Fundamentals of Photography

Classes begin July 20th

Class Details
  • Registration
  • Student Level
    Beginner
  • Course Length
    7 weeks
  • Start Date
    Monday July 20th, Tuesday July 21st, Thursday July 23rd or Sunday July 19th (for commuters)
  • Start Time
    7:00pm (Sunday class starts at 4pm)
  • Instructors
  • Cost
    $440 class fee
    $115 lab fee
    Total $555
    (Payment due at start of first class)
  • Prerequisite Class
    None
  • Curriculum
  • Materials
  • Recommended Camera
    Nikon D40 This particular camera currently represents the best market value in our opinion. This is not an endorsment of Nikon products.
  • Location
    3301 N Lincoln - map
  • By Car
    Main Junction Belmont and Lincoln
  • Public Transport
    Brown Line or #11 Bus - CTA System Map

Fundamentals of Photography introduces students to the basic operation of a digital camera. For this class, the camera must be a DSLR (digital single lens reflex) with an interchangeable lens and must have the ability to store images in RAW format.

In this class, you'll learn the principles and the subtleties of exposure and the elements of good composition. You'll participate in a three-week assignment/discussion about the psychological relationship between the photographer and subject. You'll also learn how to work with your digital image files and make black and white ink-jet photo prints.

You'll need to commit between eight and 10 hours per week for Fundamentals of Photography. Each week, you'll spend two to three hours in the classroom and three hours in the CPC computer lab learning how to work with and print digital images.

After the third class, you'll also spend some time at home burning DVDs; your home computer will have to have the ability to burn a DVD or CD. You'll use the rest of your time commitment for shooting assignments, which will involve shooting 35-50 images each week.

Each class builds on the skills you learned the previous week, so it's important to consistently attend classes and labs and to complete your weekly shooting assignments on time.

If you take Fundamentals of Photography on Monday nights, you have the option of a Thursday night or Sunday lab. If you take Fundamentals of Photography on Tuesday nights, you have the option of a Monday night, Thursday night or Sunday lab. If you take Fundamentals of Photography on Thursday nights, you have the option of a Wednesday night, Monday night or Sunday lab. Sunday Photo I is intended for those who cannot regularly attend a weekday evening classes. Lab for the Sunday class is at 10am on the same day.

You must bring your digital camera and lens to each class, including lab sessions. You should also come with paper and a pen to take notes.

In addition to the camera and lens, students are responsible for purchasing all items on the Digital Photo I materials list, which is distributed in the first class. CPC will provide all computer lab equipment (computers, monitors, printers). All Digital Photo I students are required to pay a $115 computer lab fee in addition to the class fee to cover the cost of ink, equipment and maintenance. Both lab fee and class fee are due to be paid the first week of class.

We'll hold a total of six computer lab sessions in addition to our weekly classroom meetings. By the time you complete your last lab class, you’ll have the knowledge and comprehension of black and white ink-jet printing that will prepare you to move on to Digital Photo II.

For the first class, you should bring:

  • Your DSLR camera and 50mm fixed focal length lens (zoom lens may not be used for Digital Photo I)
  • Your camera manual, if you have it
  • Your personal calendar/date book
  • A notebook, pen and pencil