Workshops & Classes
Beginning Nature Photography
Mullica River, New Jersey Pine Barrens. © Doug Wechsler, used with permission.
Harness the power of your digital camera to capture amazing nature photographs! This two-part course will examine the basics of nature photography. We will use light, design principles, and natural subjects to create appealing, expressive photographs. The Academy’s Doug Wechsler will demonstrate some of the tricks of the trade to help you improve your technique. The course will include one evening session at the Academy and a day-long session in the New Jersey Pine Barrens.
Doug Wechsler is director of VIREO, the Academy’s worldwide collection of bird photography. His nature photography has appeared in hundreds of publications including 20 children’s books he has authored.
- Wednesday, September 29, 6:30–8:30 pm at the Academy
- Saturday, October 2, 8:30 am–5 pm, field study in the Pine Barrens, N.J.
(More details on the field trip will be discussed in class on September 29.) - Fee: $75/members; $80/nonmembers (one cost for both programs, not sold separately)
- Equipment not included; bring your camera, its owner’s manual, and extra batteries.
- Space is limited to 12 participants. Call 215-299-1060 to register.
Migrating Raptors Workshop
Come see live raptors and touch and study real raptor specimens! Beginning birders and raptor enthusiasts will have fun while learning something new in this unique setting. Join experienced instructors as they share tips on identifying local raptors and explain raptor anatomy using live birds, specimens, and gorgeous visual aids from our VIREO collection of bird images. Leave more confident in your skills to identify raptors as they migrate through Pennsylvania this month!
The workshop is led by the Academy’s Live Animal Center Manager Laura McRae and Michele Bassler, Academy outreach supervisor and lifelong birder.
- Wednesday, October 13, 6:30–8:30 pm
- Fee: $15 members/ $20 non-members
- Space is limited to 25 participants. Call 215-299-1060 to register.
Alaska Wild!
The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is home to a vast array of birds, grizzly bears, musk oxen, caribou, and much more. Join Alaska Wilderness League to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Learn about the critical issues that are facing Alaska’s public lands, these unique species and the native Gwich’in people. Gain insight into the many ways the Alaska Wilderness League and other advocates bring attention to issues in order to affect Congress and federal agencies that shape policies.
The class will be led by Monica Scherer, the Pennsylvania Field Organizer for the Alaska Wilderness League.
- Wednesday, November 3, 6–8:30 pm
- Fee: $15 members/ $20 non-members
- Space is limited to 25 participants. Call 215-299-1060 to register.
