Photography 101
Well, I’m going to take the time to outline some stuff here that is relevant to photography, and hopefully you guys can understand it and apply it to your pictures if you haven’t already…
The Basics
What is SLR?
SLR means “single lens reflex.” The main thing to understand here is that whatever you are seeing through the viewfinder is how it will appear on your prints/negs/etc. There is no shutter delay, as one may find in digital P&S (point and shoot).
What is DSLR?
DSLR simply stands for “digital single lens reflex.” Same principle as SLR.
What is ISO?
ISO is your film speed. ISO is the measurement of your image sensor’s sensitivity. The higher the ISO, the more sensitive the sensor becomes to light. The higher your ISO goes, more light is exposed to the film or digital sensor. You may also find this listed as DIN or ASA.
What is shutter speed?
Shutter speed is the speed that your camera’s shutter opens and closes. The higher the shutter speed is (ex: 1/500th) gives you a better chance of capturing faster moving subjects better. In lower shutter speeds (ex: 1/30th) you’ll have more motion blur from faster moving subjects.
What is aperture?
Aperture controls how much light is available to your sensor. The lower the aperture, the more light. Most cameras/lenses can go down to around f1.7. Shooting at your lowest aperture is also known as shooting “wide open.” The higher the aperture (ex: f22), less light is admitted to the sensor. You have to balance the aperture and the shutter speed to get a well balanced exposure.
Simple Techniques
Rule of Thirds:
The rule of thirds is a simple “rule” of photography to follow for better pictures. You don’t have to use it but keep it in mind when shooting. Imagine your VF (view finder) is split into a grid with three rows and three columns of white lines. It is your job, as a good photographer, to make sure your most interesting subject is where the lines intersect. For a portrait, its the eyes, for a skate shot, its the skater, for a bowl of fruit, its the paticular fruit you want to catch peoples eyes.
ex:
Notice how the skater is framed in the top left instead of in the middle. It makes it more interesting, but that doesn’t mean you can’t shoot centered. This is just a tip to follow.
Leading Lines:
Placing natural lines in your picture coming from the sides or corners of your photo lets the viewer’s eyes move along the lines to your main subject. It makes your pictures a whole lot easier to look at and makes your viewer more interested in your photograph.
ex:
In my shot here, most people’s eyes will follow the road from the corner to the middle of the image, where they are left to explore the sky and mountains.
Contrast:
Playing with shadows and the contrast between light and dark in an image can make it better. Play heavy on shadows or dark objects to accentuate a properly lit subject.
ex:
As you see here, I totally used the sun in the back as backlight, used a higher aperture (f8), and a high shutter speed (1/640th) to eliminate definition in the people and make them silhouettes.
Off Camera Lighting
What is a hot shoe?
No, it’s not warm Nike’s! A hot shoe is a mount on top of most SLR and DSLR cameras that gives you an electrical connection between the shoe and your shutter. This can be used for external flashes and slaves.
What is a slave?
A slave is a transmitter and receiver unit that allows you to use your flashes off camera. You will see this in many skate shots. The transmitter goes into your shoe, and the receiver plugs into your flash. Cheaper slaves (eBay or Cactus Slaves) go for around 30 dollars for the whole setup, whereas Pocket Wizards go for around $200. Why so high you ask? Pocket Wizards never fail to transmit, unlike cheaper ones that will missfire every 35 shots or so.
ex:
The photographer here placed a flash unit on a slave on the right side of the image (you can’t see the flash) to illuminate that side of the image, or where the skater is tricking to.
credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/era145/1358264512/
That is it for now, if you have any questions I’ll be glad to help you and add to the guide.
Happy photographing!
-Lee
