Split Grad Filter Secrets
1-SESSION

Course Requirements

This hands-on workshop is for the photographer who has enough bad experiences in the field to know that he needs this filter. It's also very important that you feel comfortable with your camera so you aren't overwhelmed. You must understand exposure, stops, spot metering, exposure compensation, and using your camera in manual exposure and aperture priority modes. If you have questions about your experience level, please email us or phone 630-852-8448.

BASIC COURSE PREREQUISITES

BASIC COURSE PREREQUISITES

If you've taken Complete Exposure, then you certainly qualify. If you haven't taken a class with use before, then you need to contact us and we will help you with the decision.

EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Rectangular Split Graduated Neutral Dsnsity Filter(s) and Filter Holder along with the Filter Adapter Ring (that screws onto the front of your lens to attach the Filter Holder): You should have a 2-stop and 3-stop filter and, if possible, in both hard and soft gradations. You can buy Cokin or Lee filters at B&H PHOTO by mail order in New York. They have a great selection.
• Circular Polaring Filter
• Film or Digital SLR, Medium Format, Large Format Cameras: No point & shoot cameras. A digital camera will greatly aid in learning when you're in the field.
• Wide Angle Lens with MAXIMUM EFFECTIVE FOCAL LENGTH of 28mm (35mm format equivalent) after taking crop factor and camera format into account.
• Tripod & Head
• Fresh Camera Battery: Make sure your camera battery is freshly charged and have a backup with you. Be prepared.
• Memory Card or Film

WHAT TO WEAR, ETC.

You need to be ready for all weather conditions to protect yourself and your equipment. As with any outdoor situation, it is highly recommended that no cotton clothing of any sort be worn. You'll probably need to wear gloves and it's often very common to get wet in morning dew Here's a brief list of what you should bring:

• Boots are best in the outdoors to keep your feet dry.
• Brimmed Hat to keep the sun out of your eyes when looking through the viewfinder and to protect from insects.
• Long Pants: Protect your legs from the plants, branches, insects, and falls you may have.
• Hat, Gloves, & Jacket for morning shoots or cooler weather.It's always cooler
• Synthethic Undergarments: If cold or wet, will keep you warm and wick away moisture from your skin.
• Snack & Liquids: It's important to keep hydrated and keep your energy.
• Insect Repellent: Use a DEET repsllent to hold the mosquitoes and ticks at bay.

IN THE FIELD

We'll be going to a local park or nature preserve. To make things easy, take only what you need so you don't get bogged down with equipment.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

Unless there's a downpour, we're shooting. But, if for some reason the weather prevents us from shooting, the field session (only) will automatically be rescheduled for the same time on the following day. However, the initial classroom session will be held as scheduled.

If you have further questions about Mike MacDonald workshops just email or phone 630-852-8448.