Jack Carlson Photography

See–Think–Act in any Country

Shoot at an angle to avoid reflecting yourself.

Just returned from a few days away from the Carlson Camera Clubhouse and am returning to Central Daylight Time. Thought you might enjoy a few snaps from the trip. Not all are nature oriented, but the same S-T-A principles apply. Have a look.

Use light as a lead-line.

Always find time to enjoy spring.

Also, why not find 5 Saturday mornings and join us at the Chicago Botanic Garden for the Documenting Nature Class. We have often run Signs of Spring at this time, but decided to take a different look at this season. Just visit www.chicagobotanic.org/adult ed and scroll down to the class.

Documenting Nature, April 19–May 20 (5 Saturdays, No class April 29), 9-12 noon, in person at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

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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.