Nature Photography Class and Outdoor Field Experience

Classes meet the last Thursday of each month, January - April, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
The date of the field experience in May will be determined by the participants.
Meet at the pendulum in the New Science Center at Saint John's

Learn how to take better pictures with an emphasis on photography of the natural world. This year Ken Bachofer will give four presentations on digital photography leading to a field workshop in May. Each presentation will review fundamentals and progress to intermediate topics as appropriate for the class. See below for a description of topics to be covered. Ken Bachofer is an avid nature photographer and a Minnesota Master Naturalist Volunteer. View some of Ken's pictures on his Web site.

Cost: $25 for Arboretum members
$45 for non-members
Preregister by completing the online form or contact the Arboretum at 320.363.3163 or arboretum@csbsju.edu.

Thursday, January 29
Exposure, focusing, and composition
Learn how the camera sets exposure, how it will be fooled and what to do about it. Learn the use of the histogram, discuss topics in subject placement, lighting, background, foreground, and texture. View and discuss examples.

Thursday, February 26
Using your camera
Bring your camera and manual so you can learn its capabilities and make it do what you want. You will take pictures in class to master your camera.

Thursday, March 26
Close-ups and macrophotography
This has been the most frequently requested topic. Find out what your camera can do and learn the techniques of focusing close, using a tripod, lighting, depth of field, composition considerations and perspective.

Thursday, April 30
Digital Processing
We will cover making image adjustments, cropping, straightening, and repairing. Discuss different formats - JPG or RAW? Learn about printing and resizing for web posting.

May, Date & Time TBD by class participants
Field Workshop
A Saturday hands-on field workshop. We will meet at the Arboretum to practice our skills. In the afternoon there will be time to review images.