Photographers swiftly capture what sluggish painters cannot, such as the sparkle of a fleeting smile, the identity of a media-shy superhero, or the split second a peregrine falcon breaks the sound barrier. Attain photographic know-how with this Groupon. ####Choose from Three Options

• $49 for a three-hour Composition in the Field photography workshop for one (a $99 value)
• $89 for the above workshop for two (a $198 value)
• $75 for a four-hour Beginner Photoshop course workshop with added demo (a $150 value)<p>

Chicago-based composition workshops don’t just introduce students to the technical settings of their cameras—they focus on changing the way these budding photographers see the world from behind the lens. During each indoor or outdoor outing, an experienced photographer teaches students a range of 12 or more techniques such as selective focusing, demonstrating how to blur the background and keep the foreground in focus. He or she teaches students how to manipulate natural light and how to use panning to make it seem as though subjects are a whirlwind of motion. In courses, students can capture stealthy snapshots of lions or bald eagles not wearing their hairpieces at the Lincoln Park Zoo, immortalize the distinctive interior of the Chicago Cultural Center, or nab gorgeous shots of one of the many orchids in the Lincoln Park Conservatory. Participants should bring their own digital camera and any other equipment, such as a tripod, to the picturesque locale.

Designed for those who have just bought Photoshop or are using a free trial, the Beginner Photoshop course covers the basic elements of transferring photos from a camera or to a website, cropping photos, and adjusting the contrast and brightness levels. Students will learn the basics of the Curves tool, which allows users to easily adjust the exposure of their photo. A laptop with an installed version of Photoshop is required for the course. Check out the full schedule for more information.<p> ####Digital Photo Academy

As memory cards replaced film reels, many photographers—both professional and amateur—felt befuddled by the new technology. That’s where Digital Photo Academy stepped in. Since 2007, the business has facilitated workshops that explore all aspects of digital imagery, from operating cameras and uploading digital files to editing images and airbrushing realistic mustaches. Seasoned professionals lead the courses, helping understudies hone their use of light, framing, and timing. Students furnish their own cameras, and can tote along any ancillary equipment such as tripods, laptops, and flashes that relate to the course at hand.