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Gardens Preferred, Gardens Premium Members and Innovators save on Continuing Education Courses
A 10% discount on classes will be applied automatically at the time of checkout.
Capturing Blue Poppies
Dates & Prices
March 18–31, 2026
Fee: $179
Fee for Innovators, Gardens Preferred, and Gardens Premium Members: $161
Fee includes all-day admission to the Gardens on the day the class is onsite.
This class is intended as an adult learning experience. Find out more about our Family Learning experiences.
Registrations may be cancelled up to two weeks before the event, and your registration fee, less a $30 processing fee, will be refunded. Please note that refunds are not available for programs moved to scheduled inclement weather dates.
To notify us of your cancellation, email us or call 610-388-5454.
Register by March 11, 2026
Gardens Preferred, Gardens Premium Members and Innovators save on Continuing Education Courses
A 10% discount on classes will be applied automatically at the time of checkout.
The Himalayan blue-poppy (Meconopsis ‘Lingholm’)—one of Longwood’s most photographed flowers—has both fascinated and challenged avid photographers for years, as the flower’s coloration is one of the most elusive hues to capture in a photographic image.
Join us for this exclusive photography opportunity to capture blue-poppies and learn studio techniques to effectively highlight all aspects of this stunning plant.
Course Schedule
Online Orientation
Wednesday, March 18, 6:00–7:00 pm
On-site Shoot
Saturday, March 21, 7:00–10:00 am
Online Review
Tuesday, March 31, 6:00–8:00 pm
Full course content includes both the online and the onsite components.
Instructor
Valerie Hoffman
Based out of southeast Pennsylvania, Valerie Hoffman is an avid landscape, wildlife, floral, and architectural/real estate photographer and photography instructor. Hoffman cannot remember a time when photography was not a passion. This led her to pursue a degree in photography. After more than 25 years selling photographic equipment, Hoffman embarked on a career teaching private photography lesson, group classes, and workshops. She loves sharing her photographic knowledge and inspiring people to take their photography skills to deeper and more creative levels.
Location
Online via Zoom
Onsite throughout the Conservatory
Materials
Participants must bring their own camera capable of accepting multiple lenses as well as a macro lens or extension tubes, camera manual, charged batteries, and a tripod.
Recommended Equipment
- Camera
- Spare batteries
- Extra memory cards
- Lens choice
- Macro
- LensBaby
- Mid-range telephoto
- Telephoto in the range of up to 400mm
- Circular polarizer
- Lens hoods
- Sturdy tripod
- Cable release
- Knee pad
- Hoodman loupe
Additional Information
Photos taken during photography classes at Longwood may not be sold for commercial uses.