Photography Certificate
Focus on Photography Certificate Program
The Focus on Photography certificate program (FPC) enables photographers of all levels to experience the wonders of the natural world, develop and sharpen their powers of observation, and to master their technical skills. This program is a unique opportunity to discover and enhance your creativity, learn from outstanding photography professionals, and enjoy the Garden as your studio.
Who should participate? This program is designed to engage photographers of all skill levels. Whether you are just beginning your photographic journey or interested in developing your artistic voice, there is a place for you! Just take your first course and you are on your way. No prior experience is needed. Sign up for a Photography Certificate class today.
Program Design
The Focus on Photography program has three tracks of concentration:
Creativity skills are developed with an emphasis on design and ways of seeing a subject to evoke a feeling or message with images. This track develops each student’s portfolio and use of their camera as an artistic tool.
Through classroom study and field work, students will learn to use the camera as a tool for documenting flora, fauna, and other environmental subjects, while gaining an appreciation of nature.
The Master track is designed for advanced students who have completed either the Fine Art or Nature and Landscape track.
Program Requirements
The program requirements include four required introductory courses, four required courses, four fundamental courses, and 40 hours of elective courses. You may select any combination of elective courses to tailor the program to your personal learning objectives and interests. Photography elective courses are designated as such in the course description. All requirements for the certificate must be completed within five years of the start date of your first core course. To earn a certificate, a passing grade is required for each course.
Ready to get started? Begin your journey with Beginning Digital Photography and you’ll be on your way!
Available Classes
If a class is sold out, please contact us at (847) 835-6801 to be placed on the waitlist. The Garden will contact you if a space becomes available.
Photographing Raptors
Photography Certificate
2 Saturdays:
April 25, 1 – 2 p.m. and
May 2, 9 a.m. – noon
(Rain Date on Sunday, May 3)
Advanced Landscape Photography Techniques
Photography Certificate
3 Saturdays:
May 2 – May 16
8 – 11 a.m.
Photographing Signs of Spring
Certificate Photography
4 Thursdays:
May 21 – June 11
9 a.m. – noon
Visual Storytelling in Photography | Online
Photography Certificate
6 Tuesdays:
May 26 – July 7
(no class June 16)
10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Photography in the Piet Oudolf Style
Certificate Photography
2 Saturdays:
June 6 & June 13
9 a.m. – noon
Photographing in Natural Light
Photography Certificate
4 Mondays:
June 8 – July 29
9 a.m. – noon
Photographing Butterflies and Blooms
Photography Certificate
Wednesday, June 10
8 – 10 a.m.
Nature & Landscape Portfolio B
Photography Certificate
6 Saturdays:
June 20 – August 1
(no class July 4)
9 a.m. – noon
Beginning Digital Photography
Photography Certificate
4 Saturdays:
June 20 – July 18
(no class July 4)
9 a.m. – noon
Black and White Photography
Photography Certificate
5 Sundays:
June 21 – July 26
(no class July 5)
9 a.m. – noon
Behind the Lens After Dark
Certificate Photography
2 Tuesdays:
June 23 & July 14
6 – 9 p.m. and
Tuesday, June 30
7 – 10 p.m.
Photographing Bridges of the Garden
Photography Certificate
4 Wednesdays:
July 8 – 29
9 a.m. – noon
Lightroom 1 | Workflow and Image Editing
Photography Certificate
5 Thursdays:
July 9 – August 6
6:30 – 9 p.m.
Intermediate Digital Photography
Photography Certificate
4 Saturdays:
July 25 – August 15
9 a.m. – noon
Photographing Dragonflies & Damselflies
Photography Certificate
3 Saturdays:
July 25 – August 8
1 – 4 p.m.
The Organized Photographer
Photography Certificate
3 Wednesdays:
July 29 – August 12
6 – 9 p.m.
Photographing Nature | Forest Preserves
Photography Certificate
2 Tuesdays:
August 4 & 25
9 a.m. – noon and
2 Tuesdays:
August 11 & 18
7:30 – 10:30 a.m.
The Fine Art Water Portfolio | Online
Photography Certificate
6 Fridays:
August 7 – September 18
(no class September 4)
10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Photographing Water and Reflections
Photography Certificate
3 Thursdays:
September 10 – 24
9 a.m. – noon
Photoshop 1
Photography Certificate
6 Mondays:
September 14 – November 2
(no class September 21 or October 12)
1 – 3:30 p.m.
Fine Art Photography Portfolio B | Online
Photography Certificate
6 Wednesdays:
September 16 – October 21
10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Photograph Hidden Gems of the Garden
Photography Certificate
4 Saturdays:
September 19 – October 10
9 a.m. – noon
The Inner Landscape | Online
Photography Certificate
6 Wednesdays:
November 4 – December 16
(no class November 11 or 25)
10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
