The next camera control that we will work with is shutter speed. Shutter speed refers to the length of time that the shutter allows light to enter the camera. This is expressed in fractions of a second (i.e. 60 indicates 1/60th of a second).
We will shoot in shutter priority mode (Tv – remember, T for Time).
A slow shutter speed (say 1/8th or slower) will result in moving objects becoming blurred. You will need to use a tripod when shooting with a slow shutter speed or the image will be blurry due to “camera shake”. In the above picture, the girl in the middle stayed still while the others spun around in their chairs.
A fast shutter speed (1/500th and up) will freeze any moving objects. No tripod is needed, but you do need quite a bit of light or the flash in order to be able to use very fast shutter speeds.
Capture six images for this assignment – three showing motion using slow shutter speeds and three freezing motion using fast shutter speeds.
Some possible subjects could be people moving/running/jumping, water moving (pouring on the ground outside or from a drinking fountain), cars driving, chairs spinning – anything that’s moving will work, really.
Shutter Speed
Depth of Field in Photography
We are going to start our photography work by exploring depth of field in photography.
Depth of field refers to the area of a photograph that is fully in focus. Depth of field is controlled by the aperture (f-stop) setting of the camera. The wider the aperture (lower the f-stop) the less depth of field a photograph will have. Depth of field is also affected by closeness to the camera – the closer the lens is focused, the shallower the depth of field would be.
I would like you to take ten pictures that demonstrate depth of field.
Seven pictures should have very shallow depth of field (low f-stop like 1.8-3.5)
Three pictures should have very high depth of field (f-stop 11 and above)
Be sure to include foreground and background object in order to demonstrate the effect.
There is a powerpoint show demonstrating camera settings here if you’d like to read more.
Endtask Reminder and Photo Component
You should all by now be well under way to completing the Photoshop component of your end-task (details here).
The second portion of your end-task is a similar portfolio of your photographic work. We will be covering more photographic techniques later this week, but you can get started if you have completed all other assignmnents.
You will be required to assemble a portfolio of 10 images that you capture that incorporate the photographic techniques covered so far in class. You don’t need to include all techniques, for example you could do 10 photographs that showed contrast, or framing.
Post the photos to your blog on a page titled “Photographic Portfolio”.
Composition: Contrast and Simplicity
Simplicity: Try to eliminate unwanted objects or clutter from the photograph. If you are having problems eliminating unwanted objects, try changing the viewpoint of the picture. Use a low-angle shot so the sky is your background. Find natural or manmade solid background (i.e plain walls inside or outside of buildings) This technique can really help your subject pop out of the picture.
(more simplicity 1, 2, 3)
Contrast
Contrast: A light subject will have more impact if placed against a dark background and vice versa. Contrasting colors may be used for emphasis, but can become distracting if not considered carefully.
(more contrast 1, 2, 3, 4)
Of course, now you get to try – I would like four pictures each for Contrast and Simplicity (post 8 pictures total to your blog)
Feel free to add in other photographic techniques if you want to.
Viewpoint in Photography
I would like you to take some more pictures with a focus on Viewpoint.
Viewpoint refers to the positioning of the camera relevant to the scene being photographed. Viewpoint can greatly affect how a viewer sees the subject in your photograph.
A few viewpoints that are often used in photography are as follows:
Eye Level: Most photographers start out with a standard “Eye Level” angle. The photographer is standing upright taking the photograph at the same level as the subject.
Low Angle: The photographer is below the level of the subject shooting upwards. This can give the subject a feeling of importance or power. Can also be useful in eliminating cluttered backgrounds, especially when shooting outdoors.
High Angle: The photographer is shooting from above the level of the subject. Will tend to minimize the size of the subject. Is also said to help give the viewer a sense of space as it includes much of the background behind the subject.
Dutch Angle: The camera is held at an angle relative to the horizon (camera is tilted). This angle can convey a sense of urgency, movement or excitement.
Take a selection of pictures that demonstrate the above angles – try a selection of pics using the same subject so you can see the differences between the different viewpoints. Try to end up with around a dozen pictures. Pick your favourite four and post them to your blog with descriptions of the viewpoints.
Thursday
I am in Kenora for IT meetings today.
Please take time today to make sure that ALL of your assignments thus far have been completed and posted to your blog.
With 45 days left in this semester how is the progress on your Photoshop Portfolio end task? Don’t neglect this part of the course.
Have a great long weekend.
Composition: Framing
Framing
Framing: A “frame” in a photograph is something in the foreground that leads you into the picture or gives you a sense of where the viewer is. For example, a branch and some leaves framing a shot of rolling hills and a valley, or the edge of an imposing rock face leading into a shot of a canyon.
Try it out: Take pictures that use framing. Have you friends model for you or take pictures of objects. Be creative with your framing – try doorways, openings, trees, hands, whatever will work.
Choose your five best framing pictures and post them to your blog.
Composition: Rule of Thirds
Rule of Thirds
Rule of Thirds: This is a principle taught in graphic design and photography and is based on the theory that the eye goes naturally to a point about two-thirds up the page. Also, by visually dividing the image into thirds (either vertically or horizontally) you achieve the informal or asymmetric balance mentioned above. Although there are many ways a photograph can be composed effectively by basing it on the use of “thirds,” the most common example is the placement of the horizon line in landscape photography.
Your turn: Take pictures that use the rule of thirds. Use any combination of live models and existing objects. Take a selection of pictures and post the five best on your blog. Feel free to do any photoshop editing to your images before you post them.
SLR Camera Parts and Controls
Using Photoshop, create an image that labels the following parts on a Canon Digital Rebel XTi. You will likely have to use multiple views in order to fit all of the parts in. Here is a manual that has a diagram you can use for reference if you need to.
Find camera images by doing a simple Google image search such as this one.
1. Lens
2. Lens Focus Mode Switch
3. Memory Card Slot
4. Power Switch
5. Mode Dial
6. Shutter Button
7. LCD Display
8. Viewfinder
9. Flash
10. Flash Button
11. Lens Release Button
12. Main Control Dial
13. Play button
14. Erase Button
15. Cross Keys
Here is an example of what your finished image should look like:
Tasks for Wednesday
Please take the time to make sure that all of your Photoshop assignments have been completed and posted.
The Photographic Composition assignment should also be well under way.
If you have completed anything, now is the time to start thinking about your Photoshop Portfolio assignment – you will need to complete approximately one image per week for the rest of the school year in order to get them all done.