Lights, Camera, Culture: Exploring Hollywood & the California Dream
LOS ANGELES, SAN DIEGO
$1,095 | IN-PERSON
+ registration fees
72 Hours (equivalent to 6 credits)
Offered in collaboration with Hudson County Community College
Class Instructors/Coordinators: Vanessa Hornedo, Anna Starzec
February 7 – 10, 2026
April 11 – 14, 2026
Southern California is a place where dreams, creativity, and culture collide — a land of endless sunshine, cinematic stories, and iconic style. In this immersive 4-day class, students will explore the essence of the California Dream, discovering how this region’s film industry, art, fashion, and lifestyle have inspired generations around the world. From the golden glamour of Hollywood’s movie sets to the laid-back charm of San Diego’s coastal communities, this program offers an unforgettable blend of cultural insight and hands-on experience.
Through guided tours, interactive workshops, and curated excursions, participants will step behind the scenes of the entertainment capital, learn how storytelling and image shape California’s identity, and experience the creative energy that defines life in the Golden State. Whether exploring world-famous landmarks, connecting with local artists, or reflecting on California’s diverse communities, students will come away with a deeper understanding of how Southern California became — and continues to be — a global symbol of imagination, self-expression, and possibility.
Locations Explored:
– Los Angeles – Hollywood, Walk of Fame, Beverly Hills, Griffith Observatory, Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach and more
– San Diego – Balboa Park, Old Town, La jolla Cove and more
THE DETAILS
DAY 1: 10:00AM – 8:00PM
DAY 2: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
DAY 3: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
DAY 4: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
– Tuition fees
– 3 x nights of shared accommodations
– 3 x continental breakfast
– Local transportation costs to and from all activities
– Bus to San Diego and Joshua Tree
– All activities including entrance fees to parks & museums
– Airfare to/from Los Angeles, CA
– Transportation to/from airports
– Meals (except for included continental breakfasts)
– Registration fees (platform and processing fees)
In addition to the in-person meetings, this class will include pre-assignments and post-assignments as part of the 72-hour class.
You will be invited to join Google Classroom about a month before class starts, which is the platform we use for the course. Check your spam folder, as invitations to join Google Classroom sometimes end up there. Please make sure you register for the course with a valid email address, since this is where you will receive the invitation and later, your certificate. Your email has to be Google compatible, so it’s best to use gmail, outlook, hotmail or yahoo. If you do not receive a notification to join Google Classroom, it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to contact us.
Pre-assignments will be posted on Google Classroom 3 weeks before class starts. Make sure you join Google Classroom early and complete the assignments BEFORE coming to class. It will take you approximately 18 hours to complete
Follow-up assignments will be posted on Google Classroom on the weekend of class, and also consist of 18 hours. You must complete them in order to receive your course completion certificate. Course completion certificates will be emailed to you, a few days after the class has officially ended. You will have 3 weeks to complete the assignments. If you need your certificate earlier, please indicate it during the registration process and we will email it to you as soon as you successfully complete all assignments.
Attendance IS MANDATORY all days during the class in California. You are expected to be in class on time every day, including the first day and last day, so choose flights accordingly.
First Day: Class starts at 10:00 AM in Santa Monica. The latest that you should arrive at LAX is 8:30am
Last Day: Class ends at 2:00pm in Santa Monica. The earliest you should book a flight out is 5:00pm
If you miss any class hours you will risk not receiving your certificate! Please note, that this is a long weekend intensive class and the days are long. Bring comfortable shoes, appropriate clothing, water & snacks. We expect you to come to class rested and ready to participate, learn and have fun!
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
1. Develop Technical Photography Skills
– Learn fundamental principles of composition, lighting, and camera operation.
– Apply editing techniques to enhance storytelling and message clarity
2. Capture different types of images, including landscapes, portraits, architecture, and candid street scenes.
3. Engage with Southern California’s Cultural Landscape
– Document local communities, traditions, and public spaces with sensitivity and respect.
– Identify key elements of Southern California’s history and culture.
4. Edit and organize photos for sharing, journaling, or personal storytelling.
5. Write About Photography Thoughtfully
– Produce photo essays, or blog posts that articulate the intent, context, and impact of visual work.