Jack Carlson – Photographing Signs of Spring at the Chicago Botanic Garden

In April, signs of spring are everywhere at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Where, though, in those 385 acres should a photographer begin when trying to capture images of the seasonal change that is occurring? What camera gear will be most appropriate?

Got answers to these and more photographic questions on April 10 when Jack Carlson presented “Photographing Signs of Spring at the Garden.” He is a Certified Professional Photographer who has been teaching instructive, experiential, and individualized classes at the Garden since 2009. He is there every week for classes so his recommendations to us were timely. Learned the best places to find new spring growth and color and the camera settings and lenses recommended for each area.

A classically trained musician, Jack did not actually enter the visual arts until adulthood, and his beliefs about the visual arts inform his philosophy. As a nature photographer, he believes it is important to fully capture a photographic image rather than take numerous pictures that are later manipulated technologically. Jack believes that nature speaks for itself. A nature photographer’s obligation is to listen,respect, and respond to that voice. Take a peek at his work at his website, jackcarlsonphotos.com.

No matter what is in your camera bag, you are certain to get wall-worthy images after this presentation.

Handouts: The presentation slides handout and one one additional handout about current CBG places to photograph are available for download.

Click on any slide below to enlarge: