TACOMA
PHOTOGRAPHY
GROUP

Upcoming Events

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       3 places left
Shooting in Manual Mode

Shooting in Manual Mode

Saturday 08 March
Historic District - 3pm - 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      
Photography for Everyone: Capture Stunning Images With Your iPhone and Android Devices

Photography for Everyone: Capture Stunning Images With Your iPhone and Android Devices

Saturday 22 March
Silver Cloud Hotel at Point Ruston Waterfront - 10am - 3 Hours
Peter Swanzy
Learn all the fundamentals of composition, focus, action, selection, and editing with your phone! The best camera is whatever you have with you, and in this session we'll learn to make the most of your device's camera while improving your techniques and skills with photography. This workshop is great for all levels, for all ages, and for anyone that wants to use their phone to have an impact. Prepare to have fun, get wild, and even grow your business with great images!
book now
$92      

B&W Street Photography

B&W Street Photography

Saturday 05 April
Museum District - 11am - 2 Hours
Peter Swanzy
Black and White Street Photography - People, cafes, vendors, street merchants, buskers, historic buildings, art installations and much more. The power of observation underpins the art of great street photography. Learning to "see" interesting detail is a practised skill and we introduce you to easy methods that will open your photographer's eye and expose you to a world that is alive with detail. The most rewarding part of the class is learning how to approach interesting people and have them willingly pose for you.We will also go over settings, focusing techniques and lens choices common to street photography to help us capture those random chance encounters.
book now
$47      

Other Nearby Groups

Beginner's Drawing Class

Beginner's Drawing Class

Saturday 08 March
Capitol Hill - 10am - 2 Hours
Seattle Art Circle
Rebekha Laughlin
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. This class will be focused on giving you the essential tools required for studying images and creating your own compositions. You are free to draw whatever you please, but for tutorial purposes a series of objects for you to study will be provided .
book now
$47      
Exploring Abstract Art

Exploring Abstract Art

Saturday 29 March
Capitol Hill - 10am - 2 Hours
Seattle Art Circle
Rebekha Laughlin
Dive into the world of colors, shapes, and endless creativity! In this hands-on class, you'll explore the beauty of abstract art, learning fun techniques to express yourself without limits. No rules, no pressure - just you, your imagination, and a canvas waiting to come alive. Perfect for beginners and seasoned creatives alike, this is your chance to experiment, play, and create a masterpiece that's uniquely you!
book now
$47      
Beginner's Drawing Class

Beginner's Drawing Class

Saturday 19 April
Capitol Hill - 10am - 2 Hours
Seattle Art Circle
Rebekha Laughlin
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. This class will be focused on giving you the essential tools required for studying images and creating your own compositions. You are free to draw whatever you please, but for tutorial purposes a series of objects for you to study will be provided .
book now
$47      

Portrait Drawing Basics

Portrait Drawing Basics

Saturday 10 May
Capitol Hill - 10am - 2 Hours
Seattle Art Circle
Rebekha Laughlin
Ready to turn blank pages into stunning faces? This fun and beginner-friendly class will guide you through the basics of portrait drawing, from proportions to shading techniques. Whether you're sketching a friend, family member, or just making up a face, you'll learn how to capture personality and detail like a pro. Grab your pencils and let's bring your portraits to life - one stroke at a time!
book now
$47      
Beginner's Drawing Class

Beginner's Drawing Class

Saturday 31 May
Capitol Hill - 10am - 2 Hours
Seattle Art Circle
Rebekha Laughlin
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. This class will be focused on giving you the essential tools required for studying images and creating your own compositions. You are free to draw whatever you please, but for tutorial purposes a series of objects for you to study will be provided .
book now
$47      
Introduction to Oil Painting

Introduction to Oil Painting

Saturday 21 June
Capitol Hill - 10am - 2 Hours
Seattle Art Circle
Rebekha Laughlin
Step into the world of rich colors and timeless techniques with this fun and beginner-friendly oil painting class! Learn how to mix, layer, and bring your ideas to life on canvas. Whether you're dreaming of vibrant landscapes or classic still-life masterpieces, this class will give you the tools to make it happen. No experience? No problem! Let's get messy, creative, and inspired together!
book now
$47      

Beginner's Drawing Class

Beginner's Drawing Class

Saturday 12 July
Capitol Hill - 10am - 2 Hours
Seattle Art Circle
Rebekha Laughlin
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. This class will be focused on giving you the essential tools required for studying images and creating your own compositions. You are free to draw whatever you please, but for tutorial purposes a series of objects for you to study will be provided .
book now
$47      
Tonal Drawing

Tonal Drawing

Saturday 02 August
Capitol Hill - 10am - 2 Hours
Seattle Art Circle
Rebekha Laughlin
In this workshop, we will explore the art of creating depth and dimension in your drawings through the use of shadow and tone.

Our experienced instructor will guide you through the process of understanding and applying the principles of tonal drawing, including the use of value, contrast, and composition. We will cover topics such as creating a tonal range, building contrast, and simplifying composition to create a clean and striking image.
book now
$47      
Beginner's Drawing Class

Beginner's Drawing Class

Saturday 23 August
Capitol Hill - 10am - 2 Hours
Seattle Art Circle
Rebekha Laughlin
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. This class will be focused on giving you the essential tools required for studying images and creating your own compositions. You are free to draw whatever you please, but for tutorial purposes a series of objects for you to study will be provided .
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 enjoyed it. It was nice to learn a bit more about the camera I use and get some experience shooting with some more manual modes.
    5/5
    JJ
    2025-01-30
    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

    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

    Shrewsbury Photography Group
    2025-02-19
    Title or Location: haughmond abbey b5062 shrewsbury

    Credit: Jason smart

    Greenwich Photography Group
    2025-02-19
    Title or Location: Malaysia
    This bird was hanging upside down and splashing in water dripping from an air-conditioning unit above. I was lucky in that moment to see this.
    Credit: Richard Vine
    Instagram: richs.photography
    Swindon Photography Group
    2025-02-17
    Title or Location: Corsley, Wiltshire
    I took this photo on a very gloomy day in February! My aim was to get a minimalist shot with plenty of contrast and negative space. Camera: Fuji X-H2 and 16-55mm lens.
    Credit: Chris Andrews
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candaphoto1/

    San Francisco Photography Group
    2025-02-17
    Title or Location: Golden Gate Park
    Spent the evening practicing night photography using various settings. I turned the camera to get a unique perspective.
    Credit: Terry Enlow
    Instagram: @terryenlow

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