One-Day Boot Camp, Full 8 Hours

Now Offered Every Other Saturday and Select Mondays

More Than 15 DSLR's To Loan For The Day
More Than 8 Full Hours Of Instruction for The Day

On the first and third Saturday of each month and select Mondays, Chicago Photography Classes on Ravenswood Avenue (all-day free parking) offers a one-day Boot Camp, from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Or 6:00pm (how passionate are you to learn? We stay as late as required).

Richard started teaching this Boot Camp every month about six years ago, as a courtesy for the people who just do not have the time for full seven week classes, but have a desire to at least get started. To insure that everyone gets the most instruction the class is limited to 10-12 participants.

Because of overwhelming demand we now offer this class on every other Saturday and select Mondays. If you do not have a DSLR we have more than fifteen to loan out.

This Boot Camp is for people with a DSLR camera or for people who are thinking about buying one. If you don't have a camera, we will provide you with a Nikon D-70 (or better) and a fast lens (you will learn what that means). These cameras have a Depth-of-Field preview button and a lens with a Depth-of-Field Scale. These two vital features are what you need in order to be sure you have in focus the parts of your image you want in focus. Please bring your camera manual if you have one.

If not, don't worry. Be happy. We will teach you what you need to know.

This is a workshop for people just starting out. Our motto: "The less you know, the better we like it." We won't have to un-learn you. In the morning, Richard will go over digital camera settings, help you understand "correct exposure" and then the "how and why" of shutter speeds. The subtleties of aperture (f-stops) and Depth-of-Field (focus) will be explained. You will also learn to understand and use the "language" of photography.

Then you will go outside and shoot two assignments in the neighborhood, so wear your boots.

This is a BootCamp, we will not break for lunch. If you forget your lunch, we provide white bread and water only!

During your working lunch, we will help you understand the subtle differences of cameras and between camera manufacturers. Also which cameras are a best buy "used", if you choose to try and save some money. Richard has had, in his hands, every film and digital SLR camera made over the last 50 years.

In our computer labs we have both Mac's and PC's for you to learn on. In the afternoon, you will learn how to save your images and print with archival, ink jet printers. You may print as many archival, 6" x 9" photographs, on 8-1/2" x 11" archival paper, as time allows. A review of your notes and a critique at the end of the day will help you understand what you did right – and wrong – with your pictures.

Special bonus: After you've completed this workshop, you will be entitled to call Richard with questions for the rest of his life. ;-)

Cost per session is $225, cash or check only. Don't forget your boots and bring your own lunch. (White bread and water are provided at no charge.)

Also, please take advantage of our FREE camera buying service. Richard has had every camera made in the last 50 years in his hands. He knows which are the best cameras for the money. If you are thinking about buying a used camera Richard knows which brands are the best, how much they should cost, and where they sell for the best price. Richard does not receive any commission or compensation for his equipment recommendations.

Chicago Photography Classes on Ravenswood Avenue offers comprehensive classes that teach Photography to people who are serious about learning. We are a community devoted to learning and teaching quality photography programs.