If you get to the movies, even infrequently, you have seen the famous Seattle Space Needle and it is a photo op no doubt and your DPA Photo Instructor will share all sorts of camera angles and composition strategies to render a compelling image of the iconic structure, so it transcends the snapshot category. But there is a lot more than the Space Needle to photograph at Seattle Center. There is an array of colorful and whimsical oversized sculptures to catch as sole photographs or try creating a visual interplay amongst more than one. Beside the gigantic sculptures there is also the dizzying collection of eclectic architectural styles in the buildings and sky scrapers side by side.
Work your Aperture Priority options to render a single fountain into a crisp subject highlighted against a blurred backdrop of crowds of passerby’s or develop your panning skill on a futuristic monorail or a skateboarder zooming along and flipping in the park, catch a bicyclist in the same manner to convey a sense of speed and action. Go back to a fountain and work your shutter speed priority to create a velvety impressionistic flow of the liquid or switch it up and capture a split second of the water as if it is frozen in time.
There are a number of large painted grounds that are photo ops in and of themselves, but the same saturated patterns can serve as the constant background to highlight a single skateboarder hotdogging with flips, spins and turns. Try the large orange circle that is painted on the asphalt as the backdrop for a dog walker wearing a blue outfit, contrasting in color against the orange pattern of the ground artwork.
There are endless photo ops at the Seattle Center, whether quirky street portraits, broad scenes of families enjoying the day, off-beat hipsters, gleaming high-rise structures or often ignored details of the area such as colorful water hydrants, a romantic couple in an intimate moment. And for every photo op there are a dozen composition strategies to test so you walk away from the workshop with an endless artillery of composition options with which to experiment in every future photo session you experience whether family gatherings, travels, sports or just a walk in the neighborhood. Your workshop is the beginning of developing a signature style that evolves forever.
You will have fun in the three hour session, learn to shoot strategically, get more interesting photos of the event, and walk away with a foundation to improve your photographs in the future, whether you’re traveling, or at a birthday party and everywhere in between.
Millennium Park is a fantastic combination of art, culture, nature, and urban life. With some of the most unique architecture and most interesting art work in the city, not to mention the free tours, concerts, exhibitions, and family events, Millennium Park is understandably one of the greatest attractions in Chicago. Join your Digital Photo Academy instructor to explore this lively venue through your camera lens.
If you’re interested in shooting architecture, Millennium Park is the perfect place for you. If you’re interested in street photography, you’ve found your destination. If you’re interested in photographing people, transportation, and urban details, this is still a great venue for you. Basically, Millennium Park has something for every budding photographer.
There’s also a fantastic dome to photograph. Capture the reflection of the cityscape and the clouds as they circle and morph around the silver globe, and show how this little world pops out of a field of trees and greenery.
Photographing with a professional photographer in the field gives you the unique opportunity to ask applicable questions, learn new techniques, and gain experience shooting in manual mode. Learn about exposure, contrast, rule of thirds, lighting, and other compositional strategies that help create a strong photograph.
We will meet next to the Cloud Gate sculpture in Millennium Park, Chicago, IL. Please bring your DSLR or another type of camera that you use, a fully-charged battery, and the equipment that you can carry. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.
Please note – if a class must be cancelled due to weather or other circumstances beyond our control we will be happy to work with you to reschedule. If you should need to cancel and require a new class date, contact us. A $25 transfer fee will be imposed without a 3 day notice before the scheduled class.