TACOMA
PHOTOGRAPHY
GROUP

Upcoming Events

Shallow Depth of Field

Shallow Depth of Field

Saturday 28 December
Historic District - 11am - 2 Hours
Peter Swanzy
In this workshop, we will explore the art of creating stunning images with a shallow depth of field.

Our experienced instructor will guide you through the process of understanding and applying the principles of photography, including aperture, focal length, and distance.

We will cover topics such as using a shallow depth of field to create a mood, blurring out distracting backgrounds, and how to use a shallow depth of field to give a bokeh effect behind our subjects to make them pop.

Become a master of aperture and depth of field while building your camera confidence and personal portfolio!
book now
$47      
Winter Light Photography

Winter Light Photography

Saturday 11 January
Historic District - 11am - 2 Hours
Peter Swanzy
Bundle up and lets explore in the cold and capture the cozy and subtlety of the lighting seen in this winter.

In this workshop, we will explore the art of capturing the beauty and magic of the winter season through photography.

Our experienced instructor will guide you through the process of understanding and applying the principles of photography, including composition, exposure, and lighting. We will cover topics such as using natural light to create a mood, capturing the sparkle of snow and ice, and experimenting with different angles and perspectives to create striking images.
book now
$47      
Beginner's Photography Class

Beginner's Photography Class

Saturday 25 January
Ruston - 10am - 3 Hours
Peter Swanzy
Ready to learn more about your camera and get out of automatic exposure? Now is your chance!

Join us as we break down your camera to help you learn about shutter speed, aperture, ISO and how these settings affect your exposure.

We will then put your new knowledge to the test with the guidance of a professional photographer.
book now
$92      

Composition in Photography

Composition in Photography

Saturday 08 February
Ruston - 10am - 2 Hours
Peter Swanzy
Composition in Photography is how a photographer arranges visual elements within the frame.

In this course, we will discuss five, seven, and even ten, rules that will enhance your photography.

1) Rule of thirds
2) Shapes
3) Negative Space- Positive
4) Line
5) Symmetry and patterns
6) Points
7) Color
8) Tone
9) Distance
10) Balance

As a photographer, beginner, intermediate, or professional. Please join me so we can with together to improve your ability to see the scene you wish to photograph.
book now
$47      
Shooting in Manual Mode

Shooting in Manual Mode

Saturday 22 February
Historic District - 10am - 2 Hours
Peter Swanzy
This class is for anyone looking to switch their camera mode from Auto to Manual and learn how to shoot using the Manual Mode. The goal is to help everyone become more confident when using their camera settings. We will touch on essential camera functions and the exposure triangle: Shutter Speed, Aperture, and ISO.
book now
$47      
Beginner's Photography Class

Beginner's Photography Class

Saturday 08 March
Ruston - 10am - 3 Hours
Peter Swanzy
Ready to learn more about your camera and get out of automatic exposure? Now is your chance!

Join us as we break down your camera to help you learn about shutter speed, aperture, ISO and how these settings affect your exposure.

We will then put your new knowledge to the test with the guidance of a professional photographer.
book now
$92      

Nearby Photography Groups

Composition Basics - Photography Class

Composition Basics - Photography Class

Saturday 14 December
Capitol Hill - 10am - 2 Hours
Seattle Photography Group
Kainalu Ramos
Learn how to take better photos with simple composition techniques in a fun, hands-on photography meetup. This session will cover the basics of framing, balance, and leading lines, helping you create photos that are more visually appealing and professional-looking. Perfect for beginners or anyone looking to sharpen their eye for photography. Bring your camera and get ready to see the world in a new way!
book now
$47      
New Year, New Skills: Cityscape - Blue Hour Photography Meetup

New Year, New Skills: Cityscape - Blue Hour Photography Meetup

Sunday 12 January
Alki - 3pm - 2 Hours
Seattle Photography Group
Russell Underhill
Start the new year by diving into the world of cityscape photography during the enchanting blue hour! This hands-on meetup is designed to help you develop essential photography skills and techniques to create stunning urban shots in low light conditions.
book now
$47      

Other Nearby Groups

Beginner's Drawing Class

Beginner's Drawing Class

Saturday 04 January
Capitol Hill - 10am - 2 Hours
Seattle Art Circle
Elijah Kelley
Ready to unleash your creativity? Join us for a fun-filled beginners' drawing class where we'll explore the exciting world of art! In Part 1, we'll dive into the essentials of drawing, covering lines, shapes, values, and perspective, giving you the foundation to confidently sketch anything you imagine. In Part 2, we'll practice creating beautiful compositions by drawing leaves, branches, and trees, bringing your newfound skills to life in a natural, expressive way. By the end of the class, you'll feel confident tackling a blank page and excited to continue drawing in the future. This class is perfect for complete beginners, so bring your passion, curiosity, and sense of fun! Full details will be provided upon booking confirmation, and participants are required to bring basic art materials. We'll meet at the covered picnic area right next to the playground - can't wait to see you there!

  • Let's meet at the covered picnic area right next to the playground.
  • book now
    $47      
    ABOUT TACOMA
    PHOTOGRAPHY
    GROUP
    Come along to our photo sessions to dust off your camera and get snap-happy with a professional photography instructor.

    Brush up on your camera skills and learn new photography techniques whilst on a photo walk class with other local keen photographers!

    We run two hour photography sessions based on a photography theme/technique/style and they take place in various locations in Tacoma.

  • New to photography? We also run a popular 3 hour Beginners Guide to Photography Class once a month. And once in a while we will run special niche 3 hour classes, for example, Astrophotography - so do subscribe to our newsletter to know when the next on is!

  • Who can attend? Open to all skill levels, from beginners to keen amateurs. The photography instructor is there to help you with camera settings and provide any advice you need.

  • What to bring? We recommend bringing a camera that has full manual mode or semi-manual modes (Aperture or Shutter Priority). Compact cameras and smartphones also welcome!

    The meeting point and full details for the day are sent in the booking confirmation email to the email address you provide at time of booking.

    Join the Tacoma Photography Group on Facebook to share your photos after the session.

    Got a question? Try our FAQ.
  • REVIEWS
    I appreciated the knowledge shared and being able to ask questions and get individual help as needed
    5/5
    Diane
    2024-07-14
    We braved the cold for some nighttime photography fundamentals with Sama. Sama provided us with good explanations on settings for night pictures and gave us some challenging scenes to photograph. Definitely more of a challenge than a bright sunny day but I did learn some more about my camera settings and how to deal with low light.
    5/5
    Tom
    2024-04-08
    I thought Sama did a great job of teaching the intro class. He broke down the three elements of the exposure triangle into manageable pieces and had us apply them in different situations. He always provided clear instructions and was patient with our novice questions. I would recommend his class to others who want to learn some basics.
    5/5
    Tom
    2024-03-31

    Leader was very enthusiastic and helpful. Very nice experience.
    5/5
    MARK
    2024-03-11
    Fun walkabout; shame the weather wasn't warmer, but our guide rolled with it (we stopped for a warm-up about halfway through). Would like to do it again in warmer weather
    5/5
    Sharon
    2024-01-16
    Fun evening. Very relaxed. Knowledgeable instructor and it was fun to see what others came up with.
    5/5
    Linda
    2023-09-15

    Really helpful material and it was fun to take pictures at night.
    5/5
    Angelie
    2023-09-13
    I loved it. Jessica was a great instructor. Will be coming to future events.
    5/5
    Jean
    2023-09-11
    As usual Jessica did a great job
    5/5
    Wendall(Bill)
    2023-08-28

    Enjoyable with great class members and a knowledgeable instructor.
    5/5
    Steve
    2023-08-27
    Absolutely loved the event and loved the teacher. I learned a lot. She explains things well and never makes me feel dumb with my beginner questions. She's friendly, knowledgeable and if she doesn't know something she's says so and then tries to help figure it out. I love how she teaches then has a go take some pictures for what we just learned then come back discuss and do it again. This is my 2nd event with her and I plan to take more of her events.
    5/5
    Cheryl Coy
    2023-08-05
    Great claaa. Very eye opening, even for a longtime photographer. Jessica is knowledgeable, friendly and encourages interaction between herself and all the students, including with one another. Highly recommend!!! Looking forward to next workshop.
    5/5
    Steve
    2023-08-04

    PHOTOGRAPHERS
    Peter Swanzy
    My passion for photography is rooted in the notion that every artist can succeed if they are confident. Confidence inspires originality, and photography is a uniquely accessible platform of expression that is available to everyone!

    I hold a BFA in music and performing arts, as well as a BASc in applied business and information technology. In addition to this background, I have a profound love of technology and have taught media and tech for nearly 20 years. Additionally, I worked in Hawai'i as a professional wedding and perfoming arts photographer since 2012. Leading workshops for college classes, teen groups, and darkroom photographers have allowed me to build a repertoire of experience to help my students understand their voice and vision, and develop and confident approach to their work.

    Peter Swanzy is available for private bookings

    Private lessons are minimum 3 hours, and are available W, Th, Fr from 9am - 4pm.

    Private lessons for real estate and architecture, performing arts, landscape, portraits, lighting/studio, and weddings (including engagements and elopement sessions). Additional information about branding, building your business, developing contracts, and attracting clients is also a feature of private lessons.

    PHOTOS
    Tacoma Photography Group
    2024-05-31
    Title or Location: Los Angeles
    This photo was taken from a cruise ship. As we were leaving Los Angeles.
    Credit: Justin Gaspaire
    Facebook: Justin Gaspaire
    Instagram: @opulensphotobygaspaire

    Tacoma Photography Group
    2024-05-24
    Title or Location: Port of Tacoma Observation Tower
    Candid weekend photo prompt. Your never know who might drop by when you're at the Port of Tacoma Observation Tower!It was a perfect afternoon and there were plenty of harbor seals baking in the sun on the floating platforms to keep me company. No one else was there!
    Credit: Dana Sawin
    Tacoma Photography Group
    2024-05-19
    Title or Location: Puyallup
    I wasn't planning to take Aurora borealis photos until my friends started sending me pictures of it taken with their phone. I figured I could do better, so I took my Canon EOS R5 and a tripod and setup in the backyard. The result is amazing!
    Credit: Jerico Cruz

    Tacoma Photography Group
    2024-05-10
    Title or Location: Multnomah Falls
    I was visiting Portland for the first time and decided to go out and look for a place to take pictures. Multnomah Falls happened to be along the route I was driving, so I stopped, got some hot chocolate, then walked up the stairs to take pictures. Thanks to the rain and fog, all the pictures I took that day have a very ethereal quality that makes me mad I didn?t take more.
    Credit: Jordan Paulin

    Tacoma Photography Group
    2024-05-10
    Title or Location: Owens Beach
    Took my 3 year old to Owens Beach to enjoy the sunset and take some pictures, I know I'll be able to see Mt Rainier from there wanted to get a good shot. Waited for the ferry to dock for a perfect picture!
    Credit: Jerico
    Instagram: jcruzmediaworks
    Tacoma Photography Group
    2024-05-03
    Title or Location: Multnomah Falls
    This was taken at The iconic Multnomah Falls one of the tallest falls in the USA. After i had taken the photo my partner and I hiked to the top to see the amazing views.
    Credit: Kirrily Steele
    Facebook: Ylirrik Enna
    Instagram: Kirrilyas

    Newark Photography Group
    2024-12-12
    Title or Location: The Great Swamp

    Credit: Stephen Bush
    Instagram: stephenbush219

    Bellevue Photography Group
    2024-12-12
    Title or Location: Redmond, WA
    Happy Holidays! &128578Canon EOS 5D Mark IIICanon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USMf/4.51/125 secISO-80055 mmNo Flash
    Credit: Timmy DeHan
    Detroit Photography Group
    2024-12-12
    Title or Location: Bryce Canyon National Park
    This was a first time winter visit to Bryce. I had been here before in 2017, and it is one of my favorite parks.
    Credit: Roy Goldsberry
    Facebook: ROY GOLDSBERRY

    Greenwich Photography Group
    2024-12-12
    Title or Location: Sutcliffe Park, Greenwich, London
    Taken on an early morning walk when the light had perfectly broken through the mist and trees to light up the little stream that runs through the park. This particular morning it was giving eerie but beautiful vibes!
    Credit: Kate Russell
    Instagram: fotosbyflora

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