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Beginner's Photography Class

Beginner's Photography Class

Saturday 16 August
Oakhill Jackson - 10am - 3 Hours
April Leigh
Ready to learn more about your camera and get out of automatic exposure? Now is your chance!

Join us as we break down your camera to help you learn about shutter speed, aperture, ISO and how these settings affect your exposure.

We will then put your new knowledge to the test with the guidance of a professional photographer.
book now
$98       5 places left
Radiant Portraits: Natural Light Photography Meetup

Radiant Portraits: Natural Light Photography Meetup

Saturday 06 September
Czech Village - 10am - 2 Hours
April Leigh
This class is your time to learn and gain a proper understanding of Composition and the importance of light to help boost your photography skills.

We, as a class, will be photographing a model without any on-camera flash or strobe photography. Just the available light, we will walk through, troubleshoot, make adjustments and capture a portrait successfully.

We will also learn how to use light modifiers like a reflector to help capture appropriately exposed shots in not-so-great lighting
book now
$49      
Landscape Photography

Landscape Photography

Saturday 27 September
Otis Rd SE - 10am - 2 Hours
April Leigh
Landscape photography is possibly one of the most popular genres, so we'll be looking at how you can improve your shots and help your photos stand out from the crowd. We will be focusing on composition, panoramas, equipment tips and settings to use.

All skill levels welcome! The professional photography instructor will be there to provide advice, feedback and tips on how to improve your photos and camera skills.
book now
$49      

Beginner's Photography Class

Beginner's Photography Class

Saturday 18 October
Oakhill Jackson - 10am - 3 Hours
April Leigh
Ready to learn more about your camera and get out of automatic exposure? Now is your chance!

Join us as we break down your camera to help you learn about shutter speed, aperture, ISO and how these settings affect your exposure.

We will then put your new knowledge to the test with the guidance of a professional photographer.
book now
$98      
Abstract Photography

Abstract Photography

Saturday 08 November
Otis Rd SE - 10am - 2 Hours
April Leigh
Abstract photography involves capturing a subject in a way that renders it either partially or completely unrecognizable, emphasizing instead on the interplay of shapes, colors, and form.

In this workshop, we will explore the art of creating striking and thought-provoking images through the use of abstraction.

Our experienced instructor will guide you through the process of understanding and applying the principles of abstract photography, including composition, color, and texture. We will cover topics such as finding inspiration in everyday objects, experimenting with different angles and perspectives.
book now
$49      
Beginner's Photography Class

Beginner's Photography Class

Saturday 29 November
Oakhill Jackson - 10am - 3 Hours
April Leigh
Ready to learn more about your camera and get out of automatic exposure? Now is your chance!

Join us as we break down your camera to help you learn about shutter speed, aperture, ISO and how these settings affect your exposure.

We will then put your new knowledge to the test with the guidance of a professional photographer.
book now
$49      

ABOUT CEDAR
RAPIDS
PHOTOGRAPHY
GROUP
Come along to our photo sessions to dust off your camera and get snap-happy with a professional photography instructor.

Brush up on your camera skills and learn new photography techniques whilst on a photo walk class with other local keen photographers!

We run two hour photography sessions based on a photography theme/technique/style and they take place in various locations in Cedar Rapids.

  • New to photography? We also run a popular 3 hour Beginners Guide to Photography Class once a month. And once in a while we will run special niche 3 hour classes, for example, Astrophotography - so do subscribe to our newsletter to know when the next on is!

  • Who can attend? Open to all skill levels, from beginners to keen amateurs. The photography instructor is there to help you with camera settings and provide any advice you need.

  • What to bring? We recommend bringing a camera that has full manual mode or semi-manual modes (Aperture or Shutter Priority). Compact cameras and smartphones also welcome!

    The meeting point and full details for the day are sent in the booking confirmation email to the email address you provide at time of booking.

    Join the Cedar Rapids Photography Group on Facebook to share your photos after the session.

    Got a question? Try our FAQ.
    • REVIEWS
    I enjoyed it. She pushed me to use and become comfortable with the Manual settings
    5/5
    Scott
    2025-05-26
    Prior to the class, I had been reluctant to take my new camera out of the travel bag. The class forced me to learn the location of the most important controls on my new mirrorless camera and it has pulled me away from the auto settings that I used to rely on. After the class I am now experimenting with other settings and actually using my new, and mostly manual, camera. It was a great way to get me started.
    5/5
    Bill
    2025-03-23
    Mykael is very knowledgeable and made the class fun and well worth the time. I appreciated that she was willing to tailor the class to the needs of the students.
    5/5
    Michael
    2025-02-10

    The instructor was very knowledgeable and supportive. She adapted well to changing conditions. She provided great resources to work on after the course.
    5/5
    Sean
    2024-07-14
    It was a delight to meet Mykael and I found renewed excitement for photography.
    5/5
    Pat
    2024-04-24
    PHOTOGRAPHERS
    April Leigh
    Mykael Leigh is a published photographer based in Eastern Iowa. She received her B.F.A in digital photography in 2013 from the Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago. She has worked and exhibited in Chicago and neighboring cities. Her specializations are portraiture, boudoir, and senior portraits. She loves the arts and enjoys creating projects that speak to the client's interest.

    As a fine artist, she creates sharp images that reflect the individual. She uses fine art and documentary elements with portraiture throughout many of her works. In many situations, she connects with the client by making them feel comfortable.

    April Leigh is available for private bookings

    Saturdays from 12pm until 6pm for portraits.

    create a private booking
    PHOTOS
    Ottawa Photography Group
    2025-07-07
    Cedar Rapids Photography Group
    2024-11-27
    Title or Location: Big Horn Moutains of Wyoming
    I was backpacking up here in June with my dog Juno. This was our second night camp area. Little over 10,000 feet. Taken with Nikon 7200 and 50 mm lens on a tripod.
    Credit: Scott Shrader
    Facebook: Scott Shrader Photography
    Instagram: Iowaoutdoorsphoto
    Cincinnati Photography Group
    2025-07-07

    Cedar Rapids Photography Group
    2024-11-20
    Title or Location: South of Black River Falls, Wisconsin
    A stand of pine trees south of Black River Falls, Wisconsin.
    Credit: Kevin E. Schmidt
    Cincinnati Photography Group
    2025-07-07
    Cedar Rapids Photography Group
    2024-10-16
    Title or Location: McGregor, Iowa
    Sunlight breaking through the clouds causes the colors of the changing season to explodes off the bluffs surrounding Pike Peak State Park near McGregor, Iowa October 13th, 2024.
    Credit: Kevin E. Schmidt

    Cincinnati Photography Group
    2025-07-07
    Cedar Rapids Photography Group
    2024-10-02
    Title or Location: Kingston Stadium, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, USA
    Taken during week 4 of the Iowa high school football season during the cross-town rivalry of John F Kennedy Cougars vs the George Washington Warriors, the class of 2027 and 4-star ranked kicker Logan Barton Left the locker room early during half time to practice some field goals, he often lines himself up 40, 50, and even 60 yards away from the field goal despite a lighter build. I asked him to put his helmet on for some shots, I got up close in front of him (Hoping he wouldn't drill me in
    Credit: Isaac White Photography
    Instagram: Isaacwhitephotography
    Cincinnati Photography Group
    2025-07-07

    Cedar Rapids Photography Group
    2024-09-25
    Title or Location: Maquoketa, Iowa
    Even the most common thing like a branch of an evergreen bush (Hinoki cypress) can suddenly take center stage as it's illuminated by the perfect sulight for a few moments.
    Credit: Kevin E. Schmidt
    Visalia Photography Group
    2025-07-06
    Cedar Rapids Photography Group
    2024-08-11
    Title or Location: Lima Church, Fayette, IA
    The bride, Ashley's great great grandparents were owners of the general store in Lima. The town was torn down to build a lake, but the church was on high enough ground so they were able to keep it. The lake was never built and what was the town is now Volga State recreation area. Ashley's great grandparents Darlene and Verle Pugh were married in the church in the late 40's. Ashley grew up as a little kid doing events and such at the Lima Church with her great grandparents and it was her childh
    Credit: Megan Long
    Facebook: Lead With Light Photography
    Instagram: @Leadwithlightphotography

    Lancaster Photography Group
    2025-07-01
    Birmingham Photography Group
    2025-07-09
    Title or Location: Cannock Chase, Staffordshire, UK
    I had spent the better part of the day moving silently through the edges of the chase looking to photograph deer. It was one of those days that seemed perfect on paper: overcast skies that softened the light, barely a breath of wind, and a camera battery at full charge. But nature is nothing if not humbling. The deer remained ghost-like, unseen despite hours of quiet patience and soft steps.By late afternoon my hopes had dimmed so I began the slow walk back to the car. The path wound through
    Credit: Darren Ford
    Facebook: darren.ford.1865
    Instagram: darrenfordphotography
    Cincinnati Photography Group
    2025-06-30

    Winnipeg Photography Group
    2025-07-09
    Title or Location: Whitemouth, ManitobaCPKC
    CPKC Rail Engine 9350 plus one heading east out of Winnipeg to deliver it's freight to Eastern Canada and possibly countries beyond on this beautiful summer day. Engine 9350 is a Diesel/Electric Locomotive which was built in February 2012 by General Electric and produces 4400HP which is capable to propel it to a top speed of 75mph. I love to photograph trains whenever I get a chance. To me they are iconic.
    Credit: Terry Jeffery
    Allentown Photography Group
    2025-06-30
    Murfreesboro Photography Group
    2025-07-09
    Title or Location: San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
    Sitting on the rooftop at Salia Restaurant in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico watching the storms blow in. Travel and Leisure has named this city as one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. This location is a photographers dream location.
    Credit: James Strength
    Facebook: James Strength

    Lexington Photography Group
    2025-06-26
    Toronto Photography Group
    2025-07-09
    Title or Location: Toronto ON Canada
    The photo was taken on the shore of Lake Ontario at Woodbine Beach Park. Whenever you take a photo of a sunrise or sunset, it is difficult to predict how nature will show you. Sometimes expectations are not met, but sometimes you receive a modest but magnificent gift. There was a small puddle on the shore of the lake from a recent rain and it was in it that the miracle of the sunrise appeared. Shot on a Samsung 21s mobile phone and processed in the phone in the Snapseed program.
    Credit: Yuri Shvarzman
    Lexington Photography Group
    2025-06-26

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