Composition in the Field - Photography Workshop

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science is worth it for the exciting content and dramatic exterior setting alone, but as a photographer, you will be particularly delighted.

Start with the four huge columns at the entrance that were erected in 1868. Your instructor will use this scene to help you develop various strategies for changing the perspective. For example, take a worm’s eye view at the base of the columns for a dizzying composition to jolt the imagination of anyone viewing your photograph. Then step back and capture a broader angle accessorized by the gigantic sculpture of a wooly mammoth.

Once inside, the photo-ops vary from room to room, serving as an array of lessons in composition to add to your signature style of taking photographs. Focus on a long extinct, but completely assembled dinosaur skeleton, or compose a pristine still life using a collection of ancient artifacts unearthed by archeologists from previous centuries. Your instructor will help you adjust your camera or cell phone controls to creating an ideal image in spite of any limitations from the available lighting conditions.

For portraits, there will be discussions on carefully selecting the backdrop, including attention to cropping strategies, so your models are ideally placed without visual distractions from other elements in the scene. Even better, learn the art of portraiture that captures the authenticity of humanity through photographing museum visitors in spontaneous engagement as they get lost in their interest of various displays. You likely will be pleased because this type of photography can yield a narrative that speaks a universal language from whimsical, to poignant, ironic and beyond.

• Adult (19-64): $25.95
• Youth (3-18): $20.95
• Senior (65+): $22.95

Please bring your DSLR or another type of digital camera that you use, a fully-charged battery, and the equipment that you can carry. You should dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.

Due to weather or other circumstances beyond our control we will be happy to work with you to reschedule or provide a refund. However, if you should need to cancel or require a new class date, contact us. A $25 transfer fee will be imposed without a 3 day notice before the scheduled class.

Call at 1 877 372 2231 or a field agent at 917 597 7053. Lots of people seem to hang up if our welcome recording comes on instead of a live voice, but we promise to return your message within a day or two if you leave one with your name and number. It would be even better if you included your email address as well as the date and city of the class you are considering. If leaving a voice mail message is not your thing, please email us at [email protected] and include the date and city of the class you are considering, as well as your phone number .

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Boulevard, Denver, United States