Adult Opportunities

Nature Photography Workshop: Reflections and Clouds

Create compelling photographs of clouds and reflections with a DSLR or smartphone camera.

Content Detail

Tranquil waters that perfectly reflect the sky above make for powerful and memorable images. Clouds can be literal translations of the weather or wonderful abstractions in the sky, depending on your photographic vision. Best of all, due to the temporary nature of clouds, each composition is unique and can never be repeated. The art of finding reflections is the perfect complement to the practice of photographing clouds.

In five sessions at The Morton Arboretum, students will:

  • Harness the variables of exposure duration and time of day, even under the most difficult lighting conditions.
  • Learn to predict when and where mesmerizing cloud formations will occur.
  • Explore the use of neutral density filters to convey movement in the sky.
  • Discuss the challenges of finding and making compelling reflection images from a wide range of sources, including lakes, ponds, oceans, streams, puddles, glass, and metal objects.
  • Learn which exposure settings can capture the detail and dynamic range of reflective sources.
  • Explore software imaging tools, Camera RAW, and other tools offered by image management solutions.
  • Review images from the field and discuss post-processing techniques to fulfill creative goals.

This nature photography workshop is intended for all skill levels, though some experience is recommended.

This program meets in person at the Arboretum.

Instructor: Dan Pollack, photographer

Age: 16 and older

Course number: P337

Instructor

Dan Pollack, photographer

Dan Pollack has been a photographer since 1983. In 1985, he began a successful commercial photography studio and was featured in advertising campaigns for several Fortune 100 companies. His stock photography has been chosen for advertising campaigns worldwide. In 1998, he narrowed his focus to the subject matter he loves most, landscapes and wildlife. Since then, he has been an instructor for courses in black-and-white darkroom techniques, large format camera techniques, digital capture, and post-production image processing. Learn more at his website.

What to Know

Bring your fully charged camera or smartphone, tripod, and any lenses you wish to use.

Field sessions will involve traveling on uneven, single-track trails over rolling terrain.

This nature photography workshop is intended for all skill levels. Proficiency with the manual controls of a DSLR camera and with post-production software such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom is recommended.

Program Schedule

This program meets the following five times.

Wednesday, July 16, 2025, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 19, 2025, 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday, July 23, 2025, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 26, 2025, 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday, July 30, 2025, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Thornhill Education Center (Parking Lot 21), West Side

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