Explore the captivating world of photography through hands-on instruction at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, an outstanding destination among the rotating collection of photogenic Denver locations. Our experienced instructors from Digital Photo Academy will guide you through this immersive three-hour workshop, enabling you to develop the skills necessary to produce gallery-quality images regardless of whether you bring a professional DSLR, a modern mirrorless camera, or simply rely on your smartphone's built-in capabilities.
The Denver Museum of Nature and Science stands as a treasure trove for photographers and visual artists alike. Beyond its wealth of fascinating exhibits and striking architectural features, the museum presents countless compositional opportunities at every turn. Whether you're drawn to exterior landscapes or interior gallery displays, you'll discover subject matter that challenges your creative vision and expands your photographic repertoire.
Architectural Elements and Outdoor Photography: Begin your experience at the museum's entrance, where four monumental columns constructed in 1868 provide compelling compositional subjects. Your instructor will demonstrate techniques for manipulating perspective and creating dynamic viewpoints. Experiment with a low-angle composition at the base of the columns to create a vertiginous, eye-catching photograph. Step back to capture the columns within a wider compositional frame, incorporating the impressive sculpture of an extinct woolly mammoth that graces the museum's exterior. These exercises develop your ability to think beyond standard compositions and discover fresh visual angles.
Interior Exhibits and Compositional Learning: Inside the museum, each gallery presents unique lighting conditions and subject matter. Photographers will encounter opportunities to compose images of fully articulated dinosaur skeletons, examining how to frame these massive specimens effectively. You'll also work on still life compositions using ancient artifacts, learning how to arrange and light these objects for maximum visual impact. Your instructor will help you master camera controls and cell phone settings to compensate for inconsistent or dim lighting that often challenges indoor photography.
Portrait Photography and Human Interest: The workshop includes dedicated instruction on portrait techniques, with emphasis on backdrop selection, cropping strategies, and eliminating visual clutter from your compositions. You'll learn to position your subjects so they stand out cleanly against background elements. Beyond posed portraiture, discover the art of candid photography by capturing spontaneous moments as museum visitors engage with exhibits. This approach yields authentic human narratives that communicate emotion across cultural and linguistic boundaries, creating photographs that resonate with viewers on universal themes.
Museum Admission and Course Details: This workshop includes museum admission. Current pricing is as follows:
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Adult (19-64): $25.95
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Youth (3-18): $20.95
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Senior (65+): $22.95
What to Bring: Bring your camera or smartphone and be ready to actively participate in this outdoor and indoor photography experience.
Workshop Format and Experience: Each Composition in the Field class begins with preliminary instruction from one of our trained photography professionals. You and fellow students then embark on a guided tour through carefully selected photogenic locations. Digital Photo Academy offers these field workshops across more than 20 cities throughout North America, with locations encompassing urban street photography environments, architectural interiors, farmers' markets, wildlife facilities, natural landscapes, and diverse outdoor settings. The examples in our portfolio reflect the range of subject matter available and showcase work by both instructors and students captured across the United States and Canada.
Learning Outcomes: You will complete this hands-on session with an expanded toolkit of photographic strategies and the ability to capture more compelling images in various situations. Whether you're traveling to new destinations, documenting family celebrations, or photographing everyday moments, this class establishes a foundation for ongoing improvement and creative expression in photography.
Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy: Should a class require cancellation due to inclement weather or circumstances beyond our control, we will work with you to reschedule at your convenience. If you need to cancel and request a different class date, contact our office directly. Please note that a $25 transfer fee applies if cancellation notice is provided fewer than three days before the scheduled class date.
