About us
Capital Photography Center offers the perfect blend of expertise, convenience, and personalized learning that will take your photography skills to the next level.
Founded in 2012 by Marie Joabar, a veteran in photography education, Capital Photography Center has a long-standing reputation in the Metro DC area for the quality and effectiveness of our classes.
With class sizes limited to 8 to 10 students, you'll receive the individual attention you need to learn at whatever level you’re at.
Theory is important but nothing beats hands-on experience. Our in-the-field classes take you to exciting locations across the DC area, from urban landscapes to nature settings.
From basic to advanced, from capture to edit, we've got you covered!
Class topics Offered:
-Photo basics to get you off auto mode
-Specialized classes in portrait, landscape, nature, street, and night photography as well as many other topics.
-Post-processing (editing) classes in Lightroom and Photoshop
-Flash and studio lighting and techniques
-Smartphone photography to tap into your creative side
-And more!
When you take a class with us, you're not just gaining knowledge - you're joining a community of passionate photographers. Share experiences, make connections, and find inspiration among like-minded individuals.
We look forward meeting you in a class or a Private Session and helping you along your photographic journey!
Upcoming events
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Photo Class: Fieldwork - Photo Basics in Old Town Alexandria
Old Town Alexandria, Old Town, Alexandria, VA, USThis class is offered thru Capital Photography Center. PLEASE REGISTER WITH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER, NOT MEETUP! https://capitalphotographycenter.com/classes/class/2026-10-31-fieldwork-photo-basics-in-old-town-alexandria
Join us on Halloween and explore the holiday decor throughout the Old Town area of Alexandria!
This class is designed for those who have taken any of the Photography Basics classes and want the opportunity to work in the field to reinforce the material covered in the classroom. We’ve encouraged you to leave the Auto settings behind and to shoot in the Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority or Manual modes so now it’s time for some hands-on.
Our location in Old Town gives us plenty of photo opportunities to practice exposure settings and creative captures. We begin down by the waterfront capturing the details in the harbor area, we’d then photograph quaint shops and historic homes. We'll end at the Farmers Market in front of City Hall where we’ll find street scenes, colorful produce, flowers stalls, and more.
We'll be working with you to reinforce:
Camera Controls
ISO Settings
Controlling motion with Shutter Speeds
Depth of Field and setting the aperture for the 'look' you want
White Balance
Focus Settings
Playback tools to evaluate focus and exposure
Composition - Framing an interesting photograph
Join us and come away with stronger skills for setting exposure and capturing exciting images that you’re proud to show off.Any camera with the Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority or Manual modes is appropriate. Bring your camera and any or all of your lenses. We’ll work with what you have in your bag.
Please note: It is assumed you have already taken a Basics class and are somewhat familiar with the manual exposure modes. We will not be able to introduce you to this material at this class.
PLEASE REGISTER WITH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER, NOT MEETUP! https://capitalphotographycenter.com/classes/class/2026-10-31-fieldwork-photo-basics-in-old-town-alexandriaQuestions can be directed to Marie Joabar at info@capitalphotographycenter.com.
1 attendee
Photo Class: Maritime Photography - Capturing Majestic Tall Ships
Chestertown, Chestertown, MD 21620, USA, MD, USThis class is offered thru Capital Photography Center. PLEASE REGISTER WITH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER, NOT MEETUP! https://capitalphotographycenter.com/classes/class/2026-10-31-maritime-photography-capturing-majestic-tall-ships
Join us in this unique class photographing the truly majestic tall ships in historic Chestertown, Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay. Every fall, tall ships return to the Bay for the Sultana Education/Chestertown Downrigging Weekend, one of Maryland's most photogenic maritime events.
This waterfront festival draws 6 to 8 tall ships from as far away as New England, alongside Maryland favorites like the Pride of Baltimore II and the newly built Maryland Dove, giving photographers a rare chance to practice photographing tall ships and other wooden vessels up close. Additionally, participants have the opportunity to board and tour the tall ships firsthand.
Kim Kelly leads the group around the festival, sharing her knowledge of the many ways to capture these impressive ships and other wooden boats on display.
Topics include
• Storytelling through your images — from the big picture down to the smallest details
• Using lines and shapes to strengthen your composition
• Composing waterscapesStep back in time when tall ships were the maritime vessels gracing the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. This photography class is perfect for photographers of all skill levels.
Recommended Gear: A DSLR or Mirrorless camera with lenses in the range of wide to telephoto 16mm to 300 or 400mm if you have that.
After the class, participants may want to book a ticket to sail on one of the vessels and the ticket link can be found on their event page.
PLEASE REGISTER WITH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER, NOT MEETUP! https://capitalphotographycenter.com/classes/class/2026-10-31-maritime-photography-capturing-majestic-tall-ships
Questions can be directed to Marie Joabar at info@capitalphotographycenter.com.1 attendee
Rock Creek Park Photo Hike
Location not specified yetThis class is offered thru Capital Photography Center. PLEASE REGISTER WITH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER, NOT MEETUP!
https://capitalphotographycenter.com/classes/class/2026-11-01-rock-creek-park-photo-hikeJoin Corey Hilz for a morning photo hike in beautifully wild yet local Rock Creek Park. Expand your creative nature photography by getting off the beaten track and find the hidden treasures on the trail.
Along the rapids area of Rock Creek Park the road is closed on the weekends to auto traffic bringing peace and quiet along the water. With a meandering trail along the river this adventure allows us to slow down and create compelling compositions of bridges, granite boulders and flowing waters.
This class will focus on learning to use camera settings and filters for slow exposures that create silky water effects. We’ll photograph along the rapids section with historic bridges as backdrops. Along with developing your slow exposure skills, compositional techniques for nature photography will be emphasized.
Designed for any level of photographer, we will concentrate on making thoughtful choices for compelling compositions and creating slow exposure captures.
Topics Include:
- How Neutral Density and Circular Polarizer filters are used in nature photography.
- Technical aspects including camera settings, the histogram, understanding light and composition.
- Creative composition for compelling nature captures.
This class is on uneven and rocky terrain. Boulder stepping is necessary near the water’s edge.
Estimated distance is 1½ miles on both paved, unpaved and rocky trails.
Recommended Equipment: Digital camera with a zoom lens in the 16 – 105mm range and a sturdy tripod. A circular polarizer filter and if you have it, a neutral density filter (6 stops or variable)
PLEASE REGISTER WITH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER, NOT MEETUP!
https://capitalphotographycenter.com/classes/class/2026-11-01-rock-creek-park-photo-hikeQuestions can be directed to Marie Joabar at info@capitalphotographycenter.com.
1 attendee
Getting Started in Architecture, Interiors, and Real Estate Photography
K St NW, K St NW, Washington, DC 20005, USA, Washington, DC, USThis class is offered thru Capital Photography Center. PLEASE REGISTER WITH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER, NOT MEETUP!
https://capitalphotographycenter.com/classes/class/2026-11-01-getting-started-in-architecture-interiors-real-estate-photographyLearn the fundamentals of Architecture and Interior photography and develop a strong foundation of skills that can be applied to Real Estate, Interior Design, and Hospitality photography.
Tammy will guide you through the core techniques used in architectural and interior photography, including working with natural light and HDR (High Dynamic Range) imaging. The course will explore composition theory and how it applies to photographing spaces, helping you create images that are both visually compelling and technically strong. You'll also learn practical approaches to managing a range of lighting situations, from straightforward interiors to more complex environments with mixed and challenging light.
By the end of the course, you'll have a deeper understanding of how to photograph interiors with accuracy, intention, and impact.
Topics include:
- How to approach a building and rooms
- Looking for problems and how to solve them
- Camera angles for interior shots
- Composition rules and tips
- Methods to balance indoor shots with window light
- Lighting conditions for exteriors
- Color accuracy and color casts
- Tips and tricks for dynamic photos
- Gear recommendations from simple equipment for a basic shoot and options for upgrading
- Camera and exposure settings
- Application of photography skills real estate
After the discussion portion, we’ll have a hands-on practice session taking photos of interiors and exteriors (weather dependent).
Any camera will do, but for best results we recommend a digital SLR camera or a mirrorless camera with manual exposure controls with a wide-angle lens (10-20mm for digital DX SLR's, 12-24 mm for full frame/FX SLR's), a circular polarizer filter, an external flash unit if you have one, and a sturdy tripod with adjustable head.
It's recommended that you have knowledge of exposure basics and can adjust the exposure settings with your camera. If not, consider taking the Photo Basics - Getting Off Auto class first.
The Business of Real Estate Photography - Optional 90 minute Add-On ($100) at 1:45 - 3:15pm
Tammy will share a lot of valuable information. There is a very active Real Estate Photography community and Tammy will introduce you to various paths for getting involved and learning more. Join us for an hour intensive discussion about the business of real estate photography - learn how to make these photography skills work for you and start earning with your camera.
Tammy will cover:
- Types of real estate work
- How to find clients
- What realtors expect
- Adding additional services (floorpans, virtual tours, video, drone)
- Licensing and pricing for real estate
- Scheduling, delivery and invoicing solutions
- The difference between freelancing and a business
What people are saying about this class.
"The topics that were most useful to me were learning the best ways to photograph different rooms and how to work with different lighting and set-ups."
"The instructor has a good balance of the amount of information and was always showing examples which was helpful. "
"Tammy was really thorough and gave some very good information that I will definitely use."This class is offered thru Capital Photography Center. PLEASE REGISTER WITH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER, NOT MEETUP!
https://capitalphotographycenter.com/classes/class/2026-11-01-getting-started-in-architecture-interiors-real-estate-photography
Questions can be directed to Marie Joabar at info@capitalphotographycenter.com.2 attendees
Past events
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