Meet Roui Israel of Samy’s Photo School in Grove and Beverly Center

Today we’d like to introduce you to Roui Israel.

Roui, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My passion for environmental preservation led me to focus on environmental policy and law in school. Through my studies, I spent time traveling the world and realized my love for local and global exploration. Serendipitously I was given the opportunity to combine my passions in a career I never could have imagined but am beyond grateful to have. As the Director of Samy’s Photo School, I organize a wide range of photographic educational opportunities including international travel workshops, nature photography education, adventure photography workshops and more.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Everyone experiences ups and downs along the way, it’s the way we react to these experiences that makes them a struggle or a learning opportunity. I have had a few great learning opportunities that I have chosen to grow from.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Samy’s Photo School – what should we know?
Samy’s Photo School is a division of Samy’s Camera. Samy’s has been a Los Angeles institution since 1976 when Samy Kamienowicz opened his first camera store in Los Angeles. Samy’s is a survivor and an inspiration for Los Angeles. Our Los Angeles location was burned down in the 1992 Los Angeles Riots and we were able to rebuild and grow stronger in the years that followed.

The Photo School began about 15 years ago as a resource for customers, an opportunity for people to learn, explore, expand and create. We offer hundreds of classes in all aspects of photography in six locations in Southern California. We also offer off-site workshops. domestic travel and international travel experiences.

I am proud that Samy’s Photo School provides our community the wonderful resource of education, exploration and adventure. Some of my favorite workshop offerings have been Aerial Helicopter Photography with Andrei Duman, Milky Way Astrophotography in Trona Pinnacles with Stan Moniz, Malibu Wine Animal Safari Photography Workshop and all of our National Park Photography Expeditions with Bob Killen.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My parents, Hedy and Samy Kamienowicz, are my role models and have always supported me and my dreams.

Pricing:

• Our workshops start at 29.99 for introductory courses

Contact Info:

• Address: 475 S. Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036; 1759 E. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91106; 3309b S. Bristol St.
  Santa Ana, CA 92704; 4411 Sepulveda Blvd. Culver City, CA 90230; 530 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA; 1090 Bryant Street, San Francisco, CA
• Website: www.samysphotoschool.com
• Phone: 323-456-4564
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samysphotoschool/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SamysOfficial/
• Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/samys_camera
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/samys-camera-los-angeles

Image Credit:
Stan Moniz Photo Credit

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