Jack Carlson Photography

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A Winter’s Walk with a Camera

December 10, 2013

The Winter Workshop at the Chicago Botanic Garden is go! It begins on Sunday,  January 12, and runs for 3 Sundays from 1 – 4 pm.  Call 847.835.8261 to register for it.

I decided to get some images for a new powerpoint we will have in the Winter Workshop, so brought my camera to the CBG on Monday (12.9) for a few snaps.

Stairs create a lead line to the bench atop "waterfall hill".

Stairs create a lead line to the bench atop “waterfall hill”.

One of the three islands in the Japanese Garden on a bright winter afternoon.

One of the three islands in the Japanese Garden on a bright winter afternoon.

While the tripod performed without problems, my fingers were quite unhappy since they were exposed to the elements when I folded back the mitten tops.

The 2 pm light was good, but 1 hour later (at least) probably would have added more warmth to the scenes. Since timing is the best way to control natural light, don’t leave home too early for afternoon shots. Shadows and angles create interest, and I didn’t get enough of either. The thought of returning to get more usable images is chilling.  Question: Why are benches such a magnet for photographers?

Empty Benches: Photo magnet x 3.

Empty Benches: Photo magnet x 3.

Additional Note: look for naturally occurring frames while trying to warm your fingers.

Trees form a natural frame.

Trees form a natural frame.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

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

Jun 6
9:00 am - 12:00 pm

New! Photographing in the Style of Piet Oudolf

Jun 8
9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Photographing in Natural Light begins June 8 at the CBG

Jun 10
8:00 am - 10:00 am

Butterflies and Blooms–One off–on June 10

Jun 20
9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Beginning Digital and the fun begins June 20 at the CBG

Jul 8
9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Exploring and Photographing Bridges of the CBG starts July 8

Jul 25
9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Intermediate Photography–The next step–starts Saturday, July 25

View Calendar

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