It doesn’t hurt for any of us to refresh our knowledge of the basics
of photography
from time to time. Here are some reminders from teachers of various courses
over the
years.
Equipment: If you own them, always carry your telephoto or zoom lenses for
photographing details at a distance, and a macro lens for close-up shots.
A tripod
offers stability for long exposures. A UV filter or polarizing filter will
eliminate
ultraviolet rays out of doors.
Film: A slow film, ISO 100 or less, will bring out details and will not appear
grainy
when enlarged. A fast film, ISO 400 or higher, is useful when photographing
in dim
light. It can stop action of rapidly moving wildlife. Medium speed film, ISO
200, is an
all-around film that handles all but the dimmest light, captures fast-moving
objects,
and produces reasonably fine-grained enlargements.
Composition: Focus on one interesting detail and don’t try to capture
everything in
one shot. Try to include people, wildlife, or landmarks in the foreground.
With
people, strive for a relaxed, candid look.
Daytime Photography: To avoid washing out your photos, never shoot at midday.
Shoot in the early morning or evening, when shadows give you more dimension
and
atmosphere. Clouds will also help determine the mood of your photos.
We will provide more helpful tips from time to time if you want them in the
LIGHT.
Getting Past the Basics
(with thanks to Sharon Watson and Spring Creek Communications)
Standard Advice: Use quality lenses, Focus sharply, Don’t
center your subject, Keep horizons straight,
Get closer to your subject, Hold the camera steady, Avoid face shadows
The following suggestions are less obvious, but just as vital. If you apply
even one of them, it will make a
major difference in the quality and impact of your photos.
1. Shoot only in good light. This does not necessarily mean bright
light, evenly dispersed
light, or adequate light. You’ll know this “exceptional glow”
when you see it. It is usually the
low-angle light of early morning or late afternoon, but not necessarily. It
can happen at noon on
a cloudy day with a bit of sun through a slit in the clouds, and all kinds
of other weather (a rainy
day, for instance gives wonderful color saturation).
2. Think before shooting. Don’t settle for the obvious picture.
Try a different angle, a
different lens, move the subject, or place something in the picture with the
subject. Help your
viewers see something they’ve never seen before.
3. Get out there! Great photos don’t just happen. Do it while
you still can. Do it while you
still want to. Do it in “good light”, which may mean getting up
earlier or sitting for a long time
in an uncomfortable site or position.
4. Camouflage yourself. For nature photography, try to dress in seasonal
colors. Creatures
are less alarmed if you blend in, move slowly or not at all, and try to experience
not only the
scenery, but the mood of the place.
5. Shoot more film. There are a multitude of things you must remember
every time you
depress the shutter. The more you shoot, the more these things become second
nature.
6. Buy a new piece of equipment at least once a year. Try a different
film or an
inexpensive filter. Experiment, even with your present equipment.
7. Keep photography on your mind. Read about it. Tear pictures out
of magazines and try
to emulate them. Take a photography class. Share your vision (with other Camera
Club
members, for instance). If you don’t shoot often and think about it often,
you get rusty.
8. Study your own photos. Study what would have made them better. Jot
down things to
remember. Discover your own style and stick with it.
February 25, 2006