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About us

We are a the folks from PhotoManhattan School offering free and affordable photography classes in NYC, workshops and photo exhibitions on a monthly basis. For a full list of photo classes and events please visit [Photomanhattan.com](https://www.photomanhattan.com).  All our events are booked with photographers and photo students from our school and remaining spaces are regularly opened for free for the members of this group. Other events and classes may have a nominal fee. You won't be alone. Just walk in head to the front desk, mention that you come from meetup.com, we'll be expecting you. For other photo courses and online webinars please view a wide range of photo classes from street photography, through Studio & Lighting, to TTL flash.

At exhibits, you'll find tons of people, up to 45 at times, music, complementary snacks and beverages, friendly people, and great photographs! You may socialize as much as you like, or simply watch the students' photo series on your own. Exhibitions are open to everyone.

Free classes can be anywhere from 5 to 20 students. They are structured classes, not just talks. We offer remaining spaces for free at meetup.com as often as possible. Some have hands on or outdoor shooting, depending on their description.

Meetings are held at 51 W14TH ST, #2R, in Manhattan, between 5th and 6th avenues. Train stop: 14TH Street. Tel, 212 929-3302. You can view more details at our website: www.photomanhattan.com

Upcoming events

6

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  • $375.00
    4 seats left
    Your First Pro Photos: Jun 22- July 6, Mon 3:00 - 5:30 PM. In-person: Outdoors

    Your First Pro Photos: Jun 22- July 6, Mon 3:00 - 5:30 PM. In-person: Outdoors

    41 E 14th St, New York, NY, US

    Learn the basics using ANY cameras! Join us for: Your First Pro Photos: Smart Shooting & Camera Tricks (3 sessions): Jun 22- July 6. Mondays 3:00 PM- 5:30 PM. In-person: Outdoors

    View more at PhotoManhattan.com.

    Meetup RSVPs don't reflect the number of attendees as most Registrations come from our site: https://www.photomanhattan.com

    Courses are limited to 8-15 people depending on the course.

    This course is a hybrid of Indoor and Outdoor classes.

    Some sessions will be partially indoors and others fully outdoors, in Union Square or Chelsea. Exact location will be determined based on the class size and will be emailed to you prior to the class.

    Course information:

    Welcome to the perfect starting point! This foundational course is designed for anyone, regardless of your camera type (phone, mirrorless, point-and-shoot, or DSLR) and whether or not you use Manual Mode. You will learn a wealth of powerful photography fundamentals and practical tricks using the equipment you already have. Get a grasp of the basics and gain basic control over your images without complexity. Never miss that shot again!

    ## What You Will Master:

    • Immediate Image Enhancement: Learn tricks to improve sharpness, achieve perfect focus, and gain control over exposure without leaving Auto Mode.
    • Creative Effects: Techniques for creating stunning motion blur shots, freezing action, and understanding when and how to apply these effects.
    • Essential Camera Control: Comprehensive guidance on using the on-camera flash, taking quality photos at night, and maximizing various camera presets.
    • Smart Settings: Practical application of settings like Exposure Compensation to turn a regular image into a special one.
    • Buying Guide: A thorough introduction to digital photography topics you need before planning your next purchase, including megapixels, lenses, noise, white balance, ISO, and SD cards.

    Requirements: ANY digital camera, DSLR, Mirrorless, Point and Shoot or Phone cameras. By ANY we mean any kind, type or model.

    For the first class, please try to bring your manual for reference. ** Students who completed “Digital Photography I”, don't need to take this course.

    Notes on film cameras: Please note that while most content of this course is applicable to digital cameras, you are welcome to attend as long as your film camera has an automatic shooting mode. Should the assigned instructor become suddenly unavailable, we’ll allocate a substitute.

    ## Course Experience:

    Weather permitting, we'll head outdoors around Union Square or the Highline for real-life shooting practice of your newly learned skills. Class structures are designed to cater to all learning types, featuring a mixture of Verbal Instruction, Hands-on Exercises, and Photo Critiquing Homework. Additionally, you'll develop your own photo project and have the option to showcase your work in one of our monthly photo exhibits!

    | Requirements & Notes |
    | -------------------- |
    | Requirements: Any camera (Phone, Mirrorless, Point and Shoot, or DSLR). You may choose to attend without a camera. Please bring your camera manual for reference during the first class. |
    | Film Cameras: While most content is applicable to digital, film camera users are welcome as long as your camera has an automatic shooting mode. |
    | Course Structure: Available as a Full 2-5 week course (full content) or a Single-day seminar (brief intro). |
    | Highly Recommended Pairing: This course covers all the basics and pairs well with Composition and Travel Photography |

    View more dates and classes at: https://www.photomanhattan.com/photography-classes-nyc-s/1814.htm

    • Photo of the user
    1 attendee
  • $195.00
     Professional Studio Lighting : Jun 25, Thursday 6:15 PM-8:00 PM. In-person

    Professional Studio Lighting : Jun 25, Thursday 6:15 PM-8:00 PM. In-person

    PhotoManhattan, 51 W 14th St #3R, New York, NY, US

    Learn lighting like a pro with our next workshop Professional Studio Lighting - Creative product photo: Flash, Ambient & Motion Effects (1 session): Jun 25, Thursday 6:15 PM-8:00 PM. In-person
    $ 195.-
    Meetup RSVPs don't reflect the number of attendees as most Registrations come from our site: https://www.photomanhattan.com
    Courses are limited to 8-15 people depending on the course.
    This workshop is in Person.
    The class will be in Chelsea or Midtown, The exact photo studio location will be selected based on the class size and emailed to you the day prior to class. For any questions, please call us at 646 820-3302

    # PROFESSIONAL STUDIO LIGHTING CLASS: Mastery with Strobes & Modifiers.

    ![img](https://www.photomanhattan.com/)


    Welcome to the professional studio environment! This intensive course consists of full hands-on shooting using professional photography equipment provided by us. It's an excellent opportunity to gain solid studio experience without the extra cost of photo studio rentals and equipment purchase.

    ## What You Will Master:

    • Equipment Mastery: Learn how to use and adjust all provided professional photo equipment, including soft boxes, umbrellas, snoots, and flash-meters.
    • Classic Lighting Effects: Achieve exceptional lighting effects and exact results, ranging from classic setups like Key Light & Fill Light to specialized techniques like creating a perfect white-on-white look.
    • Advanced Techniques: Learn to work with mixed lighting (ambient and flash) and creative techniques like achieving motion blur with flash.
    • Real-World Application: The top-notch lighting effects and skills learned in this workshop are fully applicable outside of the controlled photo studio environment.

    ## Course Structure:

    Classes will be fully hands-on experimentation. We highly recommend taking this course to fully understand lighting dynamics both in and outside of the studio. Content is split in 3 separate sessions to suit your schedule:

    • The basics, Photo studio, Strobes & Accessories (this class): Learn how to use and setup Strobes and accessories and create basic lighting setups. Includes: soft-boxes, barn doors, snoots, umbrellas, reflectors, flash-meters. For complete beginners. View upcoming dates.
    • Lighting fundamentals, Classic light setups (separate class): Learn standard lighting techniques, from 3-way lighting to backgrounds, tonality control, and portrait lighting. Prior classes are not required but recommended. View more upcoming dates.
    • Creative product photography (separate class): Bring your product or model and experiment with advanced lighting techniques, such as mixed lighting, ambient and flash, freeze, and motion effects for product photography. Prior classes are not required but recommended. View upcoming dates.

    | Requirements & Availability |
    | --------------------------- |
    | Requirements: Digital SLR or Point & Shoot camera with Manual options (Aperture & Shutter speed control) AND a Flash mount. Studio equipment is not required as it will be provided. |
    | Level of Knowledge Assumed: Basic camera operation in Manual mode. |

    View more dates and classes at: https://www.photomanhattan.com/photography-classes-nyc-s/1814.htm

    • Photo of the user
    1 attendee
  • $165.00
    4 seats left
    E-commerce Photo Power: Jun 26, Friday 5:00 PM-8:00 PM. Online.

    E-commerce Photo Power: Jun 26, Friday 5:00 PM-8:00 PM. Online.

    ·
    Online
    Online

    E-commerce Photo Power: Product Lighting & Styling (1 session): Jun 26, Friday 5:00 PM-8:00 PM. Online.
    https://www.photomanhattan.com/product-p/co-pef.o-01.1.htm

    Meetup RSVPs don't reflect the number of attendees as most Registrations come from our site: https://www.photomanhattan.com. Courses are limited to 8-15 people depending on the course.

    This workshop is Online.
    Virtual classes are fully interactive with time for questions & answers and assignments review. We'll email all registrants an attendee link the day of class. If you are looking for in-person classes please go to the search page here

    This workshop is designed for individuals or small businesses looking to improve the quality and look of their images of small to medium size products, including hand-made crafts, apparel, jewelry, and more. We've merged the technical photography know-how from the pros and adapted the concepts to be used even through the simplicity of phones and limited lighting access.

    ## What You Will Master:

    • Home-Made Studio: We'll show you how to set up a small, dedicated studio that you can automate for future products, maximizing image quality and shooting efficiency using equipment you already possess.
    • Quality Control: Learn techniques for making your images look great, achieving specific backgrounds, tonalities, and focus in a few quick steps.
    • E-Commerce Workflow: Introduction to shooting techniques that are effective for batch editing and automated post-production, crucial for scaling your online listings.
    • Expert Troubleshooting: You’ll be provided with an arsenal of expert tricks and tips, and troubleshooting for successful results. If you have a product you'd like to photograph, please feel free to bring it!

    ## Course Versions (Choose Your Format):

    This content is available in two focused formats to suit your learning style:

    • Online Guide/Seminar: Focuses on the overall concepts of branding, color balance, and focus control for product imagery.
    • Hands-On Photoshoot Workshop: A dedicated hands-on photoshoot experience focusing on lighting and maximizing quality and efficiency of image making.

    | Requirements & Availability |
    | --------------------------- |
    | Requirements: Any camera (Smartphone, Point-and-shoot, Mirrorless, DSLR). |
    | Knowledge: We ask that you feel comfortable browsing the settings for your camera and are familiar with basic shooting. |
    | Advanced Light: For more advanced strobe/flash lighting control, please refer to our Studio & Lighting course. |

    View more dates and classes at: https://www.photomanhattan.com/photography-classes-nyc-s/1814.htm

    • Photo of the user
    1 attendee
  • $345.00
    4 seats left
    Portrait Foundations: Jun 29-Jul 20, Mondays 6:00 PM-7:45 PM. Online

    Portrait Foundations: Jun 29-Jul 20, Mondays 6:00 PM-7:45 PM. Online

    41 E 14th St, New York, NY, US

    https://www.photomanhattan.com/product-p/co-po1.i-07.1.htm
    * Meetup RSVPs don't reflect the number of attendees as most Registrations come from our site: https://www.photomanhattan.com
    Courses are limited to 8-15 people depending on the course.

    This workshop is fully Outdoors.

    Except, in specific instances such as rain / drizzle, it will be partially indoors or rescheduled. Meeting location will be in Union Square Park or the Highline (at 14th street).

    # PORTRAIT FOUNDATIONS: Mastering the Decisive Moment & Environmental Frame

    ![img](https://www.photomanhattan.com/v/vspfiles/assets/images/portrait-photography-classes-ny.jpg)

    Go beyond snapshots by mastering **The Decisive Moment** and focusing techniques to capture action, emotion, and character in crowded settings. Learn to **observe and frame** your subject within chaotic environments, using backgrounds and angles to enhance the visual story. Master quick, practical shooting methods for candid and environmental portraits anywhere.

    ## Full Course Description:

    Welcome to Portraiture! This foundational workshop is your full guide to capturing complex, dynamic environmental portraits in challenging, real-world settings. You will master the art of observation, timing, and framing to create images that cut through the chaos and enhance your subject.

    ## What You Will Master:

    • Mastering The Decisive Moment: Techniques for identifying and capturing the exact instant—the **decisive moment**—that depicts action, emotion, and character in crowded or complex environments.
    • Environmental Framing: Learning to **observe and work around the background** to strategically enhance your subject and the overall image narrative.
    • Composition in Chaos: Discerning what is important in busy, chaotic spaces and being able to **snap the right shot of your subject** while maintaining strong composition.
    • Focusing and Timing: Mastering focus techniques to ensure your subject is sharp and clear while capturing spontaneous **gestures** and movements.
    • Simple Light Sources: How to work with **simple available lighting**, including natural light, window light, and simple homemade lighting tricks that efficiently enhance the look of your subjects.

    ## Requirements & Notes:

    Requirements: Any digital camera including **phone cameras** and mirrorless with Automatic OR Manual mode.
    Course Structure Suggestion: This course covers all of the basics and we therefore highly recommend that it is taken before any other Portrait course.
    Note: Though not required, we highly recommend knowing the basics of your camera. This course **will not cover camera settings** and the basics of shooting.
    View more dates and classes at: https://www.photomanhattan.com/photography-classes-nyc-s/1814.htm

    • Photo of the user
    1 attendee

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