Jack Carlson Photography

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DIY Photo Challenge #2

March 23, 2020

Use exposure comp to add light. Unlike here.

 

DIY Photo Challenge #2

Jack Carlson, Photography Instructor jack@jackcarlsonphotos.com

DIY Challenges have been designed to keep you at the top of your photo skills. Unlike class assignments, the DIY Photo Challenges have no specific due date or location so they’re perfect for those of you who are “sheltering in place” and/or “working from home.”

If you would like to share the pictures with me, simply attach them to an email and send them to me. Be certain to specify the challenge number and whether you would like me to return comments about the images.

Image 1

Capture an image that denotes winter.
Possible subjects for this image include: a single leaf, pine cone or berry on the ground or on a tree branch that are covered, at least partially, with snow. Since icicles are quite weather dependent, be certain to add it to the shot if you’ve been lucky enough to find it. Use a dedicated macro or close-focusing lens for this image. Remember to use an aperture that will provide enough depth-of-field to keep the entire subject sharp. Perhaps a good starting aperture might be f3.5.

No macro lens? No problem. Your camera probably has a flower on the dial. It’s the universally accepted pictogram for a close-focus setting. If your camera has this, turn the mode dial to the flower pictogram so the camera will focus more closely than the standard range.

Image 2

Capture an image of a small snow scene.
Warning: Using a long focal length lens could crop the image, thereby removing too much of the area. A very wide-angle lens could include more than the desired amount of subject.

Reminder: Allow sufficient time to compose the image so the subject will be separated from its surroundings. If the light is gray when you’re outside, add at least 1 stop of light with exposure compensation (+/-). Manual focus is highly recommended

Once you have taken both pictures:
Attach both images in jpeg format to an email and send to jack@jackcarlsonphotos.com.

New Rules

1. Images may be from any place where you encounter snow-covered subjects. can be 2. No post-capture editing, since the instructor remains the same.

Old Rules

1. I know what some of you are thinking, but no dice: POST-PRODUCTION IS STILL NOT ALLOWED for the images you send. While this isn’t a structured class, the instructor remains the same, so why would this rule be eliminated?

2. Feel free to send questions/comments or a recipe for almond tarts in the note that accompanies your images.

Filed Under: DIY Photo Challenge, Uncategorized

Weekly Photo Tip

Wondering if you need a tripod? Don’t be lazy.

Magnus the Camera Clubhouse cat deciding whether to help re-pack Christmas decorations.

I had 2 shots remaining on the roll of Tri-X 120 black/white film. Magnus, the Carlson Camera Clubhouse Cat was hanging out on the table as I was about to dismantle the Christmas tree. What a perfect time for an impromptu portrait session. The camera’s built-in flash was just high enough so that the light output didn’t get directly into his eyes, but was reflected by the lights on the tree. The cat is actually much sharper in reality than he may appear to you in this scan of the print. A tripod could have helped here and I do own several of them but the clubhouse floor was covered with boxes so making a trip to get one of those 3-legged camera supports just didn’t seem worth the time and effort. 

As I’ve written countless times, a tripod is your friend. Please remember that when you’re about to be overcome by laziness.

The camera I used for the shot of Magnus

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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

Feb 1
9:00 am - 12:00 pm

What’s happening in the Natural Light Class

Feb 2
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Intermediate Photography: Continue the Happiness

Mar 1
8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Photographing in Natural Light starts at the CBG on Feb. 1

Apr 15
9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Documenting Nature at the CBG –5 Saturdays– Starts April 15

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