Designed for those who wish to advance their photographic skills, this field workshop is an introduction to botanical photography, with an emphasis on composition, lighting and exposure.

Point Reyes National Seashore is an oasis of unique and extraordinary beauty. With more than 900 species of vascular plants and an untold number of lichens, fungi, algae, and bryophytes, something interesting will always be available in the seashore.

If you have a macro lens for your camera, or macro attachment for your cell phone/tablet, bring it! This is not an art photography, landscape photography, studio, or general photography course, but one that will highlight the characteristics of plant genera and species. No selfie sticks or tripods.

Bring a waterproof knee pad or even a yoga mat as we will need to get close to the plants, and down to their level, to get the good shot. Bring warm clothes and a snack. The class is limited in size so that the instructor can provide hands-on, personalized instruction.

Class Meeting Time: 7:00 AM! Why so early? Because we want to catch the “golden hour”, in order to avoid harsh shadows and light.

Sterling Sam is a Professor of Botany, certified with the University of California, California State Universities, and the California Community Colleges. He has been photographing plants since 1976.

Details:

-We will be meeting at the Chimney Rock Trailhead

– Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to check in

– Refunds available for all classes 7 days in advance of the start date, after 7 days and before 2 days, participants can credit their class for a future date. All requests before 48 hours in advance will be declined. For COVID cancellation policy, see below.

– Please follow the parking instructions for the facility used that day

– Please provide an email you check regularly for updates and reminders about your class

– Registration is required online prior to the event in order to maintain class sizes

– Sales end 48 hours before the start date.

– Waitlists are available when the class sells out

What to Bring:

Waterproof knee pad and/or yoga mat

Day Pack

Snack

Warm Variable Weather Clothing

Hiking Shoes

Water Bottle

Notebook and Pen/Field Journal

Eventbrite Confirmation Email

Binoculars (Optional)

Camera

About the PRNSA Field Institute:

The PRNSA Field Institute offers hands-on environmental education classes throughout the year that foster enjoyment of Point Reyes National Seashore. Our classes are led by expert instructors, who take you out of your everyday life and into the natural world. We host a variety of classes about the arts and sciences and have something for everyone. You can reach the Field Institute at (415) 663-1200 x304 or by email at fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org.

Interested in becoming a member of PRNSA? Click Here!

Interested in becoming a PRNSA Field Institute facilitator? Want to take classes for FREE while helping out a great cause? Give us a call!

Are you an outdoor educator or artist who would like to teach a PRNSA Field Institute class? Shoot us an Email!

For any questions, please email us at fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org.

COVID-19 Field Institute Guidelines

In accordance with Marin County and CDC guidelines for public health, we will require all participants to respect the following COVID-19 procedures:

• Perform a health self-check before coming to class using the CDC Symptoms of Coronavirus as a guide

• Do not attend class if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, suspect you have been exposed to the virus, or are suffering from any other flu-like or respiratory illness.

• Participants exhibiting signs of respiratory illness may be asked to leave class

During class all participants will be required to do the following

• We recommend that all participants continue to wear masks at this time, however, in accordance with CDC guidelines, exceptions can be made for fully vaccinated individuals if desired.

• Fully vaccinated individuals may remove masks for outdoor classes if they continue to maintain a 6’ distance from other participants.

• Unvaccinated individuals are required to wear a face covering unless farther than 6’ from other participants in an outdoor class.

• Continue to maintain a 6 foot physical distance from other participants not belonging to your household

• Bring your own food and water

• Current group sizes are still limited, there will be no physical contact or sharing of food and drink, and no shared physical equipment or materials unless they are sanitized before and after use, and used by only one person for the duration of class

NOTE: Refund policy exceptions will be made for participants cancelling last minute due to COVID-19 infection or symptoms. Please contact us in this case.

Thank you for your continuing cooperation in following these guidelines to help keep everyone safe.