Jack Carlson Photography

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A Short Sunday Walk for Autumn Color

November 6, 2013

Mum's the word when you're surrounded by pine needles.

Mum’s the word when you’re surrounded by pine needles.

A recent Sunday held a higher than usual amount of sun.  Having a few unaccounted for moments, I decided to spend them with a camera. Time did not allow me to journey far from home, so I decided to photograph the color that was available around the house. I used selective manual focus for all images, and shot with an exposure compensation of -3, ISO setting of 80, and constant aperture of F4.

Using light to its best advantage.

Using light to its best advantage.

Since the back-light on these leaves was very strong, I decided to shoot them from the side away from the sun. Then I waited for a large white cloud to blow into the frame. Didn’t require too much camera skill…only a truck-load of patience.  Isolation is a wonderful (and cheap) technique to use when you want to concentrate the viewer’s interest.

Use manual focus to be more selective when using a large aperture, though you won’t really know what the image contains until you see it on a computer or other large screen. You will often be pleasantly surprised by the results of your efforts. Again, the luxury of time is what’s required for the photographer to use the light to best advantage. Take time to look for  partial color changes that can often be quite interesting and you don’t need a camera bag filled with exotic gear to capture memorable images and practice your photo skills.

Just when you're wondering "where have all the flowers gone?"...

Just when you’re wondering “where have all the flowers gone?”…

Time for a Change.

Time for a Change.

When was the last time you tried manual focus?

When was the last time you tried manual focus?

When the sun comes out, you'll often get a berry nice picture.

When the sun comes out, you’ll often get a berry nice picture.

How many shades of red will you find on an autumn stroll?

How many shades of red will you find on an autumn stroll?

Add a colorful background by changing your perspective.

Add a colorful background by changing your perspective.

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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

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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