Houston Arboretum and Nature Center provides extensive miles of pristine nature trails and hiking paths preserved exclusively for peaceful outdoor exploration, free from motorcycle traffic and other activities that interrupt direct connection with the natural world and its wildlife inhabitants. The grounds feature serene landscapes of mature trees and carefully cultivated shrubby vegetation, with scenic wooden walkways and benches strategically positioned throughout the lush foliage.
Surrounded by colorful native flowering plants and diverse small Texas wildlife species, you will employ Aperture Priority camera settings to photograph animals in their natural routines and daily behaviors. Your instructor will demonstrate compositional techniques for capturing animal portraits against visually contrasting backgrounds that emphasize your primary photographic subject, whether documenting butterflies, rabbits, turtles, or other abundant creatures encountered throughout the grounds.
For expansive landscape photography, composition possibilities are nearly limitless. You will develop approaches to framing landscape images that transform ordinary snapshots into visually compelling compositions using established design principles including Leading Lines, Rule of Thirds, Negative Space, Layering, and many additional sophisticated techniques.
Bring your camera and be prepared to use it.
Each Composition in the Field session commences with an instructional introduction led by one of our experienced photography educators, followed by a guided walking tour through a carefully selected photogenic location. Students explore one of many visually compelling venues available across the diverse 20 plus cities included in Digital Photo Academy's extended geography. Locations feature street photography opportunities, architecturally significant interiors, farmer market environments, zoological settings, dramatic landscapes, and numerous additional photogenic subjects. The examples provided represent a mix of student and instructor work captured across numerous different locations spanning cities throughout the United States and Canada.
Your three hour learning experience combines enjoyment with strategic skill development. You will depart with improved photography techniques, better understanding of how to capture compelling event images, and foundational knowledge applicable to improving your photographic output whether you're traveling internationally, documenting family celebrations, or photographing everyday moments.
Please note – if weather conditions or circumstances beyond instructor control necessitate cancellation, we will work with you to reschedule your class at a mutually convenient time. If you need to cancel your current session and require an alternate class date, please contact us directly. A $25 transfer fee applies if less than 3 days notice is provided before your originally scheduled class.
