Welcome!

WHO WE ARE

Chicago Photography Classes is a community centered on photography.

At the school, we introduce you to the art of photography and how to get the best out of your camera. Through our classes, not only are you learning how to develop your images, but also you will grow as a person and a photographer.  

The journey, beginning with “Photo I” through advanced classes, is an opportunity and challenge for personal growth. Camera operation will be demystified. You will learn to see light, to see expression, and to see the juxtaposition between yourself, your subject and others. 

As you advance your knowledge and skill in photography, you will also gain perspective of yourself and others. You will be part of a group of people whose concern is for you to do your best, and your concern will be, for them to do their best.

In 2020, Chicago Photography Classes started offering classes online and since then has been expanding beyond Chicago, reaching many states in the US.


A GREAT PLACE TO START

INTRO TO PHOTOGRAPHY

Each Sunday: A 90-minute Workshop/Orientation on use of DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras Basic Camera Overview/Class Orientation, DSLR & Mirrorless Camera Operation, and the Principles of Correct Exposure

OUR CORE CLASSES

A solid path for your photographic success...
$480
A comprehensive class about the fundamentals of photography. You will learn about correct exposure, f-stops and shutter speed and Adobe Lightroom.
$480
Continue your photographic thinking and go beyond regular through the lens metering and learn methods that will allow you be more precise with exposure and color.
$480
This class will challenge each student to apply their photography skills to a creative project for the duration of the class. Learn advance photography techniques and photo critique.
$480
An advanced class for the students who have successfully completed Photo 3 — designed to help you succeed in both photographing and printing the very best images possible.

POST-PROCESSING CLASSES

Learn the best programs to edit your photos.
$280
The ultimate goal of this class is to teach you to become very confident with the management of the Lr catalog and photo files so that you can enjoy the editing process.
$210
This 3-week comprehensive course provides an in-depth look at all features included in the latest version of Adobe’s Lightroom Classic.
$480
Whether you have just used Photoshop for the basic items (spot removal, cloning) or never used Photoshop before, this will be the appropriate introduction for you.
$200
Learn with John Granata how to edit colors properly using Adobe Photoshop and how to get your colors right when pre-processing your raw files in Lightroom.

SPECIALIZED CLASSES

Explore the possibilities. Here are some of our specialized classes:
$480
Learn to photograph the Macro details of flowers, crystals, ice, water drops, insects, plus more. We will also introduce you to UV Macro Photography.
$480
In a world where selfies and smartphone photos are the norm, what does it really take to capture a beautiful portrait? Make the leap from photographing still life to people!
$480
The study of composition will provide new insights into the beauty that is found in the arrangement of compositional elements such as color, light, and shape.
$440
learn techniques such as Long Exposure Photography, Neutral Density Filters, Panning, Zoom Blur, Intentional Blur during beautiful photo walks.

CPC GEAR!

students reviews

Photo I will teach you everything you need to know about aperture/f-stop, shutter speed, ISO, and how to get a good exposure in your pictures. Perhaps more useful, however, is the lab work with an overview of Lightroom and how to make your photos look great. I’m looking forward to Photo II.
Mark Wilder
Photo I
Using Luminar is an AWESOME, SPEEDY way to edit your photos!! It’s well worth your time to get to know this program–even if you’re already a Lightroom Classic pro. Nick–as usual–does a great job in the classroom. Plenty here to get you going with Luminar.
Cathy Fey
Luminar Software
Ultimate Workflow is an exceptionally well-designed course. It weaves Lightroom, Photoshop and Luminar into a very thoughtful workflow – taking advantage of the best of each application. Federica Ghidelli has a great teaching style, and the on-line format works well.
Doug Johnson
Ultimate Workflow
If you have ever owned a camera and had no idea what half the settings mean- go to this class! Great basic info that expanded out into more advanced topics- all very well explained and understandable. Nick was knowledgeable, fun and made you want to participate. Looking forward to taking more classes here!
Maria
Free 90-min Class
Excellent approach to teaching this terrific program. Only wish i had learned Lightroom 5 years ago! Well organized classroom lectures with opportunity for questions and individual assistance. Definitely very worthwhile.
Lin Witte
Lightroom Basic


Just finished photo 3 taught by Nick – don’t be intimated by the theme! It helps you grow and step outside your comfort zone. Definitely the best class I’ve taken with the school so far and wish I took it sooner. Thank you again, Nick!


Jason Klein
Photo III

A 'STATE-OF-ART' PRINTING LAB 24/7

We believe that printing is an essential part of being a photographer. Learning to actually produce your work is an invaluable skill to acquire and we are glad to help you.

Yes, we print!

professional printers

EPSON 4900, EPSON 5000, EPSON 7000 & 9000

Rent & print

Our lab is available to you and your project 24/7 for a very competitive fee.

Printing classes

Interested in learning how to properly print your work? Take a look at our classes!

GET IN TOUCH

Get in touch today to find out more about our classes, workshops and shooting opportunities!

4001 N. Ravenswood Ave. #105 First Floor Chicago, IL 60613

872-529-2272

Above and beyond photography.

Chicago Photography Classes is proud to sponsor FreshLens, a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide educational arts programing to students from under-resourced areas in Chicago.