The Oakland Cemetery offers exceptional opportunities for photography during both spring and fall seasons, as reflected in the seasonal imagery available from this location. Oakland Cemetery represents far more than a beautiful example of Victorian garden cemetery design. It functions simultaneously as a stunning outdoor sculpture gallery, thriving botanical garden, flourishing habitat for local wildlife, beloved public park, and breathtakingly picturesque setting for creating dynamic photographs. The cemetery's collection of funerary art is unparalleled in the region and offers endless photographic inspiration.
Elaborate stone mausoleums, towering sculptures, and ornate inscriptions testify to an earlier era when grieving families expressed their devotion through extravagant and memorable monuments. As the oldest cemetery and one of the largest green spaces in Atlanta, Oakland Cemetery provides photographers with diverse subjects and compelling visual opportunities.
Working alongside a professional photographer, you will develop your creative vision and apply advanced compositional skills to this unique location, with techniques applicable wherever you pursue photography. Experiment with varied perspectives, creative angles, and the interplay of light and shadow dancing across sculptural elements. Create photographs that evoke different emotional responses, from romantic and ethereal to solemn and contemplative, as you work within the varied settings, architectural styles, and seasonal colors present throughout the cemetery. Your DPA instructor will provide practical guidance for creating compelling portrait images by thoughtfully working with the site's distinctive character and architectural details.
The class will gather in the parking lot at 9:00 AM, where you will receive an introductory discussion about light quality and techniques for perceiving deeper layers of natural beauty beyond the obvious aesthetic appeal of this remarkable location. Please bring a fully-charged camera battery, your DSLR or digital camera of choice, and any additional equipment you can comfortably transport. Dress appropriately for the weather, wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated throughout the session.
Bring Your Camera:
Each Composition in the Field class begins with an instructional talk led by one of our experienced photographers, followed by a guided exploration of a visually compelling location chosen from a diverse range of photogenic sites across more than twenty cities served by Digital Photo Academy. Opportunities range from urban street photography and remarkable interior spaces to farmers' markets, botanical gardens, zoos, sweeping landscapes, and numerous other engaging subjects. The instructors provide a curated selection of sample photographs taken in these varied locations by both students and instructors across numerous cities throughout the United States and Canada.
You will enjoy the three-hour session while learning to compose strategic photographs, capture more compelling images of the location, and develop a foundation for enhancing your photographs in the future; these skills apply whether you are traveling, attending special events, or photographing in everyday situations.
Please Note: If a class must be canceled due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, we will gladly work with you to reschedule your session. Should you need to cancel and require a new class date, please contact us. A $25 transfer fee will be charged unless we receive notification at least three days before the scheduled class date.
