Experience the architectural and photographic wonders of Chicago's magnificent bridges in this specialized composition class focusing on the iconic bridges spanning the City of the Big Shoulders. This is one of the excellent venues in the rotation of many Chicago locations that offer exceptional and consistently terrific photo opportunities for photographers of all levels.
The renowned poet Carl Sandburg immortalized Chicago in his epic poem using the powerful phrase, "City of the Big Shoulders." The extraordinary photographic drama created by the Chicago River when viewed from water level, combined with the stunning architectural character of the city's world-famous bridges, perfectly exemplifies that poetic vision and captures the essence of Chicago's grand scale and engineering achievement.
We will gather at the open-air "pagoda" pavilion located at Ping Tom Park. If you should encounter unexpected delays, please call or text your instructor to let them know.
Ping Tom Park is situated approximately three blocks northwest of the core of Chicago's historic Chinatown neighborhood. The park itself is a small but charming neighborhood green space, and the distinctive pagoda structure where we'll be assembling is located just a short distance inside the main park entrance. We encourage you to arrive early if possible so you can photograph the remarkable Canal Street railroad bridge situated just across the river from the pagoda pavilion. If you're driving to the location, note that parking can be challenging due to limited on-street metered parking with a three-hour maximum stay limit; you may prefer to use one of the public parking facilities in the area. Public transportation provides excellent access to the park and the surrounding neighborhood. We recommend using the public parking lot on Wentworth Avenue, just north of Archer Avenue, which places you about a 5-minute walk from Ping Tom Park's entrance.
The core purpose of DPA's Composition in the Field class is to develop your ability to analyze the visual elements present in your surroundings and to identify and capture compelling, emotionally powerful images using your camera. During the opening segment of class, the instructor will present educational information with supporting visual examples about the key elements that make photographs compositionally successful and will review some useful camera settings and technique approaches. Then, we'll spend a few minutes photographing the immediate park surroundings and that magnificent Canal Street railroad bridge, with its distinctive "house" structure atop. Shortly thereafter, together we'll board a Chicago Water Taxi located just steps from the pagoda, and we'll journey northward up the Chicago River, photographing the series of extraordinary bridges, Chicago's world-renowned architectural masterpieces, and the engaging scenes of river life and activity along the waterway.
When you board the water taxi, bring $10 in cash to purchase an "all-day pass" from the conductor onboard the vessel. Retain your ticket carefully as you'll need it for subsequent portions of the journey. As the tour progresses, we'll change boats at the Ogilvie Station water taxi stop; we'll disembark for a dedicated photography session at the "Mag Mile" (the Michigan Avenue bridge area), where you'll photograph from the bridge deck itself; and finally, we'll head back downriver, returning to Ping Tom Park, where the class will conclude. However, we encourage you to budget additional time after the class session ends to explore and photograph the enchanting Chinatown neighborhood on your own or to capture additional river scenes according to your creative interests.
During the entire duration of the class session, I will be present with you throughout, observing your photographic work, demonstrating specific techniques, offering supportive and constructive suggestions and tips, and answering any and all questions you may have about composition, camera settings, or photographic approach. We'll have plenty of dedicated time for this meaningful interaction and collaborative learning. Please dress appropriately and strategically based on current and forecasted weather conditions. Showers and rain are always possible on a water-based activity, so you may want to bring an umbrella, a waterproof poncho, and perhaps a protective covering to keep your camera equipment safe and dry if we encounter rainfall during the class session (a standard gallon-sized plastic "baggie" works effectively). Additionally, bring sunscreen or sun protection, since we may be exposed to significant direct sunlight throughout the outdoor session.
The waters of the Chicago River within our photography area are typically calm and gentle. Be sure to wear shoes with non-slip soles or a good grip to prevent slipping on the potentially wet surfaces of the water taxi.
I recommend you bring a fully-charged camera battery, plus an additional fully-charged spare battery as backup, and two formatted memory cards in case you fill the capacity of your first card or should your primary memory card experience any technical failure. These situations do happen occasionally, so it's wise to be prepared. I recommend bringing minimal camera gear since we'll be moving around frequently and using water transportation; however, you're absolutely welcome to bring a spare lens, additional equipment, or any other photographic accessories you'd like to have available.
I've created and attached a PDF document that will help you understand and become familiar with the compositional terminology we will be discussing during the class. Additionally, I've included two valuable links below that will help you with composition and photographic framing concepts:
Each Composition in the Field class is structured to begin with an instructional talk delivered by one of our experienced instructors, followed by an immersive and guided experience where you and your fellow students explore one of a selection of photogenic locations across our service territory spanning 20-plus distinctive cities served by Digital Photo Academy. Our photography locations feature street photography opportunities, magnificent interior spaces, farmers' markets with dynamic scenes, zoos with wildlife subjects, scenic landscapes, and many other diverse and compelling subjects. The photographs displayed throughout our website represent a balanced collection of both student work and instructor photography, captured at numerous different venues and distinctive cities across the United States and Canada.
You will have genuine fun and creative fulfillment throughout your three-hour session, develop the ability to compose and shoot strategically with clear intention, capture increasingly more interesting and visually striking photographs, and take away knowledge and skills that will improve your photography in all future contexts and situations. Whether you're traveling, capturing memories at a family birthday party, or simply photographing in your own community and everywhere in between, you'll draw upon what you've learned.
Please note that if a class must be cancelled due to adverse weather or other circumstances beyond our control, we will be happy to work with you to reschedule your session at a mutually convenient time. If you need to cancel and require a new class date, please contact us. A $25 transfer fee will be imposed if we do not receive at least a 3-day notice before the scheduled class.
