Adult Education Classes
Certificate Programs
Focus on Photography Certificate Program
The Regenstein School is pleased to announce the launch of a new certificate program, enabling 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 your unique opportunity to discover and enhance your creativity, learn from outstanding photography professionals, and enjoy the Garden as your studio.
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PROGRAM DESIGN
The Focus on Photography program has two tracks of concentration, the Fine Art track and the Nature & Wildlife track. Before entering either track, all Chicago Botanic Photography students must take two introductory courses, Beginning Digital Photography and either Lightroom 1 or Photoshop 1.
The Fine Art track allows the student to explore their own artistic voice through photography. Chicago Botanic Garden becomes a studio full of color, texture, and light as you explore how to create art with the natural world. This track develops each student's portfolio and learning how to use a camera as an artistic tool.
The Nature & Wildlife track allows the student to observe and capture images of the natural world. 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.
| FPC Required Introductory Courses | Availability | Prerequisites | Supply lists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginning Digital Photography† | 8/3 – 8/24 | None | |
| Basics of Editing — Lightroom 1† | None | ||
| Basics of Editing — Photoshop 1† | None | ||
| Basics of Editing — Aperture 1† | 6/18 – 7/9 | None | |
| Basics of Editing — Aperture 2 | 7/16 – 8/6 | None | |
| FPC Fine Art Track Requirements (all are required) |
Availability | Prerequisites | Supply lists |
| Intermediate Portfolio Workshop | |||
| Advanced Portfolio Workshop | Intermediate Portfolio Workshop | ||
| Choice of 4 Fine Art Track courses* | |||
| Abstracts in Nature – Winter | None | ||
| Fine Art & Water |
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| Plant Portraits | |||
| Landscape Photography |
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| Black & White Botanic Photography |
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| Textures & Patterns in Nature Photography | |||
| FPC Nature & Wildlife Track Requirements (choice of three classes below) |
Availability | Prerequisites | Supply lists |
| Documenting Nature | |||
| Botany for the Botanical Artist | |||
| Choice of 4 Nature & Wildlife Track courses* | |||
| Photographing Trees |
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| Photographing Birds |
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| Wildlife Photography |
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| Seasonal Guided Nature Walks |
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| Photographing the Prairie | |||
| FPC Elective Courses | Availability | Prerequisites | Supply lists |
| Basics of Editing — Photoshop 2 (Summer Session) | 7/15 – 8/5 | None | |
| Photographing Summer Scenes | 7/19 – 8/9 | None | |
| NEW! Art Fair and Exhibition Framing Workshop | 7/20 | None | |
| How I See a Garden: The Delights of Photography | 7/28 | None | |
| Focus on Flowers — Discover the Beauty in Flowers and Gardens: A Summer Photography Workshop with Allen Rokach | 7/29 – 7/30 | None | |
| Business Techniques for Flower and Garden Photographers | 7/31 | None | |
| The Fine Art Water Portfolio | 8/19 – 9/30 | None | |
†A proficiency test will be available for intermediate students. Only one Basics of Editing course is required.
*Fundamental courses in other tracks may be taken as electives.
Electives are seasonal and are available as scheduled.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS 
The program consists of two required introductory courses, a choice of four fundamental courses within each track, and completion of 40 hours of elective courses. You may select any combination of elective courses, tailoring the program to your personal learning objectives and interests
To earn a certificate, a grade of "S" sufficient and at least one portfolio-quality finished piece is required to pass each course. If you are not interested in the certificate, you do not need to concern yourself with grades.
The certificate must be complete within five years of the start date of your first course within the program.
If entering the program as an intermediate photographer, a proficiency test is available to waive one or both of the introductory courses, Beginning Digital Photography Lightroom 1 or Photoshop 1. Please contact the program manager for more information. All other course curriculum builds off the foundations in these two courses.
A SAMPLE COURSE OF STUDY FOR THE PHOTOGRAPHY CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
YEAR 1 Introductory Courses: Nature & Wildlife Courses: Electives: |
YEAR 2 Nature & Wildlife Courses: Electives: |
Sample Electives: |