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

Filters can make a difference

18mm, f8 @ 1/30, no filter

18mm, f8 @ 1/80 with 3-stop ND Grad

I received a 3-stop, soft-edge ND grad filter from the Camera Clubhouse cats. They decided to purchase from Breakthrough Photography since I mentioned that one of my students brought Breakthrough Filters to a recent class and, on inspection, the filters seemed to be very well made. An ND Grad filter starts dark and fades to clear so the placement of the dark portion is determined by both the bright part of the scene and the photographer. This filter made quite a difference in holding down the sun in the upper part of the image. Check out the “no-filter” image and ND Grad image. The difference will amaze you. Please note: I have no affiliation with Breakthrough Photography and chose them only based on student referral. 

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

Jun 20
9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Beginning Digital and the fun begins June 20 at the CBG

Jul 8
9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Exploring and Photographing Bridges of the CBG starts July 8

Jul 25
9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Intermediate Photography–The next step–starts Saturday, July 25

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