The Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park offers photographers a stunning range of subjects that go well beyond beautiful blooms. Whatever your photographic interests, whether landscape, architecture, environmental portraiture, or finding the extraordinary in the everyday, this location provides an abundance of compelling images waiting to be made. Your DPA instructor will accompany you throughout the session, sharing insights into the compositional principles that transform an ordinary snapshot into an image worthy of your portfolio. Topics include the art of shadow, leading lines, patterns within patterns, and much more.
The class begins at the entrance to the Conservatory of Flowers, where introductions are made, and the lessons begin in the extensive surrounding gardens. The group then crosses to the de Young Museum, where a trip to the tower offers a spectacular panoramic view of both the park and the San Francisco skyline. From there, the class moves into the museum's sculpture garden before ending at the de Young café, where the interplay of light and shadow through the chairs provides a playful, low-key finale to the session.
Each Composition in the Field class begins with an instructor-led discussion, followed by a guided walk through one of the many photogenic locations in the DPA's 20-plus city network. The program spans street photography, extraordinary interiors, farmers' markets, zoos, landscapes, and much more, and includes photographs from both student and instructor contributors across locations throughout the United States and Canada.
In this three-hour session, you will learn to shoot strategically, develop stronger compositional instincts, and leave with a practical foundation for making better photographs everywhere you go.
Please note: If a class must be cancelled due to weather or other circumstances outside our control, we will work with you to find a new date. If you need to cancel and request a new class date, please contact us. A $25 transfer fee applies to requests made without at least 3 days' notice before the scheduled class.
