Find a photography instructor in Chicago, IL

Find photography classes in Chicago, IL

Find photography classes in Chicago, IL

Share a few details and we'll show you the best photography classes in your area.
Zip code

Find photography classes in Chicago, IL

Share a few details and we'll show you the best photography classes in your area.
Zip code

Top 10 photography classes in Chicago, IL

Students agree: these Chicago photography classes are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Curtis Newborn Photographic

Curtis Newborn Photographic

New on Lessons
Offers online services
32+ years in business
Serves Chicago, IL
I'm a passionate photographer with a 30+ year career as an advertising photographer. Our studio in Chicago specializes in Food photography. However we have clients and agencies we work with across all areas of photography. I also make time for personal work. I believe in giving back to aspiring photographers as I once stood in their shoes. There is more to photography than just picking up a camera and I'm here to help if I can... Though my best advise is to get out and shoot. Learning by doing....
Victoria Sanders Photography (veesanders.com)

Victoria Sanders Photography (veesanders.com)

4.8Excellent(5)
Offers online services
19+ years in business
Serves Chicago, IL
Carolyn L. says, "She's super knowledgable about everything with photography. She's good at giving pointers and advice on best methods. She's also easy to get ahold of and fun to work with." Read more
ManosArt

ManosArt

New on Lessons
Offers online services
Serves Chicago, IL
Art teacher with a MFA in studio and teaching experience in the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. I teach printmaking, painting & drawing, photography (digital & Analogue), Filmmaking.
Burdi Creative

Burdi Creative

New on Lessons
14+ years in business
Serves Chicago, IL
I pride myself in complete customer satisfaction! Understanding the customers needs helps me educate them with the skills they want to learn. I've been teaching the arts at the collegiate level for 8 years. In those 8 years I have assisted may students learn the essential skills to succeed in photography as a hobby or career. I like to meet new people and share my knowledge as a professional photographer.

Your Photography Lessons questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Lessons.

How much do photography classes cost?

Photography classes cost $80 to $300 at a local photography center, museum, or online course provider. A beginner photography course at a university costs $250 to $500+, while the cost for a photography degree program is $10,000 to $30,000 per year on average.

Prices depend on the type of class, skill level, and your location. A basic Introduction to Photography class typically costs less than advanced classes or workshops taught by an experienced photographer.

Why take photography classes, and are they worth it?

A photography class is worth it if you want to master your camera, learn new techniques, and gain the ability to capture moments in exciting, memorable images. You do not need to be an aspiring professional photographer or artist to benefit from a class.

You'll learn to observe the world around you in new ways and develop an eye for details, light, color, shape, and texture. Through expert feedback from the instructor, you'll identify areas where you need improvement and become a better photographer as a result.

What do you learn in a photography class?

A beginner photography class teaches basic camera skills and techniques, including:

  • The exposure triangle—aperture, shutter speed, and ISO—and how each setting affects motion, depth of focus, and noise in your images
  • Light and how it affects your photos
  • Composition techniques, the Rule of Thirds, and leading lines
  • Color, shape, and texture
  • White balance
  • Lenses and filters

More advanced photography classes teach post-processing techniques in Photoshop, Lightroom, or other similar photo editing programs. Post-processing techniques include color correction, retouching, adjusting contrast and sharpness, and more.

Advanced courses may also focus on a specific type of photography, such as landscape photography, portrait photography, or street photography

Do I need my own camera to take a photography class?

Most photography classes require you to bring your own camera. However, if you're interested in exploring photography before investing in your own camera gear, consider taking a class anyway. Whether you take photos with your cellphone or a high-end digital camera, you can benefit from the skills learned in the class.

During the class, you'll learn not just how to take great photos but also about the features you'd like in a more complex camera, as well as the best lenses and filters for the type of photography you're interested in. This knowledge will better prepare you for the expensive purchase.

Can you take photography classes online?

Yes, you can take photography classes online through universities, web course providers like CreativeLive and SkillShare, and a wide variety of websites dedicated specifically to photography. Most sites offer both beginner photography classes and a vast selection of intermediate and advanced classes focused on specific types or aspects of photography.

Where can I take photography classes near me?

Keep these tips in mind when choosing a photography class:

  • Look for a course targeted toward photographers at your skill level. Advanced photographers may want to consider taking a workshop with a specific photographer instead of a class.
  • Decide if you want to take a class that focuses on a specific style or type of photography.
  • Read the instructor's reviews on Lessons and Google.
  • Check out the instructor's portfolio, as well as portfolios from previous students.

What questions should I ask photography instructors?

Ask the instructor these questions before enrolling in the class:

  • What skill level is this class designed for?
  • What topics will the class cover?
  • Do I need to bring my own camera?
  • Where will the class meet?
  • Will the class include instructor feedback?
  • Will you share our photos on the school website or social media?

Reviews for Chicago photography classes

Recent success stories from people in the Chicago area.
Keeley P.
She is very patient and understanding. She makes sure you understand every step of her lesson. She helped me learn about how to use color more and how to better shoot in low light situations. Would definitely recommend!
Victoria Sanders Photography (veesanders.com)
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