Adult Opportunities

Tree Photography and Identification: Oaks, Maples, and More

Photograph and identify the trees of Northern Illinois as they take on fall color.

Content Detail

Get to know the trees of Illinois with this one-day photography workshop at The Morton Arboretum. Start the day in the classroom, learning techniques for capturing the fall beauty of trees with a camera. Then, joined by a naturalist, learn the names and features of oaks, maples, and other tree species common to Northern Illinois. Finally, head outdoors to apply your learning. This workshop will cover

  • techniques and camera settings for nature photography,
  • composing photos to draw focus to your subject,
  • using light effectively, and
  • identification of common oaks, maples, and other woodland trees of Northern Illinois.

Appropriate for the beginning photographer and those looking to explore their camera’s manual settings, this class will also familiarize students with the trees of the local woodlands. Students are welcome to use DSLR cameras and smartphones in this class. This program meets in person at the Arboretum.

Instructor: Erica Benson, photographer, and Arboretum staff

Age: 16 and older

Course number: P404

Erica Benson, photographer

Erica Benson has been a professional photographer since 2000 and a photography instructor since 2007. She is passionate about her field and looks forward to sharing her experience with her students.

What to Know

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

Bring a notebook and pen, your fully charged camera (DSLR or smartphone), and a sack lunch or snack.

Program Schedule

Sunday, October 22, 2023, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Thornhill Education Center

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