Liberty Station serves as a captivating window to the past. Initially established as a naval training center in 1923, Liberty Station underwent a remarkable transformation during World War II, expanding its footprint threefold. Now, the property belongs to the City of San Diego, which has embarked on a visionary endeavor to reimagine the site as a vibrant hub for commerce, history, and the arts.
This revitalized military base has become the perfect spot for taking one-of-a-kind photographs. The Spanish Colonial Revival architecture offers intricate details and ornate facades. Capture the beauty of arched doorways and highlight the patterns and textures of decorative tiles and stucco walls. Experiment with composition techniques like leading lines, symmetry, and framing within these architectural elements. The symmetrical layouts and geometric shapes found here can help you create stunning and balanced compositions.
Or, look for reflective surfaces—such as fountains and polished floors—to add an extra layer of visual interest to your photos. Fountains can be especially interesting; use a fast shutter speed to freeze the water in time, or slow it down to capture the impression of a smooth velvety flow of water.
Alternatively, utilize the abundant natural light that bathes Liberty Station’s spacious courts and plazas. Note the difference as the sun passes from behind a cloud to open exposure. For interior photos, consider capturing natural light streaming in from a window.
Each Composition in the Field class begins with a talk with one of our experienced instructors, and then you and your fellow students take a stroll through one of a variety of photogenic locales (in any of the 20+ cities the DPA encapsulates). There is street photography, magnificent interiors, farmers markets, zoos, landscapes, and more, photos of which are included within. These photos are a mix of student and instructor images in many different venues and cities across the United States and Canada.
You will have fun in the three hour session, learn to shoot strategically, get more interesting photos of the event, and walk away with a foundation to improve your photographs in the future, whether you’re traveling, or at a birthday party and everywhere in between.
Please note – if a class must be cancelled due to weather or other circumstances beyond our control we will be happy to work with you to reschedule. If you should need to cancel and require a new class date, contact us. A $25 transfer fee will be imposed without a 3 day notice before the scheduled class.