YES, there are two ways to control the size of the subject in an image: 1.  Optically by zooming the lens or 2. Physically by moving the camera (and yourself). I used both methods just yesterday when I rediscovered these flowers growing around and under a conifer in the front garden here at the Camera Clubhouse. Read the new Photo Tip in that section of this site. Hopefully, you'll get up and … [Read more...]

Yesterday's snow meant a trip to a forest preserve with a camera. My old shoes are perfect for tramping through wet leaves and mud in addition to snow. One lens was enough so I grabbed the 18mm and a polarizing filter along with additional batteries and memory cards. It's very tempting to begin photographing only moments after leaving the car, but I remember what I heard in a class last Wednesday: … [Read more...]

The Orchid Show class begins tomorrow (February 21) and runs for 3 Fridays. You'll enjoy it, with--or without--a camera. Check out www.chicagobotanic.org for details on  tickets and hours. Grab a shot or two while you're there. … [Read more...]

I went to the Chicago Botanic Garden yesterday to check out photo venues for the Winter in Black and White class that begins this Saturday, February 1. We're going to Waterfall Hill so I just had to stroll around both the top and bottom of it. Someone had ventured out on the ice that surrounds the first island in the Japanese Garden and created a giant heart with footprints. Wouldn't all of us … [Read more...]

Set up a camera/tripod and manually focus on a spot where you previously poured bird seed. Then go for coffee and bring it with you when you return to the camera. As I found out, birds will, in time, show up. I don't know how they know where to go, especially since I'm not really that good a cook. While they do leave with a smile, birds around the Camera Clubhouse are lousy tippers. For you camera … [Read more...]