Jack Carlson Photography

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Composition Class visits the Dwarf Conifer Garden

August 29, 2022

Most of the Composition Class in the Dwarf Conifers.

During the course of 5 Sunday mornings, students in the Composition class explored different areas of the Chicago Botanic Garden to practice the compositional element of the week. Texture week found them in the Dwarf Conifer Garden–a perfect place to photograph all types of colored texture. The morning was rather cool and the light was soft, gray light was just what the photo doc ordered. Yes, there were tripods and monopods in use despite protestations of the never-ending burden they present. The resulting images made it all worth while as those students had to (rather grudgingly) admit. Join us for a photography class at the CBG. Both first-time and returning students always have a very enjoyable time meeting like-minded photo students and actually go home with wonderful images, too.

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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

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