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Lesson 1: Basic PhotographyUsing your own digital camera or one of the school's digital cameras, you will capture images in each of the following styles in and around the school grounds. Each style will be a project.
Project 1.1: Leading Line: a line that leads you visually to an object. Research: Project 1.2: Rhythm a picture that has objects that repeat and give a feeling of depth. Rhythm (Basics of Graphic Design) Rhythm is a pattern created by repeating elements that are varied. Repetition (repeating similar elements in a consistent manner) and variation (a change in the form, size, or position of the elements) are the keys to visual rhythm. Placing elements in a layout at regular intervals creates a smooth, even rhythm and a calm, relaxing mood. Sudden changes in the size and spacing of elements creates a fast, lively rhythm and an exciting mood. To create rhythm:
Project 1.3: Framing shooting through something to get the main subject behind it. A photographic frame is an object that that acts as a border or frame for your subject. The frame directs the viewer?s attention to a particular subject or point of interest within the photograph. Frames also create perspective and show depth. What the experts say:
Project 1.4: Composition: Viewpoint The proper viewpoint or camera angle is an important factor in good composition. Repositioning your subject within the viewfinder frame and changing the camera viewpoint or camera angle are two simple ways of controlling composition. Project 1.5: Composition: Focus The standard definitions of focus are:
Most people take pictures in auto focus - just point and shoot. Auto focus will only allow you to get so close to your subject so trying to take extreme close-ups require you to override the auto focus with manual or macro mode and manually adjusting the camera settings. The first setting we need to consider is the setting of the aperture or the f-stop. An aperture is basically a hole in which light is admitted. The lens aperture is usually specified as an f-number or f-stop, the ratio of focal length to effective aperture diameter. A lens typically has a set of marked “f-stops” that the f-number can be set to. The very basics you need to remember is a big number is a small hole, so f/22 is a very small aperture, small hole, less light so longer exposure. Something like f/1.8 is a very large aperture, more light and faster shutter speed (shorter exposure). Your picture should focus on your subject only and blur background and/or foreground - giving you short depth-of-field. To maximize the blur effect and turn backgrounds into soft blends of color, try your lens's largest aperture (smallest f/stop number). You should shoot several versions of the same scene, each with a different f/stop and compare the different "looks." The second setting we need to consider is the setting of the shutter speed. Shutter speed is a measure of how long the shutter remains open when the picture is taken. On manual cameras, it is usually set by means of a dial on the top of the camera or, less commonly, a ring around the base of the lens. Automatic cameras usually denote shutter priority mode with the symbol Tv which simply means "Time value". Typical shutter speeds are 1/1000s, 1/250s, 1/15s and 1s. Note that shutter speeds are calibrated to be approximately twice as fast as the previous setting and twice as slow as the next setting. For example, 1/250s is twice as fast as the previous setting 1/125s but is twice as slow as the next setting 1/500s. How to accurately set the THS cameras Project 1.6: Composition: Depth of Field Depth of field is the range of distance within the subject that is acceptably sharp. The depth of field varies depending on camera type, aperture and focusing distance, although print size and viewing distance can influence our perception of it. This section is designed to give a better intuitive and technical understanding for photography, and provides a depth of field calculator to show how it varies with your camera settings.
Project 1.7: Composition: Rule of Thirds. The Rule of Thirds is a basic composition rule popular among photographers, but equally applicable to the composition of paintings. Applying the rule of thirds to a painting means you'll never have a painting that's split in half, either vertically or horizontally, nor one with the main focus right in the center like a bull's-eye.
Project 1.8: Composition: Horizontal orientation appears peaceful while Vertical orientation shows strength. Often in photography, the subject or scene will suggest a vertical or horizontal format but you should experiment with different orientations to see the differences and how the differences convey different stories or emotions. Notes from the professionals:
Project 1.9: Balance - Informal and Formal Informal Balance different things catch your eye, not just one. (multiple objects - tends to be asymmetrical). In asymmetrical balance the imaginary central pivot point is still presumed to be present; however, instead of mirror images on each side of the picture area, the subject elements are notably different in size, shape, weight, tone, and placement. Balance is established by equalizing the element forces in spite of their differences. Asymmetrical balance is introduced when the presumed weight of two or more lighter objects is equalized by a single heavier object placed on the other side of the imaginary pivot point. Formal Balance both sides of the picture are similar (symmetrical). Symmetrical, or formal, balance in a photograph is achieved when elements on both sides of the picture are of equal weight. The idea of formal balance can be related to a seesaw, When there are two equally weighted objects on the seesaw and they are equidistant from the pivot point, or fulcrum, the board will be in balance.
Project 1.10: Motion There are three ways that you can express motion in a still photo:
Project 1.11: High Key very bright, intense, active. A high-key photo is basically white on white. This style of photography conveys a feeling of lightness and clarity. Intentionally overexposing a photograph can create a fascinating image that tells a beautiful story. High key photography can be achieved by adjusting your camera settings or by using your photoshop high key feature.
Project 1.12: Low Key dark, less intense, inactive. A low key photograph evokes mystery, night and secrets. Silhouette and shape prevail over color and light. In order to separate the subject from the background, an edge light is in order. Objects lit from behind, hiding the source from the lens approach the eye in a direct manner, flaunting their power while reveling in the dark.
Project 1.13: Recipe This project should pull together the elements you have learned in lesson 1 - Basic Photography. Food Photography is big business. It is also very beautiful. Your project is to prepare a dish at home and photograph each step. Look at your cookbooks at home, the library or online for format layout ideas. You will present your recipe as a PowerPoint presentation. Your first slide and your last sllide will be your "beauty shot" - a beautiful shot of the finished product. The slides in-between will be of each step in the process and should concentrate on function rather than esthetics. Extra credit if you also bring your dish to class to share. 7 Elements to be included:
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