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
Course Overview
Program Policies
Graduation
Questions?
Contact Stana, student advisor:
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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.
Garden and Travel Photography
Photography Certificate
4 Wednesdays:
June 4 – 25
9 a.m. – noon
Beginning Digital Photography
Photography Certificate
4 Saturdays:
June 7 – 28
9 a.m. – noon
Photography: Picturing Family Stories: Online
Photography Certificate
6 Mondays:
June 16 – July 21
1 – 3:30 p.m.
Black and White Photography
Photography Certificate
5 Saturdays:
June 21 – July 26
9 a.m. – noon
No class July 5
Lightroom 1: Workflow and Image Editing
Photography Certificate
5 Tuesdays:
July 1 – 29
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Close-up Photography: Telephoto Lens
Photography Certificate
4 Wednesdays:
July 2 – 23
9 a.m. – noon
Intermediate Digital Photography
Photography Certificate
4 Saturdays:
July 12 – August 2
9 a.m. – noon
Photographing Nature: Forest Preserves
Photography Certificate
4 Mondays:
August 4 – 25
9 a.m. – noon
Surrealism in Photography: Online
Photography Certificate
6 Tuesdays:
August 5 – September 9
1 – 3:30 p.m.
Nature & Landscape Portfolio B
Photography Certificate
6 Sundays:
August 17 – September 28
9 a.m. – noon
No class August 31
Photoshop 1
Photography Certificate
6 Mondays:
September 15 – October 27
No class October 13
1 – 3:30 p.m.
History of Photography: Abstracts 2: Online The History and Projects of Insight
Photography Certificate
6 Wednesdays:
October 8 – November 12
1 – 3:30 p.m.