What we’re about
Capital Photography Center offers the perfect blend of expertise, convenience, and personalized learning that will take your photography skills to the next level.
Founded in 2012 by Marie Joabar, a veteran in photography education, Capital Photography Center has a long-standing reputation in the Metro DC area for the quality and effectiveness of our classes.
With class sizes limited to 8 to 10 students, you'll receive the individual attention you need to learn at whatever level you’re at.
Theory is important but nothing beats hands-on experience. Our in-the-field classes take you to exciting locations across the DC area, from urban landscapes to nature settings.
From basic to advanced, from capture to edit, we've got you covered!
Class topics Offered:
-Photo basics to get you off auto mode
-Specialized classes in portrait, landscape, nature, street, and night photography as well as many other topics.
-Post-processing (editing) classes in Lightroom and Photoshop
-Flash and studio lighting and techniques
-Smartphone photography to tap into your creative side
-And more!
When you take a class with us, you're not just gaining knowledge - you're joining a community of passionate photographers. Share experiences, make connections, and find inspiration among like-minded individuals.
We look forward meeting you in a class or a Private Session and helping you along your photographic journey!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Photo Basics - Getting Off AutoNeeds location
THIS CLASS IS OFFERED THROUGH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER
PLEASE REGISTER WITH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER:https://capitalphotographycenter.com/classes/class/2025-09-07-photo-basics-getting-off-auto
Whether you want to capture cherished moments with loved ones, document game-winning action, or preserve the beauty of your travels, this beginner photography basics class provides the tools you need with hands-on practice.
Learn how YOU, not the camera, can control the ‘look’ of an image by choosing the appropriate settings. Understand which tools you can use to freeze or blur motion, and how to beautifully blur backgrounds to make your subject stand out.
This class is designed for those who want to learn more about photo basics to comfortably get off the Auto mode.
Topics Include:
- Camera Controls – Learn the most important settings that affect exposure
- ISO Settings
- Shutter Speeds – Control motion to add emphasis
- Aperture Settings – To affects the ‘Depth of Field’ or what is or isn’t in focus
- Manual Shooting Modes
- Focus Settings – Learn how to get tack-sharp focus in your photos.
- Resolution & Compression – Set your camera to capture the best quality images
- White Balance – Capture accurate and vibrant colors
- Fill Flash
- Lenses – Understand your lens options
- Composition – Learn tips for captivating photographs
Students are encouraged to bring their cameras. As we discuss camera features and menu settings, you can follow along and learn how to adjust them. An extra battery, memory card, and your instruction manual are also very helpful to have on hand at the class.
People who like this class might also enjoy the In-the-Field-Photography classes, especially the FIELDWORK classes, as a way to reinforce the material covered in the classroom.
Appropriate for DSLRs and Mirrorless cameras with manual exposure controls.
Questions about this class can be directed to Marie Joabar at info@capitalphotographycenter.com
• Important to know
THIS CLASS IS OFFERED THROUGH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER, REGISTER HERE: https://capitalphotographycenter.com/classes/class/2025-09-07-photo-basics-getting-off-auto - Bird & Wildlife Photography on the Patuxent RiverJackson Landing http://patuxentwatertrail.org/launches/jacksons-landing-jbna-patuxent-river-park/, Upper Marlboro, MD
THIS CLASS IS OFFERED THROUGH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER
PRE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. PLEASE REGISTER WITH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER:
https://capitalphotographycenter.com/classes/class/2025-09-12-bird-wildlife-photography-on-patuxent-riverAlso offered on 9/24 in the morning and 10/10 in the afternoon.
Take a leisurely ride on a pontoon boat and explore the tidal tributaries of the Patuxent River, one of central Maryland’s wildest.
Join naturalist Matt Felperin for exciting bird photography opportunities such as Osprey, herons, shorebirds and songbirds. WIldlife abounds in the area as well and we'll hope to see beavers and turtles. We'll also see wildflowers and explore marshes in places inaccessible by foot. With good weather, we'll also catch a beautiful sunrise!
You’ll also learn more about this special place and its role in keeping the Chesapeake Bay a healthy ecosystem under tremendous environmental pressures.
Topics include:
-Tips for photographing wildlife
-Being ready for the shot
-Focus settings that work best
-Exposure and camera settingsRecommended gear: DSLR, mirrorless, or superzoom camera. A telephoto zoom or prime lens with a minimum of 300mm focal length. A normal 24-105mm lens for closer encounters. No tripods but monopods are OK.
Consider renting a lens, we recommend Aperturent in DC, use CPC10 for a 10% discount on your rental.
Questions can be directed to Marie Joabar at info@capitalphotographycenter.com.
Class limit: 8-10
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• Important to know
THIS CLASS IS OFFERED THROUGH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER
Pre-Registration is required. https://capitalphotographycenter.com/classes/class/2025-09-12-bird-wildlife-photography-on-patuxent-river
