Learning Photography on Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Dorene Sykes taught basic and intermediate level photography classes from 2008 through 2017 at Cape Conservatory in Falmouth. She also coached photography students privately. While no longer teaching, she continues to give back to the community by judging juried art shows and camera club competitions in Massachusetts.
Listed below are ways in which photographers residing on Cape Cod - from beginners through advanced - can build their photography skills.
Camera Clubs - Cape Cod and nearby
Dorene highly recommends joining a camera club - a great way to learn, progress and share your love of photography with kindred spirits! Most clubs meet twice each month and feature guest lecturers, optional competitions, and photography outings.
Clubs on Cape Cod - all members of the New England Camera Club Council (NECCC) - are listed below. Check their web sites for the latest meeting information.
- Cape Cod Art Center Camera Club - meets at the Center in Barnstable MA
- Cape Cod Viewfinders Camera Club - meets at the Brooks Free Library in Harwich MA
- Cranberry Country Camera Club - meets at the Carver Library in Carver MA
- Upper Cape Camera Club - meets at the Falmouth Art Center in Falmouth MA
For a list of all NECCC member clubs in New England, click here.
Photography Classes - Cape Cod
The Cape Cod Art Center regularly offers photography classes, workshops, photo tours on Cape Cod, and one-on-one mentoring year round. The Center also offers experienced photographers the opportunity to become recognized as Juried Artist Members which involves submitting a portfolio of photographs for judging. Master Artist recognition is possible after five years after completing requirements that include acceptance into national juried shows, and receiving awards in at least two. (Dorene has been recognized as a Master Artist since 2014.)
Photography classes are also offered from time to time at the Falmouth Art Center.
Camera Stores - Cape Cod and nearby
Orleans Camera in Orleans MA is Cape Cod's only camera store. They sell Canon cameras and lenses, and extensive photography equipment. The store is very trustworthy and supportive of local photographers and also holds exhibits with awards from time to time. Consider purchasing here vs. online or with big box stores that often have poor return policies.
Hunts Photo & Video has eight locations in within hours of Cape Cod, including Hanover MA and Providence RI in addition to metro Boston.
Photography Classes - online
Adobe offers many training classes on Photoshop and Lightroom - probably the place to begin for extensive, free training.
Creative Live provides excellent online training videos by experts on all sorts of topics for beginners through experienced photographers. Many classes are accessible for free at certain days/times. Substantial discounts are also regularly offered. So it's worthwhile to sign up for emails to receive notifications. Or you may simply purchase specific classes at anytime, for access online or on your device at anytime, in perpetuity. Subscriptions start at less than $13/month (as of this writing) when purchased annually.
LinkedIn Learning is another source of high quality online training taught by nationally recognized photographers. Many courses are quite extensive. Unlimited access fees are by the month starting at $19.99 per month for 12 months (as of this writing).
B&H Photo and Adorama Learning Centers offer many free tutorial videos, as do many other photography stores. And don't forget about free online training provided by your camera manufacturer or editing software creator.
iPhone Photography School - online
It is said that the best camera is the one you have with you. These days, that would be a smartphone! If you have an Apple iPhone, Dorene recommends signing up for classes offered at the iPhone Photography School. Not only will you discover hidden camera features you never knew existed, you can also learn (or review) fundamental photography skills that apply whether you're using an iPhone or a big camera. And you can learn at your own pace.
While a smartphone camera won't give you the full control and quality possible with a DSLR or mirrorless camera, such as shooting under challenging lighting conditions, it will enable you to get great artistic results under the right conditions.