Workshop: Garden Photography 101
Class description:
Join us for a 2-hour photography workshop designed for adults who want to capture the beauty of the garden with confidence. All cameras and phones are welcome—it’s about learning to see creatively, not just the gear you use!
We’ll focus on composition techniques like the rule of thirds, leading lines, framing, and others, along with tips for working with natural light at different times of day. You’ll also get a simple introduction to aperture and shutter speed to better control depth of field and motion.
Most of the workshop will be spent practicing in the garden, experimenting with angles, perspectives, light, and props with plenty of guidance and feedback to help you grow your skills and leave with photos you’re proud to share.
DATE: Thursday, October 16
TIME: 5 - 7 pm
LOCATION: Rocky Mountain Gardens, 1075 South Avenue West
COST: $25*
About the Instructor:
Alla Ponomareva is a photography instructor with over 15 years of experience exploring a wide range of photographic styles and disciplines, including wildlife, headshots, events, lifestyle, weddings, couples, pets, newborns, travel, astrophotography, and creative personal projects like Crystal Ball photography and self-portraiture. A graduate of The New York Institute of Photography’s Professional Photography Certification program, she continues to learn and practice almost daily. For Alla, photography is more than a creative outlet—it’s a lifelong companion that has traveled with her across continents and through every chapter of life, capturing moments of joy and offering healing through the lows.
In addition to photography, Alla finds grounding in gardening, where getting her hands in the dirt brings a sense of calm, presence, and connection to the natural world. She loves documenting the growth stages of plants, observing different species, bugs, and critters, and using the garden as both a classroom and a canvas. For her, gardening and photography go hand-in-hand—both invite patience, curiosity, and a chance to flex her creative muscle while deepening her appreciation for the beauty in everyday life.
*Scholarships may be available for this workshop. Contact Alex (abrown@missoulacounty.us) for details.
