Atlanta Photography Classes

Photography Classes in Atlanta

Hands-on classes that inspire and empower with lessons built for beginners, hobbyists, and everyone ready to move past auto mode. Leave each session with practical skills and real confidence in your photography.
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Private Photography Lessons

Learn photography at your pace in a class dedicated to you and your specific desires, wishes, and needs. Sign up for expert private photography lessons taught by pro photographer Don Orkoskey of WDO Photography today!
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Group Photography Classes

Find your community of likeminded photography enthusiasts while you learn about photography in a fun and informative group photography class taught by professional photographer Don Orkoskey of WDO Photography.
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Online Photography Classes

Learn photography online from the comfort of your home or office. Sign up for private online photography lessons or online group photography classes with Don Orkoskey of WDO Photography and learn anywhere you are!
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Phone Photography Classes

Frustrated with your phone photography skills? Sign up for a phone photography class on your own or with your entire organization with Don Orkoskey, the owner of WDO Photography. Learn how to use the camera that you have with you at practically all times. These classes are perfect for nonprofit staff.
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    Private Lessons

    Improve your photography skills. Take private lessons tailored just to you. Learn what you want to know. Do so when you have time to learn and at a location that works for you. From complete beginners to working professionals, private photography lessons help you grow as a photographer. Learn what you're missing today.
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    Group Classes

    Join a group class. Meet other photographers, aspiring photographers and hobbyists. Improve your skills. Grow as a photographer. Learn to take better photos. Build a sense of community with your classmates. Group photo classes are available throughout the year covering a variety of subjects. Find a complete list of classes below.
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    Online Classes

    Learn photography online. Study from anywhere in the world in our online photography classes. Meet photographers from across the globe. Grow your skills and knowledge of photography. Plus, you can do so from the comfort and convenience of wherever you want. Live and asynchronous classes are available.
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    Phone Classes

    Use your phone to create amazing photos. Phone photography classes are available in person or online. Too, they're available in private or as group classes. Garden clubs, summer camps, or other organization benefit greatly from these classes. Improving your phone photography. Learn more by clicking the button below.
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    Private Photography Lessons in Atlanta

    Easily book private photography lessons online. Click the button below to schedule your private photography lessons in Atlanta. Then select private photography class. After that, you can choose where to meet your instructor.

    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.

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    Atlanta Group Photography Classes

    Group photography classes in Atlanta from WDO Photography provide a wide range of opportunities for those interested in learning photography. In addition, these classes offer a lower cost when compared to private photography lessons.

    Plus, you can schedule group photography classes for your group or organization as an employee appreciation, membership benefit, or team building exercise.

    Click the button below to learn more or to schedule a group class with your group today!  

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    Host A Group 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!

    In the past I've partnered with groups including 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 classes are available on a variety of subjects. These include, phone photography, macro, and so many more. In addition, classes can be customized. Too, they can be interactive or presentation style. Plus, they can include practical time or just a lecture.

    Private Group 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.

    Click the button to schedule a discussion about hosting a photography classes for your group.

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    Group Photography Classes for Businesses and Other Organizations

    Group photography classes for your business or other organization make a ton of sense. Hire WDO Photography for team building retreats, to train staff responsible for social media, or as an employee appreciation gift.

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    Group Photography Classes For Social Groups

    Are you looking for something special for your next garden clubs meeting, summer camps, or scouting trip?

    Consider a group photography class from WDO Photography.

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    Neurodivergent Photography Classes

    Our founder and lead teacher Don students through the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehab for several years and enjoys working with individuals with disabilities. He has clearances and has past background checks allowing him to work with kids and teens.

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    Online Group Photography Classes

    In addition to in person group classes, we also offer online group photography classes. These classes are open to students around the world. They're synchronous classes. In other words, we meet at the same time. As a result, students can ask questions and receive an immediate answer.

    Classes may be scheduled at different times to allow students from different time zones to join.

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    Group Photography Class Benefits

    Here is why you should take group photography classes. First, the benefits of learning with a community of similarly skilled people is highly beneficial. Of course there are more reasons. Keep reading to find out if a group photography class is right for you.

    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

    My classes cover a variety of photography subjects. As such they go from beginner/introductory photography to more specialized and advanced classes. Therefore you can learn everything from landscape, wildlife, and macro photography to lighting and photo editing. Of course, you can also learn how to use your camera.

    Photography Classes Are For Everyone

    Group photography classes are for everyone. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Too, you can take any class regardless of the equipment you have. From phones to DSLRs and Mirrorless cameras, absolute beginners to working pros - my classes are for everyone.

    Benefits of Private Photography Lessons

    My private classes are 90 minutes  to 2 hours each. No matter where you are in your photography journey I 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 I can 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 my introductory photography class:

      Technical Aspects of Photography

      • Exposure
      • Focus
      • Camera Settings
      • Lens Choice
      • Color
      • Contrast
      • White Balance

      Artistic Aspects of Photography

      • Design Principles
      • Artistic Composition
      • Visual Storytelling
      • Framing
      • Capturing emotion

        Advance Classes

        Here is what to expect in advanced photography classes from WDO Photography:

        Wildlife Photography

        • Lens and Equipment Selection
        • Location Scouting
        • Wilderness Safety
        • Wildlife Identification
        • Camouflage & stealth

        Landscape Photography

        • Landscape Composition
        • Bracketing & Compositing
        • Weather & Location Prep
        • Hyperfocal Distance
        • Lens Selection

        Macro Photography

        • Finding Subjects
        • Choosing Macro Equipment
        • Depth of Field & Geometry
        • Macro Lighting
        • Focus Stacking

        Business of Photography

        • Business Planning
        • Pricing & Budgeting
        • Photography Management
        • Client Relationship Management
        • Marketing Your Photo Business

        Learn From Professional Photographers

        photography teacher Don Orkoskey

        My name is Don Orkoskey. I'm a full time working professional photographer. You're here searching for photography classes near Atlanta. You're in the right place. All of my classes are taught by me. I'm a working professional and experienced teacher. Plus, I understand how to simplify complex concepts.

        Since 2007 I've taught photography classes in Pittsburgh, PA and Atlanta, GA to people just like you. So, if you love photography and want to quickly improve your skills then sign up for one of my classes today.

        No matter how frustrated you are with your camera; regardless of how upset you are that your photos just don't seem to come out right; I can help!

        Wherever you are in your photography journey my photography classes can take your skills to the next level. From absolute beginner to serious hobbyist my photography classes will accelerate your skills. In fact, even fellow professionals can benefit. If you're looking to pick up new skills then sign up today. Quickly learn exactly what you're looking for.

        Read these articles written to help you learn photography!

        Ultimately, my goal is to make the complicated easy to understand. As such I teach you the fundamentals. These include all aspects of photography from the technical to the artistic. As a result you'll become a well-rounded photographer.

        Together we'll have fun taking a lot of photos. However, when we're finished you'll feel much more confident. In fact, you'll create the types of photos you've always wanted to. Plus you'll do so with joy, love, and skills that I promise we'll build together.

        Interested in becoming a professional photographer? Read this!

        Have You Taken A Class?

        Let us know what you thought!

        If you sign up for a class 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 to let me know. This way I can add that information for other students.

        Likewise, if you had a bad experience let me know that as well. If I hear enough negative things I'll remove that instructor from my list. However, please understand that this information is not a ranking or rating system.

        Tell Us Your Thoughts

        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!
        Private Lessons

        Contact Information

        More Information

        Tell me more about your schedule and when/where you'd like to meet.

        Who are these lessons for?
        What is your preference for lessons?
        Do you prefer to travel to me or for me to travel to you?

        Photography Information

        Tell me more information about your photography skills and what you're interested in.

        What photography skill level best fits you right now?
        Are there specific things you're looking to learn?
        What types of photography are you most interested in or would like to apply what you learn in these lessons to?
        Click here to read the Terms and Conditions for my online photography classes, photo classes near Pittsburgh, and private photography lessons.

        Atlanta Nature Photography

        Atlanta Nature Photography Meetups

        Nature Photography Walk Students

        Students on a Nature Photography Walk in Frick Park in Pittsburgh, PA point at a bird they're trying to photograph

        Every month I lead a Nature Photography Meetup in Atlanta.

        First, check the list of classes at the top of the page for more information. Then, please make sure to arrive on time. We leave the meeting spot at the posted time. So, please show up early.

        These meetups typically begin at 9:00 or 9:30 on a weekend morning. We meet in an easy to find place. Because these photography meetups are sometime held in different locations check the information for the meetup you're attending.

        Due to these meetups being FREE they're a great opportunity to learn photography. Join us for an enjoyable time. Explore nature and learn from other photographers. Of course, donations are welcome. In fact, these help me to continue to do the administrative work of organizing these meetups.

        Everyone Welcome

        Everyone is welcome at these nature photography meetups. This is true regardless of skill level, age, or camera equipment. In fact, the walks we do are adjusted to meet the mobility levels of attendees.

        Kids are welcome on these walks too! We've had kids as young as 4 join us with practically indestructible little cameras. So, if your child loves nature and or photography please bring them along!

        Photography is for Everyone

        Everyone is welcome because photography is for everyone. Plus, nature photography is a wonderful way to learn. Therefore, be respectful of other attendees. The only thing we won't tolerate is intolerance.

        Ask Questions

        Since these are not a formal class there isn't a lesson plan or agenda. However, I am more than happy to answer questions. Plus I'm always pointing out subjects, suggesting composition, and giving technical tips.

        That said, if you want more extensive help please sign up for a private lesson. In addition, please be respectful of my time and allow others to ask questions.

        Atlanta Nature Photography 

        This Atlanta Nature Photography Meetup is a free monthly photography-centered nature walk. Come increase your skills as a photographer. Learn more about nature photography and find out about other nature photo opportunities.

        Because we have abundant parks and wild areas the chances to practice are endless. Therefore, join my monthly adventure creating amazing nature photos in Atlanta. Experience Atlanta's wildlife in a new way. Plus, improve your photography skills all at the same time.

        Need a new professional headshot near Buckhead?

        Great Horned Owl iPhone photo at 1x Zoom

        Why Nature Photography Is For Everyone

        • Nature never criticizes your pictures. Relax and experiment.
        • The natural world is patient. Take your time photographing it.
        • Nature is beautiful. You appriciate it more through nature photography.
        • It's great at teaching you to make better photos.
        • Nature forces you to improve. It gives you beautiful things you want to photograph.
        • It's abundant. We find nature in the tiniest of places from mud puddles to national parks.
        • Nature is full of stories waiting to be told. Often, it's easier to tell those stories before trying to tell our own.
        • We're part of nature. By observing and documenting it, we reconnect to nature.
        • Loving nature is radical, taking beautiful photos that encourage others to love nature is an act of rebellion.

        For those reasons and more I know that nature is a wonderful place to learn photography.

        Atlanta Street Photography

        Street Photography

        Atlanta Street photography

        Are you interested in learning street photography? We host occasional fun street photography meet-ups in in Atlanta. The Atlanta street photography meetups will begin in early 2026.

        All photographers are welcome regardless of your skills level, equipment, etc. Join us and explore the streets. Photograph people, buildings, and other things we find interesting.

        Atlanta is full of great street photography locations. As a result, these photography walks attract a large number of photographers. Consequently, street photography walks require registration and a small fee.

        Street Photography in Atlanta

        Atlanta has incredible buildings, artwork, people, and more. As such, you will find the perfect scene for street portraits. Alternatively, you can focus on architectural photos. No matter what you want to photograph, you'll find it here.

        In addition, Atlanta is full of a amazing of people from a wide range of backgrounds. In fact, there are always friendly people. However, some are more willing to be photographed than others. Therefore, it's polite to ask unless you're taking a candid photo.

        So, if you're interested in a street photography walk in Atlanta then contact me.

        Online Photography Classes

        Photography Classes Near You Online photography classes are a great option for many reasons.

        First, they allow you to take a class no matter where you are in the world. As a result, you get access to teachers you'd otherwise not have access to.

        Second, taking photography classes online give you the opportunity to learn without spending time traveling to class.

        Third, online classes in photography are typically less expensive. This is because they lack the in person practical time that in person photography classes offer. However, that time is made up for with a great amount of time focusing on techniques and your results.

        Learn Photography Online

        Additionally, if you're immunocompromised online learning is a great way to engage with others while keeping your risk of infection low. Covid is still out there. Plus, there are lots of other reasons you might need to avoid getting sick. That said, it shouldn't stop you from learning a new skill or hobby.

        While some prefer in person classes, online classes are still a great option. Of course, this lesson was driven home in 2020. Plus, with all the starts and stops we had during the pandemic - online classes were a great outlet. Getting to meet and have some sense of normalcy with tools like Zoom made things more bearable. This is especially true in those early and very scary days.

        Online Photography Class Listings

        Check out my current class list which includes online classes. If you don't see the class you want then please contact me. Then we can talk about what you want to learn. I'm happy to share information and we can talk about group as well as private lessons.

        My 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 practices.

        Because of their guidance and leadership I successfully collaborated with the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh on a three year project. In addition, I worked with a number of other institutions teaching kids art and photography. Finally, I began to work with more regularly hosting classes with community partners such as Phipps and the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden.

        Photography Classes For Neurodiverse Students 

        As a neurodiverse person myself, I've learned to develop a system for teaching other neurodiverse photography students. Too, I have taught photography to adults and kids with a variety of learning, cognitive, and physical disabilities.

        Photography for Vocational Rehabilitation

        In 2021 I was asked to teach a student who had Duschenne'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.

        Photography Summer Camps

        In 2022 I began teaching photography summer camps for kids. In fact, I've lead exclusively photography focused week-long summer camps. Plus, I've taught guest photography classes at summer camps run by other organizations.

        Full Time Photographer

        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.

        Fine Art Photography

        Do you want to learn how to create fine art photography? What about how to use photography in your art? Or perhaps learn photography to capture your art or otherwise enhance your art practices. I'm available for fine art photography consultation, or to teach you how to incorporate your photography into your fine art practices. Contact me with the form below and we can discuss.

        Alternative Photography Classes

        Here are additional photography classes near Atlanta. Be sure to check these out.

        I would love to teach more photography classes in Atlanta. However, my other work as a photographer takes up a lot of my time. That doesn't mean you need to wait to learn photography right now.

        Additional Photography Classes in Atlanta

        I get a lot of calls, text, and emails asking when I'll host such-and-such class again. In fact, I get asked that a ton. Because of that I want to make sure you know about the other classes available to you.

        As such, if I'm not available then I don't want to prevent you from learning. Of course, these other photography classes near Atlanta may be exactly what you're looking for.

        Alternative Photography Classes in Atlanta

        Below is a list of alternative photography teachers and institutions. I used to provide links to their websites. However, I've found them to break too often. Of course that doesn't mean they're no longer offering classes. In fact, it's most likely just them switching the URL. However, I recommend googling the following to see what classes they're offering.

        Other Photo Classes 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

        Add A Class

        Pittsburgh photography class in Frick Park

        Let me know if anyone is missing.

        For instance, if you know of a class or teacher you don't see contacting me.

        If they're not on my list then it means I don't know about them. In fact, 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.

        I love that you want to learn photography. Therefore I'm happy to share all of this information. That's why this list exists.

        That said, I may include classes which are only available virtually. Therefore, check to make sure they're happening and the location. Additionally, if you find a class that no longer exists please let me know. Finally, please feel free to share any information you want about these classes or hosts.