Jack Carlson Photography

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Night Light Photography: Great Fun

October 29, 2024

A 28mm lens at f1.8

Here’s where I would usually let you know about the fun that’s just waiting to be had when we photograph plants, structures and bridges in the Chicago Botanic Garden at night. Sad, but true, that class isn’t running this year for the usual reason: low enrollment. Perhaps scheduling the first meeting on Election Day eve was the reason. You can still find and photograph subjects at night in any zipcode, and here’s where a fast lens is your friend. My personal favorite is the long-out-of-production 28mm f1.4. As most of you know, I shoot Nikon cameras and am still using a DSLR most of the time. While macro photography is a really big draw, I was bitten by the light-at-night bug so the 28mm is my go-t0 lens for that.
Shooting at f1.8 with an ISO of 200 at night is no problem and works out quite well so here’s what I recommend if this is for you: Get a fast lens and explore the lights and sights after the sun sets. It’s a different world.

Low light: 28mm, f1.4 @ 1/4 sec. ISO 2560

Filed Under: Uncategorized

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

Feb 15
8:00 am - 11:00 am

The Orchid Show class begins Feb. 15 at 8am

Feb 25
9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Composition in Landscape Photography (2.25-3.25)

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