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

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 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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