Composition in the Field - Photography Workshop

Each Composition in the Field class begins with a talk with one of our experienced instructors, and then you and your fellow students take a stroll through one of a variety of photogenic locales (in any of the 20+ cities the DPA encapsulates). There is street photography, magnificent interiors, farmers markets, zoos, landscapes, and more, photos of which are included within. These photos are a mix of student and instructor images in many different venues and cities across the United States and Canada.

You will have fun in the three hour session, learn to shoot strategically, get more interesting photos of the event, and walk away with a foundation to improve your photographs in the future, whether you’re traveling, or at a birthday party and everywhere in between.

This venue, 65,000 works of art, is worthy of a visit even if you have no camera and for residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties, there is no entry fee. Bring your camera anyway, ID as well.

Your DPA instructor will likely start the workshop with the 658,000 square foot building itself, constructed in Beaux-Arts style by Paul Cret, in 1927, with additions added in the 1960’s and 70’s. More recently substantial renovations have been made.

Whether focusing on the picturesque fountain that flows in front of the grand entranceway steps, the dramatic trio of arches or the entire structure, your DPA teacher will discuss perspective, angle, and cropping as well as selection of camera controls, depending on which visual effect appeals to you. (Certainly, you will practice use of Shutter Speed Priority on the fountain, rendering everything from an impressionistic depiction of velvety smooth ever-flowing waters to stop action, crystal clear rendering.)

Please note – if a class must be cancelled due to weather or other circumstances beyond our control we will be happy to work with you to reschedule or provide a refund. However, if you should need to cancel or require a new class date, contact us. A $25 transfer fee will be imposed without a 3 day notice before the scheduled class.

Call Digital Photo Academy at 1 877 372 2231 or a field agent at 917 597 7053. Lots of people seem to hang up if our welcome recording comes on instead of a live voice, but we promise to return your message within a day or two if you leave one with your name and number. It would be even better if you included your email address as well as the date and city of the class you are considering. If leaving a voice mail message is not your thing, please email us at and include the date and city of the class you are considering, as well as your phone number.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, United States