You are invited to the Aperture Academy Fine Art Photo Gallery and Digital Photography School grand opening celebration from 6-10pm, Saturday, December 5th, 2009. Hosted by nature photographer Stephen Oachs, there will be food, drink and live music. Come meet the Aperture Academy instructors, get a free lesson, tour the gallery and sign up for some of the $5,000 worth of prizes...and bring a friend.

CAMPBELL, CA--NOVEMBER 19, 2009--Stephen Oachs is extending a personal invitation to join him and his guests at the gala Grand Opening celebration of Aperture Academy on December 5th, from 6pm-10pm. Located at the Pruneyard Shopping Center in Campbell, California, the Aperture Academy is a beautiful 4,000 square foot gallery, studio and workshop for all things digital photography. The grand opening will be attended by local dignitaries, esteemed guests from across the U.S., from various organizations such as the Snow Leopard Trust, and award-winning photographers. "It's going to be a memorable evening," said Oachs.

Appetizers and refreshments will be catered by Sara Bromberg and Talula Bay Catering, who will be catering all of Aperture Academy's events and available to those who rent out the gallery space. Live music will be provided by renowned guitarist, Jerry Snyder. There will be special guest speaker from the Snow Leopard Trust, in recognition of Stephen Oachs' philanthropic efforts through his award-winning photograph, "Endangered Beauty." Photography instructors Brian Rueb, Scott Davis, Jim Patterson, Scott Donschikowski and creative software instructor Jeanette Smith will all be attending and contributing to the festivities.

This celebration not only officially launches the Aperture Academy, but it marks the first event of many to be held there. "We are booking up quickly for the holiday season, and we're very excited to see the interest in Aperture Academy. The gallery was designed to be a multi-purpose venue with an atmosphere of class, comfort, taste and distinction," said Oachs. "We look forward to the many events, celebrations and memories to come."

To learn more about Aperture Academy's grand opening, 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