Balanced Exposure, Schaumburg

With a career spanning more than 20 years, Balanced Exposure's owner, Russell Lowe, has worn many hats, including forensic photographer, wedding photographer, and commercial photographer. Russell has always had a passion for teaching, which is why he finally opened up his own studio space. He and his staff help novice photographers shake hands with their shutter button during DSLR Camera Basics and introductory Photo Essentials classes for DSLR/Mirrorless cameras, whereas DSLR Advanced classes lead intermediate students further into the world of flash lighting by exploring how to use external flashes, set up studio lighting, and sell paparazzi-style photos of local squirrels to National Geographic. Crime-scene processing classes draw on Russell's background as a court-qualified expert in forensic photography and an evidence technician to teach techniques used by real-world forensics experts. Aspiring wedding and studio photographers hone their craft and practice postproduction techniques in the fully equipped studio, which also hosts professional portrait shoots.