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.

Deadline extended: Submit to On Rose through Sunday, September 6.Enter Looking Glass Photo’s juried On Rose photo contes...
09/02/2026

Deadline extended: Submit to On Rose through Sunday, September 6.

Enter Looking Glass Photo’s juried On Rose photo contest. Selected photographs will be exhibited at Abrams Claghorn Gallery this October.

Rose may be a flower, color, symbol, place, memory, community, or renewal. A physical rose need not appear, and previously made work is welcome. Sliding-scale entry starts at $5 and includes up to three photographs. Explore the categories and enter by September 6: https://www.lookingglassphoto.com/pages/on-rose-photography-contest

On Rose celebrates our new home on Rose Street in Berkeley.

nter On Rose, a juried photography contest by Looking Glass. Explore Rose as flower, color, memory, place, symbol, or transformation. Entries close August 31.

Enter Looking Glass Photo’s juried On Rose photo contest. Selected work will be exhibited at Abrams Claghorn Gallery in ...
08/25/2026

Enter Looking Glass Photo’s juried On Rose photo contest. Selected work will be exhibited at Abrams Claghorn Gallery in October.

Rose may be a flower, color, symbol, place, memory, community, or renewal. A physical rose need not appear, and older work is welcome. Sliding-scale entry starts at $5 and includes up to three photographs. On Rose celebrates our new Rose Street home in Berkeley. Entries close August 31.

Tap Learn More to explore the categories and enter.

nter On Rose, a juried photography contest by Looking Glass. Explore Rose as flower, color, memory, place, symbol, or transformation. Entries close August 31.

Make ten photos. Give ten photos away. That’s the whole assignment for this weekend. No editing. No posting. No wonderin...
08/07/2026

Make ten photos. Give ten photos away. That’s the whole assignment for this weekend. No editing. No posting. No wondering whether the algorithm likes it. Just point, click, wait a moment, and hand someone an actual photograph.

The new Fujifilm Instax Mini 13 makes that wonderfully easy and it comes in enough colors that choosing one may be the hardest part! Pick yours up at Looking Glass, load a pack of film, and go make somebody’s day.

📍 Rose & Shattuck in Berkeley

🌹 We’re having a photo contest and we want to see what Rose means to you.On Rose is a celebration of our recent move to ...
08/05/2026

🌹 We’re having a photo contest and we want to see what Rose means to you.

On Rose is a celebration of our recent move to North Berkeley, at Rose Street and Shattuck Avenue, and an invitation to get creative with a theme that can carry so much meaning and interpretation.

We have the honor of working with three remarkable local photographers as our jurors: Brandon Ruffin, Becky Jaffe, and Sarah Deragon. And we’re especially stoked to share that Abrams Claghorn Gallery on Solano Avenue will host an exhibition of selected photographs, complete with an opening reception.

Whether you see Rose as a subject, color, symbol, story, place, emotion, or idea, we can’t wait to see what you create. The deadline to enter is August 31. For all the details—and to submit your photographs—visit:
https://www.lookingglassphoto.com/pages/on-rose-photography-contest

Know someone who should enter? Please tag them or share this post with them.

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.

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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