So Cal Pixels

All I did was ask for a quote for wedding pictures and if I would be able to maintain rights to the images after the wedding. I put down a ball park number for what we are looking to spend, because it was required. His response was rude and rather condescending because «he was out of our price range, and he is a world-​class photographer.» Well he’s certifiably a world– class something, photographer is not the word I’d use. Not worth a second look. Customers MAKE a business. Every business.

As a new photographer, Ben Chen’s «Mastering Your DSLR» class was really good and very informative. I learned about buying the right camera and lenses and what each is good for! I mean who knew, really! It’s a lot of information to learn and take-​in in one day, but I walked away with a much better understanding of the use of my camera and what things mean and do, which has helped me immensely since. Yeah, you can always read your instruction book or find how to do websites, but it’s so much better when someone breaks it down for you and thus, makes it all make sense. Ben does that very well. On top of which, he is very helpful and has a great personality. He also offers students (if they like) to help out on some of his different shoots, so they continue to learn and get some professional hands on experience. Now, that’s a nice bonus! Would definitely recommend!

I bought the Groupon for his class in Palo Alto, and I’m so glad I did! I learned so much from the instructor Ben Chen that day. He’s really straight forward and doesn’t waste time, but he also takes the time to explain. I totally appreciate people like that! He’s really organized and knows his stuff! Hope he has more Groupon offers in the future, because I would love to take more of his classes.

The best intro to manual exposure class I have attended (I been to two others plus a local community center class). Ben was a great presenter and humorous. Highly recommended.

Can I please have those five hours of my life back? You can keep the money, just give me that time back! Hands down the worst photography «class.» Exactly what the other reviewer said… just hours of him showing pictures. We were in a classroom (in Palo Alto, CA) watching a powerpoint presentation the whole time.
The only thing useful was a handout explaining the F-​stop, ISO, shutter speed process which I could have gotten off the internet. In fact, thank goodness I watched the two free videos that came with my Nikon before the class so I feel like I actually learned something today.
I learned a valuable lesson – just because you can get something half off via Living Social does not make it a good deal.

I purchased my first DSLR camera a few months ago at the insistence of my husband who wanted me to have a hobby. He knew I loved photography, well, looking at it, anyway. I detest manuals and so was clueless on how to use it, and intimidated. Paying hundreds of dollars just to use the auto mode is a ridiculous notion. What a waste of my money. I want my point and shoot camera back. Just let me use my phone camera. Go away!
Then, I saw a Groupon for half off a Newbie’s Boot camp class. Just what I needed: Five hours on a Saturday with instructor Ben Chen, professional photographer.
There were a few things So Cal Pixels emphasized I needed to know before the day of class (so I can use the manual features) — how to change the aperture, f/​stop, and ISO. And how to find my histogram. I was sweating bullets, because I actually had to read some of my manual to achieve this. What was I thinking? So, the night before, I crammed. Deceived myself into thinking I knew it and could muddle through. And still, what the hell is a histogram?
Then, the big day. A big lecture room setting (maybe a 100 people, all much younger than me), but at least there was some semblance of order: all the Nikon people sat together, all the Canon owners grouped in another section. You get the picture… pun intended.
The first thing I found out was, I had forgotten everything from last night’s cramming session. And besides, I had been trying to do everything the lame way. My neighbors in class graciously took me under their wings and took at least some of the mystery out of this, showing me a better way.
Now, the class goes fast. I’m not feeble minded, but I had to concentrate, and didn’t dare get up to go to the bathroom. Ben has you taking some indoor pictures just to understand the concepts of how one change affects another. No field trip here. There was plenty of terminology to pick up, and demonstrations to teach creativity and understand composition. I came away with just enough knowledge to make me slightly dangerous, but I still need to practice, practice, experiment. This class is only the beginning. But at least I know where to start now.
By the way, Ben loves to show his own portfolio. While some may see it as bragging, I saw it as an opportunity to see things through his eyes. It was a great lesson for me. You get as much out of it as you put in. It was worth it for me.