PHOTOGRAPHY In a Nutshell : PHOTOGRAPHY In a Nutshell melcon s. lapina This presentation does not deal much on the technicalities of photography. Its aim is to introduce the students to the basics of photography. Its focus is more on:
setting the correct exposure,
determining the characteristics of different focal lengths,
choosing a type of film,
learning to use the flash,
etc. To maximize learning, the user of this presentation is advised to have an SLR camera for him or her to do an actual activity alongside this presentation. As a piece of advice, do not just read or listen to this presentation, instead work with it. A Nikon FM10 is a very good camera to use. While an Auto-Focus or AF SLR may be the best, a fully manual focus type of camera such as FM10 should still be chosen. For one, it is much cheaper, and there are subjects that can best be taken by a manual camera. (You will find discussion on this latter reason later in the presentation.) An auto-focus, of course, has a manual focus mode. However, you cannot fully utilize this mode to attain the desired result if you are not familiar with it. A manual focus camera is good camera to start. PHOTOGRAPHY, In a Nutshell This lesson does not deal much on the technicalities of photography. Its aim is to introduce the students to the basics of photography. Its focus is more on: setting the correct exposure, determining the characteristics of different focal lengths, choosing a type of film, learning to use the flash, and etc. To maximize learning, the user of this presentation, is advised to have an SLR camera for him, or her to do an actual activity, alongside this presentation. A Nikon FM10, is a very good camera to use. While an Auto-Focus, or AF SLR, may be the best, a fully manual focus type of camera, such as FM10 should still be chosen. For one, it is much cheaper, and there are subjects that can best be taken by a manual camera. (You will find discussion on this latter reason, later in the presentation.) An auto-focus, of course, has a manual focus mode. However, you cannot fully utilize this mode to attain the desired result, if you are not familiar with it. A manual focus camera is good camera to start with. As a piece of advice, do not just read or listen to this presentation, instead work with it.
Why Do I Need an SLR? : Why Do I Need an SLR? The beauty of single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras is the amount of control they give you over your pictures. They are system cameras, with optional extras, such as lenses, flashguns and filters, which allow the SLR to be adapted to a myriad of subjects. melcon s. lapina Amount of control they give;
Optional extras: lenses, flashguns and filters;
Applicability to a myriad of subjects.
Adjustability of shutter speed and aperture.
Allowing users to interpret a scene.
Creating photograph and not just a snap or record shot The SLR also allows users to adjust shutter speed and aperture settings. These controls do not just adjust how much light reaches the film, they also allow the user to interpret a scene – so that it can be translated into a photograph that is far more than a mere snap or record shot.
Slide3 : melcon s. lapina SHUTTER SPEED DIAL HOTSHOE VIEWFINDER FOCUS CONTROL TTL Metering APERTURE CONTROL INTERCHANGEABLE LENSES
Slide4 : Choice of lenses
The choice of wide-angle, telephoto and close-up lenses means you can tackle any subject. Freezing the action
By using the appropriate shutter speed, fast-moving subjects can be caught on film. melcon s. lapina This picture was taken with a wide-angle focal lens. To freeze the subject, as in this picture, fast shutter speed should be chosen. Choice of lenses The choice of wide-angle, telephoto, and close-up lenses, means you can tackle any subject. This picture was taken with a wide-angle focal lens. Freezing the action By using the appropriate shutter speed, fast-moving subjects, can be caught on film. To freeze the subject, as in this picture, fast shutter speed, should be chosen.
Slide5 : Sharpness control
By using the right aperture, you can decide exactly how much of your picture is sharp. Critical focus
As you see exactly what you are shooting, SLRs allow you to frame close-up subject accurately. melcon s. lapina In this picture, the canon in the foreground and the towers in the background are in sharp focus although they are at varying distances. To do this, a small aperture should be used. The beauty of SLR is that it is capable of taking macro-photography or close-up shot of an object or subject. Macro is important in taking 1 is to 1 image of an evidence, such as fingerprint, bullet, hairs, etc. Sharpness control By using the right aperture, you can decide exactly, how much of your picture is sharp. In this picture, the canon in the foreground, and the towers in the background, are in sharp focus, although they are, at varying distances. To do this, a small aperture should be used. Critical focus As you see exactly what you are shooting, SLRs allow you to frame close-up subject accurately. The beauty of SLR, is that, it is capable of taking macro-photography, or close-up shot, of an object, or subject. Macro, is important in taking 1 is to 1 image of an evidence, such as, fingerprints, bullets, hairs, etc.
Slide6 : Pros and Cons of Compact Cameras melcon s. lapina Advantages:
Small. It fits in pocket.
Simplicity. There are very few buttons to press.
It is quiet and discreet to use. Pros and Cons of Compact Cameras Advantages: Small. It fits in pocket. Simplicity. There are very few buttons to press. It is quiet and discreet to use.
Slide7 : Pros and Cons of Compact Cameras Continue melcon s. lapina Disadvantages:
Built-in Lens. Longer or wider lenses cannot be added.
Rudimentary exposure and focus controls.
Very little creative control. Pros and Cons of Compact Cameras Continue Disadvantages: Built-in Lens. Longer or wider lenses cannot be added. Rudimentary exposure and focus controls. Very little creative control.
Slide8 : Pros and Cons of Compact Cameras Continue melcon s. lapina No-Go Subjects: Subjects wherein compact cameras are not capable of taking shot of.
Most sports
Most nature subjects
Most creative photography Pros and Cons of Compact Cameras Continue No-Go Subjects: Subjects wherein compact cameras are not capable of taking shot of. Most sports Most nature subjects Most creative photography
When to Choose Auto-focus : When to Choose Auto-focus In most conditions, auto-focus is more accurate and faster than focusing manually – although you still have to ensure that the camera selects the right subject to focus on. melcon s. lapina Auto-Focus:
More accurate and faster than focusing manually.
You have to ensure that the camera selects the right subject to focus on.
You have to be aware when to switch from manual to auto-focus modes.
All auto-focus models have manual focus mode. You should also be aware of the situations when AF is not as effective – so that you know when to switch to the manual-focus mode, which is found on all good auto-focus models. In most conditions, auto-focus, is more accurate, and faster, than focusing manually. Although, you still have to ensure, that the camera, selects the right subject to focus on. You should also be aware of the situations, when AF, is not as effective. So that, you know when to switch, to the manual-focus mode, which is found on all good auto-focus models. When to Choose Auto-focus
Slide10 : Auto-focus Speed
Although all Auto-Focus (AF) SLRs focus accurately on static subjects in good light, not all are as good with moving targets and low light. The best AF models can accurately tackle subjects moving at speed towards the camera, using a predictive auto-focus system. melcon s. lapina
Slide11 : Using the Focus Lock – An AF system works on a small area in the centre of the image. If the subject is off-centre, you should focus on the subject in the center of the viewfinder, engage the AF focus lock, and then recompense before firing. melcon s. lapina Using the Focus Lock. An AF system, works on a small area, in the centre of the image. If the subject, is off-centre, you should focus, on the subject in the center of the viewfinder, engage the AF focus lock, and then recompense, before firing
Slide12 : Obscured View
AF systems focus on the part of the picture nearest the camera within the sensor zone. If shooting through glass, the camera may focus on the glass, rather than on the subject beyond. melcon s. lapina Obscured View AF systems, focus on the part of the picture, nearest the camera, within the sensor zone. If shooting through glass, the camera may focus, on the glass, rather than, on the subject beyond.
Slide13 : Contrast Detection. Auto-focus SLRs work on the principle that a sharp image is more contrasty than an out-of-focus one. Therefore, subjects with little contrast, such as this white jug and bowl on a white background, usually require switching to manual focus. melcon s. lapina Contrast Detection. Auto-focus SLRs, work on the principle, that a sharp image, is more contrasty, than an out-of-focus one. Therefore, subject with little contrast, such as this white jug, and bowl on a white background, usually require switching, to manual focus.
Slide14 : Pros and Cons of Auto-focus Cameras melcon s. lapina Advantages:
Easier to use and quicker than manual focus.
Can cope with fast-moving subjects.
Compensates well for failing eyesight. Pros and Cons of Auto-focus Cameras Advantages: Easier to use and quicker than manual focus. Can cope with fast-moving subjects. Compensates well for failing eyesight.
Slide15 : Pros and Cons of Auto-focus Cameras melcon s. lapina Disadvantages
More expensive than manual models.
Can struggle in low light and with low contrast.
Heavy drain on battery power. Pros and Cons of Auto-focus Cameras Continue Disadvantages More expensive than manual models. Can struggle in low light and with low contrast. Heavy drain on battery power.
Which Sort of SLR? : Which Sort of SLR? Modern SLRs, particularly auto-focus models, make photography that much easier.
Some of the features give instant access to what used to be quite advanced techniques.
Not all features are found on all cameras.
A decision must be made before shopping for your SLR. melcon s. lapina Modern SLRs, particularly auto-focus models, are packed full of labor-saving devices which are designed to make photography that much easier. As well as automating repetitive tasks, some of the features give you instant access to what used to be quite advanced techniques. Not all features are found on all cameras, so you must decide which ones you want before you go shopping for your SLR.
Slide17 : Fill-in Flash. Built-in flash units are not only useful in low light. In sunlight they can light up portraits (left photo) and eliminating unwanted shadows (right photo). melcon s. lapina
Slide18 : melcon s. lapina Depth of Field Preview AF Assist Pop-Up Flash AF SLRs feature a depth of field preview that gives you a visual guide to how much of the subject is sharp, by closing down the aperture. A beam of light which can be shone onto the subject to aid auto-focus in low light. A low-powered flash unit is useful for subjects that are a short distance away.