District 196 Community Education

Learn which camera settings to use to stop action on birds in flight and underwater, from a hummingbird to an eagle and everything in between. Visit the penguins, then photograph and identify some of the 60+ species of birds found throughout the warmth of the Zoo’s Tropics Trail.This class will combine classroom learning time, photography practice, and, if time allows, the chance to receive feedback about your photos in class. With both a photography expert and Zoo naturalist by your side, you will have plenty of opportunities to ask questions, practice new skills, and learn about the animals you photograph. Bring your camera along with any accessories you have (tripod, lenses, filters, flash); nothing but your camera is required, but you may find additional accessories useful. Items not brought on the trail can be locked in the classroom. The instructor(s) may also demonstrate additional equipment relevant to the class.

Leave your camera’s auto program mode and journey into the realm of manual camera settings. Learn how to use focus points to see through fences and how best to adjust aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and white balance to get the pictures your camera’s auto mode can’t typically achieve. Practice these techniques on the open-to-the-outdoors Minnesota Trail’s birds, bears, and more.This class will combine classroom learning time, photography practice, and, if time allows, the chance to receive feedback about your photos in class. With both a photography expert and Zoo naturalist by your side, you will have plenty of opportunities to ask questions, practice new skills, and learn about the animals you photograph. Bring your camera along with any accessories you have (tripod, lenses, filters, flash); nothing but your camera is required, but you may find additional accessories useful. Items not brought on the trail can be locked in the classroom. The instructor(s) may also demonstrate additional equipment relevant to the class.

Critique is a tool that can be used to help us learn, reinforce a lesson, expand our horizons and to share ideas for new directions to explore. As artists, we play off each other and the world around us. Each person has valid opinions and the ability to spark imagination in others. Together we will look at each other's photos and receive input, be it a compliment or a helpful suggestion. Don’t worry if you aren’t familiar with critique or feel uncomfortable at first. 

Have you wondered how star trails and the Milky Way are captured in photographs? Why waterfalls look silky? This is the photography class for you! Learn about your Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera and the various lenses. Understand how to use settings beyond “auto” and shoot quality photography. Discover how to capture beautiful portraits, family gatherings, children’s sporting events and more. Create special images that tell a story. Bring a DSLR camera and lens(es). Cameras without the ability to change from “Auto” mode to M, A (Av) or S (Tv) will not benefit from this class. Take advantage of Saturday outdoor camera shooting experience as part of the class. 

Have you wondered how star trails and the Milky Way are captured in photographs? Why waterfalls look silky? This is the photography class for you! Learn about your Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera and the various lenses. Understand how to use settings beyond “auto” and shoot quality photography. Discover how to capture beautiful portraits, family gatherings, children’s sporting events and more. Create special images that tell a story. Bring a DSLR camera and lens(es). Cameras without the ability to change from “Auto” mode to M, A (Av) or S (Tv) will not benefit from this class. Take advantage of Saturday outdoor camera shooting experience as part of the class.