Aperture Academy will feature the nature and outdoor photography of San Jose pro photographer, Stephen W. Oachs, and will offer classroom and in-field workshops by several award-winning instructors.

CAMPBELL, CA--SEPTEMBER 17, 2009--After over a year of conception, planning, staging, organizing and financing, professional photographer and technology entrepreneur, Stephen W. Oachs, will see his dream come to fruition. On November 1, 2009, the Aperture Academy, a Fine Art Photography Gallery and Digital Photography School, will open to the public.

Oachs, a veteran technology entrepreneur and passionate professional nature photographer, is utilizing both talents for this new enterprise. "By combining aspects of a fine art gallery and an educational facility, I am able to offer a unique approach to the Aperture Academy. I've been teaching photography workshops for awhile, always listening to students about what they love and want, and what they don't. It gave me a strong vision for Aperture Academy," said Oachs.

Located in the Pruneyard Shopping Center in Campbell, California, The Aperture Academy is a 4,000 square foot venue featuring the photography of Oachs, Academy students, and guest photographers. In addition to the gallery, the facility contains a large classroom, which will provide a fun and interactive environment for students wanting to learn all aspects of professional-quality digital photography. Interior construction is due to be completed in mid-October, and the facility is on schedule to open its doors to the public on November 1st, with a grand opening celebration slated for December 5th, 2009.

"With the digital photography revolution, it's hard for many people to keep up with such rapidly evolving technology," said Oachs. "Aperture Academy will be a chance for them to come in and learn without making long and expensive commitments. With smaller class sizes, students are sure to get plenty of one-on-one instruction. And we have some fantastic instructors that are very good at teaching on an individual level."

The Aperture Academy will offer:

• Classroom instruction for Photoshop®, Lightroom® and other software
• Classroom and in-field digital photography workshops
• Lifestyle Photography shoots with live models
• Classes and workshops for all skill levels that range from buying a camera to selling your work
• Online photo galleries, community and resources for students
• Event venue for social, business and non-profit receptions or celebrations at the gallery
• Gallery showings, featuring guest photographers and exceptional student work
• Fine art photography for sale

To learn more about Aperture Academy, see course schedules, or to inquire about reserving the gallery for your function, visit www.ApertureAcademy.com or call 408-369-8585.

:: About Aperture Academy ::
Founded by award-winning photographer and entrepreneur, Stephen W. Oachs, the Aperture Academy is a unique combination of fine art photography gallery and state-of-the-art teaching facility featuring classroom and in-field workshop instruction. Established in 2009 by Stephen Oachs, the Academy is located in Campbell, California, in the Pruneyard Shopping Center. The Academy offers a fun, interactive environment for learning everything related to digital photography, providing the best hands-on instruction in the industry. The state-of-the-art facility has individual student workstations outfitted with the latest software and hardware for Mac and PC platforms. Professional, award-winning instructors guide students of any skill level from learning to shoot in the field to techniques for digital post-processing, in a relaxed, personalized environment. Also an event venue, the 4,000 square foot facility's open floor plan makes it perfectly suited for social receptions, business and fund-raising events, camera club meetings and much more. Visit www.ApertureAcademy.com or call (408) 369-8585 to learn more about the school, reserve the gallery, or to register for classes.

:: About Stephen W. Oachs ::
Stephen Oachs is an award-winning photographer, successful entrepreneur and technology veteran who began his journey in photography the moment he picked up his first camera. Stephen's unique and distinctive style has earned him recognition as one of today's finest nature photographers. He was recognized in 2007 as wildlife photographer of the year by the National Wildlife Federation and was awarded best nature photographer in 2008 by National Geographic for his work photographing the endangered snow leopard. In 2009, Stephen founded The Aperture Academy, a unique combination of fine art photography gallery and classroom.

His work has graced the pages of many notable worldwide publications, including National Geographic, Popular Photography, Outdoor Photographer, National Wildlife Magazine, among others. Stephen and his work have been profiled locally in Gentry Magazine, and The Mercury News, and he has made numerous appearances as a guest lecturer.

Press Contact:
Kelly Baldwin, Aperture Academy
press@apertureacademy.com
408-369-8585