Looking Glass Photographic Arts

Looking Glass Photographic Arts Where photography takes you. A Local Legacy. An Inspired Future. Looking Glass Photo has always been more than a camera store. Yet our roots remain unchanged.

Born in the heart of Berkeley over 50 years ago, we’ve grown alongside generations of photographers—curious beginners, passionate hobbyists, and seasoned pros alike. From the start, we believed that photography is more than pictures. It’s a way of connecting, inspiring, and telling the stories words can’t always hold. Outfitting, Not Just Selling

We began as a full-service photographic store when

film reigned supreme. As the world changed, we adapted—but always on our terms. In an era of big-box retailers and faceless online marketplaces, we chose a different path: to double down on connection, honest guidance, and a shared love of the photographic journey. Today, Looking Glass is a boutique-style outfitter for all photographers. Instead of overwhelming you with endless choices, we curate what we believe in—and make it easy to get exactly what you need, even if it’s not on the shelf. We’ve shifted from simply moving boxes to outfitting people. Not just with gear, but with the right tools, knowledge, and confidence for the road ahead. Supporting Every Phase of the Journey

Wherever photography takes you, we’re here:
– Buying your very first digital camera.
– Trying new gear before you commit.
– Diving into traditional film photography.
– Preparing for a dream trip.
– Learning to capture the birds outside your window. We’re here with guidance, rentals, workshops, and a growing community of people who get it. Rooted, Yet Evolving

We’ve grown our offerings—Photo Friends, try-before-you-buy, special orders, photo coaching, hands-on learning experiences. We’re still the place that remembers you, celebrates your wins, and takes the time to get things right. More Than a Store

Looking Glass Photo is not just where you buy gear. It’s where you belong. We’re honored to continue this journey with you—outfitting photographers for the adventures that await.

Big news from Looking Glass: we’re moving to Rose Street.We’re incredibly excited to be heading to North Shattuck — one ...
04/16/2026

Big news from Looking Glass: we’re moving to Rose Street.

We’re incredibly excited to be heading to North Shattuck — one of Berkeley’s most beloved neighborhoods, full of local culture, longtime independent businesses, and the kind of warmth and character that makes a place feel alive. It feels like the right place for us to keep growing in all the good ways, while continuing to do what we love most.

We’re still here for you at Fifth Street in the meantime, and we’d love to see you before the move. Stop by for new cameras, used gear, rentals, classes, private lessons, film and more.

And starting May 1, we can’t wait to welcome you to Rose Street and share this next chapter with you.

Pocket wide wonder: sweep in the sky, keep the weight down. Try and Buy the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM at Looking Glass in ...
11/11/2025

Pocket wide wonder: sweep in the sky, keep the weight down. Try and Buy the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM at Looking Glass in Berkeley. Free 20-minute photo coaching session with purchase.

Discover Looking Glass Photographic Outfitters in Berkeley, CA, your boutique source for top brands like Canon, Nikon, Sony, OM System and Fujifilm. Shop our carefully curated photo gear, rentals, and supplies, and enjoy personalized services, workshops, and community events to improve your photogra...

Last-minute gift giving or a show? Client delivery today? Print when inspiration strikes. With the Canon PRO-1100 Profes...
11/11/2025

Last-minute gift giving or a show? Client delivery today? Print when inspiration strikes. With the Canon PRO-1100 Professional Photo Printer and our one-on-one setup + paper pairing services, you’ll make gallery-grade prints from home.

Discover Looking Glass Photographic Outfitters in Berkeley, CA, your boutique source for top brands like Canon, Nikon, Sony, OM System and Fujifilm. Shop our carefully curated photo gear, rentals, and supplies, and enjoy personalized services, workshops, and community events to improve your photogra...

10/28/2025

Photograph wildlife in the Bay Area without carrying a “bazooka.” This Cooper's Hawk was filmed here in the Bay. Handheld. In the rain. You’re basically shaking hands with this guy — but at an ethical distance.

For moments like these, we recommend the Canon EOS R7 + RF 100–500mm lens. You get this same reach, stability, and freedom to move. We call it the Wildlife Kit.

Buy it at Looking Glass in Berkeley — with the option to try it in your own hands first — plus an exclusive 1:1 Photo Coaching session included with purchase to help you dial it in.

Tap Learn More for details, availability, and how to get it in your hands.

Wish you could hit pause on moments like this?Meet the Canon R6 Mark II + RF 24-105mm lens. Fast, reliable autofocus tha...
10/27/2025

Wish you could hit pause on moments like this?

Meet the Canon R6 Mark II + RF 24-105mm lens. Fast, reliable autofocus that locks onto your people (and actually keeps them sharp in tricky light), plus beautiful video with a flip screen so you can frame the moment while you’re in it.

When you get it from Looking Glass in Berkeley, you also get a free 1:1 photo coaching session — we’ll walk you through settings for kids-in-motion, low light, and video, so you’re not guessing.

Want to try it in your own hands before you commit? Send us a message for the details.

10/23/2025

Hello Film Sim Dial. Let’s tell a story. New X-T30 III. A lovely little camera!

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The days may be getting shorter, but your photography doesn’t have to slow down. Low light doesn’t mean missed shots — i...
09/24/2025

The days may be getting shorter, but your photography doesn’t have to slow down. Low light doesn’t mean missed shots — it just means you need a few tricks up your sleeve.

We put together 3 practical moves to help you capture sharper, brighter images when the light dims:

• Gear that gives you an edge
• Settings that keep exposure under control
• Techniques to lock focus + stay steady

Enjoy this quick guide, save it for your next lowlight adventure, and tag us in your results.

👉 What do you love shooting when the light fades?

After the heartbreak of our store break-in, we were met with something incredible—your kindness, love, and support. To s...
02/27/2025

After the heartbreak of our store break-in, we were met with something incredible—your kindness, love, and support. To say thank you and pay it forward, we’re giving back in the best way we know how:

Join Looking Glass owner Jen Waicukauski for her online live class series - Backyard Birds - where we'll explore bird photography, mindfulness in nature, and how to be ready for that perfect shot. Normally $249—now completely free. So if you love birds, making art, and slowing down to notice the wild beauty around you, this is for you.

Learn more and RSVP here:
https://www.lookingglassphoto.com/blogs/news-and-reviews/finding-beauty-in-nature-and-community-paying-it-f/

To Our Looking Glass Family,We don’t quite know how to put into words what these past days have meant to us. When we fir...
02/20/2025

To Our Looking Glass Family,

We don’t quite know how to put into words what these past days have meant to us. When we first shared the devastating news about the break-in, we had no idea what would come next. We were scared. We were heartbroken. And then—you showed up.

You showed up with words of encouragement, with kindness, with generosity beyond what we ever could have imagined. Customers, old and new, came by just to check in, to see how we were holding up. Some brought food for our team, knowing we were running on fumes. Others donated used gear they no longer needed, wanting to help in any way they could. You shared our story, lifting us up on social media, reminding the world why small businesses like ours matter. You spread the word far and wide, and because of you, people we had never met before—photographers, artists, businesses—reached out to say they want to work with us in the future.

And then there was the GoFundMe. We hesitated to ask for help because we have always tried to be the ones giving support, not asking for it. But you didn’t hesitate. You blew past our goal, making it clear that Looking Glass isn’t just a store—it’s something much bigger. It’s a space where photography is learned and shared, where stories are told, where inspiration takes root. What we do here, what we have tried so hard to keep alive, matters. And it matters because of you.

We have been brought to tears more times than we can count, not because of what we lost, but because of what we gained—this overwhelming reminder of the power of community. You turned one of our darkest moments into something filled with light, and we will carry that with us forever.

There is still work to be done, and we are rolling up our sleeves, ready to rebuild. But we are not doing it alone. We are doing it with you, alongside the most incredible community we could ever hope for.

From the depths of our hearts, thank you.

With love and endless gratitude,
Jen and the Looking Glass Team

Early Sunday morning, our store was broken into in a devastating smash-and-grab. A car was rammed through our front entr...
02/17/2025

Early Sunday morning, our store was broken into in a devastating smash-and-grab. A car was rammed through our front entrance multiple times, destroying the storefront and stealing a significant amount of gear. While insurance will cover some losses, it won’t be enough to fully rebuild.

We’ve been serving the Bay Area photo community for over 50 years, and we’re determined to keep going. Our storefront is boarded up, but our side entrance is open, and we’re still here to help with the gear and expertise you rely on.

If Looking Glass has ever been a part of your photography journey, we’re asking for your support now—whether through a donation to our GoFundMe, sharing our story, or continuing to shop with us.

Thank you for standing with us. We are determined to rebuild, and we’re grateful to have you by our side.

– Jen & the Looking Glass Team

Looking Glass Photo Needs Your Help to Rebuild What Happened? Early … Jon Freel needs your support for Help Rebuild Looking Glass Photo After Break-In

Address

2095 Rose Street
Berkeley, CA
94709

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+15105486888

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