Jack Carlson Photography

Hearing vs Seeing

During a very recent breakfast with a friend who is a great photographer, I found myself describing one of the most beautiful areas I’ve personally seen. I could have spent several days exploring this moss garden  at the Saiho-ji Temple that’s just outside of Kyoto, Japan. it’s the perfect place for using a medium format camera or sheet film.  Sadly, I had only a full-frame DSLR with the 28mm f1.4. Guess my description of the area worked since you know how many words a picture is worth. As we were leaving, I promised to post some shots. For you camera-settings people, all shots were taken with a fixed 28mm, f11, various shutter speeds, ISO 160, WB Sun. As most of you know, none of the images have been subjected to post production. The most difficult part of getting these pictures is getting to the site. Here then, as promised, are some images.

Moss Garden at the Saiho-ji Temple.

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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.