Jack Carlson Photography

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Waterlily shots: Get ’em while you can

August 25, 2021

Students concentrate on waterlilies.

Waterlilies are not only seasonal, but also time-sensitive. Think of them to be rather like pop-up stores that are here from July thru September, but only open from 9 am – 5 pm. That’s what we did in the recent Waterlilies Workshop last Saturday at the Chicago Botanic Garden. A fine/fun time was had by everyone. Students captured many images that are certainly wall-worthy and should be printed by my friend Igor at the VIP Pro Photo Lab in Park Ridge, Il. I know there are some great shots because students have, per my request, sent them to me. If you have wondered when to use a longer lens, this is it–at least at the CBG–since the water areas which contain the plants are just far enough out to require a 100+mm focal length lens (full-frame).

Find patches of water lilies and get there asap. Once you’re there, remember to saturate the color by using exposure comp (+/-) to slightly underexpose the scene. Some students used a diffusion filter to get a “Monet” effect.

Waterlilies without diffusion filter

Diffusion filter creates “Monet” effect.

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Weekly Photo Tip

Take the center column away

A definite Sign of Spring.

If your tripod has a center column, you will want to remove it before getting down to photograph spring flowers. Even with a 100-180mm focal length macro lens, your tripod will be too far from the subject. There are two options: 1. purchase a tripod with a removable center column or 2. just purchase a tripod that never had a center column. Of these two choices, I’d opt for the first one.

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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

Apr 15
9:00 am - 12:00 pm

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

Apr 15
9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Garden & Travel Photography is Go for June 1

Jun 3
9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Beginning Digital begins back at the CBG–Saturdays in June

Jun 21
8:00 am - 10:00 am

Butterflies and Blooms Workshop–June 21st

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