Revel in exclusive after-hours access to A Longwood Christmas—including the new West Conservatory—and capture this festive display at your leisure!
If you’ve dreamt of a quiet, after-hours photography session capturing the magic of A Longwood Christmas, this is your chance to enjoy an exclusive opportunity getting stunning shots of both indoor and outdoor spaces in our Gardens. Start your experience with an online orientation and a brief discussion of night and low-light photography. Then, meet with instructor Valerie Hoffman at the East Conservatory for an introduction before you are free to roam our Gardens to capture the magic of the display at your own pace and with plenty of space. Reconvene back at the East Conservatory to conclude the photography session, then wrap up your experience with a friendly online critique and a chance to show off your work!
Course Schedule
Online Orientation
Wednesday, November 19, 6:00–7:00 pm
Onsite Session
Friday, November 21, 10:30 pm–1:30 am
Inclement weather date: Saturday, November 22, 2025
Online Critique Session
Tuesday, December 2, 6:00–8:00 pm
Full course content includes both the online and the onsite components.
Location
Onsite at Longwood Gardens with additional online sessions.
This course will take part partially or entirely outdoors and will involve significant walking. Please dress for the weather and conditions.
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.
Additional Info
Photos taken during photography classes at Longwood may not be sold for commercial uses.
