Jack Carlson Photography

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Signs of Spring = Signs of Spring

March 12, 2022

A definite Sign of Spring.

Until now, I’ve been quite involved in researching, writing and shooting for two new classes which is why this old website hasn’t been updated for some time. Classes are now quite thin until April, so here I am back at the site.

Had a moment to walk around the old camera clubhouse yesterday and actually found/saw some crocuses that have popped up about 1/2 inch. Did I have a camera with me at the time? Of course not, so I found a snap in the collection that will work.

The Signs of Spring photo class at the Chicago Botanic Garden has enough students enrolled to run it, and there is room for several additional students. Why not join us for 4 Thursdays beginning April 21 — May 12, 9am to 12 noon. Call the garden to register or visit www.chicagobotanic.org/adulted and scroll down to photography. You’ll find the class listed there.

 

Also in April, there’s a 2-hour Macro Seminar on Zoom. Join us on Sunday, April 3 from 9-11 to learn what, why and how to get good closeup shots. There’s more to it than you might think, and this seminar will reduce your concerns while increasing the interest level of your pictures.

Zoom in on subjects via Zoom on April 3rd.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

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.

Upcoming Classes

May 15
9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Water and Reflections Returns May 15-June 5

Jun 9
8:00 am - 10:00 am

Photographing Butterflies and Blooms, Monday June 9, One Day only

Jun 29
8:00 am - 11:00 am

Photographing the Rose Garden on Sunday, June 29

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