LEI0170 - Chicago Photographic Excursions
Course Description
Now that you’ve learned what the settings on your cameras do, you may want to explore your creativity through this excellent, experiential course. Often, it is difficult to motivate oneself to go out and photograph alone. The Chicago Photographic Excursions course has been widely prized as one of the most creative and exciting photography experiential courses by past students, many of whom took the class more than once. Imagine stepping off the train into the vibrant heart of Chicago, where every avenue offers infinite images and every neighborhood pulses with visual poetry. This photography course isn't just about taking photographs; it's about training your eyes to see the world through your lens of creativity and wonder.
Come prepared for an urban voyage: comfortable shoes, a trusty backpack, a water bottle, and weather-ready gear. Pack your curiosity too. This isn't just a class; it's an invitation to see Chicago as a photographer—and explore your inherent creativity—in a completely new light.
Course Outline
The course is a carefully crafted journey of discovery. Nine sessions blend online instruction with stimulating, immersive, on-location adventures. Four early morning on-location expeditions will chase the golden light across Chicago's most photogenic landscapes. Meeting at Ogilvie Train Station at 7:30 a.m., we’ll explore a different slice of downtown with each trip—from architectural marvels to bustling street scenes and the vitality of its people.
Each morning expedition will unfold from dawn until noon, offering students a chance to transform the act of photographing into extraordinary, creative images. Explore the next step in developing your photographic skills, Chicago will challenge and inspire your photographic journey.
Notes
Ages 15+
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. Jacqueline Runice, Travel/Event Writer USA Today 10 Best
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.
I took Photo 202 with this instructor, the class was very informative and educational. His time and attention to all our questions/issues was outstanding! This was my first class I took on photography . I thought I knew a lot but I was pleasantly surprised with all the knowledge I was able to take away from it. My hats off to him for a great learning experience, only regret there's not a level 300 class. T. M.
I am very satisfied now after I finish the class. Our teacher is great. He teaches us everything from scratch, answers all the questions we have and giving us some challenging homework for every week. I Feel thankful. I've learned a lot and I can say that I am much much better photographer now than I was before. Recommend for everyone who wants to learn about photography! Y. Z.
Harold is an excellent photography teacher. His assignments were interesting and helpful in improving my photographic skills. I would highly recommend his teaching skills. M. F.