Jack Carlson Photography

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Holiday Lights Photo Workshops @ CBG

November 11, 2013

Nighttime in the Heritage Garden.
Nighttime in the Heritage Garden.

Almost before you know it, we’ll have worked off (or walked off) that Thanksgiving dinner, and it will be time to get to the Chicago Botanic Garden for the Holiday Lights Photo Workshop. What fun we had last year on two Goldilocks evenings (not too hot, not too cold, but just right) that were perfect for a photo shoot. This year promises to be even better since the workshops will be separated by photographic knowledge and experience, tanks to the welcome suggestion of last year’s students.

December 2–New Photographers Night–6:30 pm, Design Studio

If you’re new to photography, or the camera is new to you, December 2 is your night. We’ll meet in the Design Studio and begin by defining and discussing camera controls and terms. Once everyone becomes familiar with camera controls we’ll practice focusing the camera manually, then combine camera and tripod and proceed to use that newly-acquired knowledge to capture images from the decorated parts of The Garden. We’ll return to the classroom and enjoy some images if time permits.

December 4–Intermediate Photographers Night–6:30 pm, Design Studio

Now that you know about things like ISO, shutter speed and f stops, we’ll have just a slight mention of those things just to be certain.  Our orientation will show the lighted parts of The Garden which are great photo subjects. One of the least photographed sites is the area around the Visitor Center main entrance.

Visitor Center entrance framed in night lights.

Visitor Center entrance framed in night lights.

Seems that most students are eager to get to class and hurry under the portico without a single photographic thought. In actual fact, this area is bright enough to present challenges for exposure. It’s also both low and wide which will provide compositional questions.  This area presents a great learning experience so you know it’s a stop on our photo journey around The Garden.

The Esplanade with its lighted rows of Commendation Elms leading to The Great Tree is also of interest. You’ll need some time to find just the right perspective for an all-inclusive  shot.

Commendation Elms and The Great Tree.

Commendation Elms and The Great Tree.

 

                                                                       

  To register for either section, call 847.835.8261.

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Weekly Photo Tip

Get an Infrared Filter to create snow

 

Infra-red filter creates eerie snow effect.

Magnus, the faithful camera clubhouse cat, thoughtfully dropped a B+H gift card in my Christmas stocking. I used the card to order an Infrared (IR) filter which, as you will remember knocks out all wavelengths of light below the filter rating. In this case, all light below 930nm doesn’t make it through the filter, and the wavelengths that do make it require 2 1/2 minutes of exposure time. This filter is so dark red, the composing and focusing must be done before the filter is attached to the front of the lens. In addition to a tripod and ballhead, it helps to have gloves and a mug of some type of warm liquid to keep hands and insides warm while walking around behind the camera for those 150 seconds while the shutter is open.

IR filters come in varying strengths which affect the price. Mine wasn’t priced in the low-end promo department, but the effects it creates are both enjoyable and worth the price. Get one and see for yourself.

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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

Jul 9
8:00 am - 11:00 am

Waterlily Workshop-back at CBG by popular demand-Saturday, July 9

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