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.
Student Resources
Questions?
Program Design
The Focus on Photography program has three tracks of concentration:
Fine Art
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.
Nature and Landscape
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.
Master
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.
Abstracts in Poetic Nature | Online
Photography Certificate
6 Wednesdays:
January 7 – February 11
9:30 a.m. – noon
Pictorialism in Photography | Online
Certificate Photography
6 Wednesdays:
January 7 – February 11
1 – 3:30 p.m.
Black and White Photography | Masters and Composition | Online
Certificate Photography
6 Tuesdays:
January 13 – February 24
9:30 a.m. – noon
(no class April 10)
Capturing Color and Life in Winter
Certificate Photography
3 Sundays:
January 25 – February 8
9 a.m. – noon
Photoshop 1
Photography Certificate
6 Mondays:
January 26 – March 9
1 – 3:30 p.m.
(no class February 16)
Lightroom 1 Workflow and Image Editing | Online
Certificate Photography
5 Tuesdays:
February 3 – March 3
6:30 – 9 p.m.
Intermediate Digital Photography | Online
Photography Certificate
4 Thursdays
February 5 – 26
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Photographing Winter Contrasts
Certificate Photography
3 Saturdays:
February 7 – February 21
9 a.m. – noon
Macro Photography | Orchids Up Close
Certificate Photography
3 Sundays:
February 15 – March 1
8 – 11 a.m.
History of Photography | Postmodernism | Online
Certificate Photography
6 Wednesdays:
February 18 – March 25
1 – 3:30 p.m.
Composition in Landscape Photography
Photography Certificate
5 Wednesdays:
February 25 – March 25
9 a.m. – noon
Photography Techniques | Filters and Focus
Photography Certificate
Saturday, March 14
9 a.m. – noon
Black and White Photography
Certificate Photography
5 Sundays:
March 15 – April 19
8 – 11 a.m.
(no class April 5)
Golden Hour Nature and Wildlife Photography
Certificate Photography
Saturday, March 21
8 – 11 a.m.
(Rain Date on Sunday, March 22)
Fine Art Portfolio-Shades of Blue | Online
Certificate Photography
6 Tuesdays:
March 24 – May 5
9:30 a.m. – noon
(no class April 21)
Documenting Nature in Photography
Photography Certificate
5 Saturdays:
March 28 – April 25
9 a.m. – noon
The Ins and Outs of Flash Photography
Certificate Photography
3 Wednesdays:
April 15 – 29
9 a.m. – noon
Photographing Raptors
Photography Certificate
2 Saturdays:
April 25 & May 2
1 – 2 p.m.
Rain Date on Sunday, May 3
Advanced Landscape Photography Techniques
Certificate Photography
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
Photography in the Piet Oudolf Style
Certificate Photography
2 Saturdays:
June 6 & June 11
9 a.m. – noon