Jack Carlson Photography

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Use caution at night

December 11, 2022

During one of our night class meetings at the Chicago Botanic Garden, I was photographing some of the students who were quite involved in their night photography assignment. I decided to move the camera and tripod to new location but failed to notice the two devices were not actually connected and the camera was merely sitting on the ballhead not locked down. You’ve probably beat me to the end of this story if you’re thinking “oh no, the camera and lens are going to hit the sidewalk when Jack moves the camera.” Well, sometimes you don’t want to be right even when you are. Of course, the lens hit the concrete first and you just know it was my personal favorite, but don’t tell the other lenses. Yes, the 28mm f1.4 landed with enough force to bend the filter to the point where it can’t be unscrewed since it’s that far out of round, and the A/M ring that changes from manual to auto focus is, of course, cracked beyond repair. This lens has been out of production since 2006 but it’s difficult to find one since images are really sharp at f1.4 so current owners don’t sell theirs very often. PLEASE use a light source when you are going to attached your camera to your tripod outside at night. the world should not have two invoices that read like this one.

Tonight at 8, let’s all lower our ISO settings and open our apertures for a moment of memorial respect for this valiant low-light stalwart performer.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Weekly Photo Tip

Bright Light and Melting Snow Shots

Don’t leaf good subjects in the snow.

Even though it may be melting, the snow that’s still around the Carlson Camera Clubhouse is acting like a giant white board when it comes to reflecting light. When set to either A (or Av) or S (Tv), the camera’s light meter may want to shut down a bit since it’s only goal is to even out the light in any scene. If your snow shots are looking a bit gray they are either (very) old monochrome snaps or under-exposed newer images. What’s to do? Remember your old friend , the exposure compensation setting. You may be lucky enough to have a +/- button on the camera body which you can press then turn the thumb wheel to add or subtract light in 1/3 stop increments. If no button, look for light or exposure adjustments in the camera’s menu where you can find, then change the light level.

Remember this old bromide: When it’s bright, Add Light. No, I didn’t come up with that line, but I continue to perpetuate its use. You should, too.              

Also, remember to shoot BEFORE action happens to capture movement in the frame. Once you see it, then push the button, it’s too late.

Shoot before you see it drop.

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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.

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