Photography Walk

"Garden Photography at the Juniper Level Botanic Garden"
Mary Louise Ravese, Bella Vista Photography

• Thursday, May 19, 2022 – 9:00 am–1:30 pm

Raleigh's Juniper Level Botanic Garden is a delight to plant lover and photographer alike. The 28+ acre garden features a unique variety of plants organized into visually interesting garden vignettes with other picturesque features like waterfalls, ponds, a bog, an arched bridge, and a rock garden. There are both sun and shade garden areas. Normally the botanic garden is open to visitors eight weekends a year, or by appointment, but in this session, we'll largely have the garden to ourselves to photograph while spring flowers are bountiful.

In this session, Mary Louise will discuss and demonstrate a variety of garden photography techniques. The extended session gives time for participants to explore different types of garden photo setups. In addition, there will be an opportunity for an informal Q&A session with Mary Louise while eating a bagged lunch on a shaded garden patio. If desired, it will be possible for participants to purchase plants from Plant Delights Nursery at the end of the session.

This class is suitable for beginner to advanced photographers using DSLR and mirrorless cameras. If rainy, the session will be held on Friday, May 20, 2022 instead.

What to Bring

Photographers should bring their traditional camera(s) (DSLR and mirrorless only) with at least one of the following: macro lens (90mm or longer focal length) or zoom or prime Lens in the 24–105 mm range (zoom is preferable since where you can stand is limited). If the lens has a minimum focusing distance over 12", extension tubes (like a set from Kenko) are recommended so you can focus closer to subjects close to the edge of a planting bed. There should be sufficient light for handholding, but a tripod with ball head is always encouraged for the sharpest shots. Small to medium (12" to 24") light modifiers like diffusers and reflectors are recommended (optional) as the sun gets higher in the sky. There will be opportunities to use a circular polarizer filter and neutral density filter (optional). Participants should bring their photography journal and a pencil or pen to take notes. Please bring a snack, bottled water and a bagged lunch (no refrigerator available).

About Mary Louise Ravese

Mary Louise Ravese specializes in fine art nature and travel photography from locations across the world. Her photographs are in private, university, and corporate collections in over 40 states and are exhibited nationally. She is the owner and principle photographer for Bella Vista Photography, and has a resident artist studio at 311 Gallery in Raleigh, North Carolina. Mary Louise is a regular speaker and competition judge for photography clubs in multiple states. She is an experienced photography instructor who has trained hundreds of amateur photographers. She enjoys teaching on a wide range of topics related to nature, travel, and creative photography, and can help with both the technical and aesthetic aspects of picture making. Mary Louise leads classes and workshops at a variety of locations across the United States and abroad. For more information visit her Web site at https://shop.bellavistaphotography.com.

Cost

$80.00 for members, $100.00 for nonmembers.

Registration

Advance registration is required. Please register online using our registration e-store. Registration is limited to 15 people and is considered complete when payment is received.

Cancellation

Program cancellations can be made up to two weeks prior to the program's start date. No refunds will be made after this time. A 15% cancellation fee applies.

Location

Juniper Level Botanic Garden

Directions

Driving directions will be provided to class participants the week of the program.

Parking

Free parking is available at Juniper Level Botanic Garden.

Questions

Please write jcraprograms@ncsu.edu for more information about this program.