digital photography workshops

Rick Connors BVA, dipVA, Grad dipVET

PhotographerFilmmakerTeacherCCD Artist

Art is not what you see, but what you make others see

Edgar Degas

Affinity

Affinity

Rule of thirds

Buttons on your

camera?

Automatic: This is usually the default setting for most digital cameras. The icon on your camera may read as "AUTO." This one automatically sets the camera's flash and focus by using the normal, average exposure settings. This can be used for normal picture taking, but if you want some special effects added to your pictures, keep reading.

Close Up: This mode should be used for any pictures you're taking from approximately two feet away or closer. If you really want to narrow in on a subject, use this one. Also, keep in mind that the flash probably won't automatically come on with this mode, so you'll have to set it manually yourself.

Landscape: This one is used for any pictures you're taking of distant subjects. Also, the flash should not be on for these types of pictures. The landscape mode is also sometimes indicated by an 8 symbol.

Sport Mode: If you take a lot of pictures of moving objects, this is the mode you'll want to use. It sets the shutter speed on your camera to its fastest mark so you can catch the subjects in motion. For these types of pictures, you should just use the flash as needed.

Night Mode: This mode is obviously used for pictures you take at night or for any low-light conditions. It uses a slow shutter speed and it may also use the flash automatically. The icons for this one may be a little different from camera to camera. Another one that is commonly used is a backlight mode that has a fill flash picture. This mode also helps with shadowed objects.

Portrait Mode: This one is used mostly for faces of people. It helps to blur out the background so you can focus in more on a person's face. It is used well with the red eye reduction mode, for a full effect, as well.

Video Mode: Want to make videos with your digital camera? Then set your dial on this one. You can shoot short video clips with this mode.

Image Stabilization: If you're known to have shaky hands when you're taking pictures, use this mode. It helps to stabilize your camera so the image won't come out all blurry.

Manual Mode: This is also a very common mode to use. It will give you complete control over your camera's aperture and shutter speed, so it's very helpful.

Aperture-Priority Mode: With this one, you can manually set your camera's aperture setting (which is the diameter of the lens), while your camera controls the shutter speed for you.

Shutter-Priority Mode: This one is just the opposite of the one above. With it, you can manually determine the shutter speed, while your camera controls the aperture.

ISO settings available light vs too much noise

1.Light - Is the subject well lit?

2.Grain - Do I want a grainy shot or one without noise?

3.Tripod - Am I use a tripod?

4.Moving Subject - Is my subject moving or stationary?

What to think about whenchoosing your camera’sISO setting

ISO settings

ISO 100 ISO 3200

Ultra compact digital cameras

Ultra compact digital cameras are capable of taking quality images. They are very small, lightweight, easy to use and convenient to carry.

Some models have fewer features than compact cameras, such as manual controls and a viewfinder. Buttons and dials are small though usually work well. Moderate to high priced.

Compact digital cameras

Consumer-level digital cameras are compact, lightweight and great for point-and-shoot photo-taking. They have fully automatic and scene modes; some have semi-automatic and manual controls. All but the cheapest provide very good image quality. Low to moderately priced, depending on features.

Advanced digital cameras

“Prosumer” digital cameras are geared to advanced amateurs with skill levels between a professional and consumer. They sport high quality lenses and advanced features for creative control. Some have long telephoto zooms lenses while others start at wide angle.

A few have a zoom range from wide to super telephoto. Most advanced digital cameras accept accessories and add-ons including converter lenses, filters, remote controls and external flashes. Moderate to high priced. All-in-one digital camera with professional grade sensorAll-in-one digital still camera with a professional-grade, APS-class image sensor. It provides a live preview while taking photos. High priced.

Micro Four Thirds cameras

Introduced in 2008, Micro Four Thirds are digital single lens reflex-like camera. Unlike traditional SLRs and DSLRs, they have no reflex mirrors and optical viewfinders. Micro Four Thirds cameras have large sensors like a DSLR and take interchangeable lenses. They are smaller and thinner than most DSLRs.

Digital single lens reflex cameras

DSL R cameras, used by professionals and photo enthusiasts, are top-of-the-line. They have outstanding optics, produce high resolution images and accept interchangeable lenses and sophisticated accessories.

They perform much better in low light than consumer cameras that have small sensors. DSLRs function automatically but also have a full range of manual controls. You can buy only a DSLR body, and purchase lenses separately.

The price of professional level lenses can be jaw-dropping. Models include entry level, semi-pro and pro. High priced to extremely expensive.

Lens and depth of

field

The world's deepest swimming pool (108 feet) resides in Brussels, Belgium and serves as "multi-purpose diving instruction, recreational, and film production facility."

24mm 50mm 100mm

200mm 400mm 800mm

Camera lenses

17mm28mm50mm

400mm 200mm 100mm

depthwith variouslenses

Lenses from 400mm to 17mm were used. Gremlin size was kept the same by moving closer to subject. F5.6 was used in every shot. Perspective changes dramaticaly.

DepthofField

f11f8.0f4.02.8

the larger the f-stop number the more ‘depth’ will appear in your image

Shutter speed

What is shutter speed ? The aperture diaphragm of a lens (bigger or smaller values) AND timing (open and close) of the camera's shutter curtain - BOTH perform the tasks of regulating the amount of light entering the camera and expose onto the film

A slow shutter speed was used to make the background

blurred panning along with the cyclist.

1/15 second

on the left a fast shutter speed freezing the water movement

on the right a slow shutter speed deliberately blurring the water

1/125 second 1/8 second

A slow shutter speed was used to make the

car headlights blur and the cars disappear

4 second exposure

A slow shutter speed and camera movement creates extra blur

1/15 second

A slow shutter speed and zooming your lens creates a more abstract image

1/8 second

A fast shutter speed captures action

1/3000 second

A fast shutter speed captures action

1/6000 second

A fast shutter speed freezes

1/2000 second

A fast shutter speed freezes time

1/12000 second

Reading light

begin to read the light around you. Look at highlights, mid tones and shadows of your subjects

natural light

window

subject

camera

natural light

building wall

subject

camera

natural light

window

subject

camera

Flash photography

using flash can give your images a more dramatic look. It can also give you the option to take photos in low light conditions with excellent results

flashes for cameras

red eye

how to remove red eye

natural light& flash

window

subject

camera

wall

natural light& flash

subject

camera

natural light& flash

subject

window

wall

natural light& flash

subject

flash

resources andcontact details

http://web.mac.com/rickspicks

rickconnors@me.com

M 0409 507987

NING - social networking

http://digitalphotographyworkshops.ning.com/