Adult Opportunities

Visiting Photographer Workshop: Anne Belmont

Spend a day with a professional photographer to learn about her process of creating nature images.

Content Detail

Join the Morton Arboretum Photographic Society for a full-day workshop with Anne Belmont, a nature photographer specializing in the intimate world of flowers and botanicals.

Belmont will present and discuss three topics related to her technical and creative methods.

Presentations

Photographing the Beauty of Orchids

Learn how to capture the beauty and personality of orchids with your camera. Orchids are among the most exotic and captivating flowers, but their intricate forms and environments can make them a challenge to photograph. They are especially popular from February through April, when many botanic gardens feature orchid shows.

In this discussion, Belmont will explore ways to elevate your images of orchids—such as working with a range of apertures and lenses, managing distracting backgrounds in exhibits, creating at-home setups, using effective lighting and equipment, and applying post-processing methods.

Introduction to Lensbaby Lenses

Lensbaby lenses have long played an important role in Belmont’s photography journey. As
a Lensbaby Trailblazer, she is passionate about sharing her love of these lenses with others and how they can enhance artistry and bring emotion to photographic work.

Belmont will discuss some of her favorite lenses, why she loves them, and how they can
open up new ways of seeing and photographing—as well as some helpful tips for mastering these lenses.

Seeking Metaphors in Nature

When we approach photography with mindfulness, we begin to see more than just our subjects—we uncover stories, emotions, and metaphors that mirror our own lives.

In this presentation, Belmont will explore how to develop a field workflow that fosters deeper connection with subjects, encourages creativity, and supports thoughtful, intentional image-making.

Belmont will cover essential elements of flower and plant photography—including light, aperture, lens choice, positioning, background control, and composition—and how they contribute to the creation of photographs that are visually impactful and emotionally meaningful.

All experience levels are welcome.

This program meets in person at the Arboretum.

Admission to this program includes general admission and access to the Arboretum grounds until sunset. Participants are encouraged to stay after the workshop concludes to practice their new skills.

MAPS members can register for this workshop though the MAPS website to receive a discounted price. Learn more about becoming a MAPS member.

Instructor: Anne Belmont, photographer

Age: 16 and older

Course number: P320

Instructor

Anne Belmont, photographer

Belmont is a nature photographer specializing in the intimate world of flowers and botanicals. Her passion lies in capturing the intricate beauty of her subject—delicate lines, patterns, curves, and the unique personalities of each subject. Belmont believes that by slowing down and observing nature mindfully, we uncover stories, emotions, and compelling details that might otherwise go unnoticed. For her, photography is an intimate dance between artist and subject, where the creative process is more meaningful than the final image.

With a lifelong love for the arts and a deep connection to nature, Belmont draws from her career as an art therapist to understand the profound healing power of art, while her art therapy background inspires her approach to photography and teaching. She helps others see their subjects in new ways, discover creativity, and bring their heart to their work.

Belmont’s favorite creative haven is the Chicago Botanic Garden, where she finds endless inspiration from its ever-changing color palette and seasonal subjects. The Garden showcased her work in a solo orchid photography exhibition, with larger-than-life panels displayed at Orchid Shows from 2015 to 2017. Her work has found homes in private collections across the U.S.

Belmont is a team member and presenter for Out of Chicago Photography, sharing her expertise at conferences nationwide. She teaches her own private workshops and does private mentoring sessions at Chicago Botanic Garden. She is the author of two popular ebooks: The Art of Flower Photography: Capturing the Beauty of Flowers with Creativity and Emotion, and Creative Flower Photography: An Illustrated Guide to the Magic of Lensbaby Lenses.

What to Know

Please bring something to eat for lunch and a fully charged camera.

Admission to this program includes general admission and access to the Arboretum grounds until sunset. Participants are encouraged to stay after the workshop concludes to practice their new skills.

MAPS members can register for this workshop though the MAPS website to receive a discounted price. Learn more about becoming a MAPS member.

Program Schedule

Saturday, October 25, 2025, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Thornhill Education Center (parking lot P-21), West Side

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