Private Photography Instruction - Ongoing

I am available for private instruction both in person or online. Whether you are a struggling beginner, or an accomplished photographer looking for critical feedback, I can help you with everything from the technical to the conceptual. Previous students have said wonderful things about my ability to break down often hard to grasp concepts in photography in a way that is easy and fun to understand. I work on a sliding scale to accommodate students from all financial backgrounds. Scroll down to see my workshop and class schedule.

Here are some kind words from previous students…

“Joaquín tunes into each participant and responds with his heart and his head. His comments are unique for each person, and are positive and encouraging while making suggestions. He inspired me with new ways to think about my work presentation to make it speak clearly. Joaquín also created an environment of inclusion, respect, and participation, where everyone took part, shared their work and gave feedback to the others. His gentle and inviting nature set the tone.”

Louise R.

“ Joaquín is very personable and welcoming; he is very insightful as a teacher and able to help participants look deeply into the more profound aspects of their work.”

Jodie H.

"I participated in a workshop with Joaquin and found him generous with his time with helpful and supportive critiques. Although he possesses a wide base of knowledge, he invited other prominent photographers in adding to the learning experience. The workshop was informal but structured enough to really learn from Joaquin and each other. I learned a lot and am looking forward to the next time he leads a workshop."

Mary Beth K.

"Joaquin is passionate about photography, and his empathetic and supportive teaching style puts students at ease as they embark on their own photographic journey."

Thea L.

“Prof Palting is truly a great instructor! He gave clear lectures about how to use dslr's and provided sufficient supplementary material. He inspired, challenged, and critiqued students very well and fairly. He is extremely personable and easy to talk to. He also made himself available to his students as needed. I would highly recommend his classes!”

Anonymous (from ratemyprofessors.com)

“Knowledgeable and easy to understand. Advises on both technical and creative aspects of photography. Distance learning meant we could not use film cameras, darkroom, or common subjects. Prof. Palting adapted assignments to suit the circumstances and scaffolds to the needs of each student. Very encouraging and cares about the students.”

Anonymous (from ratemyprofessors.com)

Los Angeles Center of Photography - Fall 2026

9/28/2026

Tuesday
October 24, 2026
10:00 am - 1:00 pm

One Session

Tuition: $195 (Become a Member today and receive 5% – 20% off!)

Enrollment Limited to 12 Students

This hands-on workshop is designed for photographers who are new to DSLR cameras. Over three hours, participants will learn the essential settings and controls of their DSLR, including exposure, aperture, shutter speed, ISO, focus, and basic composition. The class demystifies technical jargon and empowers students to understand how their choices affect the final image. Register at this LINK

Los Angeles Center of Photography - Spring 2026

2/2/2026

Join me live in-person for a 6-week Basic Photography class that I am teaching at the LACP this spring. The class will be Tuesday evenings April 21st, 2026 through May 26th, 2026 at the LACP headquarters in downtown Los Angeles, CA.

In this beginning workshop, students will learn all the controls and functions on their digital cameras (DSLR or Mirrorless) basic camera operation (including f-stop, shutter speed and ISO), fundamental concepts of photography, and how to control the photograph’s final look. Discussions include composition and light, how to get the background in or out of focus, how to stop or blur motion, why to use one ISO over another, when to use a tripod, and how to use the camera’s light meter to provide the best exposure. Other topics covered include using the appropriate lens for a desired effect (the difference between a prime lens and a zoom lens), how to hold the focus on a subject if changing camera positions (exploring auto focus modes and manual focus), and how to properly hold the camera.

Digital camera technology will be covered thoroughly, such as how to adjust the camera’s white balance, how to view and delete images, the difference between shooting RAW and JPEG, choosing the appropriate memory card, and how to transfer the image from the camera to a computer. The goal is to provide each participant with the technical information needed to operate his or her digital SLR camera properly and with the confidence and ability to shoot consistently in manual mode.

Students will work in both black-and-white and color while learning how to “see” in the chosen mode. Weekly assignments will be given followed by critiques during the next class session. More information can be found on the LACP website HERE.