Testimonials - Photography Classes

”The Night Workshop was fun and I learned a lot. The instructor was very patient, helpful and gave each student individual attention. We learned light painting in the studio and then went outside at night for the rest of the class. The photos that I learned to take were amazing night time photos.” -Diane G., 2-11-2019

”The Joshua Tree workshop, which I participated in was absolutely fantastic. It was an all-day event, so we were able to immerse ourselves in the park and photograph the beautiful vistas throughout. Sammy was very knowledgeable about the area and was able to guide our group to the best locations for dramatic photo opportunities. It does not matter if you are a beginner or experienced photographer, there are plenty of exciting opportunities to enhance your photography skills throughout the day. The highlight of the workshop was later in the day as the evening turned into night. After practicing out sunset photography skills, we waited until darkness engulfed our group and the stars above were calling out to us to begin photographing the celestial skies. With the crystal-clear skies, this was an amazing introduction to night photography and because of Sammy, an excellent opportunity for an experienced photographer to take their skills to the next level. I would highly recommend this workshop. You will have a fantastic time and come back with many wonderful memories….and if you want to further develop your night photography skills, iWink Studios has a separate night photography workshop, which I also highly recommend.” -Jerry G., 2-8-2019

”I went to this workshop last year. It was exciting as I was learning some new creative stuff I could do in the dark. You will learn about how to use slow shutter speed for creating an awsome image, Sam was helpful and if you are passionate abt trying new things at the location just ask him. Would suggest taking a wide lens.” -Arezoo J., 2-6-2019

”Fun and informative class. It was held outdoors so the learning was done at sunset and night. The instructor is hands on and works with each student as needed. Highly recommend.” -Laurie M., 2-6-2019

”Had a great time at the Food Photography Workshop. I really appreciated the one-on-one instruction I received. I got some great shots of some chocolate dipped strawberries, and splashing milk. I highly recommend any and all of the classes iWink studios offers. You will have a great time and learn many new things about your camera and it’s settings, to be able to take great photos.” -Matthew K., 2-4-2019

“We’ve always had a great time going to iWink studios. I have taken photography class here, they’ve done portraits for us, and came here for castings as well. Every time is a positive experience. They are super friendly/nice, patient, organized, knowledgeable and their work is just gorgeous! I can’t recommend them enough.” -Kristin P., 10-7-2018

“Had a great time learning how to do night photography. We started out in the studio for some practice and instruction, then we ventured out of the studio to get some cool night time shots. Highly recommend the class.” -Matthew K., 8-21-2018

“I recently bought a dslr and was searching for photography classes. Need to figure out how to work this thing. So I called iwink to find out about their studio and their classes. Lauren helped me and she was so kind. She answered my millions of questions so I understood everything. She was very patient with me. The schedule didn’t work with my schedule but I appreciate all her help. Hopefully I can eventually take classes there.” -Laura J., 8-24-2017

“Took the crash photography class with Sammy and couldn’t be happier with what was taught. I can finally get my camera off of auto mode and take great pictures. Class was fun and informative. Definitely recommend doing the 2 class series. I’ll be back for the 12 week classes soon! Thanks Sammy! It was awesome!” -Corrie B., 8-14-2016

“I went to classes and Sammy is such a nice guy! He help me to get a understanding on my camera. And also photos hope and light room. Also he showed me lighting equipment and how to shot a model. I fully want anyone to take a class here!” -Christian F., 5-3-2016

“Where do I even start with IWINK studios? They have done SO much for me personally & for the company I work for. They really go above and beyond. I started by taking Sammy’s photography classes that were extremely helpful, education and easy to follow! Way better than spending months taking courses at a college ; ) Sammy & Sienna “know it all” in a good way. They are also very friendly, approachable and just kind hearted people. They don’t make you feel stupid or like an idiot (some studios/photographers can be really pretentious) but Sammy & Sienna are great communicators and business owners. Sammy films & edits videos for us (we are very particular about this) and he caters to all our needs + wants. It is very time consuming but he really cares about what he’s doing and that it’s done very well. I’ve also had last minute photoshoots and issues come up and they are SUPER flexible and available all the time. Sometimes I text them just to ask a question and they answer right away. I don’t know any other studio or photographers that are this accessible! I feel very grateful to have found them & know them. I appreciate all the handwork they do, not just for me but for all their cliental. Thank you Sammy & Sienna ! I heart IWINK!” -Mary B., 1-27-2016

“Sammy and Sienna are the epitome of great customer service. Attentive, knowledgeable and gracious. Sammy is a great instructor. I took the crash course with him and several hours went by like minutes. He’s explains things simply and continues to help you understand if you’re lost. A friend of mine and I were even fortunate enough to sit down with Sammy during lunch and for to know him a little more. He is zero intimidation while being a wealth of knowledge. He has geared me up for my adventures in photography! Thanks iWink!” -Bonnie L., 3-23-2016

“I’ve taken two photography classes with Sammy and both were excellent. I even recruited another photographer to take a class with me. The pace of the class was easy to follow. I learned a lot enabling me to take better pictures and edit my pictures. In general I feel much more confident taking my camera out of auto mode. Sammy was also very good about staying after class to answer questions for anyone who needed it.” -Katie M., 6-18-2015

“Bought this class as a Groupon, so that part was a good deal. Then we get a confirmation email mentioning that it is a very good idea to purchase the companion book for the class, for $39. The class was great. The instructor was enjoyable and helpful and I learned a lot about using my new camera.

The staff at iWink was friendly and able to answer the multitude of questions I came up with. I would have enjoyed taking the other classes, but time and money are short. I guess I will just have to figure it out on my own! Maybe sometime further down the line. Thanks iWink. Great class!” –Patti C., 6-16-2015

“The one day digital photography class was great. I learned a lot when I didn’t know much going in. Sammy was very professional and a good teacher. I would recommend this class and his others to anyone interested.” –Cathy M., 6-14-2015

“I took the Basic Digital Photography crash course at iWink and it was awesome. Sammy is an impressive instructor with a vast array of photography experience. In just one day he explained the fundamentals of photography in a way that not only got me to understand, but I walked away actually able to apply them. I am so excited about all that I’ve learned in a single day I decided to sign up for Sammy’s 8 week Photography Fundamentals course.” -Kristle J., 1-6-2015

“Loved the class. It made so much sense. Thank you for being such a great teacher.” -Norma E., 1-6-2015

“My girlfriend and I took a day long intro course last Saturday (1/3/15). Our seats were purchased through GroupOn. No administrative difficulties at all, smooth sailing from “on line in our living room” to being seated in the class.

Our instructor, Sammy, was really great. 1. He kept the class on track: answered all relavent questions clearly, and deferred tangents and off topic questions politely. 2. He knows his subject matter & is able to teach it: While photography is an art form, so is conveying knowledge. Sammy really did a great job presenting information and checking our understanding before proceeding. It was great to learn what amazing things can be done with digital photography. The modes on my camera, that until Saturday were a mystery, are now within my reach. Now I get to go play (practice sounds like work…whatever this is fun). I was shown some amazing ways to get creative, and get better photos. I highly recommend iWink, for classes, and will go back for the post processing and other courses when I can. We have a trip to DC comming up, and I can’t wait to get my shutter rolling!” –Matt D., 1-5-2015

“I just completed Sammy’s eight session Fundamentals of Digital Photography class. Sammy is a terrific teacher. He takes you through the material in a logical and progressive way, building on every lesson. His explanations are clear with great examples. He is friendly, funny and approachable and clearly has a passion for teaching and sharing information. Sammy’s studio is also a cool place to take classes. I very strongly recommend Sammy’s classes and will take more!” –Rebecca G., 10-14-2014

“I was fortunate enough to be able to take Sammy’s Basic Digital Photography Crash Course. The course taught all the basics about photography. As a student, I’ve always wondered the difference between high fstop vs. aperture vs. depth of field and AUTO mode vs. Program mode. I also never quite understood the interplay between ISO, Shutter-speed, and Aperture. Sammy helped to clear all that mess. I especially liked how he taught us how to use manual mode so you can make adjustments to get the effects that you want. He went over the basics in a methodical fashion to help with understanding the concepts. He went through very basic things that make up a camera to where some good places to buy equipment are. I liked this style because it gives you an appreciation of the machinery while also walking you through theory and then practice. Sometimes reading books and your manual can seem overwhelming but just spending one day through this crash course can help you get through all the clutter quickly. If you are ever curious about why some of your pictures are too dark, how to get bokeh, or just the different modes on your camera, this class is for you.” –Brent N., 8-31-2014

“I was looking for a digital camera class and came upon Sammy’s studio. I sent him an inquiry and he contacted me right away. I took the class and was really appreciative of Sammy’s ability to teach a class with multiple levels of student experience and knowledge. His demonstrations were super helpful and we were able to practice with our own cameras and get immediate feedback to help us get even better with our equipment. Really happy I took the course!” –Cheryl P., 5-26-2014

“I attended the Digital crash course this past weekend(purchased on group on) and was so impressed with Sammy. It was amazing how little I knew about my digital camera. The information shared was concise and presented in a manner that even a beginner could understand. I left there so excited about shooting in “M” mode that I spent a large portion of the next day shooting inside/outside/light/dark settings. Just signed up for the 8 week course and I couldn’t be more excited!” -Sheri F., 2-26-2014

“I initially signed up for the one day crash course in photog using a groupon. That class was great. I was actually a photog major in undergrad, a few years back (15 years ago and in the days of film). I since became I lawyer and laid my film cameras to rest for a while. Photography has obviously moved on into the digital techno era, and without me. I thought that the “A” on my point and shoot stood for automatic, and could not understand why my snapshots weren’t working. Thank god for this class. I now know that the “A” is for aperture priority, and actually know how to use it. I am now taking Sammy’s 8 week class, and fully intend to take his studio lighting class. Sammy is a great teacher. He is very patient and simultaneously works with students of different experience levels. He is very knowledgeable not only of photography in general, but the camera and all those pesky technical terms and details. I am very thankful to now have a working knowledge of my DSLR camera and am looking forward to continued learning. Thanks Sammy!” –Erica C., 11-21-2013

“I really enjoyed the two classes I took. Sammy took the time to answer all of our questions and gave helpful information regarding our individual cameras. It was a great introduction.” -Carla R., 11-19-2013

“After completing the first phase of Fundamentals Of Photography and learning a freekin TON about my camera I’m now advancing to my third year of shooting and feel things are finally coming together. I now am learning about lighting, portrait taking, night photography, detailed software techniques and so much more. Every week when I come to class we also critique photos we have taken since our last class and he directs as well as answers all questions on just how to get that perfect photo we are shouting for. Some take his classes for fun and others for a new direction in career choices but ALL of us agree on learning so much at ease that I’m just not wanting to end these weekly learning adventures. I’ve been attending classes for almost 3 months now and I can’t even begin to tell you all I’ve learned. It’s night and day! I feel I have the confidence to take a picture with so much more ease and my career will be bright and I can seriously see my goal of a professional photographer coming into grasp. Thank you so much Sammy for having the patience for an outspoken silly girl with a passion in the art of photography. I will always recommend your classes to EVERYONE I MEET!”
-Candace D., 3-22-2013

“I’m currently taking the Digital Photography class at iWink Studios in Orange County. Sammy is great at explaining the technical skills needed to become a better photographer. He also provides advice on equipment if you’re looking to add to your kit and is always ready to answer all your questions on photography. He’ll even provide feedback on your pictures. This is a great class to learn how to use your DSLR camera to its fullest potential. I was looking for a class to take me to the next level of photography and this is it!” -Cheryl P., 1-20-2013

“This is a great place to take photography classes. I had bought my first DSLR camera and had no idea how to use it, so I signed up for Sammy’s Digital Photography Fundamentals 6 Class Series. The classes started with the very basics- what the different modes on the cameras are, what the different buttons do, how the camera works etc. Then the second class went into f-stop, exposure and ISO. After the second class, I was able to go out and start shooting on manual on my own! There are lots of other great topics covered too- flash, composition, creating effects with blur, and post-processing/ photo editing. It’s a lot of information, but Sammy is great about making sure that everyone understands it. I would definitely recommend iWINK for photography classes.” -Sara S., 10-19-2012

“I have just started taking digital photography classes here and so far so great, check this place out!! Sammy is so nice plus so patient, especially for those who like to ask A LOT of questions when you are just starting out with a fancy schmancy camera type.

Will update this review if any changes but since I am just beginning…. ; )” -Eryn B., 8-12-2012

“Photography is a hobby of mine and Sammy is a great great person to learn from. His company is clean, organized, friendly, professional, and an overall great experience to take in. I’ve taken a few of his classes to learn the basics of photography and let me tell you….I am that much better at this wonderful hobby of mine that I’ve started researching additional classes his company has to offer. Sammy is such a great teacher and person that when my daughter recently grew ill, Sammy called to see how she was doing. It’s this personal touch that will keep me coming to his classes.” -Nola F., 4-23-2012

Orange County Photography Location: Irvine/Newport Beach, CA.

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