WDO Photography Classes
Pittsburgh Photography Classes
Upcoming Classes
Atlanta School of Photography Photo 1
Atlanta,Georgia30312United States
I'm super excited to be teaching my first class with the Atlanta School of Photography! I'm teaching Photo 1 on Tuesday evenings in November starting on Nov. 4th at 6:30 pm. These beginner photo classes are each Tuesday for 4 weeks (skipping Thanksgi...
Find out more »Atlanta Photographers Coffee Meetup
Atlanta,GA30305US + Google Map
Atlanta Photographers Coffee Meetup If you're a working professional photographer in Atlanta, or aspire to be one please join us for the Atlanta Photographers Coffee Meetup. This is a casual networking event. Drink some coffee or tea, talk shop, and ...
Find out more »Atlanta November Nature Photography Meetup
Atlanta,GA30309US + Google Map
Join me, pro photographer Don Orkoskey of WDO Photography, for the November Nature Photography Meetup in Piedmont Park. This is a free event open to everyone regardless of photography skills. Everyone is welcome. Join us, no matter your skill level, ...
Find out more »Urban Bird Photography Workshop
Decatur,Georgia30033United States
\n\nUrban Bird Photography Workshop\n\nIn partnership with the Atlanta School of Photography I'm leading an Urban Bird Photography workshop on Dec. 6th starting at 10 am. Join me, wildlife photographer Don Orkoskey. Learn how to create amazing photos...
Find out more »Private Lessons
Group Classes
Online Classes
Phone Photography
WDO Photography Classes
Here are current photography classes, both in-person and online. If the class is hosted with a community partner you many need to register on their websites. If the photography class is hosted by WDO Photography then you can register directly through our website or at Eventbrite.
What classes would you like to see offered?
Take this short survey to let me know!
Current Classes
Don't see any classes? Please contact me. Then I'll update you when classes are schedule. Too, be sure to join my mailing list. My free monthly newsletter features class listings and loads of great free content.
Unsure of what camera to buy? Be sure to read my camera buying guide
Personalized Individual Photography Lessons
Easily book private photography lessons online. Use the button below. Then select private photography class. After that, choose where to meet. Select the date and time that work best for you. Then just enter your details and you're done.
Fast, easy, online photography lesson booking.
Learn Photography From Professional Photographers
The WDO Photography Teaching Difference
You're here searching for photography classes near Atlanta or Pittsburgh, PA. Since 2007 we've taught thousands of students just like you! In all of that time we've helped countless people, frustrated by their cameras, to find confidence and build up their photography skills.
Here are the secrets to our success when it comes to teaching photography:
- Individual Attention
Even if you're taking a group photography class, your instructor will spend time with you individually thanks to our small class sizes. - Practical Time
You won't simply be lectured to, you can watch a Youtube video and get that for free. Instead, you'll spend practical time with your teacher doing what you've been taught. - Supportive Environment
We teach all of our students how to critique their own and each other's work with supportive and constructive criticism that actually helps you grow. - Clear Instructions & Demonstrations
After each class you will receive access to the clear instructions that were shared with you in class. Too, all in-class demonstrations are repeated until all students have built an understanding of the technique.
Built Your Confidence As A Photographer
Buying a camera and not understanding how to take better photos is incredibly frustrating. In fact, with how good phones are these days, that frustration is doubled. So, how do you shake that frustration and build your confidence as a photographer?
Wherever you are in your photography journey photography classes from WDO Photography take your skills to the next level.
From absolute beginner to serious hobbyist these photography classes accelerate your skills. In fact, even professionals benefit. If you're looking to pick up new photography skills then sign up today. Then, quickly learn exactly what you're looking for.
Read these articles written to help you learn photography!
Ultimately, our goal is to make the complicated easy to understand. As such we always start with the fundamentals. These include all aspects of photography from the technical to the artistic. As a result you become a more well-rounded photographer.
Contact Me About Photography Classes
Contact me about photography classes through this form. I can't wait to speak with you and help you improve your photography skills!
Looking to try film photography? Read my article on the best film cameras for 2023
Group Photography Class Benefits
Group Learning Benefits
Learning in a group offers great benefits. Often other classmates pose questions you might have not have thought of. While these are not always on the lesson plan they can offer opportunities to learn things beyond what's planned.
Additionally, having others at your level allows you to bounce ideas off them. In fact, I've seen real lasting collaboration come out of my classes. Too, having someone else who can help you understand is great. This is especially true when they just learned it themself.
A Variety of Photography Class Topics
Photography Classes Are For Everyone
Group Class Locations Near Atlanta
I have recently relocated to Atlanta from Pittsburgh, PA. In Pittsburgh I offered a variety of group photography classes at locations such as Phipps Conservatory and the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. Now, I'm working to set up group photography classes in Atlanta. They'll be listed at the top of the page once scheduled.
Additionally, I've taught garden clubs, schools, summer camps, and more. I also offer online photography classes to students around the world.
Host A Photography Class With Your Organization
Do you need a photography class for your organization? I love creating classes for private groups and organizations. In fact, I really enjoy working with new community partners on group photography classes!
I partner with a variety of groups. These include non-profits, garden clubs, scouts, summer camps, and more. I really enjoy these opportunities. As such, if your group is looking for a fun photography class contact me!
Private Group Photography Classes
Private group classes are available on a variety of subjects. For example, phone photography, phone videography, macro, and so many more.
In addition, classes can be customized. Too, they can be fully interactive or presentation style. In other words, they can include practical hands-on time or just be a lecture.
Photography Lessons For Businesses & Nonprofits
Providing photography lessons for your organization is fun and effective. First, you can use it practically. For example, I've taught dozens of nonprofits along with the staff members of government representatives. In fact, if you're a nonprofit whose staff is expected to create photos for social media, learning photography is a must!
Second, photography lessons are a great activity to include in team building excursions. So, if you know your staff would enjoy or could use photography lessons contact me!
Hosted Photography Class Costs
Costs vary depending on time and equipment. I can provide a projector, screen, printed handouts, and more. Additionally discounted rates are possible for organizations with a social justice mission.
I can't wait to hear from you, find out about your group, and discuss the photography class that fits your organization the best.
Contact me to discuss the benefits of hosting one of my photography classes for you and your group.
Private Photography Lesson Benefits
Private photography lessons are 90 minutes to 2 hours each. No matter where you are in your photography journey we can help you master the skills you want in order to create the types of photos you want to make. Even if you've never picked up a camera before we'll take you from absolute beginner to confident photographer in just a few weeks.
What You'll Learn
Here is some of what you'll learn in our introductory private photography lessons:
Technical Aspects of Photography
- Exposure
- Focus
- Camera Settings
- Lens Choice
- Color
- Contrast
Artistic Aspects of Photography
- Design Principles
- Artistic Composition
- Visual Storytelling
Common Photography Class Topics
- Abstract Nature Photography
- Bird Photography Workshop
- Compact Flash Lighting
- Camera Buying Workshop
- Introduction to Photography
- Large Format Photography
- Phone Photography
- Photography Storytelling
- Photoshop & Lightroom - Post Processing Your Photos
- Macro Photography
- Posing Models
- Camera Buying Workshop
- Street Photography
- Studio Lighting
Advanced Photography Classes
WDO Photography offers advanced classes in photography covering the following topics and more.
Wildlife Photography Classes
- Lens and Equipment Selection
- Location Scouting
- Wilderness Safety
Landscape Photography
- Design Principles
- Artistic Composition
- Visual Storytelling
Macro Photography
- Finding Subjects
- Choosing Macro Equipment
- Macro Lighting
- Focus Stacking
The Business of Photography
- Business Planning
- Budgeting
- Marketing
- Equipment Needs
Other Photography Classes
Here are some other photography classes I recommend. Be sure to check these out.
I would love to teach more photography classes in Atlanta and Pittsburgh. However, my other work as a photographer takes up a lot of my time. Of course, that shouldn't mean you need to wait to learn photography.
Additional Photography Classes in Atlanta
Add A Class
Let me know if there are classes I'm missing. For instance, if you know of a class or teacher you don't see contacting me. Then, I'll check them out and add them. If they're not on my list then it means I don't know about them.
Workshops & One Off Photo Classes
A lot of photographers teach one-off classes. As such, I don't find out about them in time to share them. Additionally, if someone starts a new class I may have missed it. So, I'm grateful for your assistance it helping spread the word.
Finally, if you find a class that no longer exists please let me know. Too, please feel free to share any information you want about these classes or hosts.
Let Me Know
If you sign up for a class then let me know what you thought. I'd love to hear about your experiences! If you took a class and really enjoyed it contact me. Then, I will share that information for other students.
Likewise, if you had a bad experience let me know that as well. If I hear enough negative things then I remove said instructor or institution from my list. However, please understand that this information is not a ranking or rating system.
Other Classes and Teachers in Atlanta
Atlanta School of Photography - a truly amazing group that offers a wide variety of classes from an outstanding range of teachers.
Callanwolde - learn film photography on the beautiful grounds of the Candler Estate.
Digital Photo Academy - offers a variety of classes for beginners and more.
Emory University - offers accredited classes for hobbyists and aspiring pros.
SCAD - offers degree programs in photography and related fields
Other Classes and Teachers Near Pittsburgh
Community College Of Allegheny County - CCAC offers a variety of photography classes. Additionally, you may be eligible for financial aid.
Pittsburgh Center for the Arts - PCA is in Shadyside. They offers a lot of art classes including sculpture, painting, and photography.
Manchester Craftsmen's Guild - MCG is a wonderful place in Manchester. They offer free photography classes for PPS students.
Premier Imaging - The folks at Premier are a great bunch of people. Too, they offer a variety of classes including how to get your camera off of auto. Plus they've got a lovely store. It's full of all sorts of fun photography products.
Terry Clark - Terry is an all-around amazing human being. He's also a wonderful teacher and mentor. Terry and I often run similar classes. That said, he's too great a treasure to not mention here.
Photographer & Teacher Don Orkoskey
My name is Don Orkoskey. I'm a full time working professional photographer. For over 25 years I've photographed events, portraits, and more. In addition, my passion is wildlife photography. Beyond that, I love to teach. Learn more about me here.
Shortly after launching WDO Photography people began asking me to help them learn how to use their camera. Within a few years I started to lead photography workshops. After that, I was asked to teach at local institutions. When the Covid-19 pandemic struck teaching became a much larger part of my business.
Photography Teaching Experience
For nearly 20 years I've taught photography classes in Pittsburgh and Atlanta. Additionally, I've taught classes online since 2020.
My first class was a nature photography lesson in Pittsburgh's Frick Park in 2007. Additional classes soon followed. Meanwhile I studied and worked with great mentors including Dr. Alice Wilder and Ernie Dettore learning about educational best practices.
Teaching Children & Adults
Education Fundamentals
In addition, I worked with numerous other institutions teaching kids art and photography. Along with my former business partner, we taught children in a variety of settings.
At first, we worked with museums and festivals as well as with schools. Then, we expanded to work at specialized schools, homeless shelters, and with at-risk youth. At that time we never forgot the fundamentals taught to us by Dr. Wilder and Dr. Dettore.
In fact, those fundamentals helped us greatly. As a result, the children we taught explored and use play to better understand their world. Too, we helped them to express their feelings and ideas more clearly and confidently. Finally, we assisted them in building skills while always offering a supportive environment.
Adult Photography Classes
Over time I began to work more regularly with adults. I hosted classes myself. Plus, I partnered with community groups and institutions such as Phipps and the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden.
Ultimately, I found that learning is learning. No matter someone's age they need a supportive environment, to build skills in steps, reinforcement of fundamental techniques, and joy. As a result, I pride myself on providing all of these in my photography classes.
Full Time Photographer
Additionally, as a full-time professional photographer I use the information that I teach every day. Therefore you can trust me to help you improve your photography skills quickly.
Additionally I have been teaching photography, art, and more for over 2 decades. My classes are fun, interactive, and informative. I make sure to teach you how to solve problems when they arise. You learn how to create amazing photographs in the most challenging of conditions.
Photography Classes For Neurodiverse Students
Photography for Vocational Rehabilitation
In 2021 I was asked to teach a student who had Deschene's Muscular Dystrophy. As well as being neurodiverse, this was my first student whom I taught through the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR). Since then I've had dozens of students through OVR. As a result, I've gotten to train them for work as photography assistants, editors, and more.
Additionally, working through OVR taught me a lot about teaching. As a result, all of my classes have benefited. I understand how to work with a students with a variety of challenges including auditory processing disorders, OCD, memory impairment, and more.