Jack Carlson Photography

3 Students needed for June 8 Mettawa Workshop

Soft morning light on Mettawa Manor

HI Everyone,

Enrollment is a bit light for the June 8 Photo Workshop at Mettawa Manor. We need 3 more students (at least) to run it so if you’ve been thinking about it, don’t wait. Go on line at www.chicagobotanic.org/adulted/photography to register. You can call 847.835.8261 to register on Monday. If you’re planning to visit the garden in the next day or two, stop at the INFO DESK in the Visitor Center to register.

 Charles Morse (of Fairbanks-Morse diesel engines) had the house built in 1929 and presented it to one of his daughters as a wedding present. Usually available only on Open Garden days,  Bill Kurtis and Donna LaPietra, the current owners, have allowed us to visit the manor for this CBG photo workshop.  You’ll want to explore both the flower and vegetable gardens in addition to the reflecting pond and other structures on the 9-acre property. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to use different camera settings, focal lengths and polarizing filters as you meander about.

Any way you choose to enroll could make the difference in whether this class runs. Remember that the enrollment fee includes lunch on Friday, June 8th, and an image review session on Monday, June 11th at the CBG.

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Weekly Photo Tip

Bright Light and Melting Snow Shots

Don’t leaf good subjects in the snow.

Even though it may be melting, the snow that’s still around the Carlson Camera Clubhouse is acting like a giant white board when it comes to reflecting light. When set to either A (or Av) or S (Tv), the camera’s light meter may want to shut down a bit since it’s only goal is to even out the light in any scene. If your snow shots are looking a bit gray they are either (very) old monochrome snaps or under-exposed newer images. What’s to do? Remember your old friend , the exposure compensation setting. You may be lucky enough to have a +/- button on the camera body which you can press then turn the thumb wheel to add or subtract light in 1/3 stop increments. If no button, look for light or exposure adjustments in the camera’s menu where you can find, then change the light level.

Remember this old bromide: When it’s bright, Add Light. No, I didn’t come up with that line, but I continue to perpetuate its use. You should, too.              

Also, remember to shoot BEFORE action happens to capture movement in the frame. Once you see it, then push the button, it’s too late.

Shoot before you see it drop.

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About Jack

A classically trained musician since childhood, Jack Carlson always had the “ear” of an artist. It was only a short step to develop the artist’s “eye” as well.

The portfolio of this certified photographer reveals images that emphasize mood and composition. Their purpose is to present a feeling in addition to portrayal of person, place or thing. Sometimes that feeling is nostalgia; other times it is serenity.

Each photograph tells a story.