Jack Carlson Photography

Several places open in the Composition Class!

The Composition Class will elevate your images.

Don’t miss the chance to elevate your photography. The Composition class takes an in-depth look at each of the 5 basic elements by devoting a week to each of them. Depth-of-Field, Patterns, Lines, Texture and Symmetry are all important components of any image. Learn how to spot them in a natural setting, then selecting the appropriate ones to enhance the interest level of your picture. Each week brings challenges and happiness that you won’t want to miss.

Now with 3 Ways to Register
1. Call 847.835.8261
2. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/education
3. Membership and Info Desk staff are now able to take registrations during periods of relative calm.

Composition in Landscape Photography, January 7 – February 11 (5 Mondays), 9-12 noon

The Composition Class will elevate your images.

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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.