For the Photographer, The Morton Arboretum is 1700 acres of nature, gardens and photographic opportunity. In 2002, I was asked by friend, fellow photographer and Arboretum Instructor, Jack Shouba if I would be interested in teaching in the new Nature Photography Certificate Program being started by Nicki Rinderer. Since that time, I have helped organize and steer the program forward after Nicki departed the Program. Now led admirably by Jan Little, the Arboretum Assistant Director of Education, the program features an incredible line up of both local and nationally recognized photographic educators, including Willard Clay, Fred Drury, Walt Anderson, Stan Osolinski, Jack Shouba, and myself.

I teach the Introduction to Nature and Outdoor Photography Class on a quarterly basis. I also teach or have taught the following classes for the program and most are offered at least once during the year; Learning To See, (a class in bringing creativity and art into your photography), The History of Nature Photography, Composition, Landscape Photography, Winter Photography, Shoot & Critique Sessions, and Photographing Water.

Other class offerings have included; Exposure Theory, Composition, Advanced Masters Class, Photoshop I and II, Digital Workflow, Bird Photography, Wildlife Photography, Close-up Photography, Garden Photography, Botanical Photography, and numerous other classes. The curriculum is constantly evolving, being evaluated, updated, and catered to student's needs.

Current class offerings and program information can be found on the Arboretum's website at www.mortonarb.org.