Adult Opportunities

Basic Nature Photography

Move beyond shooting in automatic and learn to use your digital SLR camera to capture beautiful nature images.

Content Detail

This five-session photography course includes three online sessions and two field sessions on the grounds of The Morton Arboretum.

Over the course of the class, students will

  • learn how to adjust a camera’s manual settings to create the preferred shot..
  • learn basic composition and editing techniques.
  • learn how to read and adjust to different types of light conditions.
  • get personalized feedback through supportive critique sessions.

Students will also practice new skills and concepts with the support of the instructor during two field sessions. Participants have the chance to experiment with camera settings in an inspiring natural setting and get on-the-spot direction and feedback from a professional photographer.

Participants should have a digital camera with manual functions, such as a DSLR. This class is not intended for smartphone cameras.

This program includes Zoom sessions and in-person sessions at The Morton Arboretum.

Instructor: Cora Jacobs, photographer

Age: 16 and older

Course number: P000

Instructor

Cora Jacobs, photographer

Cora Jacobs is both a nature and a street photographer. She has been teaching at The Morton Arboretum since 2012. She served as the managing editor for Allium, A Journal of Poetry & Prose and taught magazine editing and production at Columbia College Chicago.

What to Know

This program meets indoors and outdoors. Check the forecast and dress for the weather.

Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes and plan to walk more than a mile on uneven terrain.

Please bring the following: a fully-charged digital DSLR camera and manual, a notebook and pen, water, and a snack. This program is intended for beginners.

Program Schedule

This program includes the following five meeting times.

Online: Thursday, February 15, 2024, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
In person: Saturday, February 17, 2024, 9:00 a.m. to noon
Online: Thursday, February 22, 2024, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
In person: Saturday, February 24, 2024, 9:00 a.m. to noon
Online: Thursday, February 29, 2024, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Zoom and Thornhill Education Center

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