Attend a photography workshop at Seattle Center, recognized as one of the premier photographic destinations among Seattle's many outstanding locations, offering exceptional opportunities for photographers. Whether you enjoy cinema or not, you have undoubtedly encountered images of the iconic Seattle Space Needle on screen, and your DPA Photo Instructor will demonstrate countless photographic perspectives and compositional techniques to create a striking image of this celebrated landmark that elevates the photograph beyond a simple snapshot to a compelling visual statement. Beyond the Space Needle itself, Seattle Center provides numerous additional subjects worthy of photographic attention. The location features an impressive selection of colorful, playful, oversized sculptures that can be photographed as individual subjects or used to create dynamic visual relationships and interactive compositions. In addition to the large sculptural installations, the location showcases a fascinating blend of varied architectural designs represented in both historic buildings and contemporary high-rise structures positioned close together.
Throughout your Seattle Center photo lessons, you have the opportunity to practice Aperture Priority settings to render a single fountain as a sharp focal point highlighted against a soft, blurred background of surrounding pedestrian traffic, or develop your panning skills, capturing moving subjects like the futuristic monorail or a skateboarder executing tricks in the park or a cyclist pedaling rapidly to convey motion and excitement. Return to a fountain and experiment with Shutter Priority settings to capture the water's continuous motion as a silky, impressionistic blur, or adjust your approach to freeze a single water droplet suspended in midair as if captured in time.
The Center contains numerous large painted ground installations that function as photographic subjects in themselves, yet the same eye-catching patterns can serve as a backdrop for a single skateboarder performing aerial maneuvers with impressive tricks. Consider the expansive orange circle painted on the pavement as a striking background for a person in blue clothing, generating a powerful color contrast against the vibrant orange ground design.
Seattle Center provides boundless photographic possibilities, from candid street portraits to family scenes, unconventional characters, gleaming architectural facades, and easily overlooked small details like brightly colored valve covers and intimate human moments. For each photographic opportunity exists numerous compositional approaches and strategies to experiment with, leaving you with extensive resources and methods to employ in your continued photography exploration, whether documenting family occasions, documenting journeys, capturing athletics, or enjoying nature walks. Your workshop launches your development of a distinctive photographic voice that continues growing and evolving.
Please bring your DSLR or other camera that you prefer to use, a fully-charged battery, and all necessary equipment you can comfortably carry. Dress appropriately for current weather conditions, wear comfortable footwear suitable for walking, and bring water to stay hydrated.
Each Composition in the Field class begins with an instructional talk from one of our experienced photographers, followed by a guided exploration of one of several diverse photogenic locations across the DPA's network of 20+ cities. Participants will encounter street photography venues, striking interior spaces, farmers' markets, zoos, landscape sites, and additional settings. The curriculum features photographs taken by both students and instructors in various locations throughout the United States and Canada.
During this three-hour workshop, you will enjoy the learning experience, develop strategic shooting techniques, capture more compelling photographs, and acquire foundational skills to enhance your photography in diverse situations, from travel excursions to family gatherings to everyday moments.
Please note: Should a class require cancellation because of weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control, we will coordinate with you to arrange an alternative date. If you need to cancel and request a rescheduled class date, please contact us. A $25 transfer fee will apply if you do not provide notice at least 3 days prior to your scheduled class.
