Landscape Photography
ART-40081
Landscape Photography
Formerly: Nature Photography: From Vision to Print
9 Weeks | Live Online with In-Person Field Trips
Prerequisite: Photo I: Aperture, Shutter Speed, & ISO (ART-40629) or equivalent experience.
Typically Offered: Spring
Discover the joy of capturing breathtaking landscape images and transforming them into presentation-ready prints. In Landscape Photography you will explore the aesthetics and technical aspects of outdoor shooting while learning to develop a personal creative workflow. Field trips to diverse settings—such as Sunset Cliffs, La Jolla Cove, Balboa Park, and local botanical gardens—allow you to build confidence in your technique, gain fresh perspectives, and refine your approach as you craft a final printed photo book of your best work.
Course Details
Through practical assignments, guided editing sessions, and hands-on exploration, you’ll deepen your understanding of composition, camera settings, and the essential elements that make a photograph truly memorable. By the end of the course, you will have the tools to venture out on your own, capture and process dynamic, compelling images, and present your art in digital and printed formats. From online galleries to photo books and professionally matted prints—this class will help you share your unique vision.
Important Schedule Information
This course is held via Zoom, with in-person field trips, and a final photo print book presentation. Your instructor will provide specific details in your first Zoom Meeting. Please check your CANVAS portal for your Zoom link information. Course times are Pacific Time (PDT). Local students will have opportunities for in-person instruction. Remote students will be provided with information for self-guided field trips.
2026 Course Schedule:
Thursday 4/30 - 6pm - 9pm (Live online via Zoom)
Saturday 5/2 - 4:30pm - 7:30pm (Field trip. Location TBD)
Thursday 5/7 - 6pm - 9pm (Live online via Zoom)
Saturday 5/9 - 4:30pm - 7:30pm (Field trip. Location TBD)
Thursday 5/14 - 6pm - 9pm (Live online via Zoom)
Thursday 5/21 - 6pm - 9pm (Live online via Zoom)
Saturday 5/23 - 4:30pm - 7:30pm (Field trip. Location TBD)
Thursday 5/28 - 6pm - 9pm (Live online via Zoom)
Thursday 6/11 - Final 6pm - 9pm (In Person at UCSD Campus Location or Via Zoom if Remote)
What You'll Learn
- Identify and capture unique perspectives in diverse settings.
- Refine your technical skills, including composition and camera handling.
- Develop a consistent digital workflow from shooting to final print.
- Utilize editing software to enhance image quality and tonal range.
- Produce a curated selection of images suitable for exhibition.
- Present final photographs in multiple formats, such as an optional photo book.
- Understand the essential components of a compelling landscape photograph.
- Gain the confidence to explore and photograph the natural world independently.
Course Information
First class meeting mandatory. Includes 3 Saturday field trips. Knowledge of image editing with Picassa, iPhoto, Photoshop or Lightroom recommended.
Equipment/Software/Hardware: Fully adjustable DSLR camera or prosumer camera. Image editing software.
Print Book: Your final includes a presentation of a printed photo book. Although not mandatory, you are encouraged to create and showcase your landscapte photos in a printed format.
Flexible Enrollment: This course is an elective course for Photography: Images and Techniques professional certificate but is open to all students, even if you're not enrolled in the Certificate Program.
Academic Calendar: The Academic Calendar shows the open enrollment dates and term start dates for each quarter. Courses do not necessarily start on the first day of the term.