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Course Description


There is something kind of magical about night photography. A scene that looks
forgettable when shot during the day can be totally transformed if you shoot it after the sun
goes down. Plus, by taking photos at night, you’re more likely to get uninterrupted access to
places that might be too busy to shoot in the middle of the day.
Since nighttime photography takes a little bit more technical know-how than regular
photography, adding it to your portfolio is a great way to make your work stand out from
the crowd.

Our inclination is to use flash photography whenever there is insufficient light for making good photographs, but there are many creative approaches to creating visually interesting and unique photographs after dark. This class will explore night photography camera techniques, the art of visualizing night photographs, using alternative light sources, and understanding the technical aspects of shooting night photography. Students will have at least one complete matted and framed image at the end of the session.


The sessions alternates between online instruction and in-person class meetings in towns local to Harper College. Packing a backpack with weather clothing and wearing comfortable shoes is advised.
 

Testimonials

Chicago’s Best Photography Teachers
If you’re suspicious of photographers who want you to invest in a trip to Kauai in order to take beautiful landscape shots, you’re already more perceptive than most and perhaps you just need to get to Harper College. A photographer in the U.S. Army and a graduate of Columbia College, Harold Rail makes a living in photojournalism, commercial, and creative photography, so the man has the chops. A decade's long dedication to Zen Buddhist practice informs his images with knowing nano-second captures of infinity – and, honestly, where else can you get the combo of experience and artistry? Rail champions the art of photography teaching affordable classes for children, teenagers, and adults at Harper College. See the eccentricity and enthusiasm that blooms in his photographic work on exhibit at the new Hyatt Centric in Chicago, too.


I really enjoyed working with Jim, he was open about many techniques, and getting info about being in the profession was very interesting and eye-opening. He made us all feel comfortable and excited about us learning and moving forward. B. L. 


I learned a lot in the photography class. He taught by example and we had a lot of hands-on experience in class. He was able to talk to the various levels of experience each student had in class and to the variety of camera models we each had. S. L. 


Harold is a great instructor, who makes his classes very interesting and full of creative energy!  V. W.


 

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Enroll Now - Select a section to enroll in
Section Title
Night Photography in Chicago's Northwest Suburbs
Type
Online: With Live Meetings
Days
Th
Time
7:00PM to 9:00PM
Dates
Mar 13, 2025
Type
Class Meets Offsite
Days
Th
Time
7:00PM to 10:00PM
Dates
Mar 20, 2025
Type
Online: With Live Meetings
Days
Th
Time
7:00PM to 9:00PM
Dates
Apr 03, 2025
Type
Class Meets Offsite
Days
Th
Time
7:00PM to 10:00PM
Dates
Apr 10, 2025
Type
Online: With Live Meetings
Days
Th
Time
7:00PM to 10:00PM
Dates
Apr 24, 2025
Type
Class Meets Offsite
Days
Th
Time
7:00PM to 10:00PM
Dates
May 01, 2025
Type
Online: With Live Meetings
Days
Th
Time
7:00PM to 9:00PM
Dates
May 08, 2025
Type
Online: With Live Meetings
Days
Th
Time
7:00PM to 9:00PM
Dates
May 15, 2025
Schedule and Location
Contact Hours
20.0
Location
Course Fee(s)
Tuition and Fees non-credit $249.00
Instructors
Section Notes

Minimum 5 / Maximum 16


No class on Thu, 27 March 2025, Spring Break and April 17


This is a blended class where some classes are in the field, and some are online. The dates for the online lectures are Thursday 3/13, 4/3, 4/24, 5/8, and 5/15; the dates for field photography are 3/20, 4/10, and 5/1; see full details below:

1st Session on-line introduction / 2 hours (7pm - 9pm) /  March 13
2nd Session in Palatine / 3 hours (meeting place TBD) (7pm - 10pm) / March 20
3rd Session on-line review first shoot / 2 hours (7pm - 9pm) / April 3
4th Session in Barrington / 3 hours (meeting place TBD) (7pm - 10pm) / April 10
5th Session on-line review 2nd shoot / 2 hours (7pm - 9pm) /  April 24
6th Session in Mount Prospect / 3 hours (meeting place TBD) (7pm - 10pm) / May 1
7th Session, review and critique, on-line / 2 hours (7pm - 9pm) /  May 8
8th Session, final review and critique, on-line / 2 hours (7pm - 9pm) /  May 15
 

 



 

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