which camera?There are a vast array of different types of cameras available.
A good basic camera, that will be suitable for the course, is one that allows you to adjust the aperture and shutter settings. A bridge camera will do this and they are reasonably priced. A DSLR camera will give you the full range of manual settings. Some will give you the option to change the camera lens. Whichever camera you choose the most important thing is that you are familiar with how you can change the controls and settings. |
The Basics
Camera settings, composition and formal elements.
FORMAL ELEMENTS
A good photograph consists of a good composition that shows one or more of the formal elements. A photograph may emphasise line, shape, pattern, texture, tone, light, space and colour in different ways depending on the photographers intentions. |
COMPOSITION
Composition is the way you lay out your photograph. This should be a choice you make not an accident, and it will make the difference between an average photograph and an effective one. |
SHUTTER SPEED
Shutter speed, also known as “exposure time”, stands for the length of time a camera shutter is open to expose light into the camera sensor. A fast shutter speed can help to freeze action. A slow shutter speed can create an effect called “motion blur”, where moving objects appear blurred along the direction of the motion. |
APERTURE
Aperture is a hole within the lens, through which light travels into the camera body. The size of the aperture has a direct impact on the depth of field (D.O.F), which is the area of the image that appears sharp. |
ISO
ISO is the level of sensitivity of your camera to available light. The lower the ISO number, the less sensitive it is to the light, while a higher ISO number increases the sensitivity of your camera. But higher sensitivity comes at an expense – it adds grain or “noise” to the pictures. |