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    Recommended Reviews - Isla Studio

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    Reviews With Photos

    Photo walk in Santa Monica
    Mike R.

    I just got back into photography and wanted to take a class to re-familiarize myself with my DSLR camera. I found Isla Studio on Groupon. The Groupon included entries for both the class and photo walk. The class is about 3 hours long with a break in the middle. Make sure you bring your camera (duh) and a laptop or pen + paper to take notes. Lindsey is great instructor and really easy to follow. She uses easy to understand concepts and example photos in her slide deck to illustrate the intended effect of a setting. Some of the topics covered were: Shutter Speed Aperture Camera Modes Lenses ISO The photo walk took place on and around the Santa Monica Pier. The photo walk is where you put the things that you learned from the class into action. There weren't too many people on the walk which is great cause that means more 1-on-1 time with Lindsey.

    Aperture practice while the carousel was still. My S Priority motion shots need work.
    Courtney W.

    I am updating my review to encompass the second part of the course - the photo walk on the pier. Even though I said I wouldn't be partaking in Part II of the course due to the cost, Lindsay reached out to me after my original review which I really appreciated. The photo walk was an excellent opportunity to put into practice what was learned in Part I, while still under the suggestive eye of a seasoned photographer. Practice gives you the confidence that what you're doing is "right." Taking the photos and evaluating the variations according to adjusted settings made me way more excited about photography than any kind of motivation a lecture in a classroom can give. It's the real fruit of your labor in front of your eyes. Lucky for our class of 11, we got the added bonus of also having Steven, who was training to be an instructor but was also there to assist so Lindsey could be more available. The 3-5pm time slot for the photo walk course is perfect for this time of the year when it gets daek early. You get ample practice with natural light the first hour and also great sunset shots after 4. I think my favorite part was playing with exposure and creating silhouettes of people fishing on the pier with the backdrop of boats, birds and the gorgeous sunset. I really learned a lot and could have been out all night practicing if I wasn't parked at a darn meter. Thanks Lindsay, Lindsey and Steven! Cheers.

    The first photo I took after class. I played with the Aperture settings.

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    Took a beginners photography class & just loved it!

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Isla Studio

    Review Highlights - Isla Studio

    Stephen was knowledgeable, easy-going, and extremely open and receptive to every question asked.

    Mentioned in 4 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    DSLR classes - Photo by Hector Gonzalez

    DSLR classes

    (116 reviews)

    I can not recommend this class enough! I've had a basic DSLR for years and used it while traveling…read moreand 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!

    I have been what some may call a semi-professional iPhone photographer for a few years now....which…read moremeans 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!

    Creative Photo Academy

    Creative Photo Academy

    (12 reviews)

    I just needed to leave a review of the Weston Figure Workshop with Mark Comon and Kim Weston. This…read morewas the best photography workshop I have attended. I learned so much, it was inspiring, the other photographers were amazing, and the models were phenomenal to work with. I have been attending classes and workshops for years at CPA, and always have such a great time, then forget to tell the world. If you are looking to really improve your skills, no matter what level, the Weston Figure Workshop is a must. Thank you Mark for all you do and how well you take care of your students.

    Kenneth. Is. The. Man. I got an expensive camera 5 years ago from my husband after my son was born…read more I resigned to taking automatic pictures but felt "if we paid all this money, I want better shots." I've been thinking of taking the boot camp for a while, but decided to start slow with the "How to Shoot in Manual Mode Class." My only regret is that I waited so long. I tried using YouTube tutorials, reading articles, etc., but my pictures still weren't coming out anywhere near what I hoped. After this two hour class, my pictures have improved DRAMATICALLY. I'm so mad I waited 5 years to unlock the potential of my camera. I learned more in that two hours than the countless hours spent trying to learn on websites and tutorials. It's hands on, you can ask any question you want, you get to experiment, and they feed you! I mean, come on - snacks?! Sign me up! Kenneth was amazing. His energy was contagious, he was so knowledgeable, but he was able to teach in a way to make even the most photographically challenged students understand. His assistant Hector was so knowledgeable, too, and was available for questions. Per their recommendation, I'm going to practice every day and then sign up for more classes once it becomes more second nature. I cannot wait for my next experience here. Thank you, Creative Photo Academy, Kenneth, and Hector for the gift of creativity! Can't wait to see you again!

    FD Photo Studio - We called ahead to double check on it being ok for a fake cigarette prop since smoke is prohibited staff was happy to assist

    FD Photo Studio

    (69 reviews)

    Downtown

    I've booked this studio twice ( same flower room ) I look forward to using all the rooms…read moreeventually. They are easy to book with reschedule and always ( politely) answer my phone calls for help or clarification. I personally didn't rely on much of the equipment provided but, I did enjoy messing around with the on hand studio lighting. being able to mess around and work with much more expensive studio equipment than I own, is great. I love the natural lighting the building gets as well. On the down side : I do feel like some of the props and supplies are in desperate need to be updated or replaced. A couch we had in our studio requires a lot of post editing to not look like it was taken off the street with as much wear and tear as it has. Small price to pay that makes massive charges for models and photographers.

    I got the opportunity at the end of July to use 1 of the rooms to take some pictures…read more The studio is in a sketchy neighborhood and there is metered parking out front or lot parking across the street by McDonalds $8 for the day. The studio has a buzzer to push for someone to unlock the door and let you in. Staff is friendly but they do have other responsibilities and are not always there to let you in right away. The staging area was incredibly hot and the air conditioning was not working and there is a flight of stairs to climb to get up the stages/rooms, and that is incredibly difficult then you have a ton of gear and that is why I gave it 4 stars. Looking forward to going back some time.

    Isla Studio - photoclasses - Updated May 2026

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