Photography Basics

• Lighting• Position• Framing• Geometry• Motion• Depth of Field• Digital Effects

LightBacklighting

• Silhouette subjects

• Removes features

LightFrontlighting

• Color, definition may be lost• More pronounced reflection• Subjects may squint

LightIndirect / Indoor Lighting

• Shadows increase depth

LightArtificial Lighting

• Incandescent: Orange-yellow effect, warm• Fluorescent: Blue-green effect, cold

LightSpotlighting

• Isolation begs attention

• Yields dramatic effect

LightLow Light Conditions

• “Fast” film = grain

• Low shutter speed = blur

• Flash, tripod, steady hand

LightOpen Shutter

• Absolutely need stability• Long exposure, bulb setting

PositioningClose-up

• Zoom lens = expensive• Invasion is… invasive

PositioningDistanced

• Accentuates background

• Minimally invasive

• Subject may be lost

PositioningBird’s-eye View

• Diminish subject size

PositioningSnail’s-eye View

• Magnifies subject

FramingCentered

• Very focused attention

• Minimizes background

FramingOff-centered

• Clips subject• Maximizes Background

GeometryShapes

• Shapes are fun!

GeometryArtificial Patterns

• Create symmetrical frames• Organizes photograph

GeometryNatural Patterns

• Found everywhere

• Reinforces unity or chaos

MotionAction

• Sense of immediacy, speed• Low shutter speed = blur• High shutter speed = freeze

MotionInaction

• Sense of frozen time• Increased color saturation

MotionCombination of Active-Inactive Subjects

• Sparks interest, mood

• Reinforces “frozen” subject

Depth of FieldShallow or small DOF

• Sharp focus of small portion• Ideal for portraits

Depth of FieldLarge DOF

• Near global focus• Ideal for landscapes

Digital EffectsRendering

• Uses digital filters

• Increases dynamics

• May become a crutch

Digital EffectsBlur

• “Clothe” a subject

• Can fabricate small DOF

• Diminish noise, dust, etc.

• Use carefully

Digital EffectsIsolation

• Increases clarity

• Arduous

Digital EffectsColor Manipulation

• Correct composition

• Diversify color strategy

• Enhance the attitude