Last Year I was an Editors Choice in the 2023 Aviation Week and Space Technology Photo edition. Without Tom and his class I would no doubt be plodding away with my camera with the usual mediocre results instead of what I am shooting now.
–Fred T
DSLR & Mirrorless Camera Classes
$233 Â $190
PhotoTrainer®,  Real Photography for Real People.
In-Person Photography classes in Mountain View, CA
Learn from a Pro!
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, with a 1-hour lunch break
My Jumpstart photography class get booked by beginner and avid photographers, with busy lives who have trouble sorting out their nice camera’s many features. They know manual mode is the thing to learn. Their potential with their proper camera is stuck, and all they want is a memorable photography class that instills confidence.
We learn and we shoot and we review. In one day.
You’ll Learn To:
• Manual Mode is the key to all the modes: M A S P. That’s it! Done. Now pick your mode.
• See in a new light and think like a photographer.
• Solid techniques Street photography, People shots, Landscape, Nature and Still Life.
• Shoot with confidence
• Class Size is limited, ensuring you receive personalized attention with YOUR camera.
• Unlimited opportunity to ask questions and refine your technique.
Book Your Class
October 25, 2025
November 15, 2025
December 06, 2025
January 24, 2026
February 14, 2026
February 28, 2026
I came to the DSLR/M Jumpstart class with some prior theoretical knowledge of DSLR cameras and exposure settings, gained from a class I took years ago and watching lots of YouTube videos. However, Tom’s class transformed that knowledge into practical skills. What stood out to me was how Tom tailored his teaching to help us work with our specific gear, making the experience much more hands-on and personalized. Beyond being a great instructor, Tom is a passionate and inspiring artist. He gave us a printout of a quote at the end of the class that left a lasting impression on me.
About Tom
I am Tom Upton, a seasoned professional photographer with a half century career and years of experience teaching photographers of all levels. I love this stuff.
Five stars for eighteen years.
