Jack Carlson Photography

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New! Summer Sundays at the Garden

May 5, 2026

Waterlilies just waiting to be photographed on July 26.

We did it! Our new Summer Sundays at the (Chicago Botanic) Garden begins in July. Sundays at 8am will find us in a highly-photographic area of the garden. Check this lineup: Waterlilies, July 26, Rose Garden, August 2

Visit The Rose Garden on August 2

We’ll visit The Waterfall on August 9.

We visit Japanese Islands on August 16.

Waterfall, August 9, Japanese Islands, August 16. Join us every week or whenever your schedule permits. All classes are priced individually. You’re sure to have a fine time. As always, these Summer Sundays are limited to DSLR or Mirrorless cameras, no phones please. To register visit www.chicagobotanic.org/adulted. Click on Photography and scroll down to the Sunday(s) you wish to join us.

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Weekly Photo Tip

Filters can make a difference

18mm, f8 @ 1/30, no filter

18mm, f8 @ 1/80 with 3-stop ND Grad

I received a 3-stop, soft-edge ND grad filter from the Camera Clubhouse cats. They decided to purchase from Breakthrough Photography since I mentioned that one of my students brought Breakthrough Filters to a recent class and, on inspection, the filters seemed to be very well made. An ND Grad filter starts dark and fades to clear so the placement of the dark portion is determined by both the bright part of the scene and the photographer. This filter made quite a difference in holding down the sun in the upper part of the image. Check out the “no-filter” image and ND Grad image. The difference will amaze you. Please note: I have no affiliation with Breakthrough Photography and chose them only based on student referral. 

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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

Jun 6
9:00 am - 12:00 pm

New! Photographing in the Style of Piet Oudolf

Jun 8
9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Photographing in Natural Light begins June 8 at the CBG

Jun 10
8:00 am - 10:00 am

Butterflies and Blooms–One off–on June 10

Jun 20
9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Beginning Digital and the fun begins June 20 at the CBG

Jul 8
9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Exploring and Photographing Bridges of the CBG starts July 8

Jul 25
9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Intermediate Photography–The next step–starts Saturday, July 25

View Calendar

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