SEATTLE POP UP ATTRACTION FIELD GUIDE
See. Click. Learn. — A Six‑Month Bootcamp to Actually Become a Photographer
A 12‑session program from Washington Photo Safari: two half‑day field safaris per month over six months, instructor access and a virtual portfolio review, all for $999.
See. Click. Learn. — A Six‑Month Bootcamp to Actually Become a Photographer.
Photography, Washington Photo Safari argues, is a practiced craft: you can learn principles quickly but only months of disciplined fieldwork will make you versatile. Their six‑month, 12‑safari course pairs hands‑on instruction with required practice, live feedback and a concluding portfolio review so students can move off Auto and into full control of f‑stops, shutters, ISO and white balance.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Twelve focused half‑day safaris across six months
The course is delivered as two half‑day safaris per month over a six‑month period (12 sessions total), selected from the operator’s calendar; students build technical fluency in exposure, lens use, composition and multiple specialty areas through repeated, guided practice.
Hands‑on instruction in the field with live feedback
Rather than critiquing photos after the fact, instructors provide in‑the‑moment guidance—'see, click, learn'—so students can adjust settings and technique while making images, with a team led by founder E. David Luria.
Portfolio review, certificate and post‑course benefits
After completing the 12 safaris students submit their best images for a virtual 2‑hour portfolio review with the director, receive a WPS Certificate of Completion and additional member benefits including a 10% refund on a future safari within the next year.
What the day feels like
What the six‑month experience feels like
You register, receive a 130‑page reference guide, then choose a month to start; over six months you take two half‑day safaris per month from the Washington Photo Safari calendar, practice relentlessly between sessions, get periodic check‑ins from the founder and instructors, and finish with a graded portfolio review and a final test that determines WPS certification.
THE CURRICULUM
Twelve focused half‑day safaris across six months
The course is delivered as two half‑day safaris per month over a six‑month period (12 sessions total), selected from the operator’s calendar; students build technical fluency in exposure, lens use, composition and multiple specialty areas through repeated, guided practice.
THE TEACHING
Hands‑on instruction in the field with live feedback
Rather than critiquing photos after the fact, instructors provide in‑the‑moment guidance—'see, click, learn'—so students can adjust settings and technique while making images, with a team led by founder E. David Luria.
THE FINISH LINE
Portfolio review, certificate and post‑course benefits
After completing the 12 safaris students submit their best images for a virtual 2‑hour portfolio review with the director, receive a WPS Certificate of Completion and additional member benefits including a 10% refund on a future safari within the next year.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program suits—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring your camera or late‑model smartphone. Smartphone users are accepted, but WPS recommends a DSLR or mirrorless body with variable modes for full Manual‑Mode instruction; certain modules (moonrises, night photography) require a tripod.
Enrollment includes a complimentary 130‑page Washington Photo Safari Guide for Amateur Photographers, a compendium of handouts and tips across course topics.
The curriculum depends on disciplined practice between safaris: students are expected to shoot regularly in diverse conditions to retain and deepen new skills.
Choose your start month (the six‑month option appears on the website calendar on the first day of every month) and select two half‑day safaris per month; if needed the program can be extended to eight months to complete the 12 sessions.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long does the program take and how many sessions are included?
The standard plan runs six months and includes 12 half‑day safaris (two per month); if your schedule requires it, you may stretch the 12 safaris out to eight months.
What does the $999 fee cover and are payment plans available?
The all‑inclusive fee of $999 covers the 12 half‑day safaris, the 130‑page reference guide and a two‑hour virtual portfolio review; you may pay $750 in advance and the $249 balance three months later if you prefer.
Am I eligible if I only shoot with a smartphone?
Yes—late‑model smartphone users are eligible and WPS offers smartphone‑focused Zoom and composition sessions, though the program recommends DSLR or mirrorless gear for the full Manual‑Mode curriculum.
How do I choose individual safaris and register for them?
After paying for the six‑month series you pick individual safaris from the operator’s calendar and send your requests by email; allow at least 10 days’ advance notice for each chosen safari so you can be reserved a spot.
What happens at the end of the course?
You submit your 12 best images (or a selection specified by the program) for a two‑hour virtual portfolio review with E. David Luria; you will be tested on core questions and may earn a WPS Certified Photographer certificate if you meet the standards.
Who do I contact with questions or to arrange my schedule?
Contact Washington Photo Safari by phone or text at 202‑669‑8468 or by email at [email protected]; the operator’s address is listed as 4545 Connecticut Ave. NW #418, Washington DC 20008.