Jack Carlson Photography

Mettawa Manor Workshop 1 Day Only–Sept. 17

Mettawa Manor in early autumn: what a wonderful photo venue it is. You won’t want to miss this once-a-year opportunity to stroll around the grounds visiting the English Walled Garden, pond, veg garden and many other sites on the estate. Share thoughts, ideas and photo spots with fellow students during lunch on the terrace. Then discover new locations and try other camera settings. Registration is limited, and the workshop is offered only once annually, so don’t wait–enroll today!  Directions and a map will be sent to each participant. The workshop runs from 10 am – 3 pm.

This is a Chicago Botanic Garden Workshop. Call 847.835.8261 or visit www.chicagobotanic.org/adult education to register.

Blazing maple at Mettawa in previous workshop.

Blazing maple at Mettawa in previous workshop

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Weekly Photo Tip

Get an Infrared Filter to create snow

 

Infra-red filter creates eerie snow effect.

Magnus, the faithful camera clubhouse cat, thoughtfully dropped a B+H gift card in my Christmas stocking. I used the card to order an Infrared (IR) filter which, as you will remember knocks out all wavelengths of light below the filter rating. In this case, all light below 930nm doesn’t make it through the filter, and the wavelengths that do make it require 2 1/2 minutes of exposure time. This filter is so dark red, the composing and focusing must be done before the filter is attached to the front of the lens. In addition to a tripod and ballhead, it helps to have gloves and a mug of some type of warm liquid to keep hands and insides warm while walking around behind the camera for those 150 seconds while the shutter is open.

IR filters come in varying strengths which affect the price. Mine wasn’t priced in the low-end promo department, but the effects it creates are both enjoyable and worth the price. Get one and see for yourself.

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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.