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Snaps at the Skydeck - The Sequel, Sunrise Version

We had such a great time at the sunset event on October 30th, we are doing it again but at sunrise on November 18th. Click the photo below to register. Spaces are limited.

Golden Hours Artist Series: Barry Butler Sunrise Photography Class

About this event

  • 2 hours 30 minutes

  • Mobile eTicket

Calling all Chicago photographers! Looking to elevate your cityscape photography? Skydeck Chicago is partnering with local legend Barry Butler for a master class 1,353 ft in the air. Join us from 5-7 AM on Saturday, November 18th for a photography event on Skydeck’s 99th floor, as we explore the magic shooting hour of sunrise. Whether you’re a veteran or beginner photographer, Barry will share tips and tricks to mastering light and capturing the beauty of the Chicago skyline. We'll finish the morning with a visit up to the 103rd floor Observation Deck to brave The Ledge. All attendees will leave with a copy of Barry Butler's 2024 Chicago Calendar.


Some tips we’ll cover in the class include:

  • Improve your compositions

  • Proper exposure and camera settings for golden hour, sunset and blue hour

  • Which lenses to shoot with and why for different perspectives

  • How to best use light and shadows to your advantage for golden hour

What to bring:

  • Photo ID

  • Camera, lenses

  • Tripod (if you have one, but it’s not mandatory)


Event timeline:

  • Doors open at 5:30 a.m. (ticket holders should enter via S. Franklin Street, which is adjacent to the Foxtrot Market)

  • All guests must be checked in by 5:45 a.m. to head up to the 99th floor.

  • Class will begin promptly at 6:00 a.m.


About Barry Butler

Barry Butler is a Chicago-based/Ireland-born, internationally published landscape and cityscape photographer. Getting his start over 25 years ago, Barry, a self-taught photographer, has captured images from locales around the world, but he is legendary for his Chicago imagery. Reporter Mike Lowe of WGN-TV nicknamed him “Chicago’s Picture Poet”. Barry’s work has appeared in a variety of media spanning television, books, advertising and music album covers. In 2022, Barry help create the cover, the back cover and the gatefold for Umphrey’s McGee album, “Asking for A Friend”. Not only will his photos appear in local and national media outlets daily, but also Barry has been featured for behind the scenes experiences of his work or to share his photographic expertise on such outlets as the Weather Channel, CNN-Espanol, WGN-TV, 101.9 the MIX, WBBM-AM Newsradio, Fox 32 Chicago, WGN-Radio 720, National Public Radio WBEZ, WLS-AM, CBS-2 Chicago, ABC-7’s Windy City Live, WCIU-TV, iHeartRadio Chicago to name a few. The Chicago Reader newspaper reader survey for 2021 named Barry as “Chicago’s Best Photographer”. The Huffington Post and Thrillist both have recognized his work for top Chicago photography.

Have more questions? Email Zoe at zoe@zapwater.com