Jack Carlson Photography

Home isn’t always where the heart is

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...]

Plan in advance and add light

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...]

The best lens…

The first measurable snow of the '24-'25 season dropped around the old camera clubhouse just the other day so I decided to get flowers with snow on them pictures. The picture shows how well my idea didn't work--even with a flash in the mix. Why isn't the image a keeper? Easy. There's no real subject in the frame. We were discussing this just yesterday morning during the final meeting of the Intro … [Read more...]

A fine autumn time at Volo Bog

  The gold tamarack trees were certainly looking good when our class visited Volo Bog during our annual class trip on November 7th. The day began with commentary (from you-know-who) and some powerpoints. Our guided tour began at 10 am and lasted some 90 minutes. Students waited patiently for a turn a the rail to photograph the heart of the bog. After a byo lunch, students were … [Read more...]

Night Light Photography: Great Fun

Here's where I would usually let you know about the fun that's just waiting to be had when we photograph plants, structures and bridges in the Chicago Botanic Garden at night. Sad, but true, that class isn't running this year for the usual reason: low enrollment. Perhaps scheduling the first meeting on Election Day eve was the reason. You can still find and photograph subjects at night in any … [Read more...]

Phone a friend then grab your camera and get ready to smile!

Very recently, a friend of mine asked if she could get some head shots for a photo class she's taking.  Always being camera shy (which is why I bought one so I can stand BEHIND it) I finally agreed to be a model in her photo shoot.  Turns out we had a great time and both of us laughed a lot. Here's what I learned: Call a friend ask them if you can take pictures of them doing something … [Read more...]