National Geographic photographer Ami Vitale takes you on an adventure to Venice Beach, California, sharing her documentary photography techniques. Immersion and relentless observation are key in Ami's practice.

She always arrives at a place before the sun comes up and revisits it again at sundown to capture the best photos, understanding the place through patience and persistence. Ami will take you step-by-step through her best practices of finding the beauty in a person or an experience, and telling a story through that. This class is great for aspiring photojournalists, professional photographers seeking inspiration, and everyone who seeks essential tips and zen habits for documenting the world around them.

Your assignment is to plant yourself in one place for an hour and document the scene in 2 photos. You will immerse yourself, observe life, and photograph what you find interesting. The purpose of this assignment is to practice patience and persistence. Taking time to notice stories unfolding before you is the secret to good documentary photography.