Photography Walk

"Moonlight in the Garden—Twilight and Night Photography Techniques"
Mary Louise Ravese, Bella Vista Photography

  • Monday, November 17, 2025 – 4:00 pm–7:00 pm

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In the annual event "Moonlight in the Garden," the JCRA is decorated with an elaborate design of garden lighting that beautifully highlights the garden's key botanical features. It is a magical time to visit the gardens, but it can be challenging to capture in a photograph if you are not used to nighttime photography.

In this special session, Mary Louise will start in the classroom, explaining the key equipment and techniques she uses to successfully capture the illuminated garden. Then the class will transition to the gardens to practice these techniques with Mary Louise's guidance. Participants are welcome to continue to photograph and enjoy the gardens after the session, until 8:00 pm.

colorfully lit garden at night

Photography Walk fees include entrance fee to Moonlight in the Gardens event for the night of the class. The Photography Walk is a special preview event and takes place on an evening when the event is not open to the general public. This is an exclusive opportunity to be able to photograph the nighttime event using a tripod, an essential tool for sharp night images. The last time such an opportunity was offered it sold out quickly, so register early!

What to bring:

  • Suitable for all types of cameras from DSLR and mirrorless to point-and-shoot and smartphones or tablets. Note: larger sensor cameras will be capable of the best results.
  • A tripod is required. A standing height tripod is ideal. Table top tripods or gorillapods will not be practical for this session. Note: tripods can be rented from local camera stores.
  • A camera remote control is optional, but helpful.
  • Smartphone/tablet users should have a bracket for mounting your phone/tablet on a tripod (for example: MeFOTO SideKick SmartPhone Adapters).
  • While the native camera app is capable of low light photography, it has limited capability. Smartphone and tablet users should consider purchasing a low light and/or HDR (High Dynamic Range) app. For example iPhone users can use the app ProCamera or the app SlowShutter both of which offer a low light mode. Both these apps offer the advantage of being able to manually control ISO and shutter speed which is not possible in the native camera app. Both these apps can be purchased through the Apple apps store. Equivalent apps may be available for Android phone users.

Mary Louise Ravese

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 principal photographer for Bella Vista Photography.

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 website at https://www.bellavistaphotography.com.

Cost
$70.00 for JCRA Members, $80.00 for nonmembers.
Registration

Advance registration is required. Register through our online registration store.

Registration is considered complete when payment is received. You will receive a confirmation receipt from notify@cashnet.com when registered.

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
JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University, 4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh, NC 27606.
Directions
Need directions? Click here.
Parking
Free parking is available at the JC Raulston Arboretum and along Beryl Road.
Questions
Contact the JCRA Education Team at jcraprograms@ncsu.edu for more information about this program.