Photographing Reflections
Saturday 22 February
Herrick Lake Forest Preserve - 2pm - 2 Hours
Martina Landolt
We will be using natural water reflections around the lake and seeking out man-made reflective surfaces in the area. We will explore how we can use reflections to add depth and intrigue to our images. Reflections can help us to show our subject from an unusual, or from multiple, points of view. We can use reflections to abstract our subject or to make perfect mirror images. We will venture around the lake to find out how to frame our views of the lake and reflections with our photographic eyes.
Black and White Photography
Saturday 08 March
Raymond Dr. - 1pm - 2 Hours
Martina Landolt
Introduction to Black and White Photography. What makes a good Black and White shot?
We will look at the contrast and using textures. How does the camera see the image and how do we create Black and White images in a camera or in post-production. We will look for some good examples and set some exercises.
This is a more advanced course and assumes you understand the basics of photography and controlling your camera.
Architecture Photography
Saturday 22 March
St. James Farm Forest Preserve - 1pm - 2 Hours
Martina Landolt
Architectural photography can be a great way of exploring and documenting any area with Buildings. From brick, to barn stables and fences, It's about capturing not only the design and accurate representation of a building and its surroundings, but to create aesthetically pleasing image for the viewer's eye. An architectural photographer makes pictures, not takes pictures.
In this session, we will be covering how to better understand Architecture photography and we'll be looking at ways to take some impressive shots and the camera settings to use.
Spring Landscapes: Season 1 – Mastering Detail with Shallow Depth of Field
Saturday 12 April
Herrick Lake Forest Preserve - 11am - 2 Hours
Martina Landolt
Step into the first weekend of the Spring equinox based on calendar, let's find what Mother Nature has for us to uncover. Capturing details small and large. This meetup will be the first in a four part series as we will venture back to the same location at each changing season close to the equinox,
Beginner's Photography Class
Sunday 20 April
Knoch Knolls Rd - 1pm - 3 Hours
Martina Landolt
Got a new camera ? Have a camera that's in the closet? Let's get it out with this opportunity to learn how to use your camera outside of auto mode. Become more confident with your photography as you navigate your camera to understand the photography elements. This small sized class is perfect for collaboration and feedback.
Join us as we discuss the exposure triangle to help you learn about shutter speed, aperture, ISO and how these settings affect your exposure.
We will put this knowledge to practice with the guidance of a professional photographer.
It will be a fun class of limited size with direct feedback from your host.
Frozen Lakefront Photography
Saturday 22 February
Castaway Beach Club - 12pm - 2 Hours
Caitlin KellyThompson
Capture the serene and icy landscapes of Lake Michigan's shoreline, focusing on composition and exposure in snowy conditions.
Waterfall Magic Photography
Saturday 22 February
Waterfall Glen Main Trail, Lemont, IL - 1pm - 3 Hours
Amy Marie Cutter
Bundle up and let's explore the beauty within nature. In this workshop, we will explore the art of capturing the beauty and magic of the winter season through photography. Our experienced instructor will guide you through the process of understanding and applying the principles of photography, including composition, exposure, and lighting. We will cover topics such as using natural light to create a mood, capturing the waterfall, and experimenting with different angles and perspectives.
Golden Hour Photography
Saturday 15 March
Navy Pier - 4:30pm - 2 Hours
Caitlin KellyThompson
Learn to capture the magic of golden hour, focusing on cityscapes and reflections as the sun sets over Lake Michigan.
Early Spring Urban Photography
Saturday 22 March
Dusable bridge - 12pm - 2 Hours
Caitlin KellyThompson
Embrace the transition to spring by photographing the contrast of winter's remnants and the early signs of spring in Chicago's urban landscape.
Outdoor Portraits
Saturday 05 April
Eastlake Terrace, Chicago - 12:30pm - 2 Hours
Caitlin KellyThompson
This meetup goes over some basic dos and don'ts for posing and looks at issues to do with shooting in daylight for the best results. Included are: shooting different body types, men, women and shooting with strong sunlight and shooting in shade, and designing your background (composition). On this meet,up you are encouraged to bring along family or friends as models.
You will preferably need a normal, 85mm or longer lens, or a zoom. If you have a wide-angle this can also be used as we will be also looking at environmental portraits.
This is the perfect meetup to learn how to take the perfect portraits of family and friends.
Headshot Photography Meetup
Saturday 12 April
N Humboldt Dr, Chicago - 12:30pm - 2 Hours
Caitlin KellyThompson
A headshot is a tightly framed face shot, typically from the shoulders up. The goal of your headshot is to clearly & creatively showcase your client's professionalism, personality, and brand. As a class, we will focus on creating headshots from the chest up with good lighting on your model's face.
Tapestry Crochet (Intermediate)
Saturday 08 March
Uptown - 10am - 3 Hours
Claire Rooney
Learn how to make beautiful pictures in your stitches using a grid pattern. Tapestry crochet is a very trendy way to add a vintage feel to your home decor. Curl up with a hook and some yarn for a calming three hours mastering the art of color work and tapestry crochet.
Mastering the Basics: Fundamentals of Composition Art
Saturday 08 March
N Clark Street - 10am - 2 Hours
Geanina Zaharia
Unlock the secrets to stunning artwork in our "Fundamentals of Composition Art" class! Perfect for beginners and enthusiasts alike, this class will guide you through the essentials of composition, teaching you how to arrange elements in your artwork to create balance, harmony, and visual impact. With hands-on exercises and expert tips, you'll learn to see your art in a whole new light. Don't forget to bring your basic art materials and get ready to transform your creative vision into breathtaking compositions. Book your spot now, and we'll send you all the details upon confirmation!
Beginner's Crochet Class
Saturday 22 March
Uptown - 10am - 3 Hours
Claire Rooney
If you are brand new to crochet, haven't picked up a hook in years, or simply want a little more guidance on all those important basic stitches this is the class for you. We will start with techniques for holding the yarn before moving onto forming the stitches that make up a traditional granny square. Crochet materials are included as well as a free tea or coffee.
Drawing for Beginners
Saturday 29 March
N Clark Street - 10am - 2 Hours
Geanina Zaharia
In this class, we will explore the basics of drawing and equip you with the skills needed to create beautiful and expressive artwork.
Our experienced instructor will guide you through the fundamentals of drawing, including perspective, proportion, shading, and composition.
We will also be practicing various forms of Mark Making techniques and hopefully will make an empty page less daunting to fill up.
Perfect for complete beginners.