learn photography Articles

Don’t miss this epic iPhone Nature Videography Class at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden with me, pro nature photographer Don Orkoskey.

Did you buy a camera but find yourself frustrated with it? Learn how to use your camera in this interactive and supportive camera class.

The April Nature Photography Meetup Join me, pro photographer Don Orkoskey for the April edition of my monthly free nature photography meetups in Frick Park on April 14th Join the April Nature Photography Meetup in Frick to photograph budding flowers, amazing wildlife, and more! WHEN April 14th 2024 from 9:30 am to approx. 11:30 am. Please note, I will be there from start to finish but we’re never more than 15 minutes from the parking lot so you can leave at any time. Additionally, Frick is an amazing public park and you’re welcome to stay for as long as you’d like even after I’ve left if you’d like. WHERE Please meet us at the end of the promenade (around the benches) beyond the Frick Environmental Center at the entrance to the meadow. There is ample free parking in and around this area including a large lot under the solar panels and parallel parking in front of the gatehouses. The address is 2005 Beechwood Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15217. COST This event is free but donations are greatly appreciated. You can buy a ticket that includes a donation or donate at the event through cash, Venmo, or any other means you’d prefer.

NOTICE: DATE CHANGED FROM APRIL UNTIL MAY Learn how to create powerful landscape photos at the Spring Landscape Photography Workshop by WDO Photography Learn to create incredible landscape photographs at the Spring Landscape Photography Workshop from me, nature photographer Don Orkoskey. This two day workshop will include an easy to follow information session on Saturday May 25th followed by an outdoor, hands-on, landscape photography session at one of the Pittsburgh area’s best landscape locations on Sunday the 26th. Participants are also invited to join a private online group via Google Classroom which will feature downloadable of all learning materials and the opportunity to share their photos with other students. This is a once-a-year event, don’t miss your chance to join my Spring Landscape Photography Workshop!   Landscape Photography Workshop Details When: May 25th from 5:30 to 7:30 pm and May. 26th from 5:30 to 7:30 pm Where: WDO Studios 7120 Harrison Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15218 Is this class for me: Everyone interested in landscape photography is welcome. It is advisable to have either a DSLR or Mirrorless camera and a tripod but phone photographers are also welcome. This class is open to beginners but experienced photographers won’t be disappointed as

Join Northern Exposure: Winter Landscape Photography Workshop with professional nature and wildlife photographer Don Orkoskey of WDO Photography

Get creative with your phone, feel confident, and less frustrated after this fun and informative phone photography workshop Unleash Your Inner Photographer in this Phone Photography Workshop 📸 Embark on a transformative journey into the captivating world of phone photography in this expert-led class! In an era where your smartphone is not just a device but a powerful creative tool, this course is designed to elevate your photography skills to new heights. Unlock Creativity with Every Click: Discover the art of turning everyday moments into extraordinary photographs. Learn how to see the world through the lens of your phone, capturing the beauty that surrounds you in ways you never imagined. From composition and framing to lighting and angles, this workshop will provide you with the fundamentals of photography, ensuring you create the perfect shot every time. Unleash Your Phone’s Potential: Your smartphone is equipped with a powerhouse of features waiting to be harnessed. Pro photographer Don Orkoskey will guide you through your settings, teaching you to optimize your camera capabilities. Whether you own an iPhone or Android, Don will help you navigate through the technicalities, ensuring you make the most of what you have. Hands-On Learning with Immediate Results: This

December Nature Photo Meetup Capture winter’s magic at my December Nature Photo Meetup, a captivating installment in my series of free monthly nature photo meetups. Join me, pro photographer Don Orkoskey along with other nature photographers, nature lovers, and photography enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels at the December edition of my monthly free nature photography meetups in Frick Park. It doesn’t matter how well you understand your camera, everyone, from absolute beginners, to seasoned pros are welcome. Come photograph the incredible nature right here in our amazing city park. Create breathtaking landscapes, intricate macro photos, and chase the wildlife to make some truly awesome bird and mammal photos. This event is open to everyone, it’s a fun, relaxing few hours where you can enjoy nature, meet some cool folks, ask a few photography or nature questions, and have a small break in the middle of the holiday madness. Reserve your tickets for the December Nature Photo meetup on Eventbrite or read more about the event on the blog. Have questions? Contact me!  

Nov Nature Photography Meetup Join nature photographer Don Orkoskey for his free monthly nature photography meetup in Frick Park on Nov. 19th at 9:30. All are welcome! Explore and photograph our incredible Frick Park! Join professional nature photographer Don Orkoskey for the November Nature Photography Meetup, part of Don’s monthly nature photography meetup series in Frick Park. Everyone is welcome! All ages, skill levels, and regardless of the gear you have. You’ll absolutely love what you’ll see and photograph at the monthly nature photography meetup! Experience the incredible beauty that exists in Frick Park. Practice your photography skills. Plus get out and meet other people who have similar passions. Find more information about the Nov Nature Photography Meetup. Nature Photography Meetup WHEN: Nov. 19th 2023 9:30 to 11:30 am The event lasts approx. 2 hours. Please arrive on time, you can leave at any time. We’re rarely more than a 15 min. walk from the parking area. WHERE: We meet at the fountain near the Frick Environmental Center (at the end of the promenade) 2005 Beechwood Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 COST: Free (donations accepted) YOUR HOST: Professional nature photographer Don Orkoskey. Don hosts nature photography meetups monthly in and around

Join nature photographer Don Orkoskey and friends for the monthly nature photography meetup in Frick Park on Oct. 22nd at 9:30 am Explore and photograph our incredible Frick Park! Join professional nature photographer Don Orkoskey for the October Nature Photography Meetup, part of Don’s monthly nature photography meetup series in Frick Park. Everyone is welcome! All ages, skill levels, and regardless of the gear you have. You’ll absolutely love what you’ll see and photograph at the monthly nature photography meetup! Experience the incredible beauty that exists in Frick Park. Practice your photography skills. Plus get out and meet other people who have similar passions. Find more information about the October Nature Photography Meetup on the website. WHEN: Oct. 22nd 2023 9:30 am The event lasts approx. 2 hours. Please arrive on time, you can leave at any time. We’re rarely more than a 15 min. walk from the parking area. WHERE: The fountain near the Frick Environmental Center 2005 Beechwood Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 COST: Free (donations accepted) YOUR HOST: Professional nature photographer Don Orkoskey. Don hosts nature photography meetups monthly in and around Pittsburgh, most often in Frick Park. These events are a great way to meet others interested

2023 Haunting Portraits Lighting Seminar Prepare for Halloween at the incredibly fun 2023 Haunting Portraits Lighting Seminar. Learn to create dramatic haunting portraits at WDO Photography Studios Oct. 25th. When: Oct. 25th 2023 5:30 to 8 pm Where: WDO Photography Studios 7120 Harrison Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15218 Cost: $50 More details: The 2023 Haunting Portraits Lighting Seminar is a class to  accompany my Halloween Haunting Portrait giveaway happening on Oct. 31st. Come out to this seminar and learn how to use studio lighting and modifiers to create dramatic haunting portraits. At this event you’ll learn how to control light and direct it only where you want it to go. Too, you’ll learn how to make creepy unsettlingly lit portraits. Finally, the Haunting Portraits you’ll make will teach you how to create less spooky portraits in the future. Studio Portrait Lighting Seminar Learn studio portrait lighting at this seminar. This light-hearted class will help you understand lighting while having a fun time. Create some amazing photos in the spirit of Halloween! Don’t forget to dress up in a fun costume! The winner of best costume will get a free 5×7 of their favorite photo from the evening. Check out all of

Learn how powerful of a tool light is, how to control light and how to use light to stir emotions in your portrait photography at the Power of Light Portrait Photography Workshop. The Power of Light Workshop The Power of Light Portrait Workshop is for portrait photographers looking to be more original. Traditional portrait lighting has its place for headshots. However, the lighting you’ll learn in this workshop is attention grabbing. Yet, it’s also easy to use. Learn how to create stunning portraits that will demand attention. What if you have no prior experience with portrait lighting or studio lighting? That’s not a problem! Even if you have no portrait lighting experience you’ll learn everything you need to know in this class to create dramatic portraits! Portrait Lighting Workshop Details When: Sept. 17th, 5pm to 8pm Where: WDO Photography Studio 7120 Harrison Ave. Pgh, PA 15218 Cost: $150/photographer Note: There is limited capacity at this workshop. Register quickly to ensure you can attend. If you have any questions contact me here. The Power of Light: Portrait Photography Workshop is an in-person photography class presented by me, pro photographer Don Orkoskey. Be sure to check out all of the photography classes near

ATTENTION!!! Due to the Great Race the location has been changed to the lower Frick Park Parking Lot. Directions: take S. Braddock Ave to Regent Square and turn at the red light on Hutchinson, (turn away from/opposite the GetGo on Hutchinson). At Lancaster Ave turn right onto Frick Ln and drive down to the parking lot. If you need an address to put into GPS use 1045 Lancaster Ave. as the parking lot doesn’t have an address. 1045 is the house on the corner. When you’ve arrived that house will be on your right, turn onto Frick Ln (unmarked, but there is a wooden sign saying Frick Park opposite 1045 Lancaster) and follow that road down to the parking lot. Join me, pro photographer Don Orkoskey, for my free monthly Pittsburgh Nature Photography Meetup September 24th in Frick Park. Watch and photograph your way through the wilds of Frick Park with me as your guide. This time of year is fabulous for birding, macro photography, photographing flowers and so much more! Join me on the 24th to explore the amazing nature right here in our own Frick Park. Everyone is welcome from pro photographers to nature enthusiasts with phones or