You're browsing Photography Classes in Chicago, IL

This workshop will offer instruction for people who want to learn the ins and outs of their cameras. Improve your skills no matter which camera model you own! Take this Course if you: Just purchased a Digital SLR Camera/Point and shoot camera Want to learn to make simple and creative changes to your pictures using the functions of your camera...

Explore the history of photography, beginning in 1827 with the first photograph, through the age of daguerreotype portraits, the photograph’s early development as an art form, the invention of Kodak’s Brownie camera, to contemporary photography. Discover great photographers and examine how this relatively new medium has affected our culture.

Discover how to capture the beauty of the waterlilies and other aquatic plants found at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Learn which camera settings are best for capturing floral colors, soft focus, and water reflections. Begin with classroom instruction and then go out into the Garden to practice these concepts. A tripod and polarizing filter suggested,...

When you stop for a moment to examine the world, the extraordinary can be found in the mundane. Explore the ways you can open up the world by using depth of field, lighting, camera angle, and, most of all, your imagination. Come find out what your environment looks like through a macro lens. FPC required course, nature & landscape track

Digital Photo Academy instructors are available to accommodate personal schedules and provide a full day, 7 hours of instruction to suit the needs of individual parties. Typically the session will last approximately, beginning with a discussion about the student’s specific camera equipment and photographic needs, then leading into an in-the-field...

Composition is the arrangement of pattern, symmetry, texture, depth of field, and lines. Each week, you will learn ways to include each of these elements. Each class is devoted to one of the elements in depth.

Learn the techniques and principles of photography. You will explore the basics of photography, including image composition rules, how the camera works, proper exposure, and the functions of lens aperture and shutter speed. The course requires a digital SLR camera. No previous experience is required. 

Digital Photo Academy instructors are available to accommodate personal schedules and provide a half day, 3 hours of instruction to suit the needs of individual parties. Typically the session will last approximately, beginning with a discussion about the student’s specific camera equipment and photographic needs, then leading into an in-the-field...

There are endless photographic opportunities with the architecture and city scenes of Chicago. We will visit Chinatown, Millennium Park/Lurie Garden, and North Michigan Avenue to capture the sights of the city. Explore new camera settings while learning to integrate landscape and hardscape photography.

Did you buy a new camera recently? This workshop will help you set up your camera and learn basic operations. Please have your digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera, mirrorless camera, or advanced point-and-shoot camera on hand. 

Bridges in myriad styles, materials, and lengths connect the Garden’s nine islands. They make interesting photo subjects themselves and also serve as wonderful vantage points from which to capture the land and water around them. Learn the best focal lengths and framing techniques to use.

Composition in the Field: Lincoln Park Zoo Sometimes it is quite a challenge to create a compelling image of animals and other attractions at a zoo. The bars, the other visitors, various debris lead to distracting elements of making the best images. Your Digital Photo Academy instructor will offer tips on playing the waiting game to get photographs...

Visit special areas of the Garden for unique photographic opportunities in places off the beaten path. This is an opportunity to capture images not often seen by Garden visitors. Prerequisite: Beginning Digital Photography or equivalent knowledge and skill.  Class limited to DSLR cameras.

Thoughtful processes are key steps in learning to identify, then capture, an impressive and artistic image as an intermediate photographer. Use lead lines, selective manual focus, and appropriate aperture settings to enhance your photos. Prerequisite: Beginning Digital Photography or the consent of the instructor.

Composition in the Field: Lincoln Park and Conservatory Each Composition in the Field class begins with a talk with one of our experienced instructors, and then you and your fellow students take a stroll through one of a variety of photogenic locales (in any of the 20+ cities the DPA encapsulates).  There is street photography, magnificent...