Shaun PerryGrey Highlands Secondary

Digital Photography BasicsThe Art of PhotographyHands-On

Digital vs. Film

Advantages Disadvantages

Instant gratification Initial cost

Instant retake opportunity

Knowledge

Easy duplication and sharing

Supporting hardware (computer, software, printer)

Most of the current small 5MP digital cameras use 1/1.8" sensors which are about 7mm x 5mm

The bottom line is that, for a given pixel count, the larger the sensor (and hence the larger the area of the individual pixels) the better the image quality and the lower the noise level

Pixel= picture (pix) element (els)

Megapixel= a million pixelsA pixel is essentially “a dot”Generally the more “dots” the

better the qualityAkin to “dpi”(dots per inch)

which is a term used in printing

Never buy a camera with less than 5Mp

5MP=2000x2500 pixels=8x10 printsHowever, megapixels alone do not

insure a good quality photoLenses, ISO sensitivity, flash,

upgradability, battery endurance all play major roles

Resolution=quality of imageDegree of sharpness of an image

displayed The higher the resolution, the higher

the number of pixelsThe higher the resolution the larger

the image file

Forms of compression (using mathematical equations)

Jpg uses tricks in human colour perception to “squash” like colours together (95% of photos taken/stored are JPGs)

TIFFs offer better image quality The higher the compression=smaller

file=lower quality of image RAW is uncompressed image data (huge

files…popular with DSLR users)

ISO=sensitivity to light (most film based cameras use ISO 400 film). Basic rule, the lower the ISO the better the colour reproduction/detail, the higher the ISO the more responsive to light

Aperture= The aperture of a lens is the diameter of the lens opening and is usually controlled by an iris

The larger the diameter of the aperture, the more light reaches the film / image sensor (measured in F-stops)

The larger the aperture=more light allowed in Aperture works hand in hand with shutter speed (a good digital

camera allows you a large range of F stops (F 1.8 to F16 would be ideal)

Changing the aperture also allows you to change your depth of field

Light, light, and more light Focus means everything (the better

the photo you bring back to be “edited” the better your result will be)

Rule of Thirds/Leading Lines/Fill the Frame/Point of View are all good techniques to follow

A camera’s ISO rating is a good indicator of it’s sensitivity to light

The higher the ISO (some digital cameras will allow a setting of 3200) means more sensitivity

Cavet, as sensitivity to light goes up so does “artifacting” and noise

Light is the most important element in taking “good” pictures

Understanding the role of light and shadows and how cameras focus will make for better pics

The internal flashes in most digital cameras will not work with subjects beyond 8 feet (they also tend to wash out most subjects that are too close)

In your mind, divide the frame into thirds, both horizontally and vertically (think tic-tac-toe)

Most important part of your pic (center of interest) at one of the four places the lines cross

Action should appear to be moving to the center

Horizon lines should be on the horizontal dividing lines

Can be almost anything (road, path, sidewalk, fence, river, hedge, etc)

You won’t find them in every photo opportunity, but if they are there, take advantage of them

Shadows may hamper the time of day @ which these type of photos can be taken

Start your leading line in the corner of your picture

Always move in close enough that your subject fills the viewfinder (remember on most digital cameras you only see 85-95% of the actual image in the viewfinder)

If you are showing people doing something, be sure that you are close enough to see what they are doing

There is no law that says all pictures have to be taken from eye level.

Different angles change the story of the picture, and can produce some spectacular results

You can avoid cluttered or ugly backgrounds by looking up at people (with trees or blue sky as your background)

Pictures of small children or pets are alwa

Feel free to experiment and get off the “auto” settings :-)

Most digital cameras have predefined shooting modes (which auto set ISO/Aperture and Shutter Speed for different shooting situations)

Often a camera icon (or a green box, or the word “auto”). Most popular usually “fail safe” setting. Produces less spectacular pictures.

Portrait setting for close to medium distances. Can produce spectacular shots where the depth of field is shallow, thus having the person in focus and the background blurry.

Night Portrait Mode is useful for low light situations where the subject is close to the camera.

Macro Mode is useful when taking pictures that are very close to the camera. It is best to use a tripod with this setting.

Landscape Mode is often used for long distances. Only use this setting when there is plenty of natural light.

The Action Setting optimizes the ISO, Aperture and Shutter speed to “freeze action”. The detail is not very high in this setting. Tripod is recommended.

Aperture Priority In this mode you as the photographer sets the aperture that you wish to use and the camera makes a decision about what shutter speed is appropriate in the conditions that you’re shooting in.

Shutter Priority (time value) In this mode you as the photographer choose the shutter speed that you wish to shoot at and let the camera make a decision about what aperture to select to give a well exposed shot.

Manual In this mode you control both the aperture and the shutter speed. This gives you the most control, but should be reserved for advanced photographers.

Questions?Digital Scavenger Hunt (in groups)Prizes? Did some one say prizes?

shaun_perry@bwdsb.on.ca