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Photographing Nature | Forest Preserves
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Explore the Forest Preserves of Cook and Lake Counties, home to diverse wildlife and native plants. Learn techniques for capturing nature’s beauty of the woodlands, meadows, and marshes while hiking scenic trails. Class is limited to DSLR or mirrorless cameras. Dress for the weather. The School’s CEUs=12 hours FPC elective
4 Tuesdays, August 4 – August 25, 2026, 9 a.m. – noon Jack Carlson
Plant Science Lab, Regenstein Center |
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Not Available
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The Fine Art Water Portfolio | Online
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Water, the essence of life, will be our canvas for creating artistic images. With a mindful vision, we will slow down to explore the patterns of design formed by water and shorelines. You will learn the tools of your DSLR or mirrorless camera to play with light dancing on the surface, isolate reflections, and direct your camera to paint works of water art. The class will include presentation of work from photography artists, as well as assignments, image reviews, and directions to develop a final portfolio. This class will be taught online via Zoom. All registrations must be submitted online two days before your class starts. Registered students will receive login instructions one day in advance. FPC fundamental course, fine art track
6 Fridays, August 7 – September 18, 2026, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (no class September 4) Iris Lutz, fine art photographer
Online Course |
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Not Available
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Photographing the Waterfall Garden
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New! Light, shadows, and motion all come together in the Waterfall Garden. Discover how to combine these elements into intriguing images of moving water. Begin with classroom instruction and then go out into the Garden to practice these concepts. Class is limited to DSLR or mirrorless cameras. A tripod and polarizing filter are recommended but not required. Dress for the weather. The School’s CEUs=3 hours FPC elective
Sunday, August 9, 2026, 8 – 11 a.m. Jack Carlson, certified professional photographer
Plant Science Lab, Regenstein Center |
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Not Available
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Photographing the Japanese Garden
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Capture images of the natural beauty and unique structures that are found in the Malott Japanese Garden. Learn how to combine water, light, and shadows during photo time on the islands. Class is limited to DSLR or mirrorless cameras. A tripod and polarizing filter are recommended but not required. Dress for the weather. The School’s CEUs=3 hours FPC elective
Sunday, August 16, 2026, 8 – 11 a.m. Jack Carlson, certified professional photographer
Lakeside Room, Visitor Center |
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Not Available
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Photographing Water and Reflections
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With more than 81 acres of water at the Garden, these areas and the reflections they create are ideal image subjects. Learn how to control the “speed” of moving water in a still image and manage reflections. Class is limited to DSLR or mirrorless cameras. Dress for the weather. The School’s CEUs= 9 hours FPC elective
3 Thursdays, September 10 – September 24, 2026, 9 a.m. – noon Jack Carlson, certified professional photographer
Plant Science Lab, Regenstein Center |
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9/10/2026 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Improve your photos using the tools of Photoshop. Discover such basics as cropping, lighting, color enhancement, and subject modification. You will learn how to use selections and layers to dramatically enhance the quality of your images. A digital camera and laptop computer with Photoshop (full version or elements) is required. FPC requirement
6 Mondays, September 14 – November 2, 2026, 1 – 3:30 p.m. (no class September 21 or October 12) Iris Allen, freelance photographer and instructor
Classroom 4, Learning Center |
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9/14/2026 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
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Fine Art Photography Portfolio B | Online
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Explore design techniques of today’s best contemporary fine art photographers with an emphasis on conceptual photography. Gain inspiration from painting eras including impressionism, cubism, and surrealism. Practice techniques by doing weekly exercises based on class lessons. Finally, use design techniques to create your own professional portfolio worthy of exhibition. This course is designed for intermediate photographers. Class is limited to DSLR or mirrorless cameras. This class will be taught online via Zoom. All registrations must be submitted online two days before your class starts. Registered students will receive login instructions one day in advance. FPC requirement option, fine art track
6 Wednesdays, September 16 – October 21, 2026, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Dianne Kittle, fine art photographer
Online Course |
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9/16/2026 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
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Photograph Hidden Gems of the Garden
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Capture images of secret places in the Garden with your camera. Venture off the beaten path and discover tucked-away corners, unexpected textures, and rare scenes that most visitors never experience. This exclusive photography adventure invites you to explore the Garden’s hidden beauty—perfect for one-of-a-kind images. Prerequisite: Beginning Digital Photography or equivalent knowledge and skill. Class limited to DSLR or mirrorless cameras. Dress for the weather. The School’s CEUs=12 hours FPC elective
4 Saturdays, September 19 – October 10, 2026, 9 a.m. – noon Jack Carlson, certified professional photographer
Plant Science Lab, Regenstein Center |
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9/19/2026 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Nature and Landscape Portfolio A
Explore the design techniques of today’s best nature and landscape photographers. Practice techniques with weekly exercises based on class lessons. Use these design techniques to create your own professional portfolio worthy of exhibition. This course is designed for intermediate photographers. Class is limited to DSLR or mirrorless cameras. Dress for the weather. Prerequisite: Beginning and Intermediate Digital Photography courses.
FPC required course, nature and landscape track
6 Saturdays, September 19 – October 24, 2026, 1 – 4 p.m.
Paul Lucas, nature photographer and instructor
Classroom 1, Learning Center
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9/19/2026 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
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Grab your camera and enter the magical world of macro (or close-up) photography. Discover the easiest way to find the correct exposure, achieve the sharpest focus, get the highest magnification, use appropriate lighting, and be creative with your compositions. You will also learn a technique called “focus stacking,” which will provide your photos with the maximum depth of field. Class is limited to DSLR or mirrorless cameras and a tripod is highly recommended. Dress for the weather. Prerequisite: Beginning Digital Photography or equivalent.
FPC fundamental course, nature and landscape track
4 Sundays, September 27 – October 18, 2026, 9 a.m. – noon
Skip Sperling, photography instructor
Classroom 2, Learning Center
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9/27/2026 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Looking to up your photo game? Unlock your inner photographer and discover how to use your iPhone to take the high-quality photos of your dreams. Learn through guided, hands-on instruction, and receive expert feedback on your work. In each session, you will discuss specific techniques, practice taking photos, and participate in an image critique designed to further strengthen your work. A fully charged iPhone is required for this course. Dress for the weather. Expect moderate walking.
3 Sundays, September 27 – October 11, 2026, 1 – 4 p.m.
Robert Erving Potter III, photographer and educator
Classroom 6, Learning Center
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9/27/2026 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
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Introduction to Portrait Photography
New! Step into the captivating world of portrait photography and create meaningful, compelling images of people. Whether you are photographing friends, family, or clients, learn strong, foundational skills to help you confidently capture the essence of your subject including lighting, posing, composition, and editing. Learn about influential portrait photographers and gain experience working both indoors and outdoors with different types of lighting. Take an inspiring journey into portraiture and learn to capture not just how your subjects look—but who they are. Class is limited to DSLR or mirrorless cameras. Dress for the weather.
5 Tuesdays, September 29 – October 27, 2026, 9 a.m. – noon
Nick Sinnott, Chicago Photography Classes
Plant Science Lab, Regenstein Center
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9/29/2026 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Photographing Trees in Autumn Color
Experience the beauty of autumn through the lens of your camera as the Garden transforms with brilliant seasonal color. Learn how to use your camera settings to capture the vibrant hues of the deciduous trees and the textures and patterns of evergreens. You will photograph different areas of the Garden each week, exploring trees both as sweeping landscape subjects and close-up compositions. Students should have a working knowledge of their cameras. Class is limited to DSLR or mirrorless cameras. Dress for the weather.
FPC fundamental course, nature & landscape track
4 Thursdays, October 8 – October 29, 2026, 9 a.m. – noon
Jack Carlson, certified professional photographer
Plant Science Lab, Regenstein Center
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10/8/2026 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Black and White Photography
Explore the creation of photographic images beyond color. Look into the shadows and textures that lay beneath nature’s color spectrum, using plants and objects found at the Chicago Botanic Garden. We will discuss tonality and dynamic range, the potential of depth of field, and post-processing in Lightroom Classic to create black and white images. Class is limited to DSLR or mirrorless cameras. Dress for the weather.
FPC fundamental course, fine art and nature and landscape track
5 Sundays, October 11 – November 8, 2026, 1 – 4 p.m.
Paul Lucas, nature photographer and instructor
Plant Science Lab, Regenstein Center
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10/11/2026 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
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Unleash Your Creativity in Photography
New! Do you ever look at your portfolio and realize it is all starting to look similar? Unique and challenging weekly assignments will push your creativity as you focus on new subjects and look at them differently. Themes include landscapes, architecture, statuary, intricacies of nature and wildlife, storytelling, and moods. Discover how to harness natural lighting to create stunning images. You will also explore photo stacking to create deep depth of field. Class is limited to DSLR or mirrorless cameras. Prerequisites: Prior coursework or experience with DSLR or mirrorless cameras. Dress for the weather.
The School’s CEUs=15 hours FPC elective
5 Fridays, October 16 – November 13, 2026, 9 a.m. – noon
Susan Fink, photography instructor
Plant Science Lab, Regenstein Center
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10/16/2026 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Beginning Digital Photography
Build a strong foundation in digital photography while developing the technical and creative skills needed to capture stunning images. You will explore the fundamentals of photography, including image composition, camera operation, proper exposure, and controlling light through lens aperture and shutter speed. Through guided practice and outdoor field sessions, you will build confidence using your camera while developing your creative eye. The course requires a digital SLR or mirrorless camera. Dress for the weather. No previous experience is required.
FPC requirement
4 Saturdays, October 17 – November 7, 2026, 9 a.m. – noon
Jack Carlson, certified professional photographer
Plant Science Lab, Regenstein Center
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10/17/2026 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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iPhone Photography | Advanced Features | Online
Take your iPhone photography to the next level with a deeper focus on strong visual composition and professional-style editing. Refine how you see and frame a scene while photographing. Learn practical post-processing techniques used by professional photographers to enhance color, contrast, and detail to make your images truly stand out. Each week, you will photograph independently, then share and discuss images with helpful, encouraging critiques. A fully charged iPhone is required for this course. This class will be taught online via Zoom. All registrations must be submitted online two days before your class starts. Registered students will receive login instructions one day in advance. Prerequisite: Basic iPhone Photography or similar experience.
4 Wednesdays, October 21 – November 11, 2026, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Robert Erving Potter III, photographer and educator
Online Course
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10/21/2026 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
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iPhone Photography | Advanced Features
Take your iPhone photography to the next level with a deeper focus on strong visual composition and professional-style editing. Refine how you see and frame a scene while photographing throughout the Chicago Botanic Garden. Learn practical post-processing techniques used by professional photographers to enhance color, contrast, and detail to make your images truly stand out. Each week, you will photograph around the Garden, then share and discuss images with helpful, encouraging critiques. A fully charged iPhone is required for this course. Dress for the weather. Expect moderate walking. Prerequisite: Basic iPhone Photography or similar experience.
3 Sundays, November 1 – November 15, 2026, 1 – 4 p.m.
Robert Erving Potter III, photographer and educator
Classroom 4, Learning Center
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11/1/2026 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
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The Inner Landscape | Online
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Using the ideas of abstract expressionists, we will release our emotions on a digital canvas with nature as a subject. Explore such painters of this period as Jackson Pollock, Franz Kline, Mark Rothko as well as photographers they inspired in the art world. Intermediate to advanced level. Class is limited to DSLR or mirrorless cameras. This class will be taught online via Zoom. All registrations must be submitted online two days before your class starts. Registered students will receive login instructions one day in advance. FPC required course option, master track
6 Wednesdays, November 4 – December 16, 2026, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (no class November 11 or 25) Dianne Kittle, fine art photographer
Online Course |
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11/4/2026 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
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Autumn Photography at Volo Bog
Volo Bog is a 47-acre floating mat of sphagnum moss, cattails, and sedges surrounding an open pool of water. November is a perfect time to explore the area and capture images of the tamaracks in full color. Class begins in the Volo Bog Visitor Center and proceeds to a photography session during a guided tour of the bog. Time after lunch is devoted to exploring and photographing other parts of the Tamarak View Trail individually or with other class members. Students must be able to walk at least one mile. Class is limited to DSLR or mirrorless cameras. Please bring a sack lunch. Dress for the weather. Rain or shine. A map will be sent.
The School’s CEUs=5 hours FPC elective
Thursday, November 5, 2026, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Jack Carlson, certified professional photographer
Volo Bog Visitor Center, Volo, IL
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11/5/2026 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
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Further your knowledge of selections and layers, allowing for photo enhancement and manipulation in this photography class. Projects include black and white with color accents, old photo restoration, and abstract art creation. Laptop computer with a current version of Adobe Photoshop installed and a digital camera are required. Prerequisite: Photoshop 1 or approval of instructor. The School’s CEUs=15 hours FPC elective
6 Mondays, November 9 – December 14, 2026, 1 – 3:30 p.m. Iris Allen, freelance photographer and instructor
Classroom 4, Learning Center |
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11/9/2026 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
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Macro Photography | The Unseen World
Step into a hidden world of detail and texture in this immersive macro photography class. Explore the art and technique of photographing subjects often overlooked by the naked eye such as flowers, water drops, and insects. You will learn practical macro and extreme-macro techniques, focus stacking, creative lighting, and post-processing with Lightroom, Photoshop, and Helicon, in both controlled studio work and hands-on field experience around the Garden. Class is limited to DSLR or mirrorless cameras. Access to a tripod and computer required. Dress for the weather.
5 Tuesdays, November 10 – December 15, 2026, 9 a.m. – noon (no class November 24)
Nick Sinnott, Chicago Photography Classes
Plant Science Lab, Regenstein Center
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11/10/2026 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Intermediate Digital Photography
Mastering Subject, Focus, and Framing. Elevate your photography by learning how to create more intentional and visually compelling images. Build on foundational skills as you explore lead-lines, framing techniques, selective manual focus, and thoughtful subject placement to enhance composition and visual impact. Through guided outdoor photography sessions, you will refine your creative approach and expand your camera skills. Designed as a natural progression from Beginning Photography, this course will guide you in confidently advancing your skills or to refresh your photographic practice. Class is limited to DSLR or mirrorless cameras. Dress for the weather. Prerequisite: Beginning Digital Photography or the consent of the instructor
FPC requirement
5 Saturdays, November 14 – December 19, 2026, 9 a.m. – noon (no class on November 28)
Jack Carlson, certified professional photographer
Plant Science Lab, Regenstein Center
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11/14/2026 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Lightroom Classic | New Features and Essential Review
New! Are your Lightroom Classic skills feeling a bit rusty? Or perhaps you have seen the buzz about new AI-powered tools but have not had the time to master them. Learn to bridge the gap between your foundational knowledge and the latest cutting-edge features in this hands-on class. Together, we will dive into the new editing panels and masking tools, ensuring you have the technical mastery to finally realize the creative vision you had the moment you pressed the shutter. Prerequisites: Completion of Digital Workflow: Lightroom 1 class or experience importing and organizing images in the Library Module and editing images in the Develop Module.
The School’s CEUs=5 hours FPC elective
2 Sundays, December 6 – December 13, 2026, 9 – 11:30 a.m.
Paul Lucas, nature photographer and instructor
Plant Science Lab, Regenstein Center
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12/6/2026 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
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