- Nighttime in the Heritage Garden.
Almost before you know it, we’ll have worked off (or walked off) that Thanksgiving dinner, and it will be time to get to the Chicago Botanic Garden for the Holiday Lights Photo Workshop. What fun we had last year on two Goldilocks evenings (not too hot, not too cold, but just right) that were perfect for a photo shoot. This year promises to be even better since the workshops will be separated by photographic knowledge and experience, tanks to the welcome suggestion of last year’s students.
December 2–New Photographers Night–6:30 pm, Design Studio
If you’re new to photography, or the camera is new to you, December 2 is your night. We’ll meet in the Design Studio and begin by defining and discussing camera controls and terms. Once everyone becomes familiar with camera controls we’ll practice focusing the camera manually, then combine camera and tripod and proceed to use that newly-acquired knowledge to capture images from the decorated parts of The Garden. We’ll return to the classroom and enjoy some images if time permits.
December 4–Intermediate Photographers Night–6:30 pm, Design Studio
Now that you know about things like ISO, shutter speed and f stops, we’ll have just a slight mention of those things just to be certain. Our orientation will show the lighted parts of The Garden which are great photo subjects. One of the least photographed sites is the area around the Visitor Center main entrance.
Visitor Center entrance framed in night lights.
Seems that most students are eager to get to class and hurry under the portico without a single photographic thought. In actual fact, this area is bright enough to present challenges for exposure. It’s also both low and wide which will provide compositional questions. This area presents a great learning experience so you know it’s a stop on our photo journey around The Garden.
The Esplanade with its lighted rows of Commendation Elms leading to The Great Tree is also of interest. You’ll need some time to find just the right perspective for an all-inclusive shot.
Commendation Elms and The Great Tree.
