Advanced Photography YEARBOOK CAMP 2010

Snapshots vs. Photographs

Snapshots vs. Photographs

Composition: Rule of Thirds

Composition: Rule of Thirds

Composition: Rule of Thirds

Composition: Rule of Thirds

Keep it simple Keep background uncluttered Avoid mergers Have single dominant subject

Uncluttered background, dominant subject

Single dominant subject

                                     Avoid mergers

Avoid mergers

Cluttered backgrounds, no single dominant subject, mergers and – don’t cut people in half

Working with angles Low angles High angle Avoid centered horizons Clear sky backdrop Accentuate movement or action High angle Eliminate cloudy sky Avoid centered horizons Use the light Emphasize a point, tone

Low angle Low angle and accentuate movement Avoid center horizon

Have a strong center of interest Take pictures at different angles with different compositions Work around the rule of thirds

Allow for room to run off page

Leading Line Leading lines draw the viewer's eye to the point of interest or help create the illusion of depth and/or distance in a composition.

Composition: Leading Lines

Composition: Leading Lines

Composition: Leading Lines

Composition: Leading Lines

Leading lines Lines draw the viewer's eye through the image from one spot to the next, sometimes all the way around and sometimes in one direction. Keep lines simple Don't make lines take attention away from the intended subject. We first notice the bright spot in the lower left, The canyon rims provide the visual line that takes us through the rest of the image.

Lines cont…. The eye is led through the image following the lay of the rocks. The bright logs in the foreground are the first thing the eye is attracted to, and bring the viewer deeper into the image.

Work with line Line leads the eye Static vs. dynamic lines Shape Diagonals S-curves Static vs. dynamic lines Shape

                                       Static line vs dynamic line

Directional Straight and S-curve line

Diagonals

Shape – directional

Rhythm Objects repeating in a picture creating a feeling of depth.

Framing Framing is a technique that creates the illusion of depth and draws the viewer's eye to a focal point of interest. Think of focusing the viewers attention on the main subject by photographing the subject THROUGH something else.  

Natural Frames Take advantage of natural "frames". These can be doorways, windows, rock arches, or anything that encircles or encloses the subject. The frame can even become the subject itself. A hollow log serves to frame the subject, whose face is dead centre in the image, emphasising its importance. Even the lines in the log point to the centre of interest A snow-capped mountain scene as seen through an old barn window

Use frames Adds depth Should fit theme Watch focus on foreground Focus on foreground in landscape Focus on subject in portraits Auto-focus should be centered on main topic Overall—DEPENDS ON CAMERA

Depth Fits theme

Fill the frame Would this picture look better if I was closer? Focus on subject Detail Start far and move closer Fill the frame with objects that “fit” Long range shots provide depth and perspective

Fill the frame – which one could be improved?                    Fill the frame – which one could be improved? How would you improve it? - move closer or zoom

Fill with objects that fit

Vertical Tall Crop Tall, narrow picture, view taken only by lifting the head

Horizontal Letterbox/ Wide Angle Wide, narrow, horizontal, good for framing

Informal Balance Informal or "asymmetrical" Balance is uneven or unequal balance. The objects have nearly the same "visual weight" on either side of the vertical center of the photograph composition, but are different in size, shape, texture, or value.

Formal Balance Formal balance is equal or symmetrical balance. Each side of the vertical center of the photograph has equal weight and similar or exactly the same shape, texture, and value contrast.

Balance Balance color and weight in a picture Formal and informal Symmetrical and asymmetrical

Balance wheels

Formal vs informal Balance of color and weight

Symmetrical - balanced proportions versus asymmetrical - unbalanced proportions

High Key Low Key

Lighting Lighting adds dramatic effect. "Backlighting" occurs when the light source is in front of the lens (and behind your subject), creating dark silhouettes. 

Lighting: Backlight

Lighting: Backlight

Lighting: Sidelight

Angles Up- You may have to lay on the ground and look up Down – You may have to stand on a chair and look down Straight- You look straight ahead, dead on.

Depth of Field SHALLOW DEPTH OF FIELD - the thing closest to the camera is in focus and the distance is not in focus. 

Aperture The aperture is larger, the DOF is shorter. PORTRAIT MODE The aperture is smaller, the DOF is longer. MOUNTAIN MODE

Distance of Object The distance of object is longer, the DOF is longer. The distance of object is shorter, the DOF is shorter.

Example of DOF

Advanced Photography Camera Functions

Typical Mode Dial This mode does everything for you. If you want any control, do NOT use this. Auto Mode

Typical Mode Dial Why is this mode bad? Auto Mode FLASH IS BAD. This mode will pop the flash when it wants to. Flash =Flatness Auto Mode

flash vs. no flash Flash No Flash

Typical Mode Dial Use these modes if you know what you are doing P= Program AV (or A)= Aperture Value TV (or S)=Time Value M= Manual Use these modes if you know what you are doing Manual Modes

Typical Mode Dial “P” is the BEST REGULAR SHOOTING MODE. This mode will create a decent exposure, but YOU still have control over ISO, White Balance, Flash, and many other functions.

Typical Mode Dial Portrait Mode Use this mode for a shallow Depth Of Field

Depth of Field Subject in focus Everything else blurry ©Joseph Meehan

Depth of Field When using the Portrait mode to create a shallow depth of field make sure: Your camera focuses on what YOU want the emphasis to be If you camera has a tendency to focus on whatever is in the CENTER of the frame, make sure you focus THEN recompose (while your finger holds the 1/2 way point)

Choose The Wrong Object

Typical Mode Dial Landscape, really. Use this mode for a GREAT depth of field Mountain Mode

Typical Mode Dial This mode is for FREEZING motion, not for showing blur (although some blur may happen depending on how fast the subject is moving. Great for ACTION SHOTS on the outdoor field, not so successful in the dim gymnasium. Sport Mode

How to get a better “freeze motion” indoor Gymnasium shot Crank the ISO to 800 or 1600 Use a GOOD QUALITY lens on your DSLR camera. The more expensive the lens, the more LIGHT the lens will let in. The more light the camera has to work with, the less blurry your photograph will be. Use Photoshop © to reduce noise that resulted from the high ISO

Examples of noise

Examples of noise

Assignment Photograph each one of the techniques on the handout. If you would like to be eligible for the Photography prize, email your BEST SHOT to chadmikegreg@yahoo.com

Email the photograph to chadmikegreg@yahoo.com by NOON on FRIDAY How to Turn it in: Email the photograph to chadmikegreg@yahoo.com by NOON on FRIDAY Don’t forget to tell me who you are!