Studio 101: Creative Courses
Learn, create, connect—and level up your craft alongside a community that gets it.
Grow your creative skills at City Creative Studios, powered by Aperture Studios. Our hands-on course series is designed for photographers, videographers, and creative entrepreneurs who want real-world skills—not theory overload. Each class is practical, easy to follow, and focused on helping you create with confidence.
The program runs 8 weeks total, featuring 7 in-depth courses plus a wrap party to celebrate what you’ve built and connect with fellow creatives. Topics include photography, lighting, video production, and essential business fundamentals to help you turn creativity into opportunity.
Each class is $100, or you can grab the full course pass and save 15%—essentially getting one class free. Prefer flexibility? You can also sign up for individual classes that fit your goals and schedule.
City Creative Studios members receive additional discounts based on their membership tier, making it even easier to invest in your growth.
Get access to all 7 courses plus the wrap party and save 15% with the full course pass.
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Studio 101: Curriculum
March 11
Session 1:
Photography Building Blocks
Use Your Gear Better. Learn Composition, Exposure, and More!
This session is all about getting comfortable with the camera you already own. We’ll break down the core fundamentals of photography in simple, practical terms—aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and how they all work together. You’ll learn how to move out of auto mode, understand basic composition techniques, and start making intentional creative choices instead of guessing. Perfect for beginners.
March 18
Session 2:
Studio Lighting 101
Learn to Control Light Sources, Using Modifiers, and Posing Techniques
Lighting can feel intimidating—but it doesn’t have to be. In this class, you’ll get hands-on experience with studio lights, modifiers, and basic setups used in real photo sessions. We’ll cover how to shape and control light, create flattering portraits, and build confidence working with subjects. You’ll leave understanding how to light people and products in ways that look professional and polished.
March 25
Session 3:
The Business of Photography
Understanding Your Offer, Client Relationships, Copyright & Licensing, Making Sense of Contracts
Being a photographer isn’t just about taking great photos—it’s also about running a smart business. This session focuses on the practical side of the industry: how to price your work, communicate with clients, protect your images, and understand contracts. We’ll talk about building professional relationships, setting expectations, and creating systems that help you get paid fairly and work more confidently.
April 1
Session 4:
Pre-Production Best Practices
Discovery, Planning, and Execution That Will Ensure Your Work Meets Your and Your Clients’ Standards
Great shoots don’t happen by accident—they happen because of good planning. In this class, you’ll learn how to prepare for projects like a pro. We’ll cover everything from client consultations and mood boards to shot lists and scheduling. By learning how to plan ahead, you’ll reduce stress, avoid common mistakes, and walk into every session feeling organized and in control.
April 8
Session 5:
Shooting Specific Styles
Different Disciplines of Photographic Work Require Different Skill Sets. Become More Familiar with All the Angles.
Not all photography is the same. Portraits, events, products, fashion, and creative concepts all require different approaches. This session explores how to adapt your techniques to different types of shoots. You’ll learn what changes from style to style and how to adjust your mindset, lighting, and workflow to match the job in front of you.
April 22
Session 7:
Cinematography Primer
Understanding Visual Storytelling, Technical Info on Camera Usage, Intro to Editing Applications
Photography and video go hand in hand in today’s creative world. This final session introduces the basics of filmmaking and motion content. You’ll learn how to think in terms of movement and storytelling, understand video camera settings, and get a beginner-friendly look at editing tools. It’s a great introduction for photographers who want to expand into video.
April 15
Session 6:
Post-Production Systems
Organization, Editing Processes and Workflow, Intro to Photoshop and Lightroom, Editing Fine Details
Taking the photo is only half the job—the rest happens after the shoot. This class introduces smart editing workflows that save time and improve quality. We’ll go over file organization, basic color correction, retouching fundamentals, and how to use Lightroom and Photoshop more effectively. You’ll learn how to turn good images into finished, professional results.
April 29
Session 8:
Program Wrap Party
Celebrating Your Progress, Showcasing Work, and Connecting with Fellow Creatives
After weeks of learning and creating, it’s time to celebrate what you’ve accomplished. This final gathering brings everyone together to share projects, ask final questions, and reflect on the skills you’ve developed. Enjoy music, light refreshments, and a relaxed creative atmosphere while networking with instructors and classmates.