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Discovery Series: Nature Photography 101

July 30 @ 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

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Fisherman on the shore during sunset

Discover Crystal Cove State Park through a new lens during this immersive beginner friendly nature photography workshop led by renowned naturalist, educator, and photographer Bob “BugBob” Allen.

The evening will begin with an indoor presentation and discussion focused on the fundamentals of nature photography, including composition, lighting, observation, and finding compelling natural subjects. Participants will then head outdoors alongside Bob to photograph Crystal Cove’s scenic coastal bluffs, native coastal sage scrub habitat, and Historic District during the soft evening light of golden hour.

Designed for beginners and casual photographers alike, this workshop emphasizes creativity, curiosity, and learning to better observe the natural world rather than technical camera instruction. Camera types are limited to digital devices, including smartphones, mirrorless cameras, and DSLRs. Participants should already be familiar with the basic operation of their device.

Following the outdoor photography session, the group will return indoors for a collaborative photo share and discussion.

Meeting location: Cottage #34, Crystal Cove State Park Historic District

Meet your guide:

Bob Allen laughing while holding a book, standing in foliage

Bob Allen is lead author of Wildflowers of Orange County and the Santa Ana Mountains. He is a longtime teacher of college courses and workshops in natural history, entomology, botany, and nature photography throughout Southern California.
An Orange County local, he grew up in historic San Juan Capistrano. He’s hiked, studied, and photographed nearly every trail in our state and county parks and in the Santa Ana Mountains. On the technical side, he is a published scientist and has been awarded the position of Research Associate by the California Botanic Garden, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, and the Jepson Herbarium at University of California, Berkeley. His favorite photographic subjects are native plants and native pollinating insects.



Details

  • Date: July 30
  • Time:
    5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Organizer

Venue

  • Crystal Cove State Park Historic District