The Chicago Cultural Center is home to the world's largest Tiffany dome, which has been beautifully restored to its original 1897 splendor since its comprehensive 2008 restoration. This magnificent structure now displays Tiffany's artistic vision in all its former glory. Affectionately nicknamed the People's Palace, the Chicago Cultural Center regularly hosts a diverse array of cultural, artistic, and educational events showcasing the wonder of this iconic dome. From blues concerts and theatrical productions to wedding celebrations, the Cultural Center stands as a vibrant hub of Chicago's rich cultural life. Join your Digital Photo Academy instructor as you capture the stunning beauty and cultural significance of the Chicago Cultural Center and its majestic Tiffany dome.
Within the Cultural Center, you will photograph the magical light streaming through the Tiffany glass windows and explore the mosaic plaques honoring some of history's greatest Western thinkers and writers. Discover innovative angles to capture the large hanging lamps against the brilliant blue Tiffany dome, and master the techniques for photographing the way light and shadow dance delicately across a friend's face. You will also create striking images of the Center's impressive architectural features, including marble staircases with dramatic elegance and ornate ceiling details crafted with meticulous artistry. Control viewer response through your photographic choices; compose staircases shot straight-on or even from unconventional upside-down perspectives to create visually arresting images.
Just beyond the Chicago Cultural Center's walls, you will encounter a distinctly different photographic environment offering fresh subjects and new creative challenges. Photograph the outdoor architecture featuring elaborate historic windows and stately columns, as well as dynamic street scenes capturing taxis moving rapidly through downtown streets and bundled pedestrians navigating windy urban sidewalks.
You will develop a diverse range of photographic techniques while learning alongside a professional photographer working directly in the field. Master the art of playing with light and shadow to selectively highlight or darken your subject matter in innovative ways. Whether you own specific lenses or plan to purchase new photography equipment, your instructor will teach you about various lens options available for different photographic purposes, from macro photography emphasizing architectural details to wide-angle lenses capturing towering staircases in their full grandeur.
Learn to control your depth of field, focusing sharply on your primary subject while creatively blurring background elements, and master shutter speed techniques to freeze quick motion like a running child or blur motion like a speeding taxi.
The class will convene beneath the Tiffany dome inside the Chicago Cultural Center, located at 78 East Washington Street, Chicago, Illinois 60602. Please bring your DSLR or another digital camera you regularly use, a fully-charged battery, and whatever equipment you can comfortably transport. Dress appropriately for both indoor and outdoor conditions, as the class will move between the interior and exterior of the venue, and wear comfortable shoes suitable for extended walking.
Each Composition in the Field class begins with an instructional talk led by one of our experienced photographers, followed by a guided exploration of a visually compelling location chosen from a diverse range of photogenic sites across more than twenty cities served by Digital Photo Academy. Opportunities range from urban street photography and remarkable interior spaces to farmers' markets, botanical gardens, zoos, sweeping landscapes, and numerous other engaging subjects. The instructors provide a curated selection of sample photographs taken in these varied locations by both students and instructors across numerous cities throughout the United States and Canada.
You will have fun in this three-hour session while learning to compose strategic photographs, capture more compelling images of the location, and develop a foundation for enhancing your photographs in the future; these skills apply whether you are traveling, attending special events, or photographing in everyday situations.
Please Note: If a class must be canceled due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, we will gladly work with you to reschedule your session. Should you need to cancel and require a new class date, please contact us. A $25 transfer fee will be charged unless we receive notification at least three days before the scheduled class date.
