Coastal California Photographers
Learn, Create, and Connect
Love photography? Want to grow your skills while connecting with people who share your passion? Coastal California Photographers (CCP) is a friendly, inclusive Ventura County–based community that welcomes photographers of every level – from beginners to working professionals.
Formed through the merger of VCC and CIPPA, CCP builds on decades of local photographic history while offering a richer calendar of events, expanded educational opportunities, and a strong sense of community. Our members range from smartphone shooters to seasoned pros, united by curiosity, creativity, and the joy of learning.
What We Offer
A Community that Feels Like Home
Learn at Every Level
Photography may bring us together, but friendships keep us coming back. CCP is a place where people connect – at meetings, photo outings, workshops, and casual meetups. Members form friendships, creative partnerships, and supportive networks. No matter your experience level, you’ll find people who are excited to learn with you.
Whether you’re just starting out or refining professional-level skills, CCP supports your growth with programs, mentoring, and activities. You’ll learn faster and feel more inspired when surrounded by people who want to see you succeed.
Professional Development
For those pursuing advanced goals, CCP provides pathways to accreditation through PPA, PPC, and PSA. Members also benefit from mentorship, guidance, and advanced learning opportunities that support professional growth.
Programs the Spark Creativity
Constructive Critiques
Programs, TechTalks, & Workshops
Educational Programs provide members with opportunities to learn from recognized photography experts through both online presentations and hands-on workshops. Topics cover a wide range of photographic techniques, including image capture, lighting, composition, post-processing, and specialized genres such as macro photography. Programs may include demonstrations, workflow discussions, sample images, and guided practical exercises. We typically offer seven to eight online presentations and two to three workshops each year.
Outings & Safaris
We offer two types of photography adventures throughout the year. Outings are one-day excursions to local destinations such as beaches, botanical gardens, festivals, nearby islands, and locations with unique architecture. Safaris are multi-day trips to destinations such as Yosemite, Death Valley, the Eastern Sierra, or Laguna Seca during a race weekend, where members enjoy photography, share experiences, and develop new techniques together. We typically schedule about eight Outings and two to four Safaris each year.
Share up to three images each month for anonymous, supportive feedback from experienced photographers and certified judges. These critiques help you strengthen your technique, sharpen your artistic voice, and grow with confidence.
Challenging Competitions
Our quarterly PPC competitions offer professional-level judging and detailed feedback from a 3 judge panel. Members can submit up to 4 images per quarter. Open to all members, these events are designed as powerful learning experiences—not just contests—helping you elevate your craft.
Join Us
CCP blends the legacy of VCC and CIPPA into a forward-looking, inclusive photography community. We’re driven by curiosity, creativity, and a shared love of capturing the world through our lenses. Visitors are always welcome. Whether you want to improve your skills, meet new people, or explore a creative hobby, CCP is a place where you can belong.