Photography Classes in La Grange, Brookfield, & Western Springs
Digital Photography Made Simple
Learn To Photograph the Things You Love Most!
Our photography classes help you photograph the things you love most.
Creative Eye Workshops™ offers a convenient and exciting photography curriculum for those who wish to learn photography in La Grange, Western Springs, and Brookfield areas. Our classes benefit photographers of all levels, with a keen focus on the fundamentals and building student confidence. Our objective is to teach our students how to take pictures without second-guessing, to think on their feet in the real world, to have fun! Once the basics are learned, we can help you discover and express your creative eye. Our classes are conveniently located just twenty minutes from La Grange, Brookfield, and Western Springs.
Read What Our Students Have to Say
World class photographer and your photography teacher, Mike MacDonald.
Sarah writes, “With his wonderful sense of humor and comfortable way, Mike lightens the classes up whenever needed and makes sure that everyone “gets it.” Mike cares about his students and his concern and follow through with each person is truly impressive. With the personal attention he gives, these classes go far beyond what a standard photo class could ever offer.”
Charlie from Darien writes, “Mike has identified many of the photographic elements and techniques which have contributed to his own personal success, and has integrated these into the Creative Eye Workshops. This professional insight coupled which his unbridled enthusiasm and passion make these workshops both a rewarding and exhilarating experience.”
Intelligently Designed Courses for Every Photographer & All Subject Matter
Our curriculum is intelligently designed to help you take dramatically better pictures, no matter what your level of photography or subject matter you choose, whether that be flowers or family, sightseeing or sports, nature or travel. We offer courses for all levels of photographers, where amateur to more experienced photographers can improve both their technical and creative skills, like classes in photo composition, Photoshop Elements, exposure, and landscape photography. We even provide private photography lessons. Save money with one of our money-saving class combos.
We Emphasize the Fundamentals of Photography
We emphasize teaching the fundamentals of photography so that our students are able to think on their feet under real world conditions, empowering them to photograph any subject they wish. During our classes, students learn technical and artistic aspects of photography, including many advanced photographic techniques. After completing our basic curriculum, you’ll be ready to photograph anything you want: your child’s soccer games, your travels, flowers and nature scenes, maybe even start your own baby photography business.
Michele wrote us 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.”
We have workshops designed for more advanced photographers, too, consisting of courses in exposure, Photoshop and Photoshop Elements, digital printmaking, and landscape and nature photography.
A pair of our fearless students ford a creek during our annual spring outing at Starved Rock State Park.
We Build Your Confidence as You Learn
Gain the confidence and knowledge to take perfect pictures when it really counts.
We focus on getting our students to a place where they feel confident and unafraid of their digital cameras. In our beginner classes, students learn the basics, starting with our powerful digital camera class or our insightful photo composition course. After just five short classes, you should confidently be able to apply what you’ve learned to any area of photography you wish to pursue. Find out what classes you should take.
Don from La Grange Park writes, “Thank you for the wonderful photo composition class. I found all the information very helpful and I will now be able to take more meaningful and exciting pictures. I loved the opportunity to have you suggest improvements on the pictures I brought to class, and to comment on the things I was doing well.”
Superior Teaching Methods
Our courses employ hands-on learning and powerful visual presentations (computer graphics, animations, and PowerPoint slides) to help students comprehend the material more easily. We also provide our students with detailed class notes so they don’t have to take notes during class and so they can review the material at home between sessions. Students also receive supplementary emails between sessions to summarize or solidify the information previously presented.
Powerful Classes Built for Busy People
Our classes are carefully built for the convenience of busy people. For example, to make scheduling easier, we’ve created several short manageable courses that take the place of a single class that extends for several weeks. 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 to the point. We teach you what you need to know, when you need to know it, rather than frustrating you with loads of extraneous information that you aren’t ready for.
World Class Photographer & Inspirational Teacher
Your teacher and founder of Creative Eye Workshops™ is Mike MacDonald. Like everyone else, Mike began photography as a hobby, but he quickly developed his creative eye and, just eighteen months into his avocation, was suddenly a nationally published photographer. His how-to article about photographing ice was featured in Outdoor Photographer Magazine. His photographs of Chicago nature have also been featured in the world-famous Sierra Club Wilderness Wall Calendar. Watch an interview with Mike on WTTW Chicago Tonight.
Nicole writes, “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.”
Mike’s best advice is, “Make mistakes and fail miserably! It’s been true for me and I see it all the time with my students, that the more mistakes you make, the more confused you are, the better you’ll become.” With degrees in physics and mathematics, and careers as a scientific computer programmer and a nationally-recognized comedian, Mike puts to use these unusual talents to convey complex material in a way that’s organized, light-hearted, and easy-to-comprehend. But, what makes Mike most unusual is his energy and his passion that inspires his students to be their best.
Photography Classes Easily Accessible from La Grange, Brookfield, & Western Springs
From the La Grange, Brookfield, and Western Springs area you’re right down the road. Take Odgen Avenue west to Belmont Road, which is 6.5 miles west of I-294 Tollway. Turn left (south) on Belmont for 2.3 miles to 6200 Belmont. We’re on the right side of the road in the middle of a block. If you reach 63rd Street, you’ve gone to far.
If you have questions about our classes, let us know. Just email or phone us at 630-852-8448.