Community Meet-Up: 2026 Chicago Air Show

Join Joyce Wang and Chicago Photography Classes photographing the Chicago Air Show on Saturday, August 15th at Diversey Harbor.

Whether you’re interested in fast-action aviation photography, dramatic formations over Lake Michigan, or capturing the excitement of the crowds, this meet-up is a great opportunity to photograph alongside fellow CPC photographers.

The Air Show runs from 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM, but because we are meeting in a public viewing area, we cannot reserve space. We strongly recommend arriving at least two hours before the show begins (by 8:30 AM) if you would like to secure a spot with the group. This event attracts hundred of thousands of spectators each year, and the best viewing locations fill up quickly.

Recommended Equipment

• Telephoto lens: 100–600mm (recommended for aircraft)
• Extra batteries and memory cards
• A hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses
• Water and snacks
• A lightweight folding chair or blanket if you’d like to be more comfortable while waiting for the show to begin

Photography Tips

Aircraft move quickly, so be prepared to adjust your camera settings throughout the day. We’ll be happy to help with autofocus settings, panning techniques, exposure, and tracking fast-moving subjects. This is an excellent opportunity to practice continuous autofocus, high-speed burst shooting, and photographing aircraft against bright skies. We encourage you to view this video from last year, which describes how to setup your camera to get the best results

Come join us for a fun day of photography, meet fellow CPC photographers, learn new techniques, and capture one of Chicago’s signature summer events. We look forward to seeing you there!