October artist Woody Jacobs
A macro photo of a simple ornamental grass in my front yard. It has minimal editing and yet it had a rather soft painterly look to it.
I have been a lifelong resident of South Bend, Indiana. I was nine years spent traveling the country and the world while serving in the US Navy.
I prefer photography that utilizes Infrared light. Infrared light is just beyond what our eyes can see. A modified digital camera and some techniques utilizing different filters, and some editing skills I’m able to produce images that are very much like the results you could get with infrared film. The key is that I am capturing Infrared light. Living plants will reflect infrared light in a unique diffused manner, while the sky and water absorb infrared light causing them to go very dark. Due to the way infrared light is captured I believe it lends itself very well to landscape and nature photography.
Infrared photo taken in the middle of the summer. I call it “Divine Light” it’s located in Dyer, IN. I was at that location to work on a mammography machine, this is why I always keep a camera with me. I’m glad got this image. Sadly, the tree is half tumbled down now due to storm damage.
An infrared and long exposure taken at the Frederick Meijer Garden near Grand Rapids MI.
I enjoy trying different types of photography as well. I have ventured into long exposure photography as well as macro-photography.
My interest in photography started when I was fifteen. I bought my first 35mm film camera, a Yashica, with the earnings from working at Martins supermarket. I then joined the Navy after Highschool and decided to buy a Nikon FG, as I knew I’d be traveling the world. Like most photographers I started out taking mostly documentary photos, not much creativity involved, mostly capturing a location or an event. I didn’t really do much with photography for many years as I became busy with my work life and raising a family. I have two great children who are completing their graduate and post graduate degrees.
“Losing the War”
This truck was a truck made its living as a tree removal truck. It must have won many battle, but it appears that the trees won the war.
What triggered my interest in photography again was the extremely emotional passing of my father. My dad was always one to appreciate and comment on the beauty of nature. It got to where I couldn’t see a beautiful sunset sky, autumn foliage or anything of natural beauty without thinking of dad. He always mentioned about stopping to smell the roses. My dad in mind, I started taking pics again and sharing with friends and family. I received a lot of encouragement which spurred me on to getting a new digital SLR camera and really trying new things.
I discovered infrared, and it just captivated me with the unique almost ethereal look.
Infrared image is of Tethys, the water goddess, taken at Wellfield Botanic Garden in Elkhart IN. She’s holding a clam shell overhead that dripping water. To me she appears to be standing calmly in defiance of the chaotic splashing waves and sea foam.
I’m very fortunate that my profession as a field service engineer in medical imaging (mammogram machines) requires that I drive all throughout Indiana, Michigan, and Illinois. I also travel to my favorite vacation spot in Charleston SC, a beautiful city with so much charm. I always have a camera with me so as I take the side roads to travel. I can stop the car and capture whatever interesting images present themselves. Nearly all my work starts off as an infrared image, I then edit the picture to have either a very photographic look (minimal editing) or a more painterly look which requires a bit more editing. I produce my own archival/museum quality prints on various types of paper or canvas, depending on what look I’m trying to achieve. I can print up to 40 inches wide by as long as is needed. I also do my own matting.
The “Magnificent Ruin”. This infrared photo was taken in Yamasee, South Carolina, near Charleston. This church burned down in 1787, it’s in incredible condition considering it’s been exposed to the elements for nearly 250 years!
Downtown South Bend, this was a five-minute exposure that captures the mist rising from dam.
My rediscovery of photography has enabled me to find and explore a creative side to me that I didn’t even know was there. My career is all about understanding and maintaining the latest cutting-edge technology in medical imaging. It does make sense however that my creative outlet would be a still very technical discipline like infrared photography. I derive a lot of satisfaction when anyone, a friend, family member or stranger, decides to hang one of my images in their home or office. I thoroughly enjoy participating in local art shows and exhibitions as it’s an opportunity to meet other artists and people who share an interest and love of art.
Taken very near the Century Center during a break at the “For the Love of Art” show that I participate in every year. It’s a great show with a large number of artists in various disciplines.
