All MAPS Photography Outings

MAPS members can sign up for each event listed below by following the specified link. Remember that signing up an event means agreeing to the MAPS Photo Outing Waiver of Liability.

Members that attend an event will be able to share their images with others after the outing. Create JPG or PNG images that are 2000 pixels on the long side, saved with a sRGB color space, then you can drag and drop them to Google Photos using the link provided. The link appears after the outing is over.

If you are not sure how to prepare or upload your images, please follow the detailed instructions in these documents:
==> How to prepare your images
==> How to upload your images

  • The Chicago Botanic Garden Orchid Show
    Tue, Mar 03, 2026, 4:00 pm-5:45 pm - Chicago Botanic Garden, Glenco, IL

    Rewind to the ‘60s and ‘70s at the Orchid Show: Feelin’ Groovy where 10,000 vibrant orchids are the hottest thing since bell bottoms. Floor-to-ceiling sunbeams made of cascading orchids light up the room in living color. Lose yourself in a 10-foot lava lamp aglow with colorful blooms, then hit the road as a flower-filled Volkswagen Beetle carries you through a Route 66 daydream. The experience is pure good vibes. For more information about the show, click here to view the CBG site. We have booked this outing during Photographers Hours, when tripods and flash are permitted, and attendance is limited. (No backdrops or moving of flowers allowed.) Registration & Cost Additional Info Members will…

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  • “Hidden Beauty” at The Morton Arboretum
    Sat, Feb 07, 2026, 7:00 am-10:00 am - The Morton Arboretum

    For the month of February, our group outing at The Morton Arboretum will be on the seventh, from 7:00am to 10:00am. The theme will be “Hidden Beauty.” “Beauty can be seen in all things, seeing and composing the beauty is whatseparates the snapshot from the photograph.” – Matt Hardy We will meet by 7:15am in Parking Lot # 1. This is the main parking lot by the Visitor Center. Meet in the furthest east corner near Meadow Lake where we can head off in either a group or on your own. Be sure to dress for the weather and bring the necessary gear. 

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  • Macro Photography at PROCAM 
    Jan 2026

    Given the usual unpredictable and often uncomfortable weather in January, an indoor Macro photo session is planned at PROCAM on Saturday, January 31, 2026 from 10:30am to 12:30pm. PROCAM is an industry leader in retail photographic and video gear as well as printing facilities. The good folks at PROCAM have arranged a Macro session and will provide their studio, appropriate lighting and helpful instruction. They will have on hand various macros lenses (based on availability) to suit major brands for us to use.   MAPS members need to bring their cameras, macro lenses and any items and props they wish to photograph, such as: Due to the excellent relationship MAPS enjoys…

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  • “Black and White” at The Morton Arboretum
    Jan 2026

    In keeping with our monthly Photo Outing at the Arboretum, the theme for the month of January will be “Black and White” with the group outing on Saturday, January 10, 2026 from 7:15am – 9:45am.  “You don’t take a photograph, you make it.” – Ansel Adams We will meet by 7:15am in Parking Lot # 8. This is the parking lot near the Gateway to Tree Science on the East Side where we can head off in either a group or on your own. Be sure to dress for the weather and bring the necessary gear. 

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    • Past Years' Events: