History of Photography

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...

Digital Photo Academy instructors are available to accommodate personal schedules and provide a full day, 6 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...

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. 

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. 

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...

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...

Make your images even better with Adobe Photoshop Elements—a user-friendly photo editor that has the same concepts as the full version of Photoshop. Apply selection tools, layers, and smart brushes.  A laptop computer with Adobe Photoshop Elements or Adobe Photoshop CS5 installed and a digital camera are required.

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.

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.

Most people—most teenagers–have a camera in their pocket with which they can document any and every moment of their lives. But what can you do with an image once you have it?  In this class, we will explore various methods of making images that will take them from your screen to print.  Processes include digital printing and editing,...

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.

Explore the design techniques of today’s best nature and landscape photographers. Practice techniques with weekly exercises based on class lessons. Use these design techniques to create your own professional portfolio worthy of exhibition.  This course is designed for intermediate photographers. Digital SLR or mirrorless cameras are mandatory....

Explore the creation of photographic images beyond color, looking into the shadows and textures that lay beneath nature’s color spectrum. Tonality and dynamic range, the potential of depth of field, and the zone system of shooting in black and white will be discussed.  Digital SLR cameras are mandatory.

Composition in the Field: Bridges of the City of the Big Shoulders The Great poet, Carl Sandber, referred to Chicago, in his epic poem, as “City of the Big Shoulders.” The photographic drama of the Chicago River, from the water, and its amazing bridges, exemplifies that notion. We’ll meet at the open air “pagoda” at Ping Tom Park....