Photography Classes in Chicago for Digital Camera Users
Digital Photography Made Simple
Learn To Photograph the Things You Love Most!
Our photography classes help you photograph the things you love most.
For anyone wishing to learn photography in Chicago, Creative Eye Workshops™ has created a curriculum of photography courses that are powerful, inspiring, and convenient, designed for every level of photographer and people with busy lives.
At Creative Eye Workshops™, we teach the fundamentals of photography so you can think for yourself. Our goal is to build your confidence and knowledge so that you can take control of your camera, setting you free to photograph the things you love most. Ultimately, we give you the tools and guidance to help you discover and express your creative eye.
Don’t Just Take Our Word For It
Your teacher and internationally-published photographer, Mike MacDonald.
Our students come from all walks of life and every level of technical and creative ability. We understand that people can be afraid of their cameras. That’s why we work on building confidence as much as knowledge.
Sarah wrote, “For someone like me, who previously used my digital camera on all automatic settings and was fearful of the ‘unknowns’ my camera had to offer (always afraid I might touch some mysterious button by mistake), I find myself now in this wonderful place…feeling totally at ease with my camera and having the time of my life exploring and finding my own personal style.”
Classes for Every Photographer & Subject Matter
At Creative Eye Workshops™, we provide an assortment of photography classes that are well suited to all levels of photographers and photographic subject matter. Amateur and skilled photographers, alike, may use our curriculum to improve the technical and creative competence. We offer digital camera classes, classes in photo composition, nature photography workshops, and Photoshop Elements courses. Additionally, we provide private photography lessons and money-saving class combo deals.
A Focus on the Fundamentals
Our experience proves that teaching the fundamentals of photography will prepares the student for the real world. We want photographers to leave our classes being able to think on their feet, ready for whatever they want to shoot, whether that means making great shots of your cute grandkids or cuddly cat, taking up close-up or macro photography, or starting a portrait photography business. You will learn core technical and creative techniques, and many advanced techniques, too.
Peter from Palatine wrote us after taking our five-class core curriculum, “I took several courses with Mike and he provided me with a good basic foundation of understanding that I can use to develop my own technique and style. This is so much better than simple technical training which leads to just memorizing and mimicking someone else. When you truly comprehend what you are doing, you end up always prepared for dealing with the situation you face which leads to more satisfying results.”
We have workshops designed for more advanced photographers, too, consisting of courses in exposure, Photoshop Elements, digital printmaking, and landscape and nature photography.
We Build Your Confidence & Knowledge!
Gain the confidence and knowledge to take perfect pictures when it really counts.
When we teach beginners, confidence is as important as knowledge. That’s why we train our students to fearlessly take control of their intimidating digital cameras and to photograph the world with confidence. Often, this starts with our beginning DSLR class called Get to Know Your Camera. However, beginners can also start with our insightful photo composition class called Make Great Pictures, Now!. After just five short classes, you’ll no longer be a newbie and be able to confidently apply what you’ve learned to any type of photography. Find out which classes we suggest.
Michele wrote after starting her dance photography business, “I tried two other photography courses before I found Mike; his approach to teaching is unique, but amazing. Concepts are presented in a manner that is easy to understand and helps the student learn quickly. I originally planned to just take an introductory course, but learned so much I ended up signing up for nearly every class he offered. Thanks to Mike I now have my own photography business, specializing in dance photography.”
Modern & Effective Teaching Methods
Our photography classes offer a combination of visual presentations and hands-on exercises. We’ve developed custom animations and insightful computer graphics so students can best visualize and understand the concepts. We also offer comprehensive class notes that help students revisit and reinforce the lessons between sessions. And, to help you solidify the information you just learned, we also send out helpful emails throughout the class.
Powerful Classes Designed for Busy People
Our hands-on photo outings help students practice what they’ve learned in class. Here are two intrepid students at our springtime outing to Starved Rock State Park.
We have methodically formulated our classes to accommodate people with busy schedules. For example, rather than offering extended courses, we have split them up into shorter, bite-sized, classes to make scheduling easier. Learn which course are right for you.
Brian wrote, “Thank you for the ‘Get to Know Your Camera’ course. I learned so much in two nights that it has made me really want to dive in. Your way of teaching and encouragement has me feeling confident about making something that has always been a passing interest into a full-fledged hobby.”
Our courses also save you time and money because they’re efficient and straightforward. We focus on teaching you what you need to know, when you need to know it, not driving you crazy presenting too much information and topics you’re not ready for.
Gifted Photographer & Inspirational Teacher
Your teacher, Mike MacDonald, and founder of Creative Eye Workshops™ started photography as a hobby and developed his skills to become a professional photographer. Just 18 months after taking on photography as a hobby, he established himself as a nationally published photographer with an article called “Frozen Images” in Outdoor Photographer Magazine. (Click here to see another of Mike’s nationally published how-to articles.)
Nicole wrote, “Mike was personable and easy-going, and made everyone feel good about their level of knowledge and ability to learn the techniques. Great and energetic instructor.”
Self-taught in photography, Mike’s biggest lesson is that making mistakes, though annoying, will make you a better photographer. Mike says, “I see it all the time with my students. The more mistakes you make, the more confused you are, the better you will become.” With degrees in physics and mathematics, and careers as a scientific computer programmer and a nationally-recognized comedy, Mike uses his unusual talents to convey complex material in an organized, light-hearted, and easy-to-comprehend way. Yet, what makes Mike stand out from the crowd is his personality. With energy and passion, he inspires his students to be their best.
Photography Classes Easily Accessible from the City of Chicago
From downtown Chicago, take I-290 west to I-88 Tollway west to I-355 Tollway South. Exit at 63rd Street/Hobson Road (unattended toll) and turn left (east) at the top of the ramp. In a half mile, you’ll reach Belmont Road, where there’s a Walgreen’s and a Mobil Station on the corner. Turn left (north) and quickly get into the left lane because, in just a few seconds, you’ll see us on the left in the middle of the block. Our address is 6200 Belmont Road.
From the south side of Chicago, you can take I-294 Tollway North to West I-55 to North I-355 and exit EAST at 63rd Street/Hobson Road. Turn right (east) onto 63rd Street and travel for a half mile to Belmont Road, where there’s a Walgreen’s and a Mobil Station on the corner. Turn left (north) and quickly get into the left lane because, in just a few seconds, you’ll see us on the left in the middle of the block. Our address is 6200 Belmont Road.
From the north side of Chicago, you can take the I-90 Tollway North to I-294 Tollway South to I-88 Tollway West to I-355 Tollway North and exit EAST at 63rd Street/Hobson Road. Turn left (east) at the top of the ramp. In a half mile, you’ll reach Belmont Road, where there’s a Walgreen’s and a Mobil Station on the corner. Turn left (north) and quickly get into the left lane because, in just a few seconds, you’ll see us on the left in the middle of the block. Our address is 6200 Belmont Road.