Photography Classes in Pittsburgh

I’ve been teaching photography classes in Pittsburgh for the better part of 2 decades. One of the greatest feelings in the world is seeing a student really knock it out of the park. Many of the photo classes I teach are introductory classes or an introduction to some of the more common types of photography that people are interested in such as macro photography, nature photography, or classes on how to photograph babies and toddlers. Intro To Photography This summer I taught a four-week in-person Intro to Photography class at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden where I had the pleasure of meeting and teaching Amanda. This class was largely designed around the amazing grounds of the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden so my expectation going in was that we would have a lot of nature photographers or would be nature photographers. That being said, I always like to ask my students why they’ve signed up for my photo classes, what they’re looking to learn, what they want to photograph, etc. Over the years I’ve gotten all sorts of answers but the most common are: I’m confused by my camera and want to know how to make it work because I’m frustrated I’m used …

Pittsburgh Nature Photography Walk

Join me every Saturday at 9:30 AM for my Pittsburgh Nature Photography Walk. We meet at the fountain by the Frick Environmental Center near the meadow. I’ve been conducting these walks since March of 2021 and inviting anyone who wants to join me. It doesn’t matter how old or young you are, what type of equipment you have, or how skilled as a photographer you are. The Pittsburgh Nature Photography Walk is for everyone!

Digital Photography at Phipps

I’m once again teaching introduction to digital photography at Phipps Conservatory. This is an in-person class and I’m so happy to get back into the classroom with students at Phipps! You’ll need to register on Phipps website. Learn How to Use Your Digital Camera Learn how to use your digital camera to create exciting photos that you’ll love to show off. Camera settings including modes, exposure, and focus will all be explained. You’ll learn how to frame, compose, and process your photos. Enjoy fun and engaging assignments that you can complete during class under the guidance of your teacher throughout the beautiful gardens and halls of Phipps Conservatory. Students with all types of digital cameras, skill levels, and interest in photography are welcome. Class Info Wednesdays: Sept. 15, 22, 29 and Oct. 6 | 6:30 – 9 p.m. $120 members | $140 nonmembers In-person program at Botany Hall Lecture Level: Beginner to intermediate COVID Prevention  Class sizes will be limited to allow for adequate social distancing for covid prevention during class. Currently masks are required for any unvaccinated guests, and strongly encouraged for vaccinated guests. Phipps closely monitors changing guidelines and may need to make adjustments to this class or our …

Fall Phone Photography at Phipps

I’m happy to announce that I’m teaching two phone photography classes at Phipps Conservatory this fall. Both classes are an introduction to phone photography and both will be taught virtually. What will you learn? What will you learn from these phone photography classes at Phipps? I’ll be teaching the you how to use your phone to take better photos. If you’ve ever been frustrated by your phone’s camera or wanted to understand how to take photos like some you’ve seen online this class will help you understand everything you need to know in order to make better photos. You’ll learn technical skills that will help you change your exposure and to understand when to do so and why. I’ll teach you how to use focus, add-on lenses, and other tools you can use to take your photography to the next level. We’ll also discuss composition and design to help you make your photos look more interesting. Understanding both the aesthetic and technical aspects of phone photography will give you the tools to solve problems that prevent you from taking the photos you want. Wednesday September 8 6:30 PM  –  8:30 PM You must register for this class on Phipps website. $25 members …

Teen Photography Class

Does your teen have an interest in photography? Do they want to know how to take better photos and to understand the art and science of photography? I’m professional photographer Don Orkoskey, and I’m teaching an in-person teen photography class called the: Future Photographer’s Bootcamp at the amazingly beautiful Pittsburgh Botanic Garden on Tuesday Aug. 17th from 9:30 to 12:30 am. Event Details If your teen is interested in photography and wants to understand how to take better photos, sign up for this one-day workshop lead by professional photographer and teacher, Don Orkoskey. Students will receive a thorough description of how to create incredible photos of any subject through examining exposure, framing and composition, all the rules and when to break them, and much more. This is a practical class where we’ll explore the grounds of the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden and apply what we’ve learned with Don’s guidance. Your teen will need a small, pocket-sized notebook, pens, and their own camera. Smartphone cameras will work fine and there will be a few DSLR and mirrorless cameras for students to try out during class. Equipment Participants in this Teen photography class are encouraged to bring their own cameras, if possible. Nearly …

Children’s Photo Class

Do your kids love to take photos? I’m professional photographer Don Orkoskey, and I’m teaching an in-person children’s photo class: Photo Explorer’s Club at the amazingly beautiful Pittsburgh Botanic Garden on Tuesday Aug. 10th from 9:30 to 12:30 am. Event Details Encourage your child’s love of exploring nature and taking photos! This one-day workshop with professional photographer and teacher, Don Orkoskey, will examine how to use everything from a cell phone camera to a mirrorless and DSLR camera in order to document the world around them. Don will cover how to solve problems with exposure, blur & focus, and competition while exploring parts of the Pittsburg Botanic Garden to look for and photograph everything from bugs and flowers to landscapes and scenery. All you need is a sense of adventure, a love for exploring and learning, a pocket-sized notebook and pens, and a digital camera. Equipment Participants in this Children’s photo class are encouraged to bring their own cameras, if possible. Nearly any cameras, ranging from smartphone cameras or compact point-and-shoot to mirrorless or DSLR, will work for this program. Don will also have a few DSLR and one mirrorless camera that your child will have the chance to use on …

Smarter Phone Photography Class

Join me, professional photographer Don Orkoskey, for my in-person Phone Photography Class: Smarter Phone Photography at the amazing Pittsburgh Botanic Garden Sunday July 18th from 1:00 to 4:00 pm You’ll learn everything you need to know to improve your skills as a photographer. Learn how your phone’s camera works, how to control exposure, how to compose photos, edit pictures, and tell incredible stories with your new photography skills. If you want to take better photos with your phone this is the perfect class for you. Read more about the class and click the link below to register. Event Details Smarter Phone Photography: If you love taking pictures with your phone but want to learn how to take even better photos, join professional photographer and teacher Don Orkoskey as he details the fundamentals. Learn to apply traditional photography principles to your phone photography in order to create awe-inspiring images of people, nature and more that your friends and family won’t believe you were able to create! Explore the limitations and advantages of your phone’s camera, and how to exploit both of those to make pictures you and everyone who sees them will adore. Program fee: $50 Member | $75 Nonmember Pittsburgh …

Beginner’s Photography Course

Join me, Don Orkoskey, for an in-person Beginner’s Photography Course titled: Picture Perfect: A Beginner’s Photography Course at the amazingly beautiful Pittsburgh Botanic Garden starting at 3:30 pm  on Wednesday July 28th. I will teach you everything you need to know to improve your skills as a photographer. Learn how your camera works, how to control exposure, how to compose photos, edit pictures, and tell incredible stories with your new photography skills. If you are frustrated with your camera and want to take better photos this is the perfect class for you. Read more about the class and click the link below to register. Event Details This 4-week beginner’s photography class is the perfect opportunity to learn how to use your camera to create incredible images that you will love showing off! Join professional photographer and teacher, Don Orkoskey, as he covers technical aspects of photography including exposure, camera settings and focus, as well as how to compose more interesting photos of your favorite subjects by understanding framing, composition, and design. You will spend time in the classroom as well as practical time taking photos in the beautiful gardens and stunning woodlands of Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. Course Dates & Times: …

Digital Photography for Everyone

WDO Photography and Phipps Conservatory present Digital Photography for Everyone. This four week long online digital photography class is open to everyone regardless of camera equipment and skill level. Do you want to learn the basics of photography? Now is the time to sign up. Visit the Photography Classes page. Click on the listing here or visit Phipps class page where you can directly sign up. The class is every Thursday night starting on Jan. 21st running through Feb. 28th from 6:30 until 9 pm. Learn how to use your camera. Learn the basics of exposure, how to compose compelling photos, and how to tell stories with your images. This class is for everyone, who is passionate about photography but may still be struggling with the technical or aesthetic aspects of photography. Sign up today through Phipps and join Don for this informative and fun photography class which former students have recommended to their family and friends. If you’re tired of keeping your camera on automatic and being frustrated when your pictures don’t turn out like you want this is the photography class for you.

Photography Tutorials

Coming soon – Free photography tutorials on subjects including exposure, camera settings, composition, and more.