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Best Classes & Workshops in Chicago

Instructor: Jack Carlson

6 classes have spots left

Water Garden in a Vase Workshop

Chicago Botanic Garden

Learn the proper methods to grow a living plant arrangement in a water-filled vase, including which plants do best growing in water and how to care for them to keep them happy and healthy for a long time. Adding unique elements and features such as rocks, pebbles, sand, or moss can help you create your own special design. All the plants, vase, and added features are supplied to complete your unique water garden to enjoy at home. Please bring gloves...

(127) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Photographing Trees

Chicago Botanic Garden

Different types of trees require different photographic techniques to represent their beauty. For evergreens, the emphasis is on texture and pattern; for deciduous trees, capturing branches and the changing color of leaves as individual subjects in close-ups is the focus.  Digital SLR cameras with a medium to wide-angle lens and macro or close-focusing lens are required.

(127) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Into the Woods

Chicago Botanic Garden

In this class, students will learn how to find and photograph various parts of McDonald Woods. Subjects will include dealing with differences of scale, changing light levels, and using different perspectives to photograph paths as lead-lines. The School's CEUs=1.2

(127) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
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Photographing Bridges of the Garden

Chicago Botanic Garden @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Chicago, IL

Bridges in myriad styles, materials, and lengths connect the Garden’s nine islands. They make interesting photo subjects themselves and also serve as wonderful vantage points from which to capture the land and water around them. Learn the best focal lengths and framing techniques to use.

(127) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$229

4 sessions

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Photographing in Natural Light

Chicago Botanic Garden

Photographers often find themselves in a situation where flash photography is not allowed, or where artificial light disturbs the honesty of a photo. Learn techniques that use natural light from available sources to capture realistic and untouched images. All registrations must be submitted online two days before your class starts.

(127) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Photograph Hidden Gems of the Garden

Chicago Botanic Garden @ 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Chicago, IL

Visit special areas of the Garden for unique photographic opportunities in places off the beaten path. This is an opportunity to capture images not often seen by Garden visitors. Prerequisite: Beginning Digital Photography or equivalent knowledge and skill.  Class limited to DSLR cameras.

(127) Intermediate 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$299

4 sessions

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Capture Nature’s Color with Your Camera

Chicago Botanic Garden

Vibrant and muted colors combine to allow photography students to capture the essence of nature. Contrast and texture enhance the drama of color intensity. Learn camera settings and adjustments for each color you encounter. Prerequisite: Beginning Digital Photography or equivalent knowledge and skill. Class limited to DSLR cameras. This class will be taught online via Zoom. All registrations must be submitted online two days before your class starts....

(127) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Photographing Roses

Chicago Botanic Garden @ 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Chicago, IL

Light levels, varied shapes and colors, and horizontal and vertical patterns combine to create a photographic palette. Learn techniques to capture the exquisite beauty of the favored rose in all its glory.  Prerequisite: Beginning Digital Photography or equivalent knowledge and skill.  All registrations must be submitted online two days before your class starts.

(127) Intermediate 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$224

3 sessions

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Capturing Nature's Color with a Camera

Chicago Botanic Garden

Vibrant and muted colors combine to allow you to capture the splendor of nature. Learn camera settings and adjustments for each color. Prerequisite: Beginning Digital Photography or equivalent knowledge and skill. All registrations must be submitted online 2 days before your class starts. The School’s CEUs=8 hours FPC elective This class will be taught online via Zoom. Registered students will receive login instructions one day in advance.

(127) Intermediate 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Flash Photography (Online)

Chicago Botanic Garden

Using flash can lighten and brighten the subject, but using it incorrectly can distort the image or cause unwanted reflections. Learn where, when, and how to use flash indoors and outdoors by varying the intensity of the light through the use of bounce cards, diffusers, and camera settings. Bring your camera and an external flash if you have one. This class will be taught online via Zoom. All registrations must be submitted online two days before...

(127) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Autumn Photography at Volo Bog

Chicago Botanic Garden @ 28478 Brandenburg Rd, Illinois City, IL

Explore the enchanting beauty of Volo Bog and capture stunning images of nature's vibrant palette in this immersive photography course. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of the 47-acre floating mat of sphagnum moss, cattails, and sedges, and unveil the hidden gems of the season. Join us and unleash your creativity amidst the splendor of autumn.

(127) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$162
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Exploring the Garden Wall

Chicago Botanic Garden

In this class, you will be transported to scenic vistas on both sides of the 1.25-mile-long berm wall to capture images of trees, flowers, and the Skokie River from very special vantage points. The class is team-taught by Jack Carlson and assistant horticulturist Dave Cantwell. The School’s CEUs=9 hours

(127) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Winter Sunrise Scenes

Chicago Botanic Garden @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Chicago, IL

While sunrise offers a dramatic photo opportunity, winter sunrise combined with snow and early morning light presents particular photographic challenges. Learn how to compose and meter for these unique light levels. The School's CEUs=0.6

(127) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Photography Tips & Techniques: Flash Photography

Chicago Botanic Garden

Photography is the control of light. Most cameras now have a built-in flash to add light when needed. Learn where, when and how to brighten a scene with flash. External flash units welcome, but not required. Students should have a working knowledge of their own cameras.   Note: The School’s CEUs=3 hours

(127) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Capturing the Holiday Lights: Beginner

Chicago Botanic Garden

December nights are perfect for making outdoor holiday lights come alive. Begin with a review of camera settings and image-framing concepts, then proceed outside to photograph the festive color. Review and discuss the newly captured images. Learn how to transform your photo into holiday cards.  Digital cameras only. A tripod and shutter release are strongly recommended.

(127) Beginner 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Photography Tools & Techniques: Selecting & Using Lens

Chicago Botanic Garden

Photography Tools & Techniques: Selecting and Using the Proper Lens During this seminar, students will learn the differences among focal lengths of lenses and how to select the appropriate lens for each particular subject. Other topics include matching the lens to the light level, depth of field, and how to obtain maximum image sharpness, as well as using the hyperfocal length setting with manual focus. The School’s CEUs=3 hours

(127) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Winter Photography at Trailside Center

Chicago Botanic Garden @ 738 Thatcher Ave, River Forest, IL

While morning light offers dramatic photo opportunities, winter light combined with snow and shadow presents particular photographic challenges. Learn how to compose and meter for these unique light levels to capture inspiring images on both land and water. A map will be sent with your registration.

(127) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Discover Fall Color at Thatcher Woods

Chicago Botanic Garden @ 738 Thatcher Ave, River Forest, IL

In partnership with Forest Preserves of Cook County Learn how to capture the glorious colors of autumn with your camera. We will meet at Trailside Nature Center and gain insights on tips and techniques, then proceed outside to practice in the beauty of Thatcher Woods. Please bring your camera.

(127) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Photography Techniques: Proper Lenses

Chicago Botanic Garden @ 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Chicago, IL

Learn the differences among focal lengths of lenses and how to select the appropriate lens for each particular subject.  Other topics include matching the lens to the light level, depth of field, and how to obtain maximum image sharpness, as well as using the hyperfocal length setting with manual focus.  Note: This class will be taught online via Zoom.  All registrations must be submitted online two days before your class starts. ...

(127) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Photography Techniques: Flash

Chicago Botanic Garden

Photography is the control of light. Most cameras now have a built-in flash to add light when needed. Learn where, when, and how to brighten a scene with flash. External flash units welcome, but not required. You should have a working knowledge of your camera. This class will be taught online via Zoom. All registrations must be submitted online two days before your class starts. Registered students will receive login instructions one day in advance....

(127) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
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