Discover the Best Photography Classes in Chicago
Photography is an artistic way to express your creativity. There are many levels to photography and numerous paths that anyone can choose. Given the endless possibilities, it is essential to consider what and why you want to learn photography, especially in a fantastic city like Chicago.
Why You Should Learn Photography in Chicago
Learning photography in a city like Chicago is a great idea and can be the start of some incredible opportunities. You can learn this skill to add to your employable skills or break into a new career. Not only does Chicago have some iconic backdrops for photography, but you might find your work in their public photo gallery with a chance to sell your work. Chicago is considered a top spot for wedding photographs, so if you want to enter the field, you could start as a photographer.
If your aim is not to make photography into a career but to instead connect with others with similar interests, that is also an option. The Out of Chicago conference is a great photography conference for you to meet other city, street, and architecture photographers. This five-day conference allows you to work closely with professional photographers and meet other enthusiasts from all over. There is a full itinerary and a chance to take pictures all over the city while meeting new friends. Finally, learning photography could be your next hobby. Living in a city with many iconic and picturesque backdrops, you can learn how to take excellent pictures to relieve stress, try something new, and make good use of your free time.
In-Person Photography Classes & Schools in Chicago
Chicago offers many choices when it comes to taking photography courses. The Chicago Botanic Garden is one of the world's great icing museums and conservation science centers. The botanic garden has 26 gardens and four natural areas situated on 385 acres on nine islands. It is truly a beautiful place to visit. Additionally, people of all ages, interests, and abilities can take classes offered in their laboratories on the garden grounds. Located in Glencoe, Illinois, this is the perfect setting for a photography class. The botanic garden offers a Garden and Travel Photography course to prepare you for your next trip. In this class, students will learn how to create lead-line and use the light, angles, and time of day to optimize their pictures.
The course is four sessions long, with each session lasting for 3 hours. There is a prerequisite of the Beginning Photography class or general camera competence, and you are required to have a digital camera.
If you aren't quite ready to jump into a class using a digital camera, the iPhone Photography course is also an option. Also offered at the Chicago Botanic Garden, this iPhone course will explore some of the better-known photo apps and get instructions on how to use them for mature photography. You can also expect to learn the basics of iPhone photography, such as how to enhance, manipulate, or alter them. This 2 hours course has three sessions, and students must have an iPhone to participate. If you are looking for a beginners level class, the Beginning Digital Photography class at the botanic garden is a great place to start. This course will teach students the techniques and principles of photography. At the same time, they explore the basics of photography, how the camera works, and the functions of lens aperture. While no previous experience is required for this class, students are required to have a digital SLR camera. Students can expect to learn a lot in this four-session course that lasts 3 hours, and students have the perfect background of the Chicago Botanic Gardens.
The Digital Photo Academy, DPA, offers nationwide workshop series to promote the culture of digital photography. DPA hosts workshops in various cities hiring professional photographers to teach live classes in those cities. All of the DPA instructors are adequately trained to teach DPA workshops. In addition, DPA offers quite a few seminars in the Chicago area. One special seminar offered at DPA is the live in-the-field course. For example, there is a Digital Photography Live In-The-Field @ Garfield Park course offered in the picturesque Garfield Park on the West Side of Chicago. The live in-the-field, or Composition in the Field class begins with a talk with one of DPA's experienced instructors, followed by a stroll through a photogenic location.
In this case, students can take shots of waterfalls, the cacti in the Desert Room, abstract art and shapes, and a full bloom of flowers, depending on the season. This fun-filled three-hour session is a great way to learn how to shoot strategically and capture some interesting photos. If you love the idea of taking pictures in the field, there is also the Digital Photography Live In-The-Field @ St. Nicholas. Same concept as the Garfield Park class, except this location is the St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral which offers an excellent photo opportunity. Students will explore some of the challenges associated with lightning while having fun. Students will take pictures inside and outside the church, leaving a lot to your creativity. Like others in the field course, this one also lasts three hours.
Finally, perhaps the field is beyond your comfort level; there is the Master Your Digital Camera Controls (Chicago). This workshop will teach students the ins and outs of their camera, no matter the model. The course lasts for an hour and a half and gives students a chance to learn how to work their Digital SLR Camera/Point and shoot camera. Though not required, the Master Your Digital Camera Controls class is an excellent prerequisite for the in-the-field courses.
The Evanston Art Center specializes in art education and offers exhibitions to the public for free. The art center is one of Illinois's oldest and largest visual art centers. As a part of their mission to provide visual arts classes that engage the community, you can find some excellent classes here for your creative mind. If you are like many, learning a craft's history is a great way to gain insight and appreciation for the skill. The History of Photography class is just what you need if you are looking for an overview of the history of photography. The course begins with the birth of the photographic process and ends with present-day digital photography. Students will discuss the science and technique behind various photographic processes, influential photographers, and events throughout photographic history.
Virtual Photography Classes & Schools
You can take a photography class virtually, and it has its benefits. A virtual option allows you to attend the session from anywhere, cuts out your commute, and you have access to more class options. However, while having an online option has benefits, there are some things to consider, such as costs. Consider this: attending a virtual class versus an in-person class means you will have to provide your own equipment in most cases. Fortunately, most photography classes require you to provide your equipment regardless of being virtual or in-person, so you might not be at a disadvantage if you choose the online route.
There are quite a few options if you are looking for an online photography class. For example, The Documentary Photography Narrative course is offered out of the Los Angeles Center of Photography. In this online course, students will explore how to tell visual stories and form a cohesive narrative body of work ready for publishing. The course has six sessions, exposing students to the creations of great documentary photographers. This workshop is an excellent way for future photographers to tell stories with their photos.
A Digital Photography: Smart Phone skills course might interest you if you want to learn how to become more creative with your iPhone. The course covers hardware add-ons, apps for networking and editing, and some basics of better composition. It is split into two sessions and only costs $115. While both classes require a camera or an iPhone, they provide supplemental instruction instead of learning just the basics. These courses operate under the assumption that you already own the device and want to perfect your skill. There are many other online options like these to help you expand your skills on the equipment you already own.
Private Group Photography Classes in Chicago
Planning a unique team-building event for your next company can be challenging. Still, CourseHorse has just what you need to plan a great event. You can consider just about any private event, such as a private group photography class in Chicago. You still have options if you don’t see a photography class available. CourseHorse can help you plan your perfect event. Using the contact form on their website, enter your group size, event detail, and requested date for your event. You will hear back from a virtual event planner in 2 business hours to help craft your virtual group class. CourseHorse makes this easy because there are no booking fees, you will receive confirmation within 24 hours of booking, and they support multiple virtual platforms. Everything will be handled on the day of the event, and all your team needs to do is show up and enjoy!
