Resources*
Are you looking to buy camera equipment, or obtain professional services? Maybe you are looking for tips about photography and computer processing. We have several resources which you might want to explore. We provide links for local stores as well as internet providers.
*TOPG provides these resources solely as a service to its members and makes no endorsements nor claims as to the quality or reliability of the businesses.
Thousand Oaks Photo Group Member's Developed Resources
Currently, no resources are available in this topic area.
On-Line Training
kelbyone - ($9.99 - $19.99 per month) - Kelbyone, the all-in-one resource to help you master Photography, Photoshop and Lightroom. If you have any questions about our training community or joining the membership, let us know here and we'll answer them. 700+ courses, 250+ quick tutorials.
Lynda.com was purchased by LinkedIn in 2019. Look for the same courses in LinkedIn Learning. LinkedIn Learning is a fee-based system.
PHLEARN is a Photoshop, Lightroom, and Photography online tutorial site with tons of in-depth guides for any style and skill level photographer. Many of the tutorials are free, though there is also a subscription option to provide you with more access, should you want to dive deeper into the world of Photoshop. (Full-access subscription $8.25 per month.)
Matt K - Matt Kloskowski's website provides a suite of training materials including free training videos for Lightroom and Photoshop. In addition, you can purchase a number of courses (various prices from $19 to $$$). Matt used to be a member of the Kelby1 team, and the On1 team. But, he has moved on to his own site. You can also check out Matt's photography website for more ideas.
PiXimperfect - Unmesh Dinda's PiXimperfect YouTube site has more than 450 tutorials on Photoshop, His tutorials are easy to understand, as he walks you through some very complex Photoshop concepts. All materials are free! Several videos are available on the PiXimperfect website, but the bulk are found on his PiXimperfect YouTube Channel.
Photoshop Cafe - Colin Smith hosts a diverse website at Photoshop Cafe where you can take tutorials and training courses on many Photoshop and Lightroom topics as well as photography, lighting and design. Some classes are free, but most are available for a nominal fee. Colin maintains an active Blog, and sends out email messages about tips and tutorials on a regular basis.
Photography Degree Granting Programs
No information at this time.
General Photo Tips
Adorama Learning Center (sponsored by Adorama Camera) provides several categories of tips including photography tips, gear tips, technology gear and more.
B&H Explora sponsored by B&H Camera and Video) provides information about photography, computers and more.
Cambridge in Colour - provides many resources for photographers including books, tools and photography tutorials including concepts and terminology, camera equipment, photo editing and pos-processing, ...
Digital Photography School is "one of the most popular and longest running blogs on the web about photography. Founder Darren Rowse is a digital photography enthusiast who created the site to share tips for photographers who want to get the most out of their cameras." (Source: About Digital Photography School). Categories include Photo Tips, Camera Gear, and post-processing. Digital Courses are available for a cost (up to $99).
The Luminous Landscape is a well-organized website that includes articles (some of which were previously published in photo journals), workshops (pricey), and video tutorials. They even have a rather extensive Forum where you might find the answer to a question that you never thought to ask. Access to most materials requires annual membership of $12.
Tim Grey Photographer - "Tim Grey is regarded as one of the top educators in digital photography and imaging, offering clear guidance on complex subjects through his writing and speaking. Tim has written more than a dozen books on digital imaging for photographers, and has published over one hundred video training courses, has had hundreds of articles published in magazines such as Digital Photo Pro and Outdoor Photographer, among others." (from About Tim Grey). Features include "Ask Tim Grey," where Tim answers questions submitted by photographers, PIXOLOGY Magazine, an online photography, magazine ($20 per year), and Grey Learning online courses (various prices and $149 for all courses annually).
Post Processing Tips
Lightroom Killer Tips is from Scott Kelby provides a new Lightroom tip every day. Topics include image editing, quick tips, Lightroom Mobile, news and classes. Some class materials are free, but for most, you must become a member of Kelby1.
Photoshop Killer Tips, Scott Kelby's companion website for Photoshop, is a component of Layers Magazine. As with LIghtroom Killer tips, some features are free, while others require a subscription to Kelby1.
The LIghtroom Queen provides useful information about Lightroom. Some materials are free such as the newsletter and the user forums. A whole host of materials are available for "premium" members. The price of membership is to purchase Victoria's Lightroom the Mission FAQs book or eBook, either from her site or from Amazon. Prices vary, but will generally be less than $30. Victoria is very responsive to user inquiries to her forums as well as on the Adobe User Forums.
Equipment
Camera Equipment, Accessories and Supplies
Hooper Camera (local) - Hooper Camer's Thousand Oaks store is located at 616 E Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, CA, 91360. Phone: (805) 494-3080. Email:
Samy’s Camera - Samy's closed its Santa Barbara store in June 2019. There are still four stores in Southern California to serve you. Samy's has a very large website, and they often offer deeper discounts online than in store. If you see a difference in price when in store, make sure you ask them for the internet price. They will usually match it if you ask. Phone: 800-321-4726. Email:
Woodland Hills Camera (local) - Woodland Hills Camera is located at 5348 Topanga Canyon Blvd. #101, Woodland Hills, CA 91364. Phone: 818-347-2270. Email:
Adorama Camera (online retailer based in New York City) - In business for more than 35 years, Adorama Camera provides cameras and photography equipment for sale and rental. Adorama Camera states that they are "the world’s only full-service destination for photo, video and electronics. We’re more than a camera store – we offer the best selection and prices on professional photography and video gear, pro-audio, and consumer electronics such as home theaters, mobile computing, home office equipment and more."
B&H Photo Video Pro Audio (online retailer based in New York City) - B&H Photo is the largest non-chain specialty electronics retailer in the US. B&H provides cameras and photography equipment for sale and rental.
Matt & Framing Supplies
Aaron Brothers Framing at Michaels Stores (local) - Michaels Stores, owner of Arron Brothers since 2009, has moved all framing services to Michaels Stores. The nearest stores are in Moorpark (816 New Los Angeles Ave, 805-552-9140) and Westlake Village (5780 Lindero Canyon Rd, 818-707-0013).
Frame Destination (online retailer) - The Frame Destination has provided online photography framing resources since 2004. They provide picture frames and do-it-yourself framing supplies for professional and amateur photographers.
The Frame Gallery (local) - Listed as a fine art and fine framing retailer, the Frame Gallery provides custom framing services. Store owner, Alisa, can help you select the right matt for your print. The Frame Gallery is located at 5907 Kanan Road in Agoura Hills. Phone: 818-991-8161.
Graphaids (local) - Graphaids provides a complete line of artists tools. They specialize in Epson printer products as well. Based in Culver City, the local store is in Agoura Hills at 28710 Canwood. Phone: 818-575-9565.
Valley Moulding & Frame (local) - Valley Moulding & Frame (the local International Moulding store) provides a complete line of framing materials and equipment for framing. The local storefront is in North Hollywood at 10708 Vanowen Street. Phone: 818-769-5656.
Printing Services
TotalGraphics is a digital graphics output center built on a well-earned reputation for producing a high standard of work at great prices and consistently providing our customers with the satisfaction they deserve. There is a good reason why our clients keep coming to us for their printing needs. Specializing in high quality large format printing, we use only the best UV inks to print on a variety of materials, from photo paper and banner material to canvas and art paper. Special requests are welcome. We also offer mounting and laminating services for the extra finish that you require. Total Graphics is located at 1107 Waverly Heights Drive in Thousand Oaks. Contact information:
Shooting Locations
Have you ever been at a loss to find a place to photograph. Probably not. But, if you want some ideas of where to go, checkout these resources:
The 100 Most Photogenic Spots in L.A. Los Angeles Magazine has compiled a very complete list. See it at: https://www.lamag.com/culturefiles/most-photogenic-places-los-angeles/
Top 10 Los Angeles Locations for Sunset Photographs. Discover Los Angeles has put together a list of the top sunset shoots. See it at: https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/visit/top-10-los-angeles-locations-for-sunset-photographs
Josh at California Through My Lens has put together his Top Ten list for shooting in California: https://californiathroughmylens.com/best-places-for-photography-in-california
Dustin Olsen has put together his top 35 Sites for Photography in California. The information is organized by geographic regions. See it at: https://improvephotography.com/10601/top-35-places-to-shoot-in-california/
Hiking
If you want to hit the trail and see some wildlife, flowers, or just great scenery, check out these two resources:
HikesPeak, where you can learn about all sorts of hiking trails local, around California, as well as 11 other states and two countries. See HikesPeak list at: https://www.hikespeak.com/california/
Modern Hiker also is a useful guide for hiking trails: See Modern Hiker's guide at: https://modernhiker.com/
*TOPG provides these resources solely as a service to its members and makes no endorsements nor claims as to the quality or reliability of the businesses.