Jack Carlson Photography

2 New Butterflies & Blooms Added for July 1 & 2

Just one of the subjects waiting to be photographed.We’ve just added 2 more sections of Photographing Butterflies & Blooms due to the high demand. Friday, July 1 and Saturday July 2 were added this morning to meet the overwhelming demand for these special one-off workshops. Beginning at 7 am each day, we’ll meet in the Lakeside Room, Visitor Center to get acquainted with the other members of the group, have handouts and powerpoints, of course, before proceeding to the B & B enclosure. Once there, it’s the only time we will be admitted with tripods that are an essential part of close-up/macro photography. When these sell out, it’s over for the season, so don’t wait! Call or go on line today to register.

School Office: 847.835.8261 or visit www.chicagobotanic.org/adulted/photography.  Butterflies from around the world are just waiting to meet you

July 1 or July 2 from 7 – 10am. Loads of fun, even without brownies.

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Weekly Photo Tip

The earlier, the better for soft light

Soft light, f20 @ 1/800, 180mm focal length

There was more light than heat outside the Camera Clubhouse yesterday morning which made a perfect setting for some close-up flower pictures. I decided that an ISO of 400 would work well–especially in the shaded areas–and provide hand-holding shutter speeds. That plan worked quite well with only a few images that needed to be tossed into the garbage can. I had enough time to consider the options for camera settings which were mainly focal length and aperture. You’ll remember that these are the two controls that control both image sharpness and background blur. White Balance is only for changing the color from the light source so I set the full sun mode and forgot about it even when shooting into shaded areas. The images surrounding this article are from the morning shoot. Here’s my advice when the sun is out: Get UP and Get OUT with your camera. On days when the sun sleeps in, Get UP and Get OUT to find locations that are good shooting spots on sunny days.

This is more inclusive. F11 @1/250, 70mm focal length.

Be more inclusive. f11@1/400, 122mm focal length.

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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.