Online and In-Person Photography Classes in Oak Park, Forest Park, & Berwyn
Digital Photography Made Simple
(In-Person and Online Classes)
Learn To Photograph the Things You Love Most!
Our photography classes help you photograph the things you love most.
Creative Eye Workshops™ offers convenient and insightful photography courses in Oak Park, Forest Park, and Berwyn areas. Our online and in-person classes are designed for all levels of photographers, focusing on the fundamentals of photography and building self-confidence. We prepare our students to take pictures in the real world, to think on their feet, and to have fun! And, like our name says, we can help you discover and express your creative eye. Conveniently located, our classes are held less than 25 minutes from Berwyn, Oak Park, and Forest Park.
Hear What Our Students Have to Say
Your teacher and noted 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.”
Karen said, “Thanks so much for the great classes! I appreciate your attention to detail and making sure you explained things very thoroughly.” Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
Classes for All Photographers & Subject Matter
We’ve designed our classes to help you make dramatically better pictures, no matter what your experience level or what you like to photograph, whether that be nature or landscapes, flowers or family, sightseeing or sports. More experienced photographers can improve their artistic and technical skills by taking courses in exposure, photo composition, Photoshop Elements, and nature and landscape photography workshops. We even provide private photography lessons and help you save money with photography class combos.
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.
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.
We Build 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. You should confidently be able to apply what you’ve learned to any area of photography you wish to pursue, once you’ve completed our basic photography curriculum. 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
We offer hands-on photo outings to 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 eighteen 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 wrote, “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 Easily Accessible from Oak Park, Forest Park, & Berwyn
From Oak Park, Forest Park, and River Forest take I-290 west to I-88 Tollway west to I-355 Tollway South. Exit at 63rd Street/Hobson Road (unattended toll) and turn left (east) at the top of the ramp. In a half mile, you’ll reach Belmont Road, where there’s a 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 Berwyn, you have several choices. You can take Ogden west to Belmont Road, which is 12.5 miles west of Harlem Avenue. Turn left (south) on Belmont for 2.3 miles to 6200 Belmont (on your right, in the middle of a block). You can also take I-55 or I-290. For I-290, use the above directions for Oak Park & Forest Park. For I-55, enter from Harlem Avenue and head north to I-355 Tollway North. Exit at 63rd Street/Hobson Road and turn right (east) at the top of the ramp. In a half mile, you’ll reach Belmont Road, where there’s a 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.
If you have questions about our course, please let us know. Just email or phone us at 630-852-8448.