a fantastic way to review everything you learnt. Class size is small so it feels completely like one on one instruction. I would definitely recommend GTA Photo to anyone who wants to learn how to leave all modes and delve into Manual mode only (you will never turn back!), improve your photography and have a fun experience learning .... just need to decide which class I am taking next :) read more

As a new student to GTA Photography, I learned more in the first 2 lessons about my camera than any online program or pinterest feed that I had been reading up on. Lauren the instructor was amazing, hands on and provided almost what seemed to be a private lesson at times. She would not continue unless you were understanding the concepts and encouraged everyone to get creative and not be afraid of asking those "dumb" questions. I highly recommend them and have already booked my next course with them too! Worth the travel and expense as opposed to online/free tutorials! read more

I just started taking Photo 101 and Photoshop this month and it's been incredible so far. The photoshop classes have enhanced my skills, taught me new ones and workflow faster! I'm able to wizz through photoshop shortcuts and stay organized. Photo 101 has really helped me understand the multiple functions of my camera. my instructor Chloe was able to make some of the harder to understand topics much simpler. It's great to see how multiple functions work together to get a great shot! I will definitely be taking more workshops and courses with them! read more

I just recently finished the Photo 101 course and I learned a number of things about my camera that I did not get from just reading online. The benefit of these classes is the one-on-one teaching and the practical component; the instructor can show you exactly where each function is on your specific camera, right then and there. So worth it, especially if you know nothing about DSLRs. I took my class with Lauren and she was a great teacher. There's also a practical component (2 hour class) where you go out and shoot, so lots to gain from that. read more

Just completed the Photo 101 bootcamp with Chloe. I absolutely loved this class - we covered a lot of information in a condensed period of time, but really got into the nitty gritty of what we absolutely need to know - more info to follow in the coming classes and workshops. As a beginner photographer who knew nothing of my DSLR or photography principles, I loved this class! Chloe made it fun and interactive and easy. She was really helpful and gave everyone her tome, patience and support. I will definitely be taking more classes here! read more

I just finished the Photo 101 weekend bootcamp course and loved it! We had a great instructor. She was very informative, enthusiastic and really took the time with each student to make sure everyone's questions got answered. I really enjoyed the format of the class - a lot of hands-on practicing. I learned a lot more attending this class than I would have from an online course. I like that GTA Photography Classes offer weekend bootcamps and I look forward to the next course! read more

What a great experience the Teen Camp was for our 15-year-old daughter. She made great friends, saw many Toronto landmarks, and was fully engaged all day long, all while learning fundamental photography skills; skills she has since turned into a fulfilling and rewarding pastime that benefits us all. I strongly recommend this program to anyone with teens interested in learning photography or even just in experiencing something new and rewarding read more

I just finished my GTA Photography 101 class and loved every minute of it. The instructor was helpful, patient and an excellent resource (he gave me great advice re. purchasing a camera). I loved the fact that our instructor was a professional photographer so really knew what he was talking about. He also made being a photographer very accessible. The environment was nice and relaxing. I'll definitely take more courses with GTA Photography. read more

I took Photography 101, 201 and now Portrait. Every single class was awesome: teachers are fun, experienced, they answer to all your doubts and they are so encouraging!. They teach you the technical parts as well as composition. I had so much fun and learned a lot about my DSLR - now I am going full frame :). I can not wait to take more classes at GTA PC. Strongly recommended. read more

Thinking about taking good pictures , then worry no more . GTA Photography Classes is the right place to be and to know more about being a good photographer. The 101 session that I took gave me an insight on how to take pictures through Manual Mode and being in control with the camera. It was very informative and it was indeed a wonderful experience. read more

After taking a course at GTA Photography I had learnt so much about my camera ! The instructors were beyond helpful and really made sure you knew what you were doing. I recommend any of their courses to everyone out there interesting in learning about how to use a DSLR camera properly as well as taking a great shot !! read more

I LOVED going to this camp. Our instructor was so much fun and the locations were really good. I also feel more confident now about taking photographs with my dslr when before i couldn't use half of the features. Really fun! Would strongly recommend it to anybody who wants to learn more about photography! read more

Just finished the 101 bootcamp in Oakville with Stefano. AMAZING class and Instructor! He was really helpful and super funny :) Would definitely recommend this class to anyone interested in photography and learning the basics in a fun and interactive way. read more