Chicago
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Covid is a global issue and varies, city by city, even day by day, here across North America, but we want you to know that you can enroll in workshops, currently posted through the first few months of 2021 and updated into the year 2021 on a monthly basis. (Founded in 2006, this format of updating new group workshop locales, times and dates have always been handled in this same manner. Should you require a private workshop, our professional photographers who lead group sessions in the community where they live, can accommodate PRIVATE WORKSHOPS on any photo topic and meet up with you and your guests on any day of the week that suits your schedule and locale selected within our active communities.) We can conform to your priorities.
As any workshop you select approaches, please know that we will adhere to the Covid social distancing directives relevant to your local community at that time, as they apply to the coronavirus, allowing you to receive a total refund or the chance to reschedule with no penalty fee no matter how long you require to make your rescheduling decisions. Please contact us toll free, 1 877 372 2231 or email us at DPABooking@DigitalPhotoAcad
IF WORKSHOP DOES RUN, MASKS AND SOCIAL DISTANCING CONFORMS TO LOCAL DIRECTIVES
Welcome to the Chicago market for the international network of live and online photo classes, all under the banner of Digital Photo Academy.
This section is devoted to the Chicago community and the DPA Instructors who lead these workshops are professional photographers who have lived in Chicago for at least 10 years, usually longer.
These pro shooters also have teaching experience and they love teaching. (Not all photographers do.) They know the local retailers where you can get the better deals on photo equipment and more importantly, they know where the best photo ops are which allows us to provide you with a rotation of interesting places to shoot, throughout the year, whether indoors or outdoors, winter, spring, summer of fall. Sometimes one time of day to shoot is better than another and our DPA instructors keep us informed.
Often, the DPA Instructors even have private access to various locales in the city where they live. Themes vary from street photography and dynamic architecture, to flowers and landscapes, as well as waterscapes, sunsets, lush scenery and everything in between.
During one month, you might be invited to rendezvous in the luxurious natural light streaming in to a religious venue via spectacular stained glass windows and the following month, it might be a small relatively unknown park with very special landscapes. This is why we offer a special ALUMNI Discount to people who attend more than one workshop.
Nationally, we organize these workshops to provide variety for the participants in each local market, but we could not do it without the expertise and connections provided by the DPA instructors in each of those markets.
Phone the national headquarters of Digital Photo Academy at 1 877 372 2231 but know that each of the Digital Photo Academy markets includes a local office. In Chicago, that office is at:
1633 N Hamlin Ave #210, Chicago, IL 60647
E-MAIL US AT DPAbooking@digitalphotoacademy.com OR CALL 1-877-372-2231 OR click here TO LEARN ABOUT OUR PRIVATE ALL DAY OR HALF DAY CLASS
And in case you’re interested, click here to check out some FREE SAMPLES of our ONLINE CLASSES.
53 Comments
“I just wanted to send a quick note to thank Alex, his team in Chicago, and your staff for a wonderful class last weekend. It as been years since I put my film SLR away for a digital point and shoot. Now that I have have my new camera, I feel inspired to get back shooting. Alex was great at giving us direction and pointers to make our shots even stronger throughout the class.
It was a good class. I’ll certainly be looking for more.
Thanks again.”
-Steve
“Thanks very much for the offer. I did just want to say that I attended the class with my mom, and we had a really great experience. Yes the weather was pretty oppressive, and Millennium Park was really crowded, but Alex was good and the actually venue of Millenium Park offered a really cool backdrop for this type of class. My mom and I were beginners in the truest sense of the word, but Alex was patient and gave good direction. We were sharing a camera and the batteries died mid-class (yes, we were those people), and Alex had batteries on hand that he gave us, and he even let me use his own extra camera to give us each more time with the concepts. So overall, it was a pleasant experince. I just wanted to let you know.
Thanks!”
-Melissa Semp
“Thanks so very much for a wonderful day with you. I learned a lot and realize how much more I would have absorbed the weather had been more cooperative. Still, it was an amazing day of learning and fun.
I’ll keep checking the website to see if you’re teaching other courses as I’d enjoy registering again. I did, by the way, mention Digital Academy to my flickr-photo friends.”
—Sharon Hicks – Bartlett
“I attended the Composition class Saturday in Chicago. It was a WONDERFUL experience!!! I learned from the moment I arrived! I learned about the settings on my camera that I had no idea about. I learned to take some great and fun shots that I need to practice now. I appreciated the instructor Don Peters, who taught camera settings, suggestions for different angles to photograph, as well as types of photography (like moving cars, etc.).
It was a great way to spend the day!
I think I’d like to practice what I learned at this class and then take the same class again in several months to further deepen my knowledge about both my camera and about photo composition.
Thanks for making the class so enjoyable!”
– Ruth Lamour
“I just wanted to let you know that I attended the Church Street/Lake Eola (Orlando) Composition in the Field class on March 23rd with Don Peters. He did a fantastic job and I thoroughly enjoyed it. He catered the class to the student’s needs and desires and I appreciate that as I am very new at it.
Don is a great asset to your company. I hope you offer more classes with him.”
– Tricia
“I just wanted to tell you how much my husband and I enjoyed the photography class at the Lincoln Park Zoo (8/3/13), taught by Don Peters. My husband is an avid amateur photographer with years of experience and lots of camera equipment, and I’m a novice with no skills at all, comfortable with just a point-and-shoot. I purchased our tickets through Groupon for my husband’s birthday, thinking that he would love a “composition in the field” photography class. I didn’t realize until after the class was over that he actually was dreading the class beforehand, because he expected it would be too structured and simplified. I was somewhat apprehensive for the opposite reason — I feared it would be too advanced and intimidating for a novice like me. Both of us ended up being pleasantly surprised.
Don Peters is an excellent teacher who adjusts his teaching to fit the skill levels and needs of his students. He presented basic information at the beginning of the class that was clear enough for me to understand, and yet helpful even for an experienced photographer like my husband. Then he led our group around the zoo to practice the skills he taught us. He was always available to answer questions and assist us, but there was no pressure to do things a certain way. He encouraged us to experiment. We both came away feeling like we learned a lot; I was not intimidated, and my husband was not bored. 🙂 Don even followed up with handouts of helpful tips for things he noticed people in our group seemed to be interested in, like photographing flowers, or how to adjust the shutter speed to “freeze” the water flowing from a fountain.
We came away from the class feeling like it was definitely worth it. Don Peters is good at explaining concepts and helping his students to feel comfortable. I would take a class from him again, and I would recommend him to others.”
– Linda L.
“I have learned so much from you and I thank you for being a remarkable instructor. I will be finally moving out of Green mode (auto mode) on my DSLR and start exploring other interesting features. You made the class interesting and fun and instilled me with the desire to continue learning.
I appreciate you letting me know what I am doing wrong along with giving me ways I can correct my mistakes. It is comforting to know that whenever I have a question you answer right away.
Once again, thank you so much for your time, expertise and patience.”
– Ashok
“Thanks again for a great class yesterday.. We could not have had a better day for weather, the class size was perfect for learning as a group, the dynamics of the group worked well together, everyone interacted with everyone else. We don’t always get that.. And needless to say the
instructor was very informative but more than that you were there for us and we felt that.. You stayed very engaged with us, watching us and making sure we were understanding.. Your enthusiasm for photography and people shows through!!!”
– Donna Armstrong
“Dear Don, Just a quick thank you for today’s wonderful class at St. James–my daughter Moira and I loved it, thank you so much. We’ll be back to try to join you in your next class…need to check schedules and get our ‘ducks in a row’ — we will be steadfast with our manuals and basic ‘fun practice’ and hope to see you again soon. I do especially hope my son Matthew will join us one time too. You are an awesome teacher Don, it was an honor being with you! Enjoy the rest of your weekend…take care, Moira Felish and Mary Murray (Mom) Felish (and Matthew in absentia!) PS Please keep us posted too about shows where your work may be featured. I am trying to take the kids to photography shows and I think yours would be incredible.”
-Michael Felish
“I participated in the Lincoln Park Zoo Composition in the Field class with Robert Potter. I thought it was a fantastic class. Robert was so informative and he really answered all my questions. He did such a great job of giving each student individual support with their camera. I was so inspired after leaving the class I spent much of the rest of the day and the next day taking pictures using the information he taught me. He made a camera that I thought was great before even better because now I actually understand how to use it!! Thank you for the experience and the wonderful instructor!”
– Katie Helwink
“I had a lovely time and learned an extensive amount from Mr. Potter. He was patient, kind, and knowledgeable. He taught us many items that we expected to learn and went well beyond the initial scope of the class to meet our needs/interests as appropriate.”
– Elizabeth Hollow
“Contacting you regarding my class yesterday with photographer Robert Potter. The experience was amazing. It was the most exhilarating time for me. We saw some amazing sites and took great pictures. I cannot wait to look over my pictures to see the details that I took away from the class. These types of classes are hit or miss to me, because there are so many variables that have to go right. It’s almost like a blind date, you never know what you’re going to get. However, Robert was amazing and the other students were great. We all worked pretty well. There was a lot of tips given and explanation of how to get better shots, and tips and tricks. I absolutely loved it.”
– Kay
“Mr. Potter addressed a wide array of topics with thorough explanations into each subject. I feel that everything I could have thought of (and more) was addressed throughout the day. It was an incredible learning experience!”
-Amy Kerkela
“I am writing to let you know that my instructor, Robert Potter, was the best teacher I have ever had. I went through a semester in college for photography and no one taught it like he did. I learned more in the one day I was with Potter, than I learned that whole semester in college. I was so excited about learning so much, I didn’t sleep much the next few days. I thank Potter for putting my excitement back into my first love/passion, photography! I can’t wait to take another class. Thanks so much DPA and Potter!”
– Jamie Clute
“I just want to drop you a note to thank you for making the class with Robert happen today. Robert was knowledgable, personable, entertaining, and the experience with a real working professional was more valuable than I can tell you. While Robert followed the curriculum, he was still able to adjust the session to address my personal questions and needs. I would definately consider doing something like this again.”
– Keith Raaum
“Whenever Robert gave us pointers or talked with us as a group, he made a point of making sure we found a nice shady spot. We huddled under the trees and found shade where we could! I left the class knowing more than I did before I came — which I would imagine was the point! He was very personable, very knowledgeable and was able to answer any and all questions. He was patient and showed us examples of his own that helped us visualize composition in the field by viewing things from different angles and looking at things differently.”
-Gayle Hannan
“It was a pleasure meeting you and taking the Photoshop class with you a week ago. It was interesting to get your approach on photography. I have been thinking about the class and the Photoshop commands I learned are very useful. The commands we were able to explore were the spot healing, red eye, patch, auto levels, brightness/contrast, crop, channel mixer, cloning and dodge/burn. Were there any commands that we did not have time to explore? If so, I would be interested to know so I can read about and practice them myself. As we discussed, Photoshop can do a thousand different things, but it is best to learn the most useful tools at the beginning. I also enjoyed the general the photography knowledge that you shared. Thank you for your time.”
– Scott Oblander
“It was a wonderful workshop we had yesterday and thanks so much for taking time and explaining things outside the session.
Definitely looking forward for the advanced class in summer.”
– Vijay Kumar
“Thank you again for your time today. I really enjoyed the class and learned a lot more about Photoshop today in a couple hrs. than in all of the days I have spent trying to figure it out myself.
I would love to get out and take some photos with you first hand. The advanced class at Navy Pier sounds like it would be a fun time.
Thanks again and hope to see you soon.”
– Rudy Tardin
“I took a seminar at your studio several months ago. It was great and it covered the basics about digital camera use. Thanks for putting on the seminar — I found the information really helpful. I would like to ask your advice regarding choosing a lens specifically for taking portraits. If you could recomend a specific lens I would be very greatful.
Thanks again for everything.”
– T J Minogue
“Thanks so much. At least now I’ll be able to prove that I swam in the Dead Sea!
I enjoyed the class and picked up lots of good pointers. Now I just need to find the time to implement them!”
– Annika Jaspers
“Was good talking to you today. Thanks again for the Italy advice and more importantly, thanks for the time you spent with me on the advanced digital course. I don’t know if the results are evident, but I certainly am thinking about the things you said when out shooting.
Attached are some contact sheets I generated in Lightroom and printed to PDF. A subset of some shots I took in San Francisco last week. Most of the shots have very little post-processing as of yet. I’d be very interested in any feedback relative to composition, exposure, subject, etc. Also any post-processing recommendations. All handheld – no tripod.
I don’t mean to take up much of your valuable time, but any feedback you wish to share will help reinforce the lessons learned.
Thanks again.”
– Jeff Marcowitz
“I really enjoyed your instructional photography course this weekend. I really learned a great deal as you provide details and clarification on topics that I have been reading about and could not quite figure out. I guess its true that their is not substitute for actually getting out their and doing it. So in the sprit of getting out their and practicing I took your advice and went out after the class and bought that Calumet Genesis 400
strobe lighting key that we discussed. I guess I have got the bug and am in the game now.
That said, I really would like to lean more about studio lighting techniques and the correct method for controlling light in a 3 light setup. On your card that you gave me I see you have a studio. Not sure if you do one on one training or rent out your space for individual use but I would love to discuss these options if available. My plan is to practice with my equipment and I would welcome any pointers and or assistance. Also, any readings that you feel would be helpful would be appreciate.
Again, Thanks so much for the information provided during this Saturday class. I learned a great deal and hope that I have the opportunity to work with you in the future.”
-Forrest Barnes III
“I enjoyed our outing. you are a good teacher. and i am sure you are a talented artist!
maybe we can collaborate on some film projects of mine!”
-Bassel
“We had a perfectly nice day in Downtown Detroit (Greektown). Our trainer Tom was able to gap the bridge between beginners and experienced photographers.”
– Ulrich Gollwitzer
“Thank you so much for the wonderful class taught by Tom McKenzie in Detroit!!! I was visiting from Boston, and my sister bought me a space in his class. He did a beautiful job – as I learned so much from his instruction.”
– Claudia Vanderpool
“Great group; nice meeting everyone. Hope to see some of you again.”
– Ayana
“I learned so much! I loved Tom. He is an awesome instructor! I just shot my first engagement session in manual the day after (Sunday) and the photos turned out amazing.”
– Lauren
“Just wanted to pass along a shot I took last night. Don Peters has been great to work with and continues to offer constructive advise on how I can take my images to the next level. I still have a very long way to go….
Thanks again and I really enjoyed the Saturday, Lake Eola class.”
-David Montague
“I just want to let you know I had a great time learning composition with Don Peters.
Unfortunately I got late, however Don was very kind and helped me to catch up
and I learn a lot and had a very good time.
Don was very responsive and help to look things on different way that resulted in very nice photos. He looked at my pictures and gave honest and creative feedback.
I look forward to attend another class with Don.”
-MariCarmen Saldivar
“Love your pictures, especially the girl and her reflection in the water.
I also wanted to say i really appreciate the handouts, and the gear tips. Both are super helpful!
I had a great time! Thanks for a fabulous day!”
-Carrie Jameson
“Very pleased; Ron is a good instructor.
Feeling more confident that pix from The Great White continent will be fine.
Thank you.”
-Melinda
“…I really learned a lot of useful tips. I would love to take another class at some point. “
“I enjoyed the day and put several images on the Facebook page.”
-Peter Bukowski
“I definitely enjoyed the class. I thought the location and route along the Chicago River was very good in providing unique photo opportunities. Don was a very good instructor and explained camera techniques well and understandably. In addition to that, I think that he did well in making the point that photography is really just an art and you should try to capture a piece of art in your shots rather than just a photo. Good class.”
-Dan
“Sorry I haven’t sent a more detailed report or reviews of the pics others have posted. Honestly, I feel a little intimidated by my inexperience. I really enjoyed getting to spend three hours focused (no pun intended) entirely on taking photos. Even though I didn’t spend my time on the technical aspects of my shots, I loved seeing the city from the perspective of the water taxi and as a photographer. Isaac was more serious about applying the techniques Don taught us, and really enjoyed the experience. ”
-Laurel
“Richard,
Just wanted you to know that our son loved the Chicago class with Sai. He was able to learn a lot and really take it all in. Thank you very much for providing these classes.
Sincerely,”
-Jill DeJong
“Don
Thanks for the great class we had a great time and learned some things along the way. ”
-John
“Thanks Don – great class with excellent instruction as usual! 🙂 ”
-Carrie
“Hi, Richard. Thanks for checking in with me about the photo workshop. The instructor was very personable and well informed and took the time to answer everyone’s questions, as well as personal hands-on instruction. I was very impressed with the quality of the workshop and felt it motivated me to learn more about using my camera. I look forward to taking additional workshops in the future.
Warm Regards,”
-Nicole
“I started photography as a hobby 3 months before. This is my first class with direct Instructor. Sai Sivanesan is a very good instructor and he has vast experience in photography. Its a very good learning experience. Learned good tips and tricks from him. Going forward I would like to attend some more classes from DPA.”
-Anonymous
“Sai did an amazing job! My wife was very happy with her experience. She said he taught her things about her camera in the first 15 minutes that made the cost of the class worth it. He also did a great job of teaching her how to use her camera to do specific things she wanted to learn. We are recommending you to our son who takes engagement photos for couples, but wants to learn more about composition in general. Thank you and Sai!!!”
-John Kelly
“Sai was super nice, patient and taught us a lot about our cameras and taking great pics.”
-Anonymous
“It was a great session with Don. Really helpful to do some time inside on the camera basics before heading out to the field. Thanks guys for a great session!”
-Anonymous
“Ron was very knowledgeable and was able to inform the students about what they were trying to accomplish at the beginning level (the whole class were beginners). I learned some new things and reinforced some topics that I was unsure of, which made me a better photographer.”
-Steve. B
I meant to send you a note yesterday but the afternoon got away from me. Don and I had a very productive and enjoyable morning. His easy style was very helpful and I enjoyed getting to know him and his techniques. We took some time to go over my concerns, talk about my equipment and talk about technical craft, and then we walked around the city and put some of those approaches to work. We’ve exchanged a few emails and he has shared many helpful papers and documents too. I really appreciate his insight and I hope we stay in touch! Thanks to Don and DPA!
Chris Larson
It was a great session with Don. Really helpful to do some time inside on the camera basics before heading out to the field. Thanks guys for a great session!
Sai was super nice, patient and taught us a lot about our cameras and taking great pics.
I thoroughly enjoyed my private session learning how to use my Canon 5D. We met outside of Millenium Park and went over the basic concepts of photography. I learned a lot in that one session and he even had printed out copies of all the stuff we learned. I definitely got what I was looking for but wish I had more time with him. I am already applying what I learned to my workplace. Would recommend to anyone looking to take better photos!
Very good course to learn the basics on how to work your camera. Would do again.
Actually, it was great! A lot of information but Ron explained everything so well. Glad I took the classes back to back to apply what I had learned. I’m a hands-on learner so having that class right after the first was very helpful to me. I also appreciated that Ron made an effort to spend time with each of us in the class to help us get the most out of the experience.
Very helpful. I learned a lot about how my camera worked.
Workshop went well! I feel a lot more comfortable with a camera in my hands and have been itching to get on the floor.