Fall 2026 Photography Classes

Posted on August 1, 2026 by Andy Porter

Do you have a nice camera? Would you like to learn how to take better pictures?

I offer two Photography Classes for beginners and intermediate photographers who are getting started and want to take better pictures. This fall I am offering these classes both in Burlington (through Burlington Parks and Rec) and in La Conner at my Gallery at 306 Morris Street. Here are the details:

How to Capture Awesome Images with your DSLR or Mirrorless Camera – Beginners Class

Capturing decent images with your new camera is easy, just set it on “Auto Mode” and shoot away. Moving your photography up to the next level where you get consistently good shots starts with understanding how to set your exposure manually. This is NOT difficult to do.

What the class teaches:

Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO. These 3 settings will be explained in detail with lots of examples and images.
How to Shoot in Manual Mode – Once you go Manual you’ll never go back!
Depth of Field: You’ll learn how a photographer changes this in an image.
Bracketing Exposure is capturing multiple images of the same subject with different exposures.
A Circular Polarizer is an optical filter that screws onto the end of the lens.
Raw vs. Jpeg – We’ll discuss this as well as an overview of editing a RAW image file.

Prerequisites: You must be familiar with your camera, taking pictures in Auto Mode, image review, etc.Equipment Required: A DSLR or Mirrorless Camera with interchangeable lenses.

Dates of classes in Burlington:

Wednesday, September 23, 6pm to 8pm
Wednesday, October 14, 6pm to 8pm
Wednesday, November 4, 6pm to 8pm

How to Capture Awesome Images with your DSLR – Intermediate Class

What the class teaches:

Photo Composition: We will cover cool tips and ideas of how to compose interesting images
Lenses and Focusing: Different lens focal lengths and what they are best for
You’ll learn the technique of Focus & Recompose
Sharper Images: Blurry images can be avoided by following one simple rule
Hyper-focal Distance: How to extend your depth of field in landscape images.
We will take time to practice these skills outdoors
How to capture Night Sky images of the stars and Milky Way.
- Discuss all the equipment needed
- Exact camera and lens settings, Walk through setting up out in the field!
- Locations for night sky imaging and more!

Prerequisites: You must be completely comfortable with shooting in Manual Mode.

Dates of classes in Burlington:

Wednesday, September 30, 6pm to 8pm
Monday, October 28, 6pm to 8pm
Wednesday, November 18, 6pm to 8pm

Burlington Parks and Recreation – Maiben House 219 S. Skagit Street, Burlington

Classes are 1.5 to 2 hours long. Cost of each class is: $45 All Photo Classes at Burlington are held on Wednesday Nights at 6pm.

To register for Photography Classes with Andy Porter in Burlington through Burlington Parks and Recreation, Click here!

Andy Porter Photography Gallery – 306 Morris Street, La Conner

Classes are 1.5 to 2 hours long. Cost of each class is: $50 All Photo Classes at Andy Porter Photography Gallery are held on Saturdays at 10am.

Beginners Photography Class in La Conner

September 26. Saturday at 10am
October 17, Saturday at 10am
November 7, Saturday at 10am

Intermediate Photography Class in La Conner

October 10. Saturday at 10am
November 14. Saturday at 10am

To register for Photography Classes with Andy Porter in La Conner Click Here!

Photography Classes in Burlington

Posted on August 14, 2025 by Andy Porter

Andy Porter Photography Classes – Burlington Parks and Rec Fall / Winter 2025

Starting in September, 2025 I will continue teaching Photography Classes in Burlington, through Parks and Rec. The Photo Classes will be held at the Maiben House.

Registration is through Burlington Parks and Rec. Seating is limited for each class. At the link below you can see the entire class schedule and register for classes.

Here is the link to the Burlington Parks and Recreation Catalog of classes.

How to Capture Awesome Images with your DSLR – Beginners Level 1

Capturing decent images with your new DSLR camera is easy, just set it on “Auto Mode” and shoot away. Moving your photography up to the next level where you get consistently good shots starts with understanding how to set your exposure manually. This is NOT difficult to do.

What the class teaches:

How to Shoot in Manual Mode
Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO. These 3 settings will be explained in detail with lots of examples and images.
Depth of Field: You’ll learn how a photographer changes this in an image.
Bracketing Exposure is capturing multiple images of the same subject with different exposures.
A Circular Polarizer is an optical filter that screws onto the end of the lens.
Raw vs. Jpeg – We’ll discuss this as well as an overview of editing a RAW image file.

Prerequisites: You must be familiar with your camera, taking pictures in Auto Mode, image review, etc.

Equipment Required: A DSLR or Mirrorless Camera with interchangeable lenses.

Dates:

Wednesday, September 17, 6pm to 8pm
Wednesday, October 8, 6pm to 8pm
Wednesday, November 5, 6pm to 8pm
Wednesday, December 3, 6pm to 8pm

How to Capture Awesome Images with your DSLR – Intermediate Level

In this class we will discuss different lenses, focal lengths and what they do; we’ll delve deeper into depth of field and how to master control over how much of what’s in front of you is in focus. Then we’ll cover the use of different shutter speeds to create stunning, unique images.

What the class teaches:

Lenses and Focusing: Different lens focal lengths and what they are best for
You’ll learn the technique of Focus & Recompose
Sharper Images: Blurry images can be avoided by following one simple rule
Hyper-focal Distance: How to extend your depth of field in landscape images.
We will take time to practice these skills outdoors
We will cover in detail how to capture Night Sky images of the stars and Milky Way.
Discuss all the equipment needed
Exact camera and lens settings, Walk through setting up out in the field!
Locations for night sky imaging and more!

Prerequisites: You must be completely comfortable with shooting in Manual Mode.

Dates:

Wednesday, October 22, 6pm to 8pm
Monday, November 17, 6pm to 8pm
Wednesday, December 10, 6pm to 8pm

To register for one of there classes CLICK HERE!

The Andy Porter Gallery is located at 306 Morris Street, in La Conner. Were open 7 days a week with a wide array of Aluminum and Canvas prints, as well as an assortment of Night Lights, magnets and Greeting Cards!

Summer Photography Classes

Posted on July 3, 2023 by Andy Porter

Interested in learning about photography this summer?

Classes are held through Burlington Parks and Rec. The class location is the Maiben House at 219 S. Skagit Street, Burlington.

Here is the link to register for the classes. And here is the phone number for Burlington Parks and Rec: 360-755-9649

These classes are for anyone with a DSLR Camera who would like to learn how to use it to take awesome images.

There are TWO classes offered, the first class is the Basic DSLR Class, and then there is an Intermediate Class.

Basic DSLR Class

In the Basic DSLR class we’ll cover aperture, shutter speed and ISO and show you how to change them on your camera. Next we’ll discuss how to use these manual settings to create the images you want. We’ll practice the use bracketing your exposure to ensure you get the right shot, and more! We will also cover the use of polarizers and capturing images in the RAW format.

I will teach the Basic DSLR class TWO times.

Thursday, July 13, 6pm to 8pm
Thursday, August 10th, 6pm to 8pm

Intermediate Class

In the Intermediate Class we will discuss different lenses, focal lengths and what they do; we’ll delve deeper into depth of field and how to master control over how much of what’s in front of you is in focus. Then we’ll cover the use of different shutter speeds to create stunning, unique images.

Next will be 2 advanced techniques to obtain a sharp focus throughout your entire image: Focus & Recompose and Hyperfocal Distance Focusing.

We will cover in detail how to capture Night Sky images of the stars and Milky Way. We will go over all the equipment needed, exact camera settings, locations for night sky imaging and more!

I will teach the Intermediate Class :

Tuesday, August 22, 6pm to 8pm

Photography Classes in Burlington

Posted on September 2, 2022 by Andy Porter

Photography Classes with Andy Porter are back!

Starting on September 15th I will be teaching two different Photography Classes through Burlington Parks and Recreation, they will be held at Maiben House, at 219 S. Skagit Street, in Burlington.

Basic DSLR Class

Taking pictures with your new DSLR is easy, just set it on auto and shoot away. Capturing GOOD pictures with your new DSLR…that’s harder. Quality photography starts with understanding how to set your exposure manually. This is NOT difficult to do. In this 2 hour workshop we’ll cover aperture, shutter speed and ISO and show you how to change them on your camera. Next we’ll discuss how to use these manual settings to create the images you want. We’ll practice the use bracketing your exposure to ensure you get the right shot, and more! We will also cover the use of polarizers and capturing images in the RAW format.

This class will be held on:

Thursday, September 15th, 6pm to 8pm

Tuesday, October 4th, 6 to 8pm

Thursday, November 10th, 6pm to 8pm

Tuesday, December 6th, 6pm to 8pm

How to Capture Awesome Images with your DSLR – Intermediate Level

Next will be 2 advanced techniques to obtain a sharp focus throughout your entire image: Focus & Recompose and Hyperfocal Distance Focusing.

We will cover in detail how to capture Night Sky images of the stars and Milky Way. We will go over all the equipment needed, exact camera settings, locations for night sky imaging and more!

Finally I will cover my tips and tricks for capturing landscape images. We will spend time discussing (with LOTS of examples) Layering; Leading lines; the Rule of Thirds; Framing and more.

Prerequisites: You must have taken the How to Capture Awesome Images with your DSLR – Beginners Level 1 (aka Nature Photography – Beginners class) OR be VERY comfortable shooting in the Manual Mode with your current camera.

This class will be held on:

Tuesday, October 18^th, 6pm to 8pm

Saturday, December 3rd, 10am to 12pm

Each class is $45. The classes are 2 to 2.5 hours long.

To register for class, contact Burlington Parks and rec, through their website here.

or by phone: 360-755-9649

Best wishes and hope to see you soon!

Andy Porter

Photography and Photoshop Classes

Posted on May 22, 2021 by Andy Porter

Online classes through Burlington Parks and Rec – with Andy Porter

I will be teaching a Basic DSLR Photography Course AND a 5-session Introduction to Photoshop Class, online, through Burlington Parks and Rec. These classes are all done via ZOOM. I just completed the first set of classes and it was a lot of fun!

The Basic DSLR Photography Class is for beginners. We will cover how to shoot in the manual mode, learn about bracketing and how to get the right shot, and also cover use of a circular polarizer, RAW files, and more. You need to have a DSLR Camera for the class (IF you cannot change lenses on the camera, its NOT a DSLR!) The class is scheduled for two different days (same Class, both days). Tuesday, June 1, from 6 to 7:30pm and again, the same class, on Tuesday, June 29, from 6pm to 7:30pm. You can enroll online through Bellingham Parks and Rec. beginning on April 12th at 8:30 am. The class is $40. Here is a link to the Parks and Rec web site.

Introduction to Photoshop is a 5-session series of classes for anyone interested in learning some basics of Photoshop.

I never wanted to learn Photoshop. I was drawn into it rather reluctantly. But as a Nature – Landscape – Night Sky Photographer editing and prepping my images for printing is now an integral part of what I do. In this series of 5 classes we will first cover how to enhance your images using Adobe Camera Raw. This allows you to adjust the overall exposure, shadows and highlights, as well as many other options, to make your image look much closer to what your eye saw when you captured the image.

The Camera Raw interface makes it easy to edit any image, portrait, nature or nighttime images and save them in the proper formats for printing and web use.

There will be creative lessons about layers and for some lessons you will need to both capture images, and edit them. There is a lesson on Multiplicity, or cloning, where you blend multiple images of the same person together and another creative assignment, Levitation, learning how to make someone or something float in the air! We will also cover how to capture and edit a Panorama image and make it ready for printing.

: Panorama

: Panorama

: Panorama

: Multiplicity

: Multiplicity

: Multiplicity

: Levitation

: Levitation

: Levitation

Students must have a current subscription to Photoshop, newest version/subscription. AND HAVE SOME familiarity with Photoshop. Please don’t download Photoshop for the first time and expect to be able to follow along! The series of 5 classes can be purchased separately for $50 a class, or as a package for $200 for all 5 classes. You will also need to have a camera or cell phone to capture images with as well as a simple tripod.

Why should you edit your images at all?

The Human Eye sees more than any camera can record. When you capture images of high contrast scenes, like sunrises or sunsets, the camera cannot capture BOTH the brightest AND darkest parts of the scene. So, sunset images you capture with your camera are either too bright in the sky or too dark in the foreground. But this is NOT how it looked to your eye!

You can use Photoshop to make the brightest parts of the image darker, and the darker parts of the image brighter. This is what Ansel Adams did with his black and white negatives, he “edited” them by dodging and burning (darkening and brightening) parts of the image.

In the world of Photoshop, this is easy to do. Of course Photoshop can do more than brighten and darken parts of the image; you can enhance colors, erase unwanted items in the image, and make the image look like the scene you saw with your own eye.

Each class is $50, or you can enroll for all 5 classes for $200.

Here is the link to Burlington Parks and Rec to enroll.

Classes are Wednesday Night, June 2; Thursday Night, June 10; Thursday Night, June 17; Thursday Night, July 1, and Thursday Night, July 8th. All classes from 6 to 7:30pm, all online.

IF you have ANY questions about the classes, or what will be covered, feel free to email me anytime.

Andyporterphotography@gmail.com

Wanted: Locations for Night Sky Photography

Posted on April 19, 2021 by Andy Porter

Capturing images of the arc of the Milky Way is fantastic fun. The images are quite stunning and not very hard to capture, if you can find the right place to photograph them!

Getting a clear shot of the Milky Way requires that you get well away from the lights of any cities or towns. If you are near civilization the light pollution wipes out the lower half of your picture. You need a dark sky. Near my home the best place is up in the North Cascades. It’s a 2 hour drive from my place to Washington Pass. Eastern Washington has many places with wonderfully dark skies.

Good night sky pics have an interesting foreground, in addition to the Milky Way. I’ve used mountains, highways, tents, a big stump and Fire Lookout towers!

Milky Way over the North Cascades Highway

I am always looking for new locations and specifically, a barn, house, or any building really, located in a dark spot. For example this image is the Govan School House, located in Wilbur Washington. The building is abandoned. I climbed in there and set up a few lanterns to illuminate the place from the inside.

The building can be currently used or abandoned, we must be able to gain entry and set up lights. An old barn, out in eastern Washington or anywhere its dark, and out on the open would work wonderfully.

IF you know of any such buildings we can photograph, please let me know. Of course any place must be used with permission; trespassing on somebodies property at night with bright lights and cameras is just not smart!

I am happy to exchange photo lessons or prints from the photo shoot with the land owner!

Please email me any ideas or questions to: andyporterphotography@gmail.com

Photography and Photoshop Classes

Posted on January 22, 2021 by Andy Porter

Starting in February 2021 I will be teaching a Basic DSLR Photography Course AND a 5-session Photoshop Class, online, through Bellingham Parks and Rec.

The Basic DSLR Photography Class is for beginners. We will cover how to shoot in the manual mode, learn about bracketing and how to get the right shot, and also cover use of a circular polarizer, RAW files, and more. You need to have a DSLR Camera for the class. The class is scheduled for two different days (same Class, both days). Thursday, Feb 18, from 6 to 8pm. and again on Tuesday, March 11, from 6pm to 8pm. You can enroll online here, through Bellingham Parks and Rec. The class is $50.

Intro to Photoshop is a 5-session series of classes for anyone interested in learning some basics of Photoshop. We will spend 2 lessons learning how to edit your landscape, nature and outdoors images with Adobe Camera Raw. This is a fun and fast way to edit your images. We will also do several assignments together, both capturing images and then editing them with Photoshop. We will cover Multiplicity, Levitation and Panorama.

To take the Photoshop Class you must have a current subscription to Adobe Photoshop/Creative Cloud.

Each class is $50, or you can enroll for all 5 classes for $200. Here is the link to Bellingham Parks and Rec to enroll. Classes are Wednesday Nights, Feb. 17, Feb 24, March 3, March 10 and March 17, all classes from 6 to 8pm, all online.

Sunset at Artist Point

Posted on September 5, 2019 by Andy Porter

The Mt Baker Highway (WA Rte 542) runs from Bellingham Bay east, through the town of Glacier, past the two ski lodges and finally, to the roads end, at Artist Point.

The road to the ski areas is open year round, but the last few miles of road up to Artist Point is only open in the summer.

The view is quite dramatic, with Mt Shuksan looming above on one side, while the huge snow cone of Mt Baker sits by at arms reach.

Here are a few pics from a recent visit at sunset, and beyond.

Night Sky Class at Artist Point

Posted on August 17, 2019 by Andy Porter

I teach Night Sky Photography through the North Cascades Institute, 2 or 3 classes a year.

The most recent class was July 31. We all met at the Glacier Public Information Center. The people from NCI came with a bus.

There were 15 students, we all met there and prepped our camera settings in the parking lot, jumped in the bus, and made our way up the hill to Artist Point.

We were there a bit early, so we practiced a bit, and when it was dark, we spread out and captured images.

I was busy, visiting the students to help with the details.

The sky was partly cloudy, we weren’t sure what we’d get, but as real darkness fell the vista was amazing.

Here are a few pics I managed while enjoying the dark spaces.

: Artist Point

I teach photography for adults in Burlington, at Parks and Rec. Classes start in September.

I also do Night Sky Photo Tours, here is the link.

2020 Calendar – Night Sky Images of Washington State

Posted on August 11, 2019 by Andy Porter

2020 Calendar – Night Sky Images of Washington State

The 2020 Calendar is here a bit early this year!

There are several reasons for this, first, people who visit Washington in the summer want calendars! And normally none are available. Also I wanted to do a Night Sky Calendar for some time, which means no need to worry about getting seasonal images, etc etc.

So, here it is, the 2020 Calendar – Night Sky Images of Washington State

The calendar is printed on 100lb bond, gloss stock, really nice paper. The size is 8′ x 12′ (a bit bigger than normal) which means that I didn’t have to either crop the image, OR add a border to the print.

Ring bound and shrink wrapped, they are ready to ship anywhere your heart desires!

$20 each, shipping $6