In-Person and Online Photography Classes in Naperville, Plainfield, & Warrenville
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 are excited to learn photography in Naperville, Plainfield, or Warrenville, Creative Eye Workshops™ offers both online and in-person photography classes that are insightful, convenient, and efficiently designed for all levels of photographers and people with busy schedules.
At Creative Eye Workshops™, we teach the fundamentals of photography so that students understand the principles and are able to think on their feet. Our goal is to build confidence and knowledge so that students can take control of their cameras without fearing technology, freeing them up to photograph the things they love most. Ultimately, we provide the guidance and the tools to help you discover and express your creative eye.
Don’t Just Take Our Word For It
We understand that our students exhibit all levels of ability and many may be afraid of their cameras. That’s why we concentrate on building confidence as much as we do knowledge.
Sarah wrote, “For someone like me, who previously used my digital camera on all automatic settings and was fearful of the ‘unknowns’ my camera had to offer, I find myself now in this wonderful place, feeling totally at ease with my camera and having the time of my life exploring and finding my own personal style.”
Classes Near Naperville for Every Photographer & Subject Matter
No matter what you like to photograph, our wide range of photography classes provide learning opportunities for all levels of photographers. We offer digital camera courses, classes in photo composition and exposure, landscape photography and nature photography workshops, and private photography lessons that include Adobe Photoshop. You can even save money with our class discounts.
Our Focus is on the Fundamentals
Our teaching philosophy starts with teaching the simple and fundamental principles of photography—concepts that apply to photographing anything you want, whether that means photographing your kids or your pets, becoming a fine-art nature photographer, or starting a business in portrait photography. We teach the technical and creative aspects of photography, including many advanced photographic techniques.
Our more advanced classes include courses in photographic exposure and landscape and nature photography plus private lessons in Adobe Photoshop.
Joe S. from Naperville wrote, “For many years I have been taking SLR pictures of birds, nature, and landscapes and rarely came up
with a few really good photos. I wanted to try and improve my photography skills and took a few classes at Creative Eye Workshops. After taking the ‘Get to Know Your Camera,’ ‘Complete Exposure,’ and ‘Make Great Pictures, Now!’ classes, I am putting those lessons to use with great results. The classes provided very valuable and practical advice with immediate results.”
Gain Confidence & Knowledge!
Gain the confidence and knowledge to take perfect pictures when it really counts.
For beginner photographers, we focus on getting our students to feel confident and unafraid of their digital cameras. For starters, beginners can take a basic, but insightful, class in photographic composition or a powerful digital camera class designed to free you from the chains of “AUTO” and “point-and-shoot” modes. Click here to find out which classes we suggest.
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.
Advanced Teaching Methods & 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.
All of our classes consist of hands-on learning and visual presentations, like intuitive computer graphics and animations to help you visualize and absorb the ideas more easily. For instance, in Get to Know Your Camera, you will quickly learn how your camera works and how to make pictures based on the various settings, thanks to hands-on lessons and advanced visual aids. We also provide a comprehensive class handout that comprises a virtual rerun of the class, allowing you to re-read the material between sessions and refresh your memory long after the class is over. During each class, you’ll also receive helpful emails that summarize, solidify, and supplement the information you just learned.
Practical Classes that Focus on the Needs of Busy People
We have thoughtfully planned our photography curriculum to accommodate busy schedules, with practical and efficient classes that don’t require extended commitments. Instead of offering long classes, we break them into several short course to better fit your busy life. Learn which classes are right for you.
Our classes are efficient because we concentrate on teaching what you need to know, when you need to know it, rather than confusing you with loads of irrelevant information that you’re not ready to use.
Master Photographer & Passionate Instructor
Mike MacDonald, the founder of Creative Eye Workshops™, has degrees in physics and mathematics along with careers in professional comedy and scientific computer programming. Mike learned photography all by himself. It started out as a hobby but just eighteen months later, he established himself nationally when his article about photographing ice was published in the prestigious Outdoor Photographer Magazine. His photographs of Chicago nature are also regularly featured in the world-famous Sierra Club Wilderness Wall and Engagement Calendars. Watch an interview with Mike on WTTW Chicago Tonight.
Jennifer from Naperville wrote, “I knew what kind of photos I wanted to produce but couldn’t figure out to achieve amazing, jaw-dropping pictures that had a WOW factor. Then, I took several of Mike’s classes and voila, my pictures improved immensely and in just a short period of time! My family and friends are amazed at the difference they see. I highly recommend Mike, he brings great knowledge, experience and excitement to each class. Thanks again for everything, I’m extremely happy with the results! Look out world, here I come!”
As a teacher, Mike uses his communication skills as a comedian and writer, and his organizational and analytical skills as a programmer and mathematician, to simply present and poignantly convey even the most difficult technical and creative ideas. But, if that weren’t enough, Mike is also an inspirational figure, bursting with passion, inspiring students to take their love of photography to the next level.
Photography Classes Easily Accessible from Naperville, Plainfield, & Warrenville
From Naperville, you’re just down the road and have several convenient choices. You can take Chicago/Maple east to Belmont Road (with Family Video and 7-11 on the corner), turn right (south) and drive 0.7 miles to 6200 Belmont Road. We’re on the right side in the middle of the block. You can also take Hobson Road east directly from Naperville or go west on 75th Street, then north to Route 53 to Hobson Road. Once on Hobson, take it east over I-355, and then another half-mile until you reach Belmont Road (Walgreen’s, Mobil Station on the corner). Turn left (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 Plainfield, take I-55 North to I-355 North (toll) and exit at 63rd Street/Hobson Road (no toll). At the top of the ramp, turn right and go about a half-mile until you reach Belmont Road (Walgreen’s, Mobil Station and on the corner). Turn left (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.