Photography Classes in Darien & Lemont
Digital Photography Made Simple
Learn To Photograph the Things You Love Most!
Our photography classes help you photograph the things you love most.
For those who wish to take photography classes in Darien and Lemont areas, Creative Eye Workshops™ offers photo classes that are insightful, convenient, and efficiently designed for all levels of photographers and people with busy schedules. Our courses are fashioned for all levels of photographers with a focus on the fundamentals and building confidence. Our objective is to teach our students to take pictures in the real world without second-guessing, to think on their feet while having fun. And like our name implies, we help you discover and express your creative eye. Conveniently located, our classes are held less than 15 minutes away from Lemont and Darien.
Listen to What Our Students Have to Say
Your teacher and internationally-published photographer, Mike MacDonald.
Sarah writes, “With his wonderful sense of humor and comfortable way, Mike lightens the classes up whenever needed and makes sure that everyone “gets it.” Mike cares about his students and his concern and follow through with each person is truly impressive. With the personal attention he gives, these classes go far beyond what a standard photo class could ever offer.”
Charlie from Darien writes, “Mike has identified many of the photographic elements and techniques which have contributed to his own personal success, and has integrated these into the Creative Eye Workshops. This professional insight coupled which his unbridled enthusiasm and passion make these workshops both a rewarding and exhilarating experience.”
Courses for Every Photographer & Any Subject Matter
Our courses are smartly designed to help you make dramatically better pictures, no matter what subject matter you choose, whether that be nature or landscapes, flowers or family, sightseeing or sports. We offer classes for different levels of photographers, where amateur to more experienced photographers can improve their artistic and technical skills. This includes courses in photo composition, Photoshop Elements courses, an exposure course, and nature and landscape photography workshops. We even provide private photography lessons. And we invite you to save money with a workshop package.
An Emphasis on the Fundamentals
We are primarily focused on teaching the fundamentals so that our students can photograph whatever they want, empowering them to think on their feet and make pictures under “real world” conditions. In our classes, you will learn technical and artistic aspects of photography, including many advanced photographic techniques. And after completing our courses, you’ll be ready to photograph anything you want: nature photography, your kid’s soccer games, maybe even start your own baby photography business like Amy:
Amy writes after starting her own baby photography business, “I have been meaning to touch base with you just to say thanks! You were my kick start to doing exactly what I love. Your classes and work inspired me to take a leap of faith and I again thank you.”
We have workshops designed for more advanced photographers, too, consisting of courses in exposure, Photoshop and Photoshop Elements, digital printmaking, and landscape and nature photography.
Increase Your Confidence as You Learn
Gain the confidence and knowledge to take perfect pictures when it really counts.
We focus on getting our students to a place where they feel confident and unafraid of their digital cameras. In our beginner classes, students learn the basics, starting with our powerful digital camera class that frees you from the shackles of the unpredictable and mysterious automatic and point-and-shoot modes. Or take our inspiring and insightful class in photo composition. Once you’ve completed our basic photography curriculum, you should confidently be able to apply what you’ve learned to any area of photography you wish to pursue, . Learn which classes to take.
Brian says, “Thank you for the ‘Get to Know Your Camera’ course. I learned so much in two nights that it has made me really want to dive in. Your way of teaching and encouragement has me feeling confident about making something that has always been a passing interest into a full-fledged hobby.”
Advanced Teaching Methods and Hands-on Learning
Our hands-on photo outings help students practice what they’ve learned in class. Here are two intrepid students at our springtime outing to Starved Rock State Park.
Our classes consist of hands-on learning and custom visual presentations like, computer graphics, animations, and PowerPoint slides, to help you learn and absorb the material more easily. We also provide detailed notes for each class so you can review the lessons at home. And, you’ll often receive supplementary emails to summarize or solidify the information you just learned.
Practical Classes Formulated for Busy People
We have methodically formulated our classes to accommodate people with busy schedules. For example, rather than offering extended courses, we have split them up into shorter, bite-sized, classes to make scheduling easier. See which classes we suggest.
Our courses are also practical and efficient, saving you time and money in the long run. For instance, we concentrate on teaching what you need to know, when you need to know it, rather than confusing you with loads of inappropriate information that you’re yet not ready for.
Gifted Photographer & Inspirational Teacher
Your teacher, Mike MacDonald, and founder of Creative Eye Workshops™ started photography as a hobby and developed his skills to become a professional photographer. Just 18 months after taking on photography as a hobby, he established himself as a nationally published photographer with an article called “Frozen Images” in Outdoor Photographer Magazine. His photographs of Chicago nature have also been featured in the world-famous Sierra Club Wilderness Wall Calendar. Watch an interview with Mike on WTTW Chicago Tonight.
Nicole raves, “Mike was personable and easy-going, and made everyone feel good about their level of knowledge and ability to learn the techniques. Great and energetic instructor.”
Self-taught in photography, Mike’s biggest lesson is that making mistakes, though annoying, will make you a better photographer. Mike says, “I see it all the time with my students. The more mistakes you make, the more confused you are, the better you will become.” With degrees in physics and mathematics, and careers as a scientific computer programmer and a nationally-recognized comedy, Mike uses his unusual talents to convey complex material in an organized, light-hearted, and easy-to-comprehend way. Yet, what makes Mike stand out from the crowd is his personality. With energy and passion, he inspires his students to be their best.
Photography Classes Conveniently Located in Darien and Lemont Area
From Darien, take Cass Avenue north to 63rd Steet and make a left (west) to Belmont Road, where there’s a Walgreen’s, Mobil Station on the corner. Turn right (north) and quickly get into the left lane because, in just a few seconds, you’ll see us on the left in the middle of the block. Our address is 6200 Belmont Road.
From Lemont, take Lemont Road nouth to 63rd Steet and make a left (west) to Belmont Road, where there’s a Walgreen’s, Mobil Station on the corner. Turn right (north) and quickly get into the left lane because, in just a few seconds, you’ll see us on the left in the middle of the block. Our address is 6200 Belmont Road.
If you have questions about Creative Eye Workshops™ or want to know which classes may best fit your needs, just email us or phone 630-852-8448.