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.

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Weekly Photo Tip

Get an Infrared Filter to create snow

 

Infra-red filter creates eerie snow effect.

Magnus, the faithful camera clubhouse cat, thoughtfully dropped a B+H gift card in my Christmas stocking. I used the card to order an Infrared (IR) filter which, as you will remember knocks out all wavelengths of light below the filter rating. In this case, all light below 930nm doesn’t make it through the filter, and the wavelengths that do make it require 2 1/2 minutes of exposure time. This filter is so dark red, the composing and focusing must be done before the filter is attached to the front of the lens. In addition to a tripod and ballhead, it helps to have gloves and a mug of some type of warm liquid to keep hands and insides warm while walking around behind the camera for those 150 seconds while the shutter is open.

IR filters come in varying strengths which affect the price. Mine wasn’t priced in the low-end promo department, but the effects it creates are both enjoyable and worth the price. Get one and see for yourself.

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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

Jul 9
8:00 am - 11:00 am

Waterlily Workshop-back at CBG by popular demand-Saturday, July 9

Jul 12
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Intermediate Digital is GO for July 12 on Zoom

Jul 24
9:00 am - 11:00 am

Choosing the Right Lens: Zoom in for 2 hours of info you’ll want to have

Jul 31
9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Composition: Back at the garden by student demand–5 Sundays–starts July 31

Aug 6
9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Hidden Gems of the Garden: Just waiting to be photographed starting August 6

View Calendar

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