Wagon wheels underscore age of the 1853 Kennicott House.

I’ve been wondering about new ways to add happiness to my life in this new year and it’s just now occurred to me: think small. I’ll be concentrating on things that might often blow right past me both in everyday experiences and of course in photography. How will it work out? Not certain yet, but check back often and I’ll let you know.

The picture is the Kennicott House at The Grove. It’s a National Historic Landmark site in Glenview, Il. Get there when you can–there’s no admission or parking charge. Just dial up the exposure compensation (+/-) when there’s an overwhelming amount of light bouncing around. As a (very) old friend of mine once said, “when it’s bright, add light.” Happy New Year to all of you. Hope to see you soon in another class.

18mm, f8 @ 1/30, no filter

18mm, f8 @ 1/80 with 3-stop ND Grad

I received a 3-stop, soft-edge ND grad filter from the Camera Clubhouse cats. They decided to purchase from Breakthrough Photography since I mentioned that one of my students brought Breakthrough Filters to a recent class and, on inspection, the filters seemed to be very well made. An ND Grad filter starts dark and fades to clear so the placement of the dark portion is determined by both the bright part of the scene and the photographer. This filter made quite a difference in holding down the sun in the upper part of the image. Check out the “no-filter” image and ND Grad image. The difference will amaze you. Please note: I have no affiliation with Breakthrough Photography and chose them only based on student referral.

2022: A year to find new ways for happiness

Filters can make a difference

Beginning Digital and the fun begins June 20 at the CBG

Exploring and Photographing Bridges of the CBG starts July 8

Intermediate Photography–The next step–starts Saturday, July 25

About Jack