Do I need prior photography experience to join?

No prior experience is needed; the workshop is designed for photographers of all skill levels.

Will the workshop cover camera settings like ISO and aperture?

Yes, the workshop focuses on key camera settings including shutter speed, aperture, and ISO control.

Is the workshop suitable for smartphone cameras?

The workshop is tailored for digital cameras with manual controls, so smartphone cameras may not benefit fully.

Where is the workshop held?

The class takes place at 300 Tower Rd, Naples, FL 34113.

Are there opportunities for outdoor shooting during the workshop?

Yes, portions of the workshop include hands-on shooting practice in nearby scenic locations.

Can I get individual feedback during the session?

Yes, the instructor provides personalized tips and feedback throughout the workshop.

Mastering Digital Photography: A Hands-On Workshop in Naples, Florida

Located in the vibrant city of Naples, Florida, the Essentials of Digital Photography Workshop offers enthusiasts and beginners alike a unique chance to elevate their photography skills in just three hours. Hosted at 300 Tower Rd, this workshop is led by Sonny Saunders, a seasoned photographer whose expertise transforms complex camera settings into manageable, creative tools. Whether you're aiming to capture the subtleties of coastal landscapes or the dynamic lifestyle of Naples, this workshop unlocks the power of your digital camera’s shutterspeed, aperture, and ISO controls. Naples itself is a gateway to a stunning mosaic of outdoor scenes, from white sandy beaches along the Gulf of Mexico to lush natural reserves renowned for their diverse flora and fauna, offering endless subjects for your lens. This workshop doesn’t just teach technical skills; it invites you to see your environment through a new perspective, guiding your eye and hand to compose images that tell compelling stories. The class format ensures personalized attention in a friendly, relaxed setting, making it accessible for all experience levels—from novices fumbling with manual mode to intermediate shooters seeking to sharpen their technique. The instructor’s hands-on approach demystifies the interplay of shutter speed, aperture, and ISO, essential for controlling exposure and depth of field, empowering you to take sharp, expressive photos whether shooting natural light or shadowed scenes. What sets this workshop apart in Naples’s bustling outdoor scene is its focus on practical application, encouraging participants to venture beyond automatic settings and truly understand the mechanics behind a great shot. Ideal for travelers wanting to document their trip with professional-quality images, local residents eager to capture the essence of Southwest Florida’s landscapes, or anyone passionate about photography as a craft. The workshop’s location provides ample opportunities to practice with varied backdrops: sparkling coastal waters, vibrant bougainvillea, and intricate wildlife moments. After class, the Naples area invites further exploration with its nature preserves, pier walks, and charming streetscapes, perfect for testing your newly acquired skills. Whether you’re drawn to the technical mastery or the creative outlet photography offers, this workshop is a standout choice to deepen your connection with your camera and the beautiful environment around Naples.

About Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is a Southwest Florida research and education organization that connects people to coastal science through lectures, workshops, community events, and youth camps.

It presents the Lunch & Learn Lecture Series at the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, pairing a buffet from Carrabba’s Italian Grill with monthly presentations by environmental experts and complimentary center admission. The Reserve offers guided experiences such as Birding with Biologists, a three-hour beginner workshop at Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes Community Park led by expert biologists focused on identification, behavior, and binocular skills.

Annual and community events include the Classic Car Show at Florida SouthWestern State College with vehicle and vendor registration options, family-friendly activities, and Friends of Rookery Bay fundraising; an Art Gallery Reception in partnership with United Arts Collier showcasing local photography and painting; and Rookery Bay Community Day. The Reserve also hosts Science Nite, the Seabird Social decoy painting workshop during the Festival of Birds, and a wildlife workshop series addressing marine animals, invasive Burmese pythons, and local mammals.

Professional learning opportunities include a hybrid workshop for real estate professionals on selling coastal and inland properties, seawalls, boat lifts, and regulations. Educational programs for youth include a half-day marine science camp for 7th–10th graders with hands-on lab experiences led by scientists focusing on sharks, sea turtles, and conservation.

Rookery Bay emphasizes research-driven programming, community partnerships, and practical learning to advance conservation and public understanding of estuarine ecosystems. Programs welcome residents, students, scientists, and visiting nature enthusiasts year-round.