Best Free Photography Courses Chicago Near Me

4worldlovers: 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.

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

A comprehensive class about the fundamentals of photography. You will learn about correct exposure, f-stops and shutter speed and Adobe Lightroom.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Whether you have just used Photoshop for the basic items (spot removal, cloning) or never used Photoshop before, this will be the appropriate introduction to Photoshop for you.

Learn to photograph the Macro details of flowers, crystals, ice, water drops, insects, plus more. We will also introduce you to UV Macro Photography.

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!

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.

Learn techniques such as Long Exposure Photography, Neutral Density Filters, Panning, Zoom Blur, Intentional Blur during beautiful photo walks.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

4worldlovers:
Columbia College Chicago wouldn’t be the place it is without our LGBTQIA+ faculty, staff, students, and alumni.


Join us in person for a campus tour or a one-on-one appointment.


Join the alumni network and stay connected with Columbia College Chicago.


“If you can dream it, imagine it, whatever ‘it’ may be, even if you don’t have words to define it yet, there’s likely a way to make it happen at Columbia,” says the recent recipient of an MA in Civic Media.

“I have developed my voice as an artist, intensively focused on my work more than ever before,” says the recent recipient of an MFA in Photography.