Jack Carlson Photography

Beginning Photo Class set for Monday Oct. 11–at CBG

Autumn colors waiting to be photographed.

Got camera questions? Want to get some wonderful autumn-color pictures? Well then, we have the perfect class for you. It’s Beginning Digital Photography that meets at the Chicago Botanic Garden from 9-12 noon on 4 Monday mornings beginning October 11. Don’t worry if you have a camera but no idea how it works because in this class we assume that you have no prior knowledge. Just remember to charge the camera’s battery before class and be certain to bring ti to class with you. That’s it! You’ll receive handouts during the week that you can read before class to prepare for the week ahead. Once in class, we will discuss the topic(s), watch powerpoints and then go out into the garden to practice using our cameras. It’s a great time–especially during autumn, so tell your friends to join us. They will thank you later. Note: Class is limited to DSLR or Mirrorless cameras, please.

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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.