Jack Carlson Photography

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Beginning Photo Class begins Jan. 5 on Zoom

December 27, 2022

The Beginning Digital class will get you ready for spring pictures.

Yes, it’s almost the beginning of a new year which means you can spread the word about this fun and instructive class that’s designed to help folks use cameras that are not part of a mobile phone. People ask me if I ever use the phone in my camera and of course, the answer is yes, but for really important pictures, I’ll grab a camera to capture more digital info which will allow larger prints to be made. Now that you or someone you know has an actual camera, why not suggest that they enroll in this class? It is a mixture of pictures, handouts and of course, powerpoints that have been produced to underscore the topics. Oh, I almost forgot to mention that we have fun while messing about with all of this. It’s easy to enroll: just visit www.chicagobotanic.org/adulted. Then scroll down to the photography section and you’ll have it.

Hope the holidays have been enjoyable for you and that your happiness level goes straight up beginning Jan. 1. Hope to see you either on zoom or at the Chicago Botanic Garden sometime very soon.

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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.

Upcoming Classes

May 15
9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Water and Reflections Returns May 15-June 5

Jun 9
8:00 am - 10:00 am

Photographing Butterflies and Blooms, Monday June 9, One Day only

Jun 29
8:00 am - 11:00 am

Photographing the Rose Garden on Sunday, June 29

View Calendar

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