DSLR Photography Fundamentals
TOP RATED
32 Have Dabbled
Arts & DIY
Photography empowers us in capturing the wondrous events and places we experience - be it a stunning urban landscape, an intimate portrait, or nature's beauty. A thorough understanding of your camera's functions is crucial to skillfully and effortlessly capturing the scene - as you see it.
Join a small group of fellow photographers in exploring and applying photography techniques varying from basic (shutter/aperture/ISO/White Balance) to advanced (shutter drag, time-lapse, HDR). The curriculum is dynamic in that it adapts to your existing knowledge, meaning you don't have to waste time on techniques you're already comfortable with.
The classes are held outdoors and start in front of the Chicago History Museum, where we start by voting on one of three routes proposed (as there's no shortage of them). This way, everyone's happier and we can easy select many interesting photo subjects to practice techniques on.
The course is geared towards DSLR owners who would like to better understand how their equipment works and how they can put it to best use in their photographic endeavors. You will walk away with a renewed sense of confidence in your ability to capture the scene as you envision it in your mind's eye.
Did you just buy a DSLR and find yourself curious or overwhelmed with all of the advanced features? Are you about to travel and would like a refresher on street photography? Wish to spend some quality time with your child? Sign up now!
DSLR camera or Point and Shoot with exposure modes
All ages welcome
'Understanding Exposure' infographic
Cancellation Policy
Having started with a modest film SLR more than a decade ago, my passion for photography has lead me down many roads - including jobs as an event photographer for international organizations and model photographer for specialty fashion blogs. In addition, world travel has exposed me to all sorts of environments and unique opportunities, further improving my photographic technique and feeding my creativity.
Having developed a strong handle on the technical side of photography, and after seeing many DSLR owners struggle to make the best of the photographic opportunities they come across, I decided to help others fully embrace the art of photography.
Customer Testimonials:
"Since he loves showing people a great time, is so graciously accommodating to every person, and loves revealing the best of what any city has to offer with its hidden gems, he is the best photographer suited for a photo tour guide." - Cynthia W.
"Even though I had used a DSLR in the past, there were so many things I learned, little tricks about lighting and framing, ways to use the camera's settings to my advantage." - Kris J.
"What you get out of this is not just technical advice you can find on YouTube, but also great insights into this type of work. I have no hesitation hiring him as a photographer for any major event in my life." - Beatrice B.
"I went on a photo-tour around Chicago with him and he was such an invested and patient teacher, which was great for a slow-learner like myself." - Ellora S.
Fun, short class to take with great teacher. Photographing Chicago was the best part.
Fun, short class to take with great teacher. Photographing Chicago was the best part.
I loved Ovi's class, he's a great teacher. He explains things very well and customizes his class to the people in it, so it doesn't matter how much/little you know when you show up, you'll learn feeling more confident and informed. He offers a great mix of lecture and hands-on work, and is a super smart and charming guy. I'll definitely be back!
I loved Ovi's class, he's a great teacher. He explains things very well and customizes his class to the people in it, so it doesn't matter how much/little you know when you show up, you'll learn feeling more confident and informed. He offers a great mix of lecture and hands-on work, and is a super smart and charming guy. I'll definitely be back!
Despite the bad weather, our intimate group managed to get quite a bit of information from our teacher. I think he did an amazing job of meeting the needs of every student in the class. I'd definitely recomend this class, and will likely be back for me of his classes.
Despite the bad weather, our intimate group managed to get quite a bit of information from our teacher. I think he did an amazing job of meeting the needs of every student in the class. I'd definitely recomend this class, and will likely be back for me of his classes.
The class was great. Flexible based on all of the students' skill levels. Instructor was always willing to answer questions and was knowledgable about many aspects of photography.
The class was great. Flexible based on all of the students' skill levels. Instructor was always willing to answer questions and was knowledgable about many aspects of photography.
The class was excellent and ovi was a very informative instructor. I left with a lot of new knowledge on using my DSLR. Highly recommend the class!
The class was excellent and ovi was a very informative instructor. I left with a lot of new knowledge on using my DSLR. Highly recommend the class!
This was the best 1-day class I've taken on digital photography and the most I've learned from a dabble class yet. The instructor was very patient and effective in helping us learn the fundamentals. We also walked around the downtown area photographing different scenes, so there was a lot of good practice.
This was the best 1-day class I've taken on digital photography and the most I've learned from a dabble class yet. The instructor was very patient and effective in helping us learn the fundamentals. We also walked around the downtown area photographing different scenes, so there was a lot of good practice.