CHICAGO
PHOTOGRAPHY
GROUP

Upcoming Events

Portraiture with Natural Light Photography Meetup

Portraiture with Natural Light Photography Meetup

Saturday 27 June
N. Cannon Dr., Chicago - 12:30pm - 2 Hours
Caitlin KellyThompson
This class is your time to learn and gain a proper understanding of Composition and the importance of light to help boost your photography skills.

We, as a class, will be photographing a model without any on-camera flash or strobe photography. Just the available light, we will walk through, troubleshoot, make adjustments and capture a portrait successfully.

We will also learn how to use light modifiers like a reflector to help capture appropriately exposed shots in not-so-great lighting
book now
$49      
Editing Photos Class

Editing Photos Class

Saturday 25 July
N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago - 12:30pm - 3 Hours
Caitlin KellyThompson
Learn how to edit you photos in Lightroom. I'll go step but step and show examples of how I edit.
book now
$98       5 places left
Composition in Photography

Composition in Photography

Saturday 22 August
China Town, Chicago IL - 11:30am - 2 Hours
Caitlin KellyThompson
Composition in Photography is how a photographer arranges visual elements within the frame.

In this course, we will discuss five, seven, and even ten, rules that will enhance your photography.

1) Rule of thirds
2) Shapes
3) Negative Space- Positive
4) Line
5) Symmetry and patterns
6) Points
7) Color
8) Tone
9) Distance
10) Balance

As a photographer, beginner, intermediate, or professional. Please join me so we can with together to improve your ability to see the scene you wish to photograph.
book now
$49.00      

Beginner's Photography Class

Beginner's Photography Class

Saturday 19 September
N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago - 10:30am - 3.0 Hours
Caitlin KellyThompson
Ready to learn more about your camera and get out of automatic exposure? Now is your chance! Join us as we break down your camera to help you learn about shutter speed, aperture, ISO and how these settings affect your exposure.We will then put your new knowledge to the test with the guidance of a professional photographer.
book now
$98.00      
Using Light & Shadow in Photography

Using Light & Shadow in Photography

Saturday 17 October
Montrose Beach - 12pm - 2 Hours
Caitlin KellyThompson
Light and shadow photography is a type of photography that focuses on capturing the interplay between light and shadow in a particular scene. This style of photography often produces dramatic and compelling images that can evoke strong emotions in the viewer.

Harsh light and the contrast between light and shadow can provide some interesting photo
opportunities, as well as some challenges!

In this meetup, we will be looking at how you can use your camera's settings to nail the exposure.
book now
$49.00      

Nearby Photography Groups

Macro Photography Meetup

Macro Photography Meetup

Saturday 06 June
Raymond Dr. - 10am - 2 Hours
Naperville Photography Group
Martina Landolt
Let's get closer to our little subjects in nature, whether it's a bug, wild flowers, leaves, tree bark, textures or anything that catches your eyes. Bring the mini world to life with your macro lens or telephoto as we walk the trails of the forest preserve.
book now
$49.0      
Spring Beginners Photography + Portraits

Spring Beginners Photography + Portraits

Saturday 06 June
Joliet area park - 3pm - 2.0 Hours
Joliet Photography Group
Brian Kelsch
Jump into spring with a new hobby, photography. My name is Brian Kelsch and I can show you how to work your camera without the manual in a half hour along with teaching you how to frame, focus and record a scene that you will be proud to show your friends and family. I'll also show you how to do outdoor portraits and how focal length can change your entire way of seeing the world.
book now
$49      
Long Exposure Photography

Long Exposure Photography

Saturday 13 June
PlainfieldNaperville Road - 6pm - 2 Hours
Naperville Photography Group
Martina Landolt
Learn the basics of long exposure to capture light trails along with tripod photography.

Long exposure refers to a technique where you keep the shutter open for an unusually long period of time. This results to interesting effects in your photographs.
book now
$49      

Beginner's Photography Class

Beginner's Photography Class

Sunday 21 June
Knoch Knolls Rd - 12pm - 3 Hours
Naperville Photography Group
Martina Landolt
Have you got a new camera or are you relearning your existing one? Do you want to learn more about how to control the creative outlook of your images? Let's take this opportunity to learn how to use your camera outside of auto mode. Become more confident with your photography as you navigate your camera to understand the photography elements. This small-sized class is perfect for collaboration and feedback.Join us as we discuss the exposure triangle to help you learn about shutter speed, aperture, ISO and how these settings affect your exposure. Related topics such a metering, white balance , focus modes and more will be covered.We will put this knowledge into practice using your camera with the guidance of a professional photographer.It will be a fun class of limited size with direct feedback from your host.
book now
$98.00       4 places left
50mm Lens Meetup

50mm Lens Meetup

Sunday 05 July
Raymond Dr. - 4pm - 2 Hours
Naperville Photography Group
Martina Landolt
The 50mm lens is one of the flexible and useful lenses in any photographer's gear bag. It is neither a wide-angle or telephoto lens, but allows the camera to see on the same scale as your eye.
The nifty-fifty can be used for a variety of genres, from landscape and street photography to portrait and product photography.
In this meetup, we'll review the basic camera settings. We'll then cover some of the advantages of shooting with a prime lens, and some basic techniques to using the 50mm lens. It's a good creative practice to go outside your comfort zone and limit your shooting to one lens. When you move to compose your subject, you see different.
book now
$49.0      
Beginner's Photography Class

Beginner's Photography Class

Saturday 11 July
Shorewood, IL - 11am - 2.0 Hours
Joliet Photography Group
James Zorn
Join us for a fun and relaxed beginner's photography class in a scenic outdoor setting. We'll cover the basics of camera settings, composition, and capture some great shots. Suitable for anyone new to photography or wanting to build confidence with their camera.
book now
$49      

Architecture Photography

Architecture Photography

Sunday 12 July
St. James Farm Forest Preserve - 4pm - 2 Hours
Naperville Photography Group
Martina Landolt
Architectural photography can be a great way of exploring and documenting any area with Buildings. From brick, to barn stables and fences, It's about capturing not only the design and accurate representation of a building and its surroundings, but to create aesthetically pleasing image for the viewer's eye. An architectural photographer makes pictures, not takes pictures.

In this session, we will be covering how to better understand Architecture photography and we'll be looking at ways to take some impressive shots and the camera settings to use.
book now
$49.0      
Nature Photography Meetup

Nature Photography Meetup

Saturday 18 July
Raymond Dr. - 4pm - 2 Hours
Naperville Photography Group
Martina Landolt
Embark on a captivating journey through the lens of nature in our Nature Photography meetup, where participants have the unique opportunity to explore and capture the breathtaking beauty of the natural world. Through expert guidance, you'll not only refine your technical photography skills but also deepen your connection with the environment. This class offers a hands-on experience, fostering a greater appreciation for the intricate details of flora and fauna. Join us to cultivate your creativity, gain a fresh perspective on the world around you, and create stunning visual narratives that reflect the unparalleled wonders of nature. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced photographer, our Nature Photography meetup promises a transformative and enriching experience for all.
book now
$49.00      
Shallow Depth of Field Photography Meetup

Shallow Depth of Field Photography Meetup

Sunday 02 August
Raymond Dr. - 3pm - 2 Hours
Naperville Photography Group
Martina Landolt
In this workshop, we will explore the art of creating stunning images with a shallow depth of field.

Our experienced instructor will guide you through the process of understanding and applying the principles of photography, including aperture, focal length, and distance.

We will cover topics such as using a shallow depth of field to create a mood, blurring out distracting backgrounds, and how to use a shallow depth of field to give a bokeh effect behind our subjects to make them pop.
book now
$49.00      

Other Nearby Groups

Landscape Sketches

Landscape Sketches

Sunday 07 June
Chicago, IL - 12pm - 2.0 Hours
Chicago Art Group
Geanina Zaharia
Landscape Sketches for beginners. Participants bring their own materials.
book now
$49.0      
Introduction to Urban Sketching

Introduction to Urban Sketching

Saturday 13 June
Deerfield, IL - 10am - 2 Hours
Chicago Watercolor Group
Kris Van Stockum
Step into the world of Urban Sketching! In this beginner-friendly workshop, you'll learn simple sketching techniques using pen and watercolor or colored pencils to draw the world around you. We'll turn everyday scenes into lively, expressive compositions. The class will be held outdoors. Participants bring their own supplies.
book now
$49       1 places left
Watercolour for Beginners

Watercolour for Beginners

Saturday 27 June
Naperville, IL - 10am - 2.0 Hours
Naperville Watercolor Group
Jose Alfredo
Join us for a relaxed Watercolour for Beginners meetup. This 2-hour session is perfect for those new to watercolour painting. You will learn basic techniques and create your own painting to take home. All skill levels welcome. Participants must bring their own watercolour paints, brushes, paper, and a water container.
book now
$49      

Step by Step Portrait Drawing

Step by Step Portrait Drawing

Sunday 28 June
Andersonville area - 12:30pm - 2 Hours
Chicago Art Group
Geanina Zaharia
Step by Step Portrait Drawing for beginners. Participants bring their own materials.
book now
$49.0      
Color Theory Class

Color Theory Class

Sunday 05 July
Andersonville area - 12:30pm - 2 Hours
Chicago Art Group
Geanina Zaharia
Color Theory Class for beginners. Participants bring their own materials.
book now
$49      
Portrait Collage

Portrait Collage

Saturday 25 July
Evanston area - 1pm - 2.0 Hours
Chicago Art Group
Geanina Zaharia
Participants will create a simple portrait and then they will apply different pieces of paper to cover the shapes and create a nice collage!
book now
$49      

Introduction to Urban Sketching

Introduction to Urban Sketching

Thursday 30 July
Deerfield, IL - 6pm - 2 Hours
Chicago Watercolor Group
Kris Van Stockum
Step into the world of Urban Sketching! In this beginner-friendly workshop, you'll learn simple sketching techniques using pen and watercolor or colored pencils to draw the world around you. We'll turn everyday scenes into lively, expressive compositions. The class will be held outdoors. Participants bring their own supplies.
book now
$49      
Watercolor Abstract Landscapes

Watercolor Abstract Landscapes

Saturday 08 August
Deerfield, IL - 10am - 2 Hours
Chicago Watercolor Group
Kris Van Stockum
Capture the beauty of a landscape in this relaxing watercolor meetup. We'll break down outdoor scenes into abstract shapes and infuse with unexpected color. Beginners welcome. Participants bring their own supplies. This class will be held outdoors.
book now
$49      
Introduction to Urban Sketching

Introduction to Urban Sketching

Saturday 15 August
Deerfield, IL - 10am - 2 Hours
Chicago Watercolor Group
Kris Van Stockum
Step into the world of Urban Sketching! In this beginner-friendly workshop, you'll learn simple sketching techniques using pen and watercolor or colored pencils to draw the world around you. We'll turn everyday scenes into lively, expressive compositions. The class will be held outdoors. Participants bring their own supplies.
book now
$49      

ABOUT CHICAGO
PHOTOGRAPHY
GROUP
Come along to our photo sessions to dust off your camera and get snap-happy with a professional photography instructor.

Brush up on your camera skills and learn new photography techniques whilst on a photo walk class with other local keen photographers!

We run two hour photography sessions based on a photography theme/technique/style and they take place in various locations in Chicago .

  • New to photography? We also run a popular 3 hour Beginners Guide to Photography Class once a month. And once in a while we will run special niche 3 hour classes, for example, Astrophotography - so do subscribe to our newsletter to know when the next on is!

  • Who can attend? Open to all skill levels, from beginners to keen amateurs. The photography instructor is there to help you with camera settings and provide any advice you need.

  • What to bring? We recommend bringing a camera that has full manual mode or semi-manual modes (Aperture or Shutter Priority). Compact cameras and smartphones also welcome!

    The meeting point and full details for the day are sent in the booking confirmation email to the email address you provide at time of booking.

    Join the Chicago Photography Group on Facebook to share your photos after the session.

    Got a question? Try our FAQ.
  • REVIEWS
    It was a great event! Cait was such a great instructor and was so helpful. Small class size is a huge plus. 10/10
    5/5
    Corey
    2026-05-03
    Cait was great! I am so glad I got out to shoot on a cold day in February.
    5/5
    Eileen
    2026-02-22
    Great time wandering the city streets downtown at Christmas. Only thing lacking would have been a little more direction as far as effects of shutter speed, aperture, temperature, etc on the pictures. I know nearly everyone post processes, but I wanted to teach my granddaughter a little more about light and photography than computer work. Cait was great. Friendly, and helpful if asking questions. The group was good too. Not too large.
    4/5
    Walter
    2025-12-29

    Good intro to what the various edit tools do
    5/5
    Paul
    2025-11-03
    I enjoyed the group and our leader
    5/5
    Irving
    2025-09-24
    5
    5/5
    Dina
    2025-07-06

    it was great, thanks Cait!
    5/5
    Bilol
    2025-04-07
    Great session. Caitlin was knowledgeable, informative and fun. ,
    5/5
    Rod
    2025-04-06
    Although the skies were cloudy, there were enough opportunities to get some interesting shots.
    5/5
    John
    2025-03-18

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    5/5
    -
    2025-02-23
    Kate did a great job of leading us - she has a good eye for seeing things I do not. She was very helpful and a joy to be with! We were able to work our way up North Michigan Ave and take advantage of the great architecture along the way.
    4/5
    Nicholas
    2024-11-25
    I recently joined the Chicago photography group led by Cait and had the chance to participate in a night street photography event with her. The experience was amazing! Cait is not only incredibly knowledgeable but also very approachable, making it easy for everyone to learn and grow regardless of their skill level. She guided us through different techniques for capturing the essence of the city at night, from playing with shadows and lights to capturing motion. I came away with some fantastic shots and a deeper appreciation for night photography. Highly recommend joining Cait?s events if you want to elevate your photography skills
    5/5
    Rajesh
    2024-09-17

    PHOTOGRAPHERS
    Caitlin KellyThompson
    Caitlin Kelly Thompson is a portrait photographer that mixes street, documentary, and portraiture together to capture life. For her, the best thing about photographing people is the moment when the person posing relaxes and is themselves. Other than photography, Caitlin loves to travel, knit, and listen to podcasts.
    PHOTOS
    Chicago Photography Group
    2026-05-20
    Title or Location: Cerro del Cimatario, Quer?taro, Mexico
    I took this photo at Cerro del Cimatario in Quer?taro, Mexico, around midday while several colorful insects were resting under the sun. What I loved most was how calm and curious they seemed. One of them stayed still long enough to pose for several photographs, and as I kept observing, I noticed there were many others nearby doing the same thing. It felt like discovering a small hidden world quietly living among the plants in the middle of the day.Olympus camera using natural light.
    Credit: Carylu Candiani
    Instagram: Carylu Candiani Fot?grafa

    Chicago Photography Group
    2026-05-15
    Title or Location: My Backyard Chicago
    I love the insects in my small urban backyard. They always make great subjects
    Credit: Bridget Zaremba
    Facebook: @Bridgetprymskazaremba
    Instagram: @bridgetzaremba
    Chicago Photography Group
    2026-04-29
    Title or Location: Dante Peak Death Valley
    Facing into the morning sunrise
    Credit: Chris Massa
    Facebook: chris.massa.photo

    Chicago Photography Group
    2026-04-25
    Title or Location:
    Boat Harbor in Ketchikan, Alaska. July of 2024. Taken from the top deck of cruise ship while docked.
    Credit: Jeff Silberman
    Facebook: Jeff Silberman
    Instagram: jeff.silberman

    Chicago Photography Group
    2026-04-16
    Title or Location: Diversey Harbor, Chicago, Il. 10Aug24
    This photo was taken at 1327, 10Aug2024 at the Chicago Air & Water show from Diversey Harbor. I had taken several shots of the skyline during the day. Some pictures were processed in standard color, or black & white. This particular photo, I just started playing with the settings in Lightroom Classic. After a while , it was as it appears here. I've always been a fan of Stephen King, and this just gave off a vibe as to something that would look good on the cover of a Stephen King book set in Chi
    Credit: Jeff Gordon
    Facebook: Jeffrey Gordon 1257
    Instagram: Jeff Gordon 739
    Chicago Photography Group
    2026-04-11
    Title or Location: Holiday Bean, Millennium Park, Chicago
    This was the first time I had taken my family to see the Bean for the holidays. It was December 19, 2019 and this particular night the bean was particularly clear and the reflections off of the building buildings made for a wonderful series of photos. For editing, I did this in multiple formats, such as color that would enhance the city lights. However, the black and white came out with the best feeling. Cloud gate is one of my most favorite subjects to take when I am in the city having
    Credit: Clinton Fairbanks
    Facebook: https://facebook.com/ClintonFairbanksPhotography

    Orange County Photography Group
    2026-06-01
    Title or Location: This Still Life Photograph of "Grapes, Strawberry's and Wine" was taken in my bedroom in Orange County California.
    This image is a Still Life Composition of "Berries, Wine and Grapes" that I created on a rainy day in my bedroom. I used no fancy Studio Lighting at all. My only light source was a hand-held flashlight that I kept moving rapidly. It was an experiment in Light Painting when I couldn't go outside to shoot.
    Credit: Gary Markarian

    Hertfordshire Photography Group
    2026-06-01
    Title or Location: Stanborough Lake
    The bird, location, background and the light complimented each other creating a scene that could not be neglected.
    Credit: Leszek Walczak
    Facebook: Lesswall photography
    Syracuse Photography Group
    2026-06-01
    Title or Location: Dewitt, NY
    Blue Moon, DeWitt, NY 5/29/26 (OM System OM1 mkii w/ M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-600mm)
    Credit: AT McLean

    Fremont Photography Group
    2026-05-31
    Title or Location: Hanksville, Utah
    Early morning drive to moonscape was worth it when I was able to capture first morning rays on the canyon walls.
    Credit: Niral Patel
    Instagram: Npatel.photos

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