Friday

Smartphone Portrait

Beyond the Megapixels: Master the Art of Portrait & Smartphone Photography


Ever wonder why investing in the latest smartphone with a state-of-the-art camera still yields photos that leave much to be desired?


Here is the truth: excellent photos aren't built by tech alone. They are created by understanding a few foundational photography concepts and developing the skill of really noticing your subject and surroundings.


The Friday Smartphone Portrait Class is designed for anyone who wants to take more beautiful, natural, and meaningful photos of their partner, children, family, and friends. You’ll learn how to choose flattering angles, work with available light, compose thoughtfully, and guide the people you photograph so they feel comfortable and look their best.


Since smartphones have become the camera we use to document everyday life, milestone celebrations, and the people closest to us, this class will help you turn ordinary snapshots into photographs you will genuinely want to keep.



Your Photography Skills

Before and After the Class

Available Dates:


  • TBA


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Smartphone Videography on July 25th 2026 (Sat)




Points to note:



1) This class is for anyone who takes photos with an Apple or Android Smartphone, including photographers who normally use a camera.


2) This class is for adults and teenagers (13+). For children under 13, we need a guardian to sign up together.


3) Location: Embarcadero, San Francisco

4) The class is fully outdoors including the instruction portion.


5) This class is non-refundable and non-reschedulable.


6) This class will not be canceled or rescheduled due to rain.


Class Location on a rainy day: Palace Hotel, SF Moma, Yerba Buena Park


Meetup spot on a rainy day: 535 Mission Street, San Francisco


Attendees will be well informed if there is a change in meetup location and photowalk due to rain.



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Prefer a 1:1 private class?



Please click here to view the rate and book a private class.




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Gift Option:


If you’d like to gift this class, you’re welcome to sign up the recipient for any of our currently scheduled class dates and include a personalized gift message at checkout.


However, we’re unable to offer gift purchases for future or unscheduled class dates, as our iPhone Photography Class is not held on a regular schedule.



Quick Facts

Workshop length:

2 hours

Meetup Location:

Embarcadero, San Francisco

Regular Field Trip:

Embarcadero Center, Ferry Building, Embarcadero Coastline

Rainy Day Field Trip:

SF MOMA, Palace Hotel, Yerba Buena Park


Start to take better photos of your

Partners, Friends, Kids, Anyone!

Pricing

$80/person

Share this class

FAQ

  • How is the IPhone Photography Workshop different from any camera workshop?

    Cameras and smartphones are just devices for you to take pictures. Photography is an art of lighting, framing and living in the moment. Using smartphones instead of cameras to take pictures might be easier and more convenient for some people; and in this workshop you'll learn how to compose creative shots, identify great photo opportunities everyday, just like in a typical camera class.

  • Is this workshop useful for someone who normally uses a camera?

    Yes! Even professional photographers have to use their smartphones in some occasions:) We don't always bring a camera but smartphones are always with us wherever we go. Learning the key differences of taking pictures with smartphones and cameras will sharpen your skill in both worlds. 


  • How is an IPhone camera different from a traditional camera?

    There are three major differences: 1) resolution & image quality; 2) focal lengths and 3) depth of field

    Understanding how your smartphone camera works allow you to shoot like pro.

  • Can Android users (Google, Samsung, LG, Huawei etc) sign up for this workshop?

    Yes absolutely! We are teaching the art of photography with a smartphone. All the lighting, optics, framing and exposure techniques are the same across different models and platforms. However, for the technical aspect of (E.g the Portrait Mode) this class, we will only share IPhone specific knowledge.

  • What is the class size?

    The class size is 8-10 attendees.

  • What if if rains?

    Believe it or not, photographers love the rain. 


    Rainy days are perfect for capturing stunning reflection shots and documenting the vibe of the ciy.  Click here to see rainy day photos.


    • Photowalk on a rainy day: Palace Hotel, SF Moma, Yerba Buena Park
    • Meetup spot on a rainy day: 535 Mission Street, San Francisco
    • The classroom session will be at our office at 535 Mission Street, San Francisco, instead of an outdoor setting.
    • Attendees will be well informed if there is a change in meetup location and photowalk due to rain.

  • Can I gift this class?

     Yes absolutely! If you’d like to gift this class, you’re welcome to sign up the recipient for any of our currently scheduled class dates and include a personalized gift message at checkout.


    However, we’re unable to offer gift purchases for future or unscheduled class dates, as our iPhone Photography Class is not held on a regular schedule.



What will you learn?


This hands-on workshop bridges the gap between technical settings and creative intuition.



Every principle taught in this class applies universally—whether you are shooting on a smartphone or a professional camera. Photography is ultimately the art of lighting, framing, and capturing a moment, regardless of the device in your hand.



You will master:



1. The Technical Fundamentals:

 

How to apply different focal lengths, use the Portrait Mode to manage the depth of field, and use light editing tools directly within your smartphone settings to quickly enhance your images.


2.   The Art of Light & Environment

How to read the quality and direction of natural light, and how to utilize environmental elements to frame a shot.



3.    Composition & Posing

Pro-level techniques for framing subjects dynamically and guiding people into natural, flattering poses.



4. Editing