What You Will Learn

Here are the basic photography tips you will get on a Chicago Photo Safari ™ :

You will learn how to:

  • hold the camera for maximum picture sharpness
  • use selective focus to determine the subject of each picture using focus hold
  • frame your subject using available flowers, trees, bushes and doorways
  • keep your vertical lines as straight as possible for professional photos
  • fool your camera's meter, using exposure lock, so that it gives you the correct reading when facing backlit subjects or dark-colored subjects
  • take pleasing outdoor portraits in bright sunshine and in shade
  • pose people you do know in front of famous landmarks and monuments
  • take pictures of people you do not know
  • use the fill-flash and cancel-flash features of your camera
  • take pictures inside of large interior spaces, like train stations, churches and museums, without using a flash
  • take close-up pictures of flowers and statues
  • decide when to use black and white film vs. color
  • put strong composition lines and balance into your pictures
  • control depth-of-field with aperture priority settings
  • use the other doodads on your camera you were afraid to try

With Chicago Photo Safari ™, you also get pre-safari advice on what film and equipment to bring, and available post-safari critique of the photos you take.

Who should attend

From beginner to advanced amateur, any photographer will have a great learning experience on our photo Safaris.   Professional photographers visiting from other cities will also appreciate the time-saving site scouting we have done at each location.   Having lived in the area for many years, we know where all the best pictures are!

If you would like excellent information for Chicago visitors, call the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau at 1-877-Chicago (244-2246) and listen to the menu options (dial '1' for a copy of the visitor guide, '2' to speak to a Chicago expert, or '3' to make hotel reservations). Check out their website at www.choosechicago.com!

Who should not attend

Spouses, friends, children, colleagues, relatives who are NOT interested in photography might be bored in our Safaris, which are not tours but teaching workshops in photography with a lot of talk about F stops, shutter speeds, composition, and lighting.   Our Safaris are not substitutes for the professionally guided tours given by reputable vendors such as Gray Line, Old Town Trolley, Tourmobile, and by many individual licensed tour guides who are experts in the history of the area.

What to Bring

Here is a general list of suggested equipment.   It is optional, not required.   Please don't hesitate to ask if you have any concerns or questions.

  • If you have a point and shoot camera, please learn how to turn the flash off and on and how to use the white balance feature
  • If you have an SLR body, bring lenses from 20mm up to 300mm, if available .  If not, an 18-55mm or 18-70mm lens is fine
  • Digital shooters, bring several memory cards or backup devices
  • Film shooters, bring several rolls of film, ISO 200-400
  • Spare fully charged batteries or fresh alkalines
  • Lens cleaning kit (air blower, brush etc)

Do I have to speak English?

Safaris are given in English.

What about bad weather?

Chicago Photo Safari operates rain or shine. When it rains hard, we take you to covered locations.

How do I register?

Check out our Schedule and Registration tab.  Choose what interests you, and click through to the online registration.  If you have received a Gift Certificate, use the code you received to register.  You can apply the value of your certificate towards any of the Safaris that we offer.

What happens if I have to cancel?

Cancellations must be made in writing at least 8 days prior to the Safari date by email to info@chicagophotosafaris.com.   Cancellations received 8 days or more in advance of the Safari date receive a refund of the amount paid, less a 10% service charge.   No refund is made for cancellations received less than 8 days before the Safari date.   If the Safari is cancelled by Chicago Photo Safari due to severe inclement weather or low attendance, the client receives a full refund or, if the client prefers, credit towards another Safari.