MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to foster a broad community of photographers who practice and appreciate the art of photography by offering a variety of classes and exhibition activities; sustaining a corps of volunteers; sharing our cameras with overlooked and under-served communities; and providing a vibrant, welcoming environment in which all this happens.
ABOUT US
The Chicago Photography Center (CPC) offers a wide range of classes and boot camps for both the digital and film photographer. Our students include true beginners who may not even own a camera when they sit in on their first class, advanced amateurs who are honing their skills to turn their passion into a business, and even pros looking to expand their knowledge and reach.
CPC’s curriculum offers students solid technical knowledge, creating the foundation they’ll need to create the photos they desire. Our instructors and volunteers foster an environment that encourages students to look at the world as photographers, explore their creative vision and capture their unique perspective through the camera’s lens.
Become a CPC Member and enjoy great benefits while supporting photography and the arts.
The Chicago Photography Center is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization focused on photography. Our facility includes classroom space, a computer lab, darkrooms, a lighting studio and a gallery that exhibits student, instructor and invited artist’s work.
WHAT FOLKS ARE SAYING
“I have been around CPC for about 2 years. I had extensive photography experience before coming to CPC but I find the instructors to be so well informed that I can’t help but learn new and interesting ways to achieve my photography goals. They have a broad range of classes all taught by photography pros. The facilities are great as well. They have a full dark room and lighting studio, as well as a digital printing lab. Not to mention the great bank vault in the basement!” – youstolemysoul
“I really learned a lot during my Photoshop boot camp class. I was a complete novice to Photoshop, but certainly not to photography or photo editing. I had purchased a Groupon which I used for the class and really got my money’s worth! “ – Carrie C.
“There is a great community behind CPC. The students are very supportive of each other and help each other with anything they need. ” Kristen P.
“I took the Photoshop boot camp over the weekend at CPC. First off, great location, cool building, great photography exhibits and Ashley our teacher was fantastic. I picked up a few tricks and ideas so it made the six hours worth it. ” – Erin D.
“I recently graduated (yes, that’s what I’m calling it) from their one day digital boot camp. Near 7 hours of learning and applying that new knowledge to work with my (borrowed) digital camera. My teacher Sabina was wicked cool and chalked full of digital know how. She made it fun to learn and answered any question with ease and patience. Actually, all of the staff at CPC are pretty cool and playful. Classes are expensive but from my point of view you get what you pay for. ” – Nick M.
“ This is a great School with exceptional instructors. I have been a professional photographer for many years and have learned new and useful techniques from the CPC.” – Warren P.
“Chicago Photography Center is the best place in Chicago to learn a variety of photography techniques, in both traditional film and digital formats for those who don’t want to enroll in a whole College program. The center has constant events, critiques, lectures, guest artists, exhibitions and competitions which makes it a true photographic community. Constant innovations and improvements show that ” – Susan A.
