Leica Akademie Street Photography Master Weekend Classes

© Peter Turnley

I love to learn and share. It’s the reason I have this blog. But this time, instead of just reviewing after the fact, I’ve decided to tell you about it before hand so you have a chance to join in the experience and give some feedback.

For those of you who have read my review of Leica’s Los Angeles Leica Gallery Opening (you can read it here), you will know that Leica wants to create a cultural Center for Photography. They envision a place where photographers, local and internationally can gather, hang out, share ideas, images, and experience.

This year Leica Akademie and it’s North American Manager, Tom A. Smith, the engine behind this grand plan, has put together a few street and photojournalism lecture/hands-on classes taught by photographers whom I’ve either taken a course or want to take a course from.

Now, I’ve taken a couple of Leica Akademie Master Class Weekends and they are really enlightening and raise your photography skills to a new level with the help of a guest Lecturer/Photographer. Last time I took one with Craig Semetko (you can read my review from my old blog here), I walked away taking better photos than I ever did before I walked in. And that’s because I had a greater understanding on what to look for and how to compose.

Leica Akademie Master Class Weekends

May 16th -17th – Los Angeles – Craig Semetko http://www.cvent.com/d/d4q2yr

© Craig Semetko

© Craig Semetko

May 30th – June 1st – Los Angeles – Peter Turnley http://www.cvent.com/d/d4qsmg

© Peter Turnley

© Peter Turnley

June 6th-8th – Washington, D.C. – Richard Bram http://www.cvent.com/d/x4qsmr

© Richard Bram

© Richard Bram

And what’s really great is that you don’t have to own a Leica camera. They’ll have a bunch of various Leica camera bodies like the M (240) or the M Monochrom and a huge array of amazing lenses you can borrow for each day you’re out shooting. It’s a great way to test and learn at the same time.

I’ve never tried it before but for those wanting a longer workshop experience, where you can bring your entire family or a group of friends, Leica Akademie’s  Tom A. Smith has organized three different destination locations. You can check them out at http://www.exclusiveresorts.com/Landing-Pages/Leica.

Please share! I’d appreciate if you could leave your opinion on any of these courses as well as the week long workshops by leaving a comment below.