Dallas Center for Photography

DCP is an excellent resource for anyone interested in improving their photography skills. Whether you’re a novice or expert, I truly believe the team at DCP can provide value. If you are looking to add some polish to your already existing skills, I highly recommend a private session. If you are new and don't know where to start, I recommend taking a look at their website, they have offerings to suit any need. The staff's customer service is prompt and polite, and the experience they have under one roof is mind-blowing. I have uploaded some of the shots I have been able to create with some of the knowledge DCP has provided.

I really love what Peter is doing along with Richard and the entire staff. They are building community in Dallas by connecting people with a passion for photography. That’s really special for such a big city in Texas. I can tell when you take a class from this program, your not just completing the work and learning, but you’re building connections of like minded people. And that’s what it’s all about. I attended the Dallas Center for photography as a model for one of their classes and attended a reception afterwards with snacks and wine. It was a pleasure to meet some of the photographers as well other staff. Thx for letting me experience something so cool and needed in TX! Here’s a few shots the students took in the intro beginner course after only one day! I am very impressed and thankful for their work.

Took a 9-5 Saturday beginner workshop. Peter was our teacher. He was an excellent instructor. Explained all the concepts very clearly, with very explicit analogies. We got 5 hours of theory, 1 hour of practice shooting models followed by some feedback on the pictures we took. I learned a lot about the technical aspects of photography, picture composition and photo editing. A very comprehensive class in a very relaxed and fun setting. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes taking pictures and want to improve technique and knowledge.

I completed the Beginner DSLR class with Richard and it was great. He delivered the material in a way that was easy to follow and understand. I felt comfortable asking questions and he didnt rush into the next topic until we all had a good understanding of the current topic. Being able to practice with the models and then review our work was a great way to reinforce everything we learned. the day went so quickly. I cant wait to take the next class and learn even more.

I went to the Natural Light Photography workshop on 5/16/2015 and it was fantastic!! The teacher Patrizia seriously knew what she was doing and was very knowledgeable on her craft. She answered questions thoroughly and helped correct mistakes. It was a very hands on workshop which was great and the end critique was helpful as well. I was so proud of everyone in the workshop, it brought out the best in us!

Excellent class on DSLR basics! I learned so much and will now take greater advantage of the features available on my camera. Highly recommend DCP for anyone wanting to expand their knowledge of photography and skills to create excellent images!

If you are one who does not eat pork do not eat here. They grease their grills with pork lard so that it does not stick to the grill and also. I witnessed them drop a whole case of chicken to the floor they picked it up and put it back to the case it was in then began to chop it up for the tacos and quezadillas Always messing up the orders and the manager is a horrible rude woman and they are stingy with the meat.

Loved this class. Very informative for beginners like me. I feel like I at least understand how to use my DSLR camera now:)

I've than two classes and one workshop with DCP. I've also attended several talks and shows. The classes have been very helpful in improving my photography skills and helping me feel more confident. The environment at DCP is very supportive and the staff and instructors are friendly and knowledgeable. I always feel welcome when I walk in the door. No matter your skill level the DCP has something for everyone.

Took a 9-5 Saturday beginner workshop. Peter was our teacher. He was an excellent instructor. Explained all the concepts very clearly, with very explicit analogies. We got 5 hours of theory, 1 hour of practice shooting models followed by some feedback on the pictures we took. I learned a lot about the technical aspects of photography, picture composition and photo editing. A very comprehensive class in a very relaxed and fun setting. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes taking pictures and want to improve technique and knowledge.

DCP is an excellent resource for anyone interested in improving their photography skills. Whether you're a novice or expert, I truly believe the team at DCP can provide value. If you are looking to add some polish to your already existing skills, I highly recommend a private session. If you are new and don't know where to start, I recommend taking a look at their website, they have offerings to suit any need. The staff's customer service is prompt and polite, and the experience they have under one roof is mind-blowing.

I have taken several classes and loved everyone one them! The instructors are knowledgeable, friendly, and have a passion for what they are teaching! I am so greatful for the DCP and all they do!

I went through the DSLR Basics course today and have nothing but good things to say about the course, instructor and value/benefit of this class. I've been using DSLR equipment for years and never achieved the results I wanted. This course taught me so much that I would never have figured out on my own or with on-line sources. Having an opportunity to interact with the instructor and others in the class made the experience much more effective, and practice sessions with live models in a variety of environmental and lighting settings helped reinforce the education. Highly recommend DCP!

I bought a new DSLR camera and wanted to learn to use it so I turned to DCP! I had taken another intro class as well as some online tutorials but decided to take the first two intro to DSLR courses offered by DCP so that I met requirements to take other courses. There was definite overlap in the courses I took previously and the DSLR course but it was nice knowing I had learned what they needed me to for the pre-requisite. The classroom environment is good as you get more of a hands-on experience and, for me, forces me to stop "multi-tasking" and be present in what I am doing. The second course I took was dog photography and it was so great! They bring in the subjects to you so you get experience with different kinds of dogs (from highly trained to not-so highly trained). I recommend being familiar with lightroom or Photoshop prior to class (I, personally, didn't know it was required). I really enjoyed the class critique though and learned a little more about what people would be looking for. If you haven't guessed, my next potential class is Lightroom classes so that I can learn the program. They offer all sorts of classes though and there are so many on my list that I want to take.

I needed some individual instruction on architectural photography. Rich worked with me to insure I had the lighting concepts down and improved my workflow in Photoshop. Rich was very patient with me and his instruction help me gain more confidence.

Spot Studio offers photography workshops and one-on-one tutoring in Dallas. I took an introductory workshop one Saturday to learn more about my new DSLR camera. Peter, the instructor, broke key concepts into easy-to-understand lessons. The workshops are hands-on, and so the latter half of our workshop was dedicated taking pictures of a live model and then examining everyone's shots. I learned a lot and feel well on my way to taking great pictures. I am eager to take the intermediate workshop once I get more practice with basics. No more Auto-mode for my camera!

About a month ago, I stepped up to a Nikon D5100 from my puny point and shoot. I really didn't have a clue how to get the best from my new toy, so I set out to find a place to take lessons on how to use a DSLR. A Google search turned up Spot Studio, and after reading over everything on the studio's site, I registered for 3 separate beginner level DSLR classes. I've attended 2 of the 3 (the 3rd one is in August), and I am really pleased with the amount of knowledge I've gained. The instructor, Peter, really takes the time to explain the principles of how regular cameras work, and how that applies to DSLR's, which I appreciated. He is very thorough, and is great at answering questions. Now I've got a clue about ISO, f-stops and shutter speeds! I am also less dependent on the camera's presets and can really get optimum performance out of my camera. I am really excited to take my last class, but I am certain it will not be the final class I take at Spot Studio.

I have attended 4 full-day classes at The Spot Studio and I will take my 5th in less than 2 weeks. I bought my first DSLR a little over a year ago and was stuck in that "Russian Roulette" phase where you just spin the dials on the camera hoping the photo will turn out right. Then I took the full-day DSLR Beginner class and I was off to the races. Really I still sucked, but I sucked far less. You can't expect to walk out of an 8-hour beginner's class and think you're a photographer with 30+ years experience under their belt - not going to happen. However, the beginner's class gave me a good foundation to start building on. Peter Poulides, who has taught all the class I've attended, is very patient. He explains things in detail without making it sound complicated. He takes the time to answer everyone's questions. Awesome photographer and awesome teacher. If you're not blown away by your (and your fellow classmates') photos after the model shoot in the Beginner class then you must be living in the Bizarro World. Peter goes through each student's photos on the projector screen, selecting the best from each, and produces a slideshow at the end of the class. Peter won't post the slideshows on the Spot Studio website either He's worried beginners who have never taken his class will not sign up for fear they're not good enough to take photos of that quality. I tend to agree. You will be astonished to say the least. Please take the class. I have also taken the Adobe Lightroom and studio lighting classes at Spot. The Lightroom class is great because you spend half the day walking around Dallas sites, photographing outdoors (we went to the Dallas Farmer's Market), and then you return to the studio for the second half of the day and edit your best shots in Adobe. The studio lighting class was like taking the DSLR Beginner class for the first time, in the sense that everything was new again. I had a good foundation to build on after the beginner's class with regards to operating my camera. Now I've got a good foundation to build on with regards to the basics of lighting. It only continues to grow from there. I can't recommend Spot Studio enough. If you're a rank amateur, semi-skilled, or completely clueless photographer, you will love these classes. Guaranteed.

I have always wanted to really learn photography but never had the guts to actually do anything about it. My husband is a great photographer but doesn't have the time to teach me. So he signed me up for the DSLR short courses to learn the basics. I am so glad he did! These classes really taught me the basics including the why and how to get the shots to look they way the pros do it. Funny thing is that I was already getting great shots, but they were all by accident. Now I know how to recreate those shots! ha! I know I will take what I learned with me on an upcoming trip to Italy. I hope to enroll in the Adobe Lightroom workshop in the future. Thank you!

I began taking classes and getting private tutoring as soon as bought my DSLR camera about 4years ago. I needed help learning how to photograph my large abstract paintings. Since then I have upgraded my camera and lenses and have become obsessed with photography! The Dallas Center for Photography makes it much easier to learn the tools you need for taking pictures you will be proud of. You start with camera basics then move on to editing. There are classes for everyone from beginner to advanced. The classes are a great way to meet other like minded people too! A bonus! I keep in touch with some other students and we learn from each other. While the classes are great, the private tutoring is priceless. You can really get the help you need quickly. I am looking forward to more classes. Next up for me: Photoshop!

I went into the class feeling intimidated by my new camera (Sony A33) and by the idea of being in the midst of a professional photographer. My fears were laid to rest once I arrived in class amongst my fellow novice photographers (some more novice than other... aka, me) and an open canvas that is the studio. Paul's expert analogies helped me understand my camera and just the beginning of what it can do. The structure of the class gave me the opportunity to shoot with guidance and he provided some creative scenes to shoot and then review to receive constructive critiques. I will definitely sign up for another class soon, until then I'll be practicing with all that I received from my Beginner DSLR class! ... If you thought my review was excessive, NO, weren't not related, LOL, I just really enjoyed the class and I am excited about the chance to learn all I can about photography and how I can incorporate this into my other creative avenues!

LOVE LOVE LOVE this place. So many great classes, wonderful instructors and useful information. Walked in feeling like I was going to be the oldest, least informed person in the room - walked out floating on air thanks to all the fantastic new information and encouragement. If you are in any way interested in learning more about your camera and how to use it - go here. Now.

Wonderful, engaging instructor! Material comprehensive and covered in-depth. Can't waif until I am able to take the next level

I took the Beginner DSLR workshop on Saturday and loved it! Peter has a vast amount of knowledge and makes learning easy to understand. He did a great job with our group and I loved that he brought in live models for us to utilize what we learned immediately while we had him available for questions. I was shocked with what a difference just a basic amount of knowledge on lighting and how to utilize the functions of the camera makes... our photos were actually GOOD! If you are interested in photography and not just taking pictures, this is a great place to do it. I have already signed up for his DSLR 3 evening session and am looking forward to taking some of the other courses that his studio has to offer.

DCP makes a range of photography classes available to the public at a reasonable price. My husband and I have taken several classes there and have been pleased with the quality of the instructors, the facility and the size of the classes. We just got done taking their macro photography class this past weekend and enjoyed it very much. Peter, our instructor and the director at the center, was very knowledgeable and showed us a variety of tools and processes we could take away to further our skills. Thanks again for a good day!

I would highly recommend Peter's Beginning Dslr workshop. Peter is very accomplished and thorough and is able to explain complex photographic concepts in a simple and understandable way. The course is very interactive and by the end of the day you have a very good understanding of all the knobs and buttons on your camera. The course is fun and well paced and you don't get the feeling that you are ahead or behind the material being explained. The class ends with a shoot of a couple of models that Peter brings in and you are able to put to test everything that you have learned through the day. This workshop is the perfect way to spend a Saturday if you want to learn the fundamentals of digital photography. Thank you for a wonderful day Peter and I look forward to the Intermediate Class.

I bought a Canon T3 a few months ago because I had grown bored with my point and shoot camera. A couple of camera shops in the camera district recommended the classes at Spot Studio, and I decided to try the Beginner full day workshop. Peter was very personable and easy to talk to. He was great and patiently answered all of our questions. He was an excellent instructor. The class was FANTASTIC! Peter did a fabulous explaining f stop, aperture, shutter speed and how they and ISO were all related. Not only did he explain how they were related, but he also took his camera and demonstrated how the concepts work together. Having the concepts clearly explained was awesome enough, but having him demonstrate them live right in front of us was extraordinary. He would explain a concept, such as how to correctly focus, and then demonstrate with his camera. It really drove his teaching points home. The opportunity to take pictures of a live model and get feedback from a professional photographer was also really cool. The whole class had fun and the slideshow at the end of class with the best pictures from everyone was amazing. I cannot recommend this class highly enough, and this will definitely not be my last class at Spot Studio. If you want go transform your pictures from ho hum snapshots to amazing photographs, then this is the class for you!

Just finished an awesome day of Beginner DSLR photography with the Dallas Center for Photography. I was very impressed with the curriculum, pace, drill down on my camera, featured presenter Richard Klein, the director, Peter, who stopped as well as the team who made it run so smoothly. They even brought in models to let us test our new skills with indoor and outdoor manual camera work and it showed an amazing array of photographic skills (our group learned from each other). Great commentary and great concept. I've recommended friends and family take the basic course then join me for intermediate.

I am just starting out with DSLR photography, so I took a class in shooting and editing over the weekend... it was AMAZING. Peter was SO HELPFUL. The pace and format of the class were perfect. I would highly recommend any offering of The Spot Studio based on my recent experience. I will definitely return for more classes.

Just took the Beginner DSLR workshop. It was the BEST class. I learned more in this eight hour class then the 6 week class I took at Brookhaven College. The teacher was very patient and spent quality time with each class member. He also broke down the information in several different ways for all learning styles. You MUST take this class if you want to really learn how to use your camera. I cannot wait to take the next class!!!!!

I recently took the DSLR 1 & 2 Evening Classes. I've had my DSLR camera for about a year and a half and I struggled with all the settings and understanding what books talked about when it came to F-stop, white balance, and all the camera settings. I just got to the point where I would just always use the Auto setting. After taking the first two evening classes things like F-stop didn't seem like Greek to me. No I'm not a professional but I can use my camera without it being in Auto and have a understanding why I selected shutter or aperture priority. I like that Peter Poulides told you about how things worked and then showed how to use it on your model camera.

Ive had a DSLR camera for a few years and really never learned how to use it -- even when I bought extra manuals. I just never really understood how it worked. I would just shoot pictures and then look at them and if they were blurry or not right, I just shot them again, hoping the conditions didn't change. It was really silly..... My husband found Spot Studio and signed me up -- it was the best money Ive ever spent on a class -- I learned more during the day then I ever would have on my own. Peter is a great instructor and has a wonderful ability to technically describe what your camera does with analogies everyone can grasp. He's also incredibly patient with questions -- there was nothing he couldn't answer! The full Saturday class was great and I honestly wished it would have been a few more hours! Peter also brings in a model to shoot in various lighting conditions which is incredibly helpful. There are a lot of a-ha moments in this class which are so rewarding!