Jack Carlson Photography

  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Photography
  • Classes
  • DIY Challenge
  • Tips
  • Contact

December: Holiday Lights Time

December 4, 2022

200mm, F2.8 @ 1/3, manual focus w/full blur.

I’ve been thinking about how to capture images of this season when there is no snow. Since moving to a less or no snow zip code isn’t about to happen, what’s to do, I wondered. Hoping to find inspiration in my image library, I began to scroll through a few hundred images. I’ve always been meaning to arrange the images by season, but it’s yet to happen. So here’s the answer: Look for colored lights of any size. Then, fill the camera’s frame with them either optically (by zooming in) or physically moving the camera, tripod and yourself. Once you’ve done that, use manual focus to blur the lights and the largest aperture your lens has. A cheap, yet pretty cool effect is to zoom the lens while pushing the shutter release button. There’s a distinct difference between the images that’s determined by which end of the zoom range you start with. The first time you look at a successful image, it’s rather like the first time you captured a sun-star, and a congratulatory smile will almost magically light up your face. Don’t ask me how I know.

Another way a zoom lens is your friend.

My classes resume in January so there will be time to add more assorted photo info to the site. Send a note with questions, comments and your images whenever you can. I DO enjoy them.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

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.

Read more tips

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

ALL PHOTOS Copyright © 2012 - 2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED · Website by With A Voice Like This