Virtual Workshop | Nature Through the Lens

• Learn nature photography guided by a professional photographer with years of field experience.

• Study from home, in a flexible evening format that fits your schedule and promotes a steady learning pace.

• Receive personalized feedback from the instructor through assignments, visual analysis, and creative exercises.

• Begin your journey into nature photography with no prior experience needed—just curiosity and a camera.

Module 1 · Photography in Context & Project Foundations

This module introduces the historical, conceptual, and communicative foundations of photography while guiding participants through the initial construction of their personal nature photography project, which will be developed throughout the course.

• Historical Context of Photography. An overview of the evolution of photography, from its origins to contemporary nature photography, understanding how historical moments, authors, and movements have shaped the way we see and represent the natural world.
• The Image as a Tool for Communication. Exploration of photography as a visual language: how images convey meaning, emotion, information, and intention, and how nature photography can inform, inspire, and raise awareness.
• Photography and Technological Development. Understanding the relationship between technological advances and photographic practice, and how tools influence aesthetics, workflow, and creative possibilities in modern nature photography.
• Epistemological Foundations of Photography. A reflection on photography as a way of knowing and interpreting reality, especially in relation to nature, biodiversity, science, and conservation.
• Project Definition & Concept Development. Participants will begin designing their personal photography project, defining:
  • Theme and subject
  • Purpose and message
  • Visual approach and narrative intention

This project will evolve throughout the course, integrating technical, aesthetic, and conceptual learning from each module.

Module 2 · Fundamental Concepts of Photography

This module provides the technical foundations of photography, focusing on how light, camera settings, and optics work together to create intentional images. Participants will learn to move beyond automatic modes and begin making conscious decisions that support both technical control and visual storytelling in nature photography.

• Camera Operation & Photographic Tools. Introduction to camera operation and essential controls, understanding how modern cameras function as creative tools rather than automatic devices. Emphasis on knowing your camera to respond efficiently in real field conditions.
• Camera Types, Sensors & Image Capture. Overview of camera systems and sensor technologies (CCD, CMOS, sensor sizes, crop factor), including how sensor characteristics affect image quality, noise, dynamic range, and color—especially in low-light and high-humidity environments.
• Optics & Focal Length. Understanding lenses as the photographer’s primary creative instrument. Analysis of focal length, lens types (wide-angle, standard, telephoto, macro), and how optics influence perspective, depth, and visual narrative in nature photography.
• Light & Exposure Fundamentals. In-depth study of light as the core element of photography. Introduction to: Aperture (diaphragm) and depth of field, Shutter speed and motion control and ISO and image sensitivity. These concepts are explored through the exposure triangle and the law of reciprocity, enabling participants to balance light intentionally.
• Metering Systems & Exposure Control. Understanding how cameras measure light through different metering modes (evaluative, center-weighted, spot), including reflected vs. incident light. Introduction to exposure compensation, histograms, and the Zone System as tools for accurate exposure in complex lighting conditions.
• Focus & Depth of Field. Exploration of depth of field and selective focus as visual tools to guide attention and create impact. Participants learn how aperture, focal length, and distance to the subject influence sharpness and background separation.
• From Technique to Intention. This module connects technical knowledge with creative decision-making. Participants begin applying these concepts to their personal photography project, defining how technical choices support mood, message, and storytelling rather than just correct exposure.

Module 3. Macrophotography & Lighting

Module 3 focuses on the technical and creative foundations of macro photography, with a strong emphasis on light control. In this module, participants will learn how to photograph small subjects, such as amphibians, reptiles, insects, and textures, by understanding magnification, depth of field, composition, and artificial lighting.

Topics include the fundamentals of macro photography, essential equipment and accessories, selective focus, and compositional strategies. A major part of the module is dedicated to artificial lighting, covering external flash use, light modifiers, diffusion techniques, flash positioning, inverse square law, color temperature, and background control.

By the end of this module, students will be able to design and execute controlled macro images, making intentional decisions about light, mood, texture, and background, key elements for strengthening their personal photographic project.

Module 4. Bird & Landscape Photography

In the bird photography section, participants will learn to approach birds through observation, patience, and ethical field practices. We will explore how understanding behavior, habitat, and movement directly influences photographic results. Technical aspects such as camera settings, autofocus modes, focal length selection, and exposure control will be covered, along with composition strategies that help isolate subjects while preserving a sense of place. Emphasis will be placed on anticipating moments, reading light, and working with natural backgrounds to create impactful and respectful images.

The landscape photography component introduces participants to the principles of visual interpretation of space, light, and scale. We will explore how to read the environment, recognize favorable lighting conditions, and use composition to guide the viewer’s eye. Topics include the use of wide-angle lenses, filters, and exposure techniques, as well as the role of foreground, midground, and background in building depth and balance. Long exposure concepts will be introduced as creative tools rather than purely technical exercises.

Throughout the module, participants will be encouraged to think beyond individual images and begin integrating birds and landscapes into a cohesive visual language. This approach strengthens their ongoing photographic project by adding context, atmosphere, and narrative depth, helping them move from isolated photographs toward a more complete and intentional body of work.

Module 5. Composition & Color Theory

In this module, we explore composition and color as fundamental tools for visual storytelling in nature photography. Participants will learn how to organize elements within the frame to create balance, rhythm, depth, and visual intention, moving beyond rigid rules toward more conscious and expressive image-making.

We will study classical composition principles such as the rule of thirds, symmetry and asymmetry, visual weight, leading lines, patterns, textures, and negative space, with a strong focus on how these concepts apply in real field situations. The goal is to help photographers make deliberate compositional decisions while working with unpredictable subjects and natural environments.

Color theory is introduced as a key narrative element. Participants will learn how color relationships, contrast, harmony, and saturation influence mood, atmosphere, and meaning in an image. Understanding color in natural light conditions allows photographers to strengthen visual coherence and reinforce the identity of their ongoing photographic project.

This module plays a critical role in refining each participant’s visual language and improving the consistency and clarity of the photographic project developed throughout the course.

Module 6. Post-Processing & Visual Coherence

In this final module, we focus on post-processing as a creative and technical extension of the photographic process. Participants will learn how editing helps translate intention into a final image, reinforcing mood, color, contrast, and narrative consistency across a photographic project.

We introduce Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop as complementary tools within a professional workflow. Lightroom will be used for image selection, organization, global adjustments, and color management, while Photoshop will be presented as a precision tool for fine retouching, local corrections, and image refinement when necessary.

Special emphasis is placed on developing a clean, efficient workflow: from importing and organizing files to building a consistent visual language across a series of images. Participants will learn how editing decisions should support the story and identity of their photographic project rather than overpower the image.

This module allows participants to finalize their ongoing photographic project with greater technical control, visual coherence, and personal style, preparing their images for presentation, portfolio use, or publication.

This workshop goes beyond theory. Each module includes practical assignments designed to help you build a meaningful photographic project grounded in personal narrative, technical skills, and creative vision.

You’ll be guided through the complete process of developing a photo project—from choosing a theme and defining your visual story, to executing your images and presenting them in a cohesive body of work. Inspired by questions such as “Why am I telling this story?” and “What impact do I want to create?”, you’ll explore the social and emotional depth behind your images.

Through structured exercises and feedback, you’ll learn to:

• Identify a compelling theme and define a photographic narrative.

• Create series of images that communicate meaning, context, and emotion.

• Develop visual strategies using macro, landscape, bird, and environmental photography techniques.

• Set creative goals, define your audience, and align your photographic decisions with a clear message.

• Plan and present your final project—be it a virtual exhibition, photo essay, or visual portfolio.

Whether you’re capturing nature in your backyard or interpreting biodiversity through creative compositions at home, this workshop is your opportunity to turn intention into impact.

Join a growing community of nature photography enthusiasts. Our online platform includes access to discussion groups, project critiques, and ongoing inspiration even after the course ends. Stay connected, share your progress, and grow together through collaborative learning and shared passion for the natural world.