District 196 Community Education

Learn how to take great close-up photos. Work with how to control your depth of field and lighting and what equipment works best. Photograph everything from flowers to rings and more. Let's move in and have fun!

Add a new element to your zoo experience with this introduction to studio lighting in live animal photography at the Wells Fargo Family Farm. Photography at the Farm can be challenging due to the limited lighting in the buildings; this will be your opportunity to try out some equipment and practice photographing a variety of farm animals, including this spring’s new farm babies.This class will combine classroom learning time, photography practice, and, if time allows, the chance to receive feedback about some of 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 and flash(es) along with any other accessories you have (tripod, lenses, filters, etc.); 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. 

The Stone Arch Bridge provides a breathtaking backdrop for spectacular photos. Built in 1883, it is the only bridge of its kind over the Mississippi River. It is made of native granite and limestone, and measures 2100 feet long by 28 feet wide. The bridge consists of 23 arches and spans the river below St. Anthony Falls in Minneapolis.

Cameras can help set up a photographer for success, but properly composing an image relies on the photographer’s knowledge and skills. The composition of a photograph, its framing and the combination of all its parts, can be the difference between a good picture and an amazing picture. Learn and practice composition techniques, like the rule of thirds and using leading and trailing lines, among llamas and more in the Zoo’s new South America exhibit and the Northern Trail.

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.