Meet photographer, land conservationist, and former filmmaker Robert McGinley at an artist’s reception for the exhibit entitled Topography, Light and Magic on Friday, October 8 at 7 pm at the Barrington Area Library.

One reviewer has said of McGinley’s work: “These photographs have all of the technical awareness of a filmmaker and an artist with a vast knowledge of pastoral landscape painting and Italian Cinema.”

Before taking up photography and land conservation, McGinley was an award winning filmmaker. He wrote and directed feature films, including “Jimmy Zip,” which won Best Dramatic Feature Film at the 1999 Hollywood Film Festival.

In 2001 though, McGinley’s life changed. He was asked to manage his family’s 400 acre farm, Horizon Farms in Barrington. On the farm, McGinley discovered a watershed that was home to endangered wildlife and aquatic species – and thus began his introduction into conservation photography. McGinley began documenting the land through photography and worked to received protected status for this land. The land is now the largest permanent land preservation easement in Illinois with the easement being held by the Barrington Conservation Trust.

Meet the artist and hear his personal story at the artist’s reception. No registration required. For more information, visit the Barrington Area Library online at www.BALibrary.org. The library is located at 505 N. Northwest Highway in Barrington. The photos will be on display at the library through October 23.