Jack Carlson Photography

Autumn Photo Workshop at Mettawa Manor

Mettawa Manor and the Kurtis Conservation Foundation (KCF) has invited the Chicago Botanic Garden to offer courses set on the extensive grounds of the Foundation and at Mettawa Manor and Gardens. Built in 1927 and now the part-time residence of Bill Kurtis and Donna LaPietra, KCF and Mettawa Manor offers 75 acres of land with formal gardens, woodlands, ponds and prairie.  Photo students are actually spoiled-for-choice of subjects due to the ponds, vegetable and flower gardens in addition to the manor house itself. What an honor it is to again have been selected as one of only 5 courses to be offered at this dramatic setting!Mettawa-Autumn Color 2279

The Autumn Photo Workshop at Mettawa Manor is a one-day offering, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m on Wednesday, October 2.  Lunch is included in the registration fee.  Register early because class enrollment is limited to 10 students.

A map to Mettawa Manor will be sent to registered students in advance of the class.

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Weekly Photo Tip

Just because you’ve filled the frame…

Too much light reduces interest. Like here.

There’s more to think about than just finding a frame-filling flower or any subject for that matter. Yes, I filled the frame by using a 190mm focal length, with an aperture of f8 (what else?) at 1/10 of a second shutter speed. Yes, the ISO was dialed down low (ISO 64) and the camera was on a tripod. So after having thought about all of that, why is this picture not a keeper? Because I didn’t check the light level that was bouncing off the flower so it’s really too hot (aka bright). Use the live view setting on your camera to assess the light, then dial it down if/when it’s too bright. Like here. See–Think–Act.

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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.

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