Exploring Digital Photography and Oahu: The Heart of Hawaii
$1,295 | IN-PERSON | 72 Hours (equivalent to 6 credits)
DAY 1: 3:00PM – 8:00PM
DAY 2: 7:00AM – 6:00PM
DAY 3: 7:00AM – 8:00PM
DAY 4: 7:00AM – 6:00PM
DAY 5: 6:00AM – 2:00PM
Offered in collaboration with Hudson County Community College
Photography Instructor: Jimmy Edens & April Lawrence
Class Coordinator: Vanessa Hornedo & Anna Starzec
SPACE IS VERY LIMITED AND FILLS UP QUICKLY, SO REGISTER EARLY!!
**We reserve the right to change any of the activities listed below, should any of them be unavailable due to inclement weather.
October 11 – 15, 2025
December 6 – 10, 2025
COURSE DESCRIPTION
In this immersive 5-day course, you will learn the fundamentals of digital photography while experiencing the beauty and culture of Oahu, Hawaii. Designed for those who love to travel and are eager to improve their photography skills, this course combines hands-on learning with real-world exploration. Whether you use a digital camera or a smartphone, you’ll gain the skills to capture stunning travel photos with confidence.
Oahu, the third-largest Hawaiian island, is home to the majority of Hawaii’s diverse population—a unique fusion of East and West cultures rooted in the values and traditions of the Native Hawaiian people. Throughout the course, you’ll engage with the island’s rich cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and historical landmarks while developing your photography abilities.
Key Experiences:
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Polynesian Cultural Center:
Discover the rich traditions of Polynesian cultures, with a focus on Hawaii. Participate in cultural activities such as hula dancing, lei making, and learning basic Hawaiian language—all in a vibrant, photo-friendly setting. -
Pearl Harbor National Memorial:
Explore one of the most significant sites in U.S. history. Learn about the attack on Pearl Harbor and the United States’ entry into World War II. You’ll also board the U.S.S. Missouri Battleship for an in-depth tour. -
Kualoa Ranch:
Visit this legendary 4,000-acre private nature reserve and working cattle ranch on Oahu’s windward coast. Known as a filming location for more than 79 movies and TV shows, it offers stunning scenery and unique photo opportunities. -
Snorkeling Adventure:
Experience Oahu’s vibrant marine life while snorkeling along its coral reefs. You may encounter colorful coral heads, yellow tang, sea turtles, and even Hawaii’s state fish, the humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa. -
Surfing and Surf Culture:
Learn about the history and cultural significance of surfing in Hawaii. For those interested, optional 1-hour surf lessons are available for approximately $60. Hawaii’s warm waters and consistent waves make it the ideal place to try this iconic sport.
After the trip, you will complete assignments focused on editing your photos and reflecting on your learning. You’ll also demonstrate your knowledge of Oahu, Hawaii, and the various locations you visited through creative and written projects.
*We reserve the right to change any of the activities if any of them are unavailable due to inclement weather or any other reason.
PRICE INCLUDES
– Tuition costs
– Meals: 1 Polynesian dinner buffet at a Luau
– All local transportation costs
– All activities including entrance fees to parks and museums
– Accommodation: 4 x nights at Polynesian Beach Hostel OR SIMILAR (sleep in your own bed in a shared room with several other au pairs)
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
– Airfare to/from Honolulu, HI
– Airport shuttle to/from hotel (The Bus takes about an hour from the airport and is $2.75. Uber to/from hotel is anywhere between $30-60 one way. You will connect with other au pairs before the trip and be able to share a ride.)
– Meals (except for ONE Luau dinner)
– Registration fees (credit card processing fee & registration platform fee)
ASSIGNMENTS & COMPLETION CERTIFICATE
In addition to the in-person class hours in Oahu, this course will include pre-assignments and follow-up assignment as part of the 72-hour class.
You will be invited to join Google Classroom 3 weeks before class starts, which is the platform we use for all our assignments. Check your junk or 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. Your email has to be Google compatible, so it’s best to use gmail, 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 12 hours to complete them.
Follow-up assignments will be posted on Google Classroom on the weekend of class, and also consist of 12 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 assignment deadline. You will have 4 weeks to complete the assignments. If you need your certificate earlier, please indicate it during the registration process and upload proof of deadline.
All assignments must be completed in order to receive your course completion certificate!
ATTENDANCE
Attendance IS MANDATORY all days during the class in Oahu. If you are late or leave early, your will risk not receiving your certificate. Please note, that this is a long weekend intensive class and the days are long. Bring comfortable shoes, water, snacks, sunglasses, sunscreen. We expect you to come to class rested and ready to participate, learn and have fun!
SCHEDULE
DAY 1: 3:00PM – 8:00PM
DAY 2: 7:00AM – 6:00PM
DAY 3: 7:00AM – 8:00PM
DAY 4: 7:00AM – 6:00PM
DAY 5: 6:00AM – 2:00PM
** Detailed agenda, schedule and information will be shared on Google Classroom 2 weeks prior to class start date. All registered students will connect via WhatsApp, giving an opportunity to get to know each other before the trip and make plans to share an Uber from the airport, which is approximately $20-30.