Jack Carlson Photography

Start Documenting Nature on 5 Saturdays beginning March 29

Explore the Water to Land relationship in Documenting Nature.

Nature in its many forms is just waiting to be photographed, and the Chicago Botanic Garden is a fine place to begin. We’ve reserved 5 Saturday mornings from 9-12noon at the garden to explore just what’s going on. Each week we’ll discuss relationships in class, then proceed to a different part of the garden each week to photograph them. It’s best if you have taken the Beginning Digital and Intermediate photo classes since this class is devoted to using cameras rather than explaining them. The class is limited to DSLR or Mirrorless cameras only. Visit chicagobotanic.org/adulted. Then scroll down to Photography and find the class. It’s great fun in a great location.

Documenting Nature, March 29 – April 26, (5 Saturdays) 9 – 12 noon

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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.