Exploring Digital Photography & Northern California

 

Through the Lens: Photography, Culture, and Nature in Northern 
California

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Discover the art of photography while exploring the vibrant culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes of Northern California. This course invites students to capture the essence of two of California’s most inspiring settings — the dynamic cityscape of San Francisco and the awe-inspiring wilderness of Yosemite National Park.

This course blends hands-on technical instruction with experiential learning and cultural exploration. Students will learn how to use a digital camera in manual mode, master essential techniques in composition, lighting, and perspective, and develop their own artistic voice through the lens. Each day combines guided practice with creative reflection, helping participants see photography not just as a skill, but as a form of storytelling and connection to place.

In San Francisco, students will explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods and iconic landmarks — from the sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge to the colorful streets of Chinatown. Along the way, they will learn about the city’s multicultural history, its role in artistic movements, and its ongoing legacy as a hub of creativity and innovation.

The journey then continues east to Yosemite National Park, one of America’s most magnificent natural wonders. Here, students will follow in the footsteps of legendary photographer Ansel Adams, learning to work with natural light and capture the drama of Yosemite Valley’s granite cliffs, waterfalls, and meadows. Guided hikes and field sessions will focus on landscape composition, texture, and depth, while group reflections encourage participants to connect photography with mindfulness, environmental awareness, and personal expression.

Through workshops, guided excursions, and reflective assignments, students will not only sharpen their technical skills but also gain a deeper understanding of how photography can express relationships between people, culture, and the natural world. By the end of the course, each student will create a small curated portfolio — a visual narrative that captures the diversity and spirit of Northern California.

Locations Explored:

  • San Francisco – famous neighborhoods and landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39 and more.
  • Yosemite National Park – natural beauty in places like Wawona Tunnel View, Mariposa Grove and Yosemite Village.

** Detailed agenda, schedule and information will be shared on Google Classroom 2 weeks prior to class start date. All registered students will connect via WhatsApp, giving an opportunity to get to know each other before the trip and make plans to share an Uber from the airport.

ATTENDANCE

Attendance IS MANDATORY all days during the class in California. You are expected to be in class on time every day, including the first day and last day, so choose flights accordingly.

First Day: Class starts at 10:00 AM in San Francisco. The latest that you should arrive at SFO is 8:30am.
Last Day: Class ends at 4:00pm in San Francisco. The earliest you should book a flight out is 6:30pm.

If you miss any class hours you will risk not receiving your certificate! Please note, that this is a long weekend intensive class and the days are long. Bring comfortable shoes, appropriate clothing, water & snacks. We expect you to come to class rested and ready to participate, learn and have fun!

DAY 1: 11:00AM – 8:00PM (San Francisco)

DAY 2: 8:00AM – 6:00PM (San Francisco)

DAY 3: 7:00AM – 7:00PM (Yosemite)

DAY 4: 8:00AM – 4:00PM (Yosemite)

**We reserve the right to change this Class Schedule if needed, due to bus/activity availability, inclement weather etc.

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

  • Tuition fees & course material.
  • 3 x nights of Shared Room Accommodations. 2 nights at Samesun Hostel in SF and 1 night at a hotel in Yosemite. You will sleep in your own bed in shared rooms with other au pairs.
  • 2 x continental breakfast.
  • Transportation to and from all activities.
  • All activities.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

  • Registration fees (credit card processing fee & registration platform fee).
  • Airfare to/from San Francisco, CA.
  • Airport transportation to/from hotel.
  • Lunches & Dinners.

In addition to the in-person meetings, this course will include pre-assignments and follow-up assignment as part of the 72-hour class.

You will be invited to join Google Classroom about a month before class starts, which is the platform we use for the course. Check your spam folder, as invitations to join Google Classroom sometimes end up there. Please make sure you register for the course with a valid email address, since this is where you will receive the invitation and later, your certificate. Your email has to be Google compatible, so it’s best to use gmail, outlook, hotmail or yahoo. If you do not receive a notification to join Google Classroom, it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to contact us.

Pre-assignments will be posted on Google Classroom 3 weeks before class starts. Make sure you join Google Classroom early and complete the assignments BEFORE coming to class. It will take you approximately 18 hours to complete.

Follow-up assignments will be posted on Google Classroom on the weekend of class, and also consist of 18 hours. You must complete them in order to receive your course completion certificate. Course completion certificates will be emailed to you, a few days after the class has officially ended. You will have 4 weeks to complete the assignments. If you need your certificate earlier, please indicate it during the registration process and upload proof. The earliest you can receive your certificate is ONE WEEK after in-person portion of class has concluded.

 

$1,095 + registration fees | ** IN-PERSON ** | 72 hours (equivalent to 6
credits)

 

Contact Information

Office of Continuing Education
161 Newkirk Street, Room E504
Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 360-4224
CEFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE