Photo by Instructor Jason Boudreau-Landis
Select a session:
Thursday, June 25, 2026, 8:30-10:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 11, 2026, 8:30-10:30 p.m.
$70 member/$90 non-member, includes Arboretum admission
Also available are Firefly Viewing Nights without the Photography Special Access class: June 25-27; July 2, 3, 5, 9, 11 and 12, 8:30-10:30 p.m.
Program location: Visitor Center - Azalea Classroom
Class will start inside the Oswald Visitor Center in the Azalea Classroom and will move outside to gardens.
Join photographer Jason Boudreau-Landis for an evening of photographing some of nature’s most incredible insects, the fireflies. Also known as lightning bugs, fireflies are truly fascinating and a treasure to behold as they dance in the evening sky among the trees and shrubs throughout the Arboretum. Using bioluminescence, these tiny insects are easy to find once they begin to glow, but difficult to capture to photograph because of their speed and the low light conditions that they prefer.
Jason will begin the class with a brief introduction and discussion indoors followed by a guided walk through the Arboretum gardens as he demonstrates how to capture images that are sure to stun friends and family.
In this intermediate class you will:
- Learn the best camera settings and techniques for firefly photography.
- Spend time outside with the fireflies and your camera capturing multiple images of the thousands of twinkling fireflies.
- Learn how to process/edit your photos to create a magical image.
Equipment - Attendees will need to bring their own:
- DSLR/Mirrorless camera - required
- Tripod (a monopod will not work) - required
- Remote shutter release - preferred, not required
- Class participants should also be knowledgeable in the use of Lightroom/Photoshop or comparable photo editing software.
Please note: This class will take place rain or shine! Please dress appropriately for the conditions. Although it may be warm, long sleeves, pants and closed-toe shoes are recommended to help protect from other insects not being photographed. Bug repelling spray or lotion is highly recommended to be comfortable and enjoy this outside experience.
Instructor Bio:
Jason Boudreau-Landis is an award-winning local photographer known widely for his extensive volunteer work at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. His photography has been featured in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, The Chanhassen Villager, Mpls. St. Paul Magazine, Minnesota Monthly, Midwest Living, Arboretum Magazine and numerous online platforms.
You will receive a bar-code ticket for entry to the Arboretum in your email purchase confirmation. Your ticket is valid for entry on the day of your class. Present your ticket to the gate attendant as you enter the Arboretum.