Teaching Fashion Photography at Pacific Design Academy
📍 Inner Harbour Portrait Practice + Behind the Scenes Fun!
One of the highlights of my week is teaching photography at Pacific Design Academy here in beautiful Victoria, BC. I get to work with some truly talented and creative students who are diving into the world of photography with passion and curiosity—and it’s honestly so rewarding to witness their growth week after week.
I currently teach Fashion Photography as well as a Beginner Photography class, and both offer hands-on experiences for students to explore light, composition, posing, and storytelling through images. Whether we’re in the studio or out in the city, the goal is always to build confidence and develop a personal creative style.
This week in our Fashion Photography class, we headed down to the Inner Harbour for a portrait session. The lighting was ideal for working in the shade, which allowed students to focus on natural reflectors, flattering angles, and subtle background choices. The real-world practice helps bridge the gap between classroom theory and practical shooting.
Next week, we’re taking things to the park where we’ll explore environmental fashion portraits—getting a little creative with natural light, composition, and maybe even some experimental posing!
📹 I also created a short BTS (Behind-the-Scenes) reel to showcase the vibe from our shoot this week—watch for some candid moments, fun group shots, and students in action. These sessions are as much about learning as they are about building community, and it shows in the energy they bring to every class.
Interested in learning photography yourself?
Whether you’re brand new to the camera or looking to level up your fashion photography game, Pacific Design Academy has amazing programs—and I’d love to have you in class!
👉 Bonus: I also offer private mentoring and one-on-one photography training, tailored to your specific goals—whether that’s studio lighting, posing, or taking better photos for your business or social media.
Feel free to reach out if you’d like to learn more!
Stay creative,
Timothy West