Jack Carlson Photography

New Intermediate Class @ CBG Starts Sept. 21

The Chicago Botanic Garden has just announced a new autumn Intermediate Photography Class.  Beginning September 21 and running for 4 Sunday afternoons, we will explore the hidden ranges of photography.  From 1 – 4 pm, we’ll begin in the Plant Science Lab with new handouts and  powerpoints composed just for this class. Then it’s out to practice concepts for the following week’s assignment. Check out this syllabus:

Syllabus

September 21   The Subject

September 28    Selective Focus

October 5           Lead Lines and Framing

October 12       The Photographic Metaphor and Jack’s Brownies

To register, call 847.835.8261. Let’s get the band back together.

See you soon.

Cloister arch frames cathedral.

Cloister arch frames cathedral.

 

Frames are everywhere...just look.

Frames are everywhere…just look.

 

 

 

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.

Read more tips

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.