Jack Carlson Photography

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An Image from the “Natural Beauty at Home and Beyond” Photo Exhibition

January 28, 2018

Get all your ducks in a row.

Title: Get All Your Ducks in a Row (Click on image to see entire family)

Here’s the story behind this image:

I was at the Chicago Botanic Garden last summer taking pictures for a class Powerpoint. Walking down close to the water on the west side of the garden allowed me to use more of the shore as a lead-line into the shot. In the midst of composing the image, I thought I heard a slight sound of water moving. Turning around, I saw this happy family.  Fortunately the lens I was using at the time was long enough to crop out much of the water around the duck family. This is a black/white shot only because the camera was left in that mode from its previous use. A good thing since time (and duck families) wait for no photographer.  Tech Stuff:  180mm,  ISO 100, f4 @ 1/125th second. NOTE: This image is available for sale at $125. It is mounted on Foamcore and has been matted in black, no frame.  Please contact me if you would like to purchase it at the conclusion of the exhibit.  P.S.  I know these are really geese, not ducks.  Oh, well.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Weekly Photo Tip

The earlier, the better for soft light

Soft light, f20 @ 1/800, 180mm focal length

There was more light than heat outside the Camera Clubhouse yesterday morning which made a perfect setting for some close-up flower pictures. I decided that an ISO of 400 would work well–especially in the shaded areas–and provide hand-holding shutter speeds. That plan worked quite well with only a few images that needed to be tossed into the garbage can. I had enough time to consider the options for camera settings which were mainly focal length and aperture. You’ll remember that these are the two controls that control both image sharpness and background blur. White Balance is only for changing the color from the light source so I set the full sun mode and forgot about it even when shooting into shaded areas. The images surrounding this article are from the morning shoot. Here’s my advice when the sun is out: Get UP and Get OUT with your camera. On days when the sun sleeps in, Get UP and Get OUT to find locations that are good shooting spots on sunny days.

This is more inclusive. F11 @1/250, 70mm focal length.

Be more inclusive. f11@1/400, 122mm focal length.

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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

May 15
9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Water and Reflections Returns May 15-June 5

Jun 9
8:00 am - 10:00 am

Photographing Butterflies and Blooms, Monday June 9, One Day only

Jun 29
8:00 am - 11:00 am

Photographing the Rose Garden on Sunday, June 29

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