Photography Lectures, Classes And Shoots
June 9, June 16, July 3

Fine Art Photographer Michael Madsen's "Switching To Manual"
Saturday JUNE 9
9am to 3pm
$30 for Arboretum annual members, $39 non-members.
Call 520-689-2723
Arboretum Gallery exhibitor Michael Madsen has traveled to Thailand, Mexico, Morocco, Jamaica and the Bahamas in search of the perfect picture. .
Madsen will coach beginner-to-intermediate photographers who are ready to spend a morning learning to harness the horsepower of their digital cameras by choosing to ignore the 'auto' settings in favor of controlling their own aperture, shutter speeds, ISO and white balance.
Two hours in the classroom from 10:00 a.m. til Noon will be followed by a lunch break, and then two hours spent in the field where we will "switch your camera to manual mode and take charge of our cameras and explore the creative side of photography, "said Madsen." You will be taught how to adjust your camera settings, and the photographic effects that occur based on these settings. After classroom instruction we will head outdoors into the Arboretum to apply techniques students have learned, and experiment with camera settings together, and one-on-one." See more of the artist's work at http://heartsrock.org/1/Home.html


Paul Landau Hummingbird Photography
Evening Workshops After Hours June 16, July 3 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
$30 for BTA annual members, $39 non-members - call 520.689.2723
Hummingbird photographs by June-July gallery guest artist Paul Landau may leave you with the impression you're looking through a microscope -- even when capturing birds in flight, his focus is feather-crisp, iridescent colors radiate with intensity. The Scottsdale artist is our guest in the gallery for a solo exhibition of his work during June and July; visitors are invited to meet Landau in the gallery during his opening reception June 9 (Saturday) from 1:00-3:00 p.m., and for those who'd like to learn a few tricks of the trade - Landau generously offered to coach two workshops specifically focussed on photographing hummingbirds right here in our own hummingbird-butterfly garden.
"Hummingbirds fascinate me with their design, and that's something which really can only be seen when slowed-down and magnified. Typically when this is done with photography, the subject can appear flat and clinical, almost sterile. I employ off-camera speedlites muted with softboxes - I approach my subjects much the same as a photographer for Vogue magazine shooting a model layout, except my 'models' can range from the size of your thumb to smaller the head of a pin."
"Anyone who owns a camera can shoot better hummingbird photos," added Landau, "at least anyone with patience who's willing to learn a little about the birds' behavior - and about their own camera's functions for zoom and macro photography. And a tripod helps, of course!" On June 16 and again July 3, each afternoon from 5:00-7:00 p.m. while his work is featured in the visitor center art gallery Landau will coach two special workshops here at the Arboretum specifically dedicated to the art of hummingbird photography -- teaching 10 enrollees about technique. "We'll discuss everything from how to camouflage yourself with appropriate clothing, to position yourself advantageously for the best photos and the ideal natural light - and without disrupting the birds' ability to feed, or their natural behavior. Ethical wildlife photography is crucial; and we'll also talk about the art of wildlife photography - the factors that elevate a photo from simply capturing a split-second in time to being something unforgettable, and something you want to see enlarged to poster-sized and hanging on a wall."
Read more about Paul Landau and his upcoming exhibit at
http://ag.arizona.edu/bta/paullandau.html
Each workshop is limited to ten photographers; Landau is donating his time and the $30 fee ($39 for nonmembers) benefits BTA. Call 520-689-2723 to enroll and prepay.

FLOWER MACROS WITH PETE RENDEK -- JUNE DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED
from 9-11:30am.
     $30 BTA annual members, $39 non-members
call 520-689-2723
Get a new camera for Mother's Day, or just want to learn how to shoot flower pictures? Saguaros and cactus blossoms are at peak in May, and Pete Rendek leads a morning focusing on flowers. Participants will learn to create better images using anything from simple accessories to more sophisticated macro lenses and ring-lights. Workshop begins with a presentation in the air-conditioned lecture room, then moves outdoors to practice techniques in nearby gardens.
See more Pete Rendek Arboretum Photography



John Aho "Painting With Light"
High-Power LED Night Shoot
SEPTEMBER DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED from 6:30 - 9:00 PM
     $30 BTA members, $39 non-members
Bet you've never seen the Drover's Shed, the old Dodge Power Wagon or our gardens lit quite as they appear in these scenes by Patsy Akers and Dave Langdon, familiar plants and scenery rendered a candy-colored rainbow of colors after dark by custom-made, high-power LED light boxes strategically placed and arranged by artist and local luminary John Aho. His painting-with-light nighttime shoot ON A DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED, is limited to TEN photographers. View our Nocturnal Painting With Light Photo Workshopson YouTube. The $30 fee for these special-access evenings is a fundraiser for the Arboretum ( $39 for nonmembers). Have a credit card ready and call 520-689-2723 to reserve your spot; please make sure to spell out your email and give your current cell#or home phone to our clerks when you sign up so we can provide specific meeting/parking instructions just ahead of Saturday's shoot. If this class has filled when you call, make sure to leave your name, phone and email (again, please take a minute to spell it out so we have it right) so we can alert you to November and December shoots as dates are added to this calendar. See more of John's surreal nighttime scenes -- such as Superior Architecture, and these scenes from Besich Park Downtown.



TOM BOGGAN CAMERA BASICS
date to be announced -- CALL TO BE ON THE WAITING LIST
Do you have a fancy new digital SLR, or even a digital point-and-shoot camera that you're eager to learn to use more effectively? Our monthly 'walk-a-bout' photo workshopwith Gilbert artist Tom Boggan offers that chance. Tom's once-a-month outdoor shoots help improve your camera skills on a relaxed outing surrounded by beautiful gardens and alongside a pro -- and with plenty of chances to ask questions about the dials, settings and controls on your own camera.
Pro photographer Tom Boggan has a talent for portraits and a passion for nature photography, and he generously volunteers by dedicating a morning each month to be here helping our visitors improve their camera skills. Workshops with Tom are limited to eight students. Pre-payment of $29 is required ($20 for BTA annual members). Enroll by phone, have your credit card ready and call our staff at 520-689-2723. Check out this gallery of images from Tom Boggan Photo Classes at Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Join us for a chance to improve your basic photography skills, including composition, lighting and exposure -- and for one-on-one time with Tom helping students understand thedifferent between aperture, exposure and light balance. View other workshop images on the Tom Boggan Arboretum Flickr Gallery.


Wildlife Photography Presentation With Stan Cunningham
DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED slideshow and lecture at 10:30 am
fall foliage photo walk 1:30-3:00pm
For 25 years Stan Cunningham lived an adventurous life you'd expect to see depicted on film: crawling into black bear dens during wintertime as a wildlife biologist for the Arizona Game & Fish Department, and spending a summer month every year in Alaska as a professional photographer shooting vivid pictures of Brown and Kodiak bears for tourist lodges, and also leading Alaskan photo safaris and ecotourism trips. A professor of wildlife biology at Arizona State University since 2006, Cunningham is known for his decades of research about bears, mountain lions, and the ecological effects of wildfire. Nov. 19 (Saturday) he will show some of his most breathtaking wildlife photography during a slide show and presentation in the lecture room here at Boyce Thompson Arboretum from 10:30 a.m. til noon.
"I plan to talk about wildlife, primarily bears, and photographing them -- and some of the experiences I've had and what I've learned," said Cunningham. The talk and slideshow of his photography is open to all visitors that day; then following a lunch break he will guide a Fall Foliage photo walk for 10 pre-registered participants seeking just-before-peak color in BTA's famous grove of Chinese Pistachio trees."I have been taking pictures throughout my career," said Cunningham, "but only in the past five years have become serious about it. Now I shoot with any of three different Canon camera bodies and with lenses ranging from a 500 mm lens, to a 70-to-200, 17-40 wide angle." Sign up for the photo walking tour and shoot with a call to 520-689-2723; the fee is $30 for BTA annual members, $39 for nonmembers. See more of Stan's award-winning photography at Cunninghamoutdoors.com



Pete Rendek Nighttime Workshop and Shoot Night Photography Shoot
DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
$30 for Arboretum annual members -- $39 nonmembers.
Call 520-689-2723
Learn approaches to nocturnal landscape photography from award-winning Chandler photographer Pete Rendek on A DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED during a special evenng of after-hours access. $30 pre-registration for members -- or $39 nonmembers -- includes an indoor presentation and discussion in the lecture room from 4:00-5:30 on night landscapes, lightning and monsoon photography. The discussion will be followed by a field session shooting after-dark landscapes on the arboretum grounds under moonlight, ending around 8:00. Bring your camera, tripod and cable release, and try your hand at something new -- photography after dark.
See more Pete Rendek Arboretum Photography
"This workshop will teach techniques applicable whether you have a high-end DSLR or a digital point-and-shoot, approaches to photographing long-exposure photos after darkness such as star trails and nighttime landscapes." The workshop will be offered indoors (in air-conditioned comfort!) and will include discussion of equipment and techniques, followed by a photo shoot in the gardens. Photographers may want to bring their cameras and arrive early, though; the workshop fee of $30 for Arboretum members and $39 for non-members includes BTA admission for the day, so Rendek suggests arriving early and shooting the gardens and trails before the workshop. Call 520-689-2723 during daytime business hours to register. Click the "night photography" gallery at imagesofaz.com to see Rendek's star trails and long exposures. connect with Rendek as well as other Arboretum volunteer photography instructors at facebook.com/boycethompsonarboretum .
__________________
Date To Be Announced
The Zen Of Fall Foliage Photography-- With Andrew Henry
Cost: $30 to BTA annual members, $39 nonmembers. Call 520-689-2723 to pre-pay

Mesa artist Andrew Henry leads seasonal workshops in 'Zen photography' here at Boyce Thompson Arboretum; for a description of what 'Zen' photography mean, below he describes a shoot that was held Sept. 17, 2011.

Q. How would 'Zen' photography be different from my own personal photographic visits to BTA?
A. "Zen photography combines being in a centered place with good photographic technique. I teach mindfulness and Zen daily as a part of my work as a Dialectical Behavior Therapist. I've been studying and practicing photographic technique since 2005. At some point I began to realize that I could combine the two and offer Zen Mindfulness and Photography together, as a class."

Q. What's special about a September Saturday morning at Boyce Thompson Arboretum?
A. "For one, we're being allowed to enter the gardens shortly after sunrise, and during a time BTA that has not yet opened to the public. We will photograph what is there, from a centered perspective, and surrounded by this beautiful environment. I prefer that everyone have with them a tripod for this macro class; no other special equipment necessary beyond that. I do recommend all participants spend a little time with your manual at home during the week prior to class -- become more familiar with your camera before bringing it to the Arboretum that Saturday morning. Learning Zen techniques is probably most appropriate for those who are passionate about photography and are already have an understanding of basic settings and controls. But that doesn't mean this workshop is only for adults, I've taught Zen techniques to teenagers before with success. If a child or teenager has a passion for photography, and a willingness to listen, they're invited as well."
Q. What's inherent about the gardens and trails that makes this place ideal for contemplative, inward-looking photography?
A. "Boyce Thompson Arboretum has a seemingly limitless variety of subject matter for a photographer to hone their skills on. Zen principles that I teach allow the photographer to focus on what is in front of them without being distracted with what is not there, or should be there, or could be there -- instead seeing what truly is there."
Sign up for this class by calling Arboretum staff at 520-689-2723, and have your credit card ready to prepay.
Got specific questions about Zen photography? Email [ andrewhenryphotography AT gmail DOT com ]
See work by this artist and also student works from Andrew's prior classes at http://www.flickr.com/groups/1570273@N24/

Photo Class comments from students:

........following Pete Rendek's August Night shoot, David wrote "the class was GREAT...Pete always does a nice job. His classes are always informative and I always get at least one very useful 'nugget' of information from each class I take from him. Please thank Pete and feel free to share my comments with Pete.

........also following Pete Rendek's August 2011 Night shoot, Kathy wrote "Pete Rendek's class last weekend is one of the best I have taken - anywhere. His presentation was very informative. Pete was organized, accommodating and very willing to share his knowledge and experience. He didn't make anyone feel that they were 'in over their heads' which was really nice for the beginners. I got a lot more that I expected from his class. I will be keeping watch on your website for upcoming events and classes. See you soon!

........ re: Pete Rendek's January Night Shoot "I wanted to let you know that I thoroughly enjoyed your Night Photography workshop last Saturday. I found it to be very information and enjoyable. It exceeded my expectations and I've recommended it to several friends. Thanks a bunch!" (Clif)

........re: Andrew Henry's November Zen-Of-Autumn-Color Shoot " Hi Andrew, I so enjoyed our fall color workshop. I am sending you two of my favorites photos from the day. (Karen)

........"We had an awesome time with Tom Boggan at the photography class today. He is so good at making sure that he takes time with everybody individually. My friends and I all had a great time and learned a few new tricks about our cameras (thanks Tom)! What a beautiful setting to learn in! And both of my friends became members today" (Jennifer Mathus, June 6, 2010 post on BTA's facebook page)

........"Tom knows photography. He is able to teach principles of this art form in a relaxed manner," ( Andrew Henry, Nov. 12 on BTA's facebook page)

........"I took two of Maggie Leef's classes last fall -- a beginning class and a class on photographing fall colors. Maggie is a special teacher, who makes her classes both informative and enjoyable. Her best tip: 'Read the camera manual!" The money I spent on an annual membership to BTA is the best money I've ever spent. The arboretum itself, with its beautiful setting and great staff, are exceptional. The events are interesting and well-done. I especially enjoy listening to music in such a beautiful setting. Great job, BTA!" (Stephanie, February 26, 2009)

........"I took Maggie's basic photography class on February 19th and finally understand what I had been troubled with for years! Maggie made the class fun and I now have a better understanding of what I can do to obtain better photos. Thank you Maggie! Also, some of us had an idea that we put to Maggie and she seemed willing to do a class. The class would be for beginners, but rather than classroom, it would be like a followup to the basic photography class only in the field. We could go out on the grounds of BTA and choose different things to photograph and Maggie could talk about the proper camera settings, etc. It would be applying what was learned in the classroom to actual field use. What do you think?" (Cindy; February 24, 2009)

........"I loved the photography class. I really got a lot out of the class and think she is a whiz at teaching photography. Her explanations of some of the phrasing (in the Nikon Manual) made it so that I could actually understand the manual. I look forward to her classes in March -- I will call and
pay for them tomorrow!! (Millie, February 23, 2009)

........"Bob Rice's workshop was very helpful and extremely practical. I appreciate the opportunity to meet other photographers, most of whom are way more experienced than I am. It sure is inspiring! Thank you for these opportunities."

........"Just a quick note to let you know how much I appreciated and enjoyed the May 18 photography workshop. The information was clearly presented with examples and demonstrations. I am now more knowledgeable of Photoshop and more confident to use it."

........"We did join as annual members because of the class and future classes. We are excited to be connected to the Arboretum and we are looking forward to more classes with Sue. We really enjoyed Sue's class and learned a lot. We thought the class fee was a good price and it was good to require the pre-payment to remind us to show up."

........"We did enjoy the class/photo shoot Thursday. I have been actively shooting pictures and had my own darkroom for 50 years or so but still got some good tips at Sue's class. I signed up mostly for my wife who is more of a beginner and uses a fully automatic camera. She did quite well with her pictures. We joined the BTA both to support it and to enable us to come back again and again to see the blooms as they happen in the spring. It's a bargain!