Jack Carlson Photography

Mettawa Workshop: A Great Early Father’s Day Gift

The manor house and one of the ponds.

If Dad has a camera, here’s a perfect gift.  Enroll him in the June 8 (and 11th at CBG) photo workshop at the storybook Mettawa Manor. Don’t wait to register for this once-a-year only special event that includes lunch. We’ll meet again on Monday, June 11 at the CBG to enjoy student images from the Friday photo time. It’s like getting 2 classes for the price of 1. And we’ll have a Browniefest on Monday. What could be better?

By now, you know how to register so do yourself a favor: enroll before the long weekend consumes your time and thoughts.

1. Call 847.835.8261
2. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/education
3. Membership and Info Desk staff are now able to take registrations during periods of relative calm.

 

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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.