Hector Gonzalez Photography

I have had my Canon Rebel T4i for almost two years and have rarely picked it up. When I did I used it almost like a point and shoot and was always disappointed by my photos. I was intimidated by all the numbers and had no idea what most of the stuff on the screen meant. Oh sure I could have read the manual but it was completely overwhelming so instead I mostly relied on my IPhone. Then I heard about Hector’s class in Long Beach titled GET OUT OF AUTO MODE and knew that’s exactly the class I needed. Once I signed up and received the homework I knew it was ON. I really liked that he gave me a format to learning about my camera and photography. He broke things down, pointed us in the right direction and asked for us to come to class knowing the basics he laid out. (HINT: The more you do your homework, the more you’ll get out of his class) I arrived at Long Beach Aquarium Part at 7am and was impressed with the classroom Hector had set up. Lovely setting, snacks, water, chairs, pens, paper. Very organized. Right away we were off and barely took time off to eat lunch. It was non stop learning as he went through everything you could ever want to know about your camera and how take a photo. He’s really passionate about photography and a fantastic teacher. Has a real knack for explaining it just right. He generously shares all sorts of great tips and tricks on how to take great photos. We were so into the class that we went over by two hours! I left there exhausted (and sunburned MAKE SURE YOU WEAR SUNSCREEN!) but so excited over all I had learned. My camera isn’t a mystery anymore and I’m shooting in manual! And while I still have lots to learn, my photos are so much better. And when they are bad at least now I can figure out why! I can’t recommend Hector’s class enough!

I bought my first DSLR camera in May of this year. I read the manual. I took lots of pictures. I played with the settings. I even read a basic book about photography.
But nothing compares to real, in life, professional instruction. After doing my research to see what was available for someone who was past just shooting pics on auto but not really sure where to go from there, this class and teacher were perfect.
Hector worked with me and other students about getting the class on a day off his regular schedule that worked for us. He communicated quickly with me in getting the class set up.
On the day of the class he was on time, personable and obviously totally well prepared. He has an easy going, friendly manner and related to each of us students in a nice, personable way. He totally was beginner friendly.
The course cost $ 150 and we were there for 9 hours. To me, that is a total bargain. He answered every singe question I had about my camera, my technique and general photography issues.
If you ever wanted to know what aperture, shutter, iso and focal length mean, what they do, how they are all interconnected AND then how to use them to shoot technically superb pictures, this is THE class for you. I would recommend this class to every single person who has a DSLR and wants to take pictures that are actually good.

I happened to find Hector and this class on Unilocal,so I wanted to make sure I give him a big thumbs up (or five) and recommend him to everyone and anyone interested in photography (especially if you bought a DSLR camera and only know how to use it in automatic)!!
I don’t live there, but am from San Diego. I was going to be visiting for a week with some extra time on my hands so I searched for photography classes on the web. This is where I found Hector. He had rave reviews on here and his site, so I signed up. I was so glad I did. I began Hector’s class that morning with little knowledge of my new rebel t3i and left that afternoon using the semi-​manual and manual modes. Aside from spending a beautiful day in the park, I had a lot of fun bonding and getting to know my camera! We experimented, experimented, experimented! He jam packed a lot of info into a few hours but somehow, I remember most of it 2 months later.
The quality of my photos have definitely improved and I really want to take another class with him when I come back to visit! If you are not a beginner, he teaches several different levels that may interest you. I highly recommend him. He is an excellent and patient teacher! Thanks Hector.

Very rare to find someone who really has a true passion for his work and is equally
talented in teaching. I took his class in Las Vegas and am inspired beyond all expectations. Hector made us all feel comfortable and learning was fun!
The group is kept small and the pace is smooth without rushing. I am grateful and lucky to have attended his class and highly recommend taking it.

This review is for Hector’s Long Beach class (combined class 1 and 2).
AWESOME and worth the $ 150 we spent for the day’s class. This class was scheduled for 830am-​700pm and actually went longer till almost 900pm. We might of took longer (10 total students in the class on 2÷5÷11), but Hector and his friend Enrique stayed longer to finish the class without additional fees, etc.
Hector loves his job and he loves photography and teaching. You can tell. He puts a lot of effort and time to his classes and there’s a lot of one on one time if you need. The day was almost picture perfect but was a bit overcast in Long Beach (Shoreline area) this Saturday. But it was a great day to spend a Saturday in photography class. I learned how to set up my Canon 60D DSLR camera. Aperture, ISO, shutter speed, white balance, timer, etc… etc! You learn a lot from the class and I can’t wait to take the 60D to the motorcycle races soon.
One, Two, One, Two… thanks Hector. Great class, I recommend the class to anyone looking to learn how to use their SLR cameras. Don’t take a class with a school or a camera store, not worth it. And don’t be intimidated…
CANON RULES! =)

Hector also offers Beginners DSLR Workshop,
This was such an amazing experience it gave me a whole new perspective to what «I» can do with my camera.
After hanging on to my Rebel for the past 3 years, I finally decided to take a class and wanted to make sure I took the right class, I found Hector on a photography forum and one of his previous students recommended his class. I decided to go with Hector. I dread that the class was from 10AM-9:30PM but at the end of the night it was already pass 10 and none of us wanted to go home! Hector was patience and such a wonderful instructor working with every detail, he also made sure to work with us one on one when we needed help. I had so much fun and from that point on just after the first 30min none of us could put our cameras down for a second. His class is so well worth it, I learned so much in one day and truly bond with my camera at the end of the night. It’s so amazing what you can do by turning something so simple into a master piece. Hector really taught us how to go beyond the simple things we’re all use to and explore the horizons by capturing that picture perfect image with out having to do anything further like cropping or photo-​shopping it. Those dials and numbers, ISO, Aperture, Shutter Speed on the camera means something to me now no more AUTO! I’m looking forward to the journey ahead with photography. This workshop was such an eye opening experience it gave me the confidence to shoot. I would love to take another class if he offers it :)