Photographer offers workshops on nature

Contributed by Paul Wolterbeek, who coordinates public events and the volunteer program at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park.

Beginner photographers, want to improve your camera skills with a pro?

Nature photographer Maggie Leef celebrates Arizona's outdoor wonders with an impressive range of landscape and wildlife photography, everything from spring flowers to magnificent elk and antelope in green summer meadows, to the glorious autumn color of golden aspen trees near her home.

Her work is featured in the visitor center gallery at Boyce Thompson Arboretum during November, and the artist is offering three photography workshops to share her passion for outdoor and nature photography. Cost to register is $22.50 (or $15 for Arboretum members); call 520-689-2723 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. to register.

Leef will teach beginners photography from 9 a.m. to noon Sunday, then two fall color photography classes Nov. 16 and 29.

"My first class is a fun, informative workshop for beginners who want to learn basic, practical photography skills," Leef said. "It's appropriate for people who shoot with disposable cameras or simple point-and-shoots, as well as for those who have more advanced cameras but are just terrified to take them out of their boxes.

"I'll give an overview of camera types and selection, detailed composition guidelines and simple gadgets and props that may be used, as well as appropriate preparation, clothing and behavior for shooting in the field or near water. Some popular misconceptions will be addressed, so prepare to have your rose-colored glasses crack - or break altogether!"

The two separate fall color classes are geared for beginner-to-intermediate photographers who want to expand their camera knowledge and learn to employ creative techniques to improve their fall foliage photography. Topics will include camera shooting modes, the photographic triangle, bracketing, metering, white balance, exposure compensation, filters, field notes and more.

Leef recommends participants bring their cameras and their camera manuals along to the class. The Arboretum opens daily at 8 a.m., so arrive early and check out Leef's photography exhibit in the gallery.

Leef specializes in nature, wildlife, tourism-related photography, and graphic design. She photographs people and pets in informal, outdoor settings. She also does photo repair and restoration.

In addition to photography, Leef is active in the Site Steward Program with Arizona State Parks and is the 2008 Site Steward of the Year.

Boyce Thompson Arboretum is near U.S. 60 milepost 223, just west of Superior. Admission is $7.50 for adults, $3 for ages 5-12. Visit http://ag.arizona.edu/bta to view online videos of the gardens and trails, read about weekend nature walks or see more images from the Maggie Leef exhibit.

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