Standard Classes

COVID19 Notice! Update Sept 1st, 2021

Per Sacramento county guidelines, we are able to hold Studio Arts classes limited in numbers.  We will require clients and ourselves to be wearing masks and practicing social distancing as per the guidelines. 

We are committed to your safety and have reduced our class size. With that being said, we are excited to be bringing you in-person photography instruction and look forward to meeting you! 

We are committed to your safety. Our classes have been reduced in size limiting your exposure to other people. We encourage you to wear a mask at all times. Hand sanitizer as well as restrooms to wash your hands are available! Each person will have their own desk.

McKay Photography Academy offers a wide variety of photography classes to teach you how to take digital photos, process them in Photoshop or Lightroom and then to print! Each course is in a small intimate setting and we have loads of fun learning as well!

“Everything you want to know about your camera, but are afraid to ask is what this class is about. The instructors, David and Ally McKay broke down the basics of f/stop, shutter speed, aperture, and other common settings in the simplest of terms. You will have a basic understanding of all those buttons and dials on your camera after attending this course. What are you waiting for?” -Rick

Click here to view available Photography Classes.

If you have a Groupon or Living Social voucher, these are the courses to use that on and we are excited to have you joining us!

Please click here to register with your Groupon code!

Immersion Courses

Designed to get you from where you are at in photography, to a whole new level with 2 full days of personalized photography instruction with David and Ally McKay! No matter what your photography level, you will learn a ton in this immersive learning environment! 

“Just wanted to reach out to you both to thank you for the excellent class this past weekend. This was excellent in format and content. The weather cooperated also! The class really cemented the concepts of how to photograph different situations and I feel better about using the triangle of exposure. Having the students practice as we went along was instrumental.” – Diane

Click here to view available Immersion Photography Workshops.

Photo Enthusiast Network

Photo Enthusiast Network is an amazing online community for you to learn, grow, and belong! Filled with hundreds of hours of course content for beginners through advanced, FREE webinar events, Image reviews, an exclusive FB group, and community discussion board, personal interaction with David and Ally and others and MUCH more, this is the place to learn online!

Start your FREE trial today!

Class FAQs:

David & Ally McKay have taught their photography courses to acclaim all over the nation. During these courses, which are taught classroom style, you will learn a ton of incredible information and insight into the wonderful world of photography. If you are excited to learn about photography and your camera and have no idea where to start, this is the perfect place for you.

If you purchased a Groupon or Living Social voucher we are excited to have you join us! Please click here to register.

Yes! We offer our classes on special ourselves sometimes and you can purchase directly on the class being offered through the checkout cart. 

Yes, you can!  You would be surprised at how much information can be covered in a few hours. With that said, it is very common for students to attend multiple classes on back to back days. 

Class times vary depending on the subject matter. Typical classes will last anywhere from 2-3 hours. Specialty classes could be longer, and details on that can be found in the description of each class.

You can take as many classes as you have purchased vouchers for. One voucher is good for one class. Purchase as many as you like.

Believe it or not, this is a common question for us. We welcome students of all ages. If you have further or more specific questions and concerns regarding this subject, please feel free to contact us, and we would be happy to discuss with the parent or legal guardian.

Class sizes are now kept as a small group for the maximum learning opportunity.  Each course will allow you the opportunity to ask questions and learn in a small group setting! Typical class size is around ten people.

  • Purchased Voucher for entry
  • Camera(with Manual functions) and Camera manual.
    • NOTE: If you do not yet own a camera, no problem! Many people attend our courses without a camera as they are not sure what they would like to purchase. After our course, you will be much better prepared to purchase a camera that is the right choice for you and your budget!
  • Notepad and Pen
  • Snacks and water

  • Purchased Voucher for entry
  • Laptop with a full battery
  • Image software for the course you are learning installed and ready
  • Images available to work on
  • Notepad and Pen
  • Snacks and water

We are located in the Regents Park Business complex near the back of the parking lot.

*Certain classes/workshops have alternate locations that will be shared via email prior to the start date.

You can often find special offers for MPA classes through Groupon and Living Social. You can purchase as many as you like and you can use the vouchers for a variety of classes!  You can also purchase directly here on our web site at each class offering listed. Promotions are not valid for Photographic tours or Specialty Courses.

Groupon Sacramento

Living Social

The expiration date on your Voucher was placed by the daily deal site you purchased the Voucher through. The expiration date has nothing to do with McKay Photography Academy (MPA). You will be happy to know that any voucher purchased we will honor even after expired!

We offer courses throughout the year. New courses and dates are added frequently. Please visit the Class Schedule see a schedule of dates and information.