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    PhotoTrainer

    4.9 (63 reviews)
    Closed 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

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    Taken by Nancy E. after a Photo Trainer course
    Nancy E.

    I can't recommend Photo Trainer and Tom Upton highly enough. I write books for kids. Illustrations are usually provided for me by an illustrator or a professional photographer. But recently I got an assignment to do a book about an Antarctic expedition. The catch was that I would have to take my own photos for the book on location. In a panic, I phoned Tom Upton. He gave me free advice about the best cameras for my project, and recommended that I sign up for Photo Trainer so I could quickly learn to use whatever camera I bought, and then be off and running. Both Photo Trainer and Tom are fabulous. In a single morning, I learned everything there was to know about my camera's capabilities and how to get the most out its many complicated features. I then went off to Antarctica and came back with hundreds of amazing pictures for my book. I have now taken two Photo Trainer courses -- one for my pocket camera and another for my SLR. All I can say is, it's WAY worth the money. You don't just learn general things about digital cameras. You learn specifics about the particular camera you've brought with you to the class. Tom is a wonderful teacher, and I am one heckuva satisfied customer.

    photo taken right after class

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    2 years ago

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    Page 1 of 2

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    Review Highlights - PhotoTrainer

    I'm in the process to become a pro and learning from Tom who has a huge and great experience is a chance for me.

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    Photosprouts Photography Workshops - Day 2

    Photosprouts Photography Workshops

    (77 reviews)

    Financial District, SoMa

    I recently finished the Beginner and Intermediate 1-2 workshops at PhotoSprouts. Jordi is an…read moreamazing and incredibly knowledgeable instructor who knows how to break down technical settings so they actually make sense. Photosprouts provides their own mirrorless cameras and lenses for these workshops but you can bring your own as well. I brought my own and Jordi helped a ton with helping set it up and answered tons of my questions about when to use various features. The class structure is a mix of lectures and immediate hands-on exercises. The photowalks during the intermediate sessions were especially useful for applying manual settings to real-world scenes and learning how to compose shots on the fly. Getting that direct practice with my own gear was the biggest takeaway and I walked away with a much better handle on my camera. Highly recommend PhotoSprouts and I plan to take some of the more advanced workshops in the future!

    Christina is the best!…read more I first came across PhotoSprouts when I took a beginner photography lesson in 2023 with Jordi. Afterwards I followed up with questions on what the best camera to buy for a safari would be, and PhotoSprouts owner Christina went above and beyond in helping me compare and contrast the 2 models and lens I was debating. She literally wrote me an essay and I remember being blown away. Fast forward to 2025 when I bought my first real camera (the Canon mirrorless one that she'd recommended two years ago) in advance of a safari honeymoon. I took 2 private lessons with her to learn how to use it. I'm a complete beginner (ex. I barely knew how to attach the lens and adapter to the camera base). Christina is knowledgeable, warm, and patient. She suggested we go to the SF Zoo to practice shooting different animals to best recreate what the honeymoon would be like. We started off with the basics (ex. aperture, ISO, shutter speed) in the Zoo cafe. Christina was prepared with printouts, props, and example pictures which helped me grasp the concepts faster. After we went through the 101 printout, we walked around the zoo to put the concepts in action. It was so helpful to have her next to me so I could ask her all my questions as they came up in real-time. For example, she pointed out that I had a tendency to over-expose my shots (because they looked dark on the LCD and viewfinder when we were out in the sun) and that I could be more aggressive when pressing + holding down the shutter release button. I also only had one battery which died within an hour, and she kindly lent me another for the remainder of class. I was amazed by how much I learned in the 2 hour lesson and took a follow-up lesson on how to import, store, and edit photos. Thank you Christina for the amazing classes and tips!

    Mike's Camera- Menlo Park - Outside from the parking lot

    Mike's Camera- Menlo Park

    (311 reviews)

    $$

    I needed a 11x14 copy of taken with film a 4x6 print in 1999,. Initially scanned the 4x6, at…read morehome.Took a lot of post processing to correct color, etc and enlarge to 11x14. Initial print at Mikes had lots of digital noise. Justin,the print guru at the Menlo Park store, asked me to bring in the 4x6 print so he could scan it . Fortunately I was able to find the original negative ( one good thing about being a packrat). Justin was able to make a HD scan of the negative, do some processing and print a beautiful 11x14 image - I couldn't be happier. Great service from a very knowledgeable and talented printer - something you don't always find in a local store I have entered many prints made here in photo contests - win or lose- the judge usually mentions they were high quality prints. Problem often with my composition - not the print. On average need 1-3 prints a month for competition, more if having exhibit. Will continue to get them from Mike's Camera Menlo Park

    This is your old fashioned camera store with very good counter service. Prompt, knowledgable, but…read moreunfortunately unable to provide the part needed for an older Sony camera. We do have the part number now, and perhaps can get it directly from Sony. We do not live in Menlo Park but are often in the area for family and medical. Downtown Menlo Park is so delightful. Free parking, walkable, and lovely stores and restaurants. The small, locally owned businesses are just great.

    Capture The Look Photography & Cinematography - Jewelry Photography

    Capture The Look Photography & Cinematography

    (240 reviews)

    Willow Glen

    Echoing my friend Cindy L, yes, this team is FABULOUSSSSSSSS and FASTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!…read more I met Michael in 2009, and I knew he and his team would be my wedding photographer and cinematographer one day when I tie the knot. In 2010, I introduced my start-up company in Redwood City to Michael and his team to do an IoT video and they loved his work. The animation was pure genius and story line was so easy to comprehend. In 2014, I introduced my best friend, Cindy L, to Michael and his team, for her wedding, and she and her husband absolutely fell in love with Capture the Love photos and cinematography. Fast forward to 2016. When my NOW husband and I booked Nestldown for our wedding venue in 2016, I knew IMMEDIATELY who I would have as my photographer and cinematographer--the wonderful Capture the Love team!!! I did not even shop around. Right after we signed the contract with Nestldown, I immediately called Michael Soo and made sure we reserve him for Fall 2017 before another couple snatch him from us. Michael and his team come at a price, but you SERIOUSLY pay for what you get. I honestly don't know any team who work as fast as this team. We took our engagement photos and finished around 5pm and within 3 hours, we received sneak previews, and by 9pm, we received all our photos! We had our wedding on Saturday, which ended at 10pm, and by midnight, we received 2 sneak previews!!!! On Tuesday (yes less than 72 hours later), we received another 20 photos!!!! He informed us that all the photos will be ready by Friday afternoon (less than 7 days from our wedding!!) ! AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!! SERIOUSLY, no one works this fast, except this fabulous team. I keep looking at the 20+ photos and I am still floating on cloud 9 and reliving every moment of our wedding day. On the day of our wedding, the team showed up early, which was SOOOO MUCH appreciative, so they could ensure they were able to capture every little minute detail. They always had a smile on their faces, even when they have to deal with crazy family members and vendors who get in the way of the shots. I looked in the corner of my eye and I was personally annoyed certain ppl/kids were in the shot, but the team was very professional and never yelled or had a frown on their faces. This definitely helps keep the bride calm. I never doubted this team and trusted them whenever they told us to go here and there, and do this and that pose. I told them, "tell us what to do and we will do it!" I can't wait to see all the photos and the cinematography so I can relive one of the best days of my life! When you ask former brides and grooms for wedding planning tips, they always say, "spend money on your photography and cinematography!!!" Best advice ever since you get to keep these photos and videos forever compared to florals which will last no more than a few days! Thank you so much Capture the Love!! Money well spent!!! I highly recommend if you're in the market for photography or/and cinematography!!!

    Michael did product photography for our Faux Floral Designs. Let's just say he has a few redeeming…read morequalities to say the least. Professional Patient Talented Fast turn around Communication on point Thank you Michael and Team!

    Heapclub - Atif teaching us how to record videos with a DSLR camera

    Heapclub

    (2 reviews)

    The weirdest and most interesting way to book a class. I found them on Meetup and decided to give…read morethem a try. I went to their website to sign up for a YouTube equipment class. Their website didn't disclose the exact address so I was kinda nervous and hesitant. It seemed kinda silly that they email address to enrolled students only but - what could go wrong? - I thought so I signed up. I received a confirmation email from their team but got no address. They told me they would email me the exact location a few days before the class starts. I kinda panicked and convinced myself that this was a total scam. I thought I had lost my money. I didn't even bother emailing them back. A few days later they sent me an another email with the address for the class along with the details like where I needed to park. They apologized for emailing me late and explained that they were a startup building in-person classes, Airbnb style. It was a big relief to know that my money didn't go down the drain! On the day of the class, I drove to the address they sent me and followed the exact steps. Once I arrived, I found a group of people waiting for the class to start. After a while, the photography instructor (Atif) welcomed us all and began teaching like we were in a casual college classroom. He was super nice and gave us all the chance to ask our questions about recording videos on YouTube. At the end of the class, they handed over a feedback form and asked us questions about how they can improve. Now that's called adventure!! I thought they only offered videography and photography classes but I got to know that they also offer other skill classes like cooking classes, fitness classes, coding classes, writing classes, and music classes. Not sure how they're managing to host all these classes but I personally loved the overall experience! The only thing is, I wish they disclose the exact location right after you enroll, instead of having to wait for the email. Other than that, it was a fabulous experience! Looking forward for their cooking classes :)

    My favorite class was a videography class on how to record videos with a DSLR camera. My first…read moreclass at Hekob was a knife skills cooking class taught by professor Russell. I love how these classes are super affordable (paid $37 for the cooking class and $30 for the videography class). Instructors are legit! I highly recommend Hekob to anyone that wants to learn a new skill.

    The Image Flow - The interior of The Image Flow's new San Anselmo location.

    The Image Flow

    (24 reviews)

    $$

    This review is massively overdue. I'm a former frequent flyer here, and I have to say TIF is my…read moreall-time favorite one-stop shop for anything photographic in the Bay Area. I started coming here six years ago to augment the lab time and instruction I was getting in school. Their darkroom was my happy place for a long time and was fairly priced. What impressed me the most about their gorgeous space was that they encouraged clients to get their work off their screens and onto the walls. Literally, any time I had a question about anything related to photography or printing, Stuart, Ed, Constance, Chrysta, or Nathan would make the time for me and help me out or give me feedback. I enjoyed printing there and always left feeling inspired because they were so kind, knowledgeable, and professional. If you'd like to learn about photography, I highly recommend checking out their services, classes, and workshops. I wish I could give them more than five stars!

    A a small business owner I have never left another business a bad review, but this experience was…read moreunacceptable. My artwork was mishandled and the finished product I had hired them for was poorly executed and unusable. I had to take it to a qualified business afterwards who confirmed they did not do a good job. When I raised the issue, the owner and staff were dismissive, refused a refund, and ignored multiple emails and calls. Their unprofessional behavior was bizarre and astonishing. They clearly aren't equipped to handle valuable artwork. Save yourself the headache and take your projects elsewhere.

    PhotoTrainer - photographers - Updated May 2026

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