The Basics of Digital PhotographyThe Basics of Digital Photography

Ken SmithKen Smithken@quietheart.comken@quietheart.comwww.quietheart.comwww.quietheart.com

ObjectivesObjectives

Understand the “Exposure Triangle” - how your Understand the “Exposure Triangle” - how your camera uses aperture, shutter speed, and ISO camera uses aperture, shutter speed, and ISO setting to calculate exposuresetting to calculate exposureSet aperture, shutter speed and ISO yourself given Set aperture, shutter speed and ISO yourself given a particular photographic situationa particular photographic situationUse your histogram to ensure good exposureUse your histogram to ensure good exposureLearn what White Balance is and how to set it Learn what White Balance is and how to set it yourselfyourselfApply the techniques of good compositionApply the techniques of good composition

Promise and Pitfalls of Digital ImagingPromise and Pitfalls of Digital Imaging

Digital imaging and image editing software like Digital imaging and image editing software like Photoshop allows you to perform everything from Photoshop allows you to perform everything from minor fixes to minor miracles, but…minor fixes to minor miracles, but…Some mistakes can’t be fixedSome mistakes can’t be fixedWho wants to spend more time behind a computer?Who wants to spend more time behind a computer?The more The more carecare you take behind the you take behind the cameracamera, the , the less less timetime you have to spend behind the you have to spend behind the computercomputer, , and the more great images you’ll makeand the more great images you’ll make

What Is “Exposure”?What Is “Exposure”?

Defined as the amount of light allowed to act on a Defined as the amount of light allowed to act on a photographic medium (digital sensor or film)photographic medium (digital sensor or film)Most objects in the world (trees, rocks, sky, people) reflect Most objects in the world (trees, rocks, sky, people) reflect back an average of 18% of the light that falls on themback an average of 18% of the light that falls on themYour camera takes a light meter reading and attempts to Your camera takes a light meter reading and attempts to render everything it sees as 18% grayrender everything it sees as 18% grayThis standard is known as “proper exposure” This standard is known as “proper exposure” All cameras and manufacturers use this standardAll cameras and manufacturers use this standard1/125 at f/16 at ISO 100 gives the same exposure whether 1/125 at f/16 at ISO 100 gives the same exposure whether you’re using a Canon, Nikon, Sony, or any other brandyou’re using a Canon, Nikon, Sony, or any other brand

The Exposure TriangleThe Exposure Triangle

ISO SettingISO Setting

The base of the Exposure The base of the Exposure TriangleTriangleDirectly influences Directly influences available apertures and available apertures and shutter speedsshutter speedsGenerally not changed as Generally not changed as often as aperture and often as aperture and shutter speedshutter speed

What ISO Numbers MeanWhat ISO Numbers Mean

A holdover from film ratingsA holdover from film ratingsLower ISO settings (50, 64, 100, 200) gather Lower ISO settings (50, 64, 100, 200) gather lessless light over a given interval of timelight over a given interval of timeHigher ISO settings (400, 800, 1600) gather Higher ISO settings (400, 800, 1600) gather moremore light over a given interval of timelight over a given interval of timeEach ISO setting represents a doubling of the Each ISO setting represents a doubling of the amount of light gathered. ISO 200 gathers twice as amount of light gathered. ISO 200 gathers twice as much light as ISO 100, ISO 400 gathers 4x as muchmuch light as ISO 100, ISO 400 gathers 4x as much

Relationship to Aperture & Shutter SpeedRelationship to Aperture & Shutter Speed

Keeping your aperture constant, a Keeping your aperture constant, a 1/301/30 second second exposure at exposure at ISO 100ISO 100 would require only would require only 1/601/60 of a of a second (half the time) at second (half the time) at ISO 200ISO 200

Keeping your shutter speed constant, an exposure Keeping your shutter speed constant, an exposure requiring an aperture setting of requiring an aperture setting of f/4f/4 at at ISO 100ISO 100 would would require a setting of f/5.6 (letting in half the light) at require a setting of f/5.6 (letting in half the light) at ISO 200ISO 200

Which ISO Setting to Use?Which ISO Setting to Use?

Use Use lowerlower ISO (100, 200) settings in ISO (100, 200) settings in bright lightbright light (outdoors), or when freezing action is not necessary(outdoors), or when freezing action is not necessaryUse Use higherhigher ISO settings (400, 800, 1600) in ISO settings (400, 800, 1600) in low low lightlight or to freeze action in bright light or to freeze action in bright lightISO 800 and 1600 can be used to shoot indoors ISO 800 and 1600 can be used to shoot indoors without flashwithout flash

Use Use LowestLowest ISO Setting Possible ISO Setting Possible

Higher ISO settings will increase “digital noise”Higher ISO settings will increase “digital noise”Problem is especially bad with smaller sensorsProblem is especially bad with smaller sensorsMay not be noticeable in 4x6 snapshots, but will be May not be noticeable in 4x6 snapshots, but will be very noticeable if you want to make an enlargementvery noticeable if you want to make an enlargementSoftware can reduce noise, but the image will not Software can reduce noise, but the image will not be as sharp and detailedbe as sharp and detailedPoint and shoot and other digital cameras default to Point and shoot and other digital cameras default to lowest possible ISO in automatic (program) modelowest possible ISO in automatic (program) mode

Very Low Noise at ISO 100Very Low Noise at ISO 100

at 100% magnification

Digital Noise at ISO 800Digital Noise at ISO 800

at 100% magnification

Larger Sensors Can Reduce Noise Larger Sensors Can Reduce Noise (ISO 800)(ISO 800)

at 100% magnification

ApertureAperture

Controls amount of light Controls amount of light gathered by the sensorgathered by the sensorAlso can be used Also can be used creatively to control creatively to control Depth Depth of Field of Field or or Zone of Zone of SharpnessSharpness

Aperture Expressed as F-StopsAperture Expressed as F-Stops

An F-stop is the ratio of the aperture An F-stop is the ratio of the aperture diameterdiameter of a of a lens to its lens to its focal lengthfocal length (f = Aperture/Focal Length) (f = Aperture/Focal Length)A 50mm lens at A 50mm lens at f/4f/4 has an opening of has an opening of 12.512.5mm mm (12.5/50 = ¼)(12.5/50 = ¼)A 50mm lens at A 50mm lens at f/22f/22 has an opening of has an opening of 2.272.27mm mm (2.27/50 = 1/22)(2.27/50 = 1/22)

This is why F-stop numbers get This is why F-stop numbers get BIGGERBIGGER as the as the aperture gets aperture gets smallersmaller

What Do Those F-Stop Numbers Mean?What Do Those F-Stop Numbers Mean?

Each standard F-Stop number represents a halving Each standard F-Stop number represents a halving or doubling of the size of the aperture, thus halving or doubling of the size of the aperture, thus halving or doubling the amount of light allowed to enteror doubling the amount of light allowed to enterThe standard F-stop scale is f/1.4, f/2, f/2.8, f/4, The standard F-stop scale is f/1.4, f/2, f/2.8, f/4, f/5.6, f/8, f/11, f/16, f/22f/5.6, f/8, f/11, f/16, f/22Most digital cameras now offer increments of one Most digital cameras now offer increments of one half or one third of a stop for more precise half or one third of a stop for more precise exposure: f/2.8, f/3.2, f/3.5, f/4, f/4.5, f/5, f/5.6, etc.exposure: f/2.8, f/3.2, f/3.5, f/4, f/4.5, f/5, f/5.6, etc.

Why Change Your Aperture?Why Change Your Aperture?

The size of your aperture doesn’t just control the amount of The size of your aperture doesn’t just control the amount of light entering – it also determines the range of distances light entering – it also determines the range of distances that are in sharp focusthat are in sharp focusThis range of distances is called This range of distances is called Depth of Field Depth of Field oror Zone of Zone of SharpnessSharpness

Modifying Zone of Sharpness gives you creative control Modifying Zone of Sharpness gives you creative control over how much of the scene is in focusover how much of the scene is in focusMost pros shoot in Aperture Priority mode – they pick the Most pros shoot in Aperture Priority mode – they pick the aperture and the camera selects the shutter speedaperture and the camera selects the shutter speed

Shallow Zone of SharpnessShallow Zone of Sharpness

Wide apertures (f/2, f/2.8, f/4) generally provide Wide apertures (f/2, f/2.8, f/4) generally provide shallow zone of sharpnessshallow zone of sharpnessLess of the area in front of and behind your subject Less of the area in front of and behind your subject is in focus is in focus Use wide apertures for shallow zone of sharpness Use wide apertures for shallow zone of sharpness when you want your subject to stand out from the when you want your subject to stand out from the backgroundbackgroundUse when shooting portraitsUse when shooting portraits

Deeper Zone of SharpnessDeeper Zone of Sharpness

Smaller apertures (f/8, f/11, f/16, f/22) generally Smaller apertures (f/8, f/11, f/16, f/22) generally provide deeper zone of sharpnessprovide deeper zone of sharpnessMore of the area in front of and behind your subject More of the area in front of and behind your subject is in focus is in focus Use smaller apertures for deeper zone of Use smaller apertures for deeper zone of sharpness for landscapes or scenes where you sharpness for landscapes or scenes where you want most of the scene in sharp focuswant most of the scene in sharp focus

Other Factors Influencing Zone of Other Factors Influencing Zone of SharpnessSharpness

Wide angle lenses (or zoom lenses at their wider Wide angle lenses (or zoom lenses at their wider range) provide deeper zone of sharpnessrange) provide deeper zone of sharpnessTelephoto lenses (or zoom lenses at their telephoto Telephoto lenses (or zoom lenses at their telephoto range) tend to provide a more shallow zone of range) tend to provide a more shallow zone of sharpnesssharpnessThe further away your subject is, the greater your The further away your subject is, the greater your zone of sharpness. A subject 20 feet away will zone of sharpness. A subject 20 feet away will generally have a greater zone of sharpness than a generally have a greater zone of sharpness than a subject 3 feet awaysubject 3 feet away

Shutter SpeedShutter Speed

The final component of The final component of exposureexposureShutter speed determines Shutter speed determines how long the sensor is how long the sensor is exposed to the light exposed to the light coming off of your subjectcoming off of your subjectAllows creative control by Allows creative control by stopping or blurring motionstopping or blurring motion

Shutter Speed RangesShutter Speed Ranges

Most digital cameras (even point and shoot models) feature Most digital cameras (even point and shoot models) feature shutter speeds from 1 / 2000 of a second (or faster) to 30 shutter speeds from 1 / 2000 of a second (or faster) to 30 secondssecondsLike ISO numbers and F-stops, each standard shutter Like ISO numbers and F-stops, each standard shutter speed (1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, etc) represents a speed (1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, etc) represents a halving or doubling of the time the shutter is openhalving or doubling of the time the shutter is openLike F-stops, most digital cameras now offer shutter speed Like F-stops, most digital cameras now offer shutter speed increments of one half or one third of a stop (1/15, 1/20, increments of one half or one third of a stop (1/15, 1/20, 1/25, 1/30, 1/40, 1/50, 1/60, etc.)1/25, 1/30, 1/40, 1/50, 1/60, etc.)

Holding it SteadyHolding it Steady

Hand-holding (least stable)Hand-holding (least stable)Image Stabilizing (IS) technology (more stable)Image Stabilizing (IS) technology (more stable)Tripod (most stable)Tripod (most stable)Hand hold your camera if your shutter speed is Hand hold your camera if your shutter speed is fasterfaster than than the the reciprocalreciprocal of your of your focal lengthfocal lengthFor 50mm, handhold up to 1/50 second; for 200mm For 50mm, handhold up to 1/50 second; for 200mm (telephoto), up to 1/200 second; for 28mm (wide angle), up (telephoto), up to 1/200 second; for 28mm (wide angle), up to 1/30 secondto 1/30 secondMost digital cameras warn you when shutter speed is too Most digital cameras warn you when shutter speed is too long to hand hold without blurringlong to hand hold without blurring

Image StabilizationImage Stabilization

Many cameras and lenses now feature technology to Many cameras and lenses now feature technology to counteract the natural shake of the human hand (Image counteract the natural shake of the human hand (Image Stabilization, Anti-Shake, Vibration Reduction are some of Stabilization, Anti-Shake, Vibration Reduction are some of the names manufactures use for this technology)the names manufactures use for this technology)This technology will allow you to take longer exposures This technology will allow you to take longer exposures while still hand holdingwhile still hand holdingBest bet in low light is a tripod (turn off IS)Best bet in low light is a tripod (turn off IS)For the ultimate in stability, use your 10 second self timer to For the ultimate in stability, use your 10 second self timer to allow the vibration of the tripod to die down before you allow the vibration of the tripod to die down before you shoot. Use this for really long exposuresshoot. Use this for really long exposures

Building the Exposure TriangleBuilding the Exposure Triangle

ISO Setting, Aperture and ISO Setting, Aperture and Shutter Speed work Shutter Speed work together to create proper together to create proper exposureexposureChanging any one of these Changing any one of these elements requires a elements requires a change to at least one change to at least one other element to maintain other element to maintain proper exposureproper exposure

Varying the Exposure TriangleVarying the Exposure Triangle

The same scene with the same lighting can be shot The same scene with the same lighting can be shot many different waysmany different ways At 1/125 sec at f/8 at ISO 100At 1/125 sec at f/8 at ISO 100 At 1/15 sec at f/22 at ISO 100 (greater zone of At 1/15 sec at f/22 at ISO 100 (greater zone of

sharpness)sharpness) At 1/1000 sec at f/2.8 at ISO 100 (freeze fast action)At 1/1000 sec at f/2.8 at ISO 100 (freeze fast action) At 1/1000 sec at f/8 at ISO 800 (freeze action, greater At 1/1000 sec at f/8 at ISO 800 (freeze action, greater

zone of sharpness)zone of sharpness) All depends on your goal in photographing that sceneAll depends on your goal in photographing that scene

Get Beyond Program (P) Mode!Get Beyond Program (P) Mode!

Shoot in Aperture Priority – you select the aperture, Shoot in Aperture Priority – you select the aperture, the camera calculates the correct shutter speedthe camera calculates the correct shutter speedUse this to control depth of fieldUse this to control depth of fieldShoot in Shutter Priority – you pick a shutter speed, Shoot in Shutter Priority – you pick a shutter speed, the camera selects the correct aperturethe camera selects the correct apertureUse when freezing or blurring motion is your main Use when freezing or blurring motion is your main concernconcernUse shutter priority to pick a shutter speed fast Use shutter priority to pick a shutter speed fast enough for hand-holdingenough for hand-holding

Scene ModesScene Modes

If you can’t control aperture or shutter speed If you can’t control aperture or shutter speed directly, most point and shoot cameras offer scene directly, most point and shoot cameras offer scene modes (also available on advanced cameras and modes (also available on advanced cameras and even SLRs)even SLRs)Scene modes optimize the three factors of the Scene modes optimize the three factors of the Exposure Triangle – aperture, shutter speed, and Exposure Triangle – aperture, shutter speed, and ISO – for a particular shooting situationISO – for a particular shooting situation

Portrait ModePortrait Mode

Selects wide aperture to Selects wide aperture to minimize zone of minimize zone of sharpnesssharpnessMakes sharp subject stand Makes sharp subject stand out from blurred out from blurred backgroundbackgroundWorks best on single Works best on single subject (person, pet, subject (person, pet, flower, etc.)flower, etc.)

Macro ModeMacro Mode

Adjusts focusing distance Adjusts focusing distance and lets you move closer and lets you move closer into your subject into your subject Generally wide aperture for Generally wide aperture for narrow zone of sharpnessnarrow zone of sharpness

Landscape ModeLandscape Mode

Opposite of Portrait mode, Opposite of Portrait mode, selects small aperture for selects small aperture for wide zone of sharpnesswide zone of sharpnessUse for wide scenes with Use for wide scenes with more than one point of more than one point of interest at different interest at different distancesdistances

Sports/Action ModeSports/Action Mode

Selects faster shutter Selects faster shutter speeds to freeze actionspeeds to freeze actionUsually selects wider Usually selects wider apertures and higher ISO apertures and higher ISO to compensate for faster to compensate for faster shutter speedshutter speedUse any time you have a Use any time you have a moving subjectmoving subject

Night ModeNight Mode

Uses a combination of Uses a combination of flash and slow shutter flash and slow shutter speed to equally expose speed to equally expose subject and backgroundsubject and backgroundUse a tripod for a sharp Use a tripod for a sharp backgroundbackgroundHand-holding can lead to Hand-holding can lead to some creative effectssome creative effects

HistogramsHistograms

Histograms can help ensure you’ve achieved a Histograms can help ensure you’ve achieved a good exposuregood exposureHistograms show the relative distribution of dark Histograms show the relative distribution of dark and light tones throughout an imageand light tones throughout an imageA well-exposed scene generally shows a smooth A well-exposed scene generally shows a smooth distribution of tones without bunching up toward the distribution of tones without bunching up toward the dark end or light end of the scaledark end or light end of the scale

Well-Exposed ImageWell-Exposed Image

Over-Exposed ImageOver-Exposed Image

Indicating by clipping on right end of histogram Indicating by clipping on right end of histogram (highlights)(highlights)Detail in highlights has been lost; highlights are Detail in highlights has been lost; highlights are “blown out”“blown out”You can adjust overall brightness and contrast in You can adjust overall brightness and contrast in your image editing software, but you can’t put back your image editing software, but you can’t put back missing detailmissing detail

Over-Exposed ImageOver-Exposed Image

Under Exposed ImageUnder Exposed Image

Indicated by clipping at left end of histogram Indicated by clipping at left end of histogram (shadows)(shadows)Detail in shadows has been lost; shadows are Detail in shadows has been lost; shadows are “blocked up”“blocked up”Again, you can make the image brighter in your Again, you can make the image brighter in your image editing software, but you can’t put back image editing software, but you can’t put back missing shadow detailmissing shadow detail

Under-Exposed ImageUnder-Exposed Image

Fixing Exposure ProblemsFixing Exposure Problems

Use your camera’s Automatic Exposure Lock (AE) Use your camera’s Automatic Exposure Lock (AE) button:button: Focus on a lighter or darker portion of the scene Focus on a lighter or darker portion of the scene

(depending on whether your problem is under-exposure (depending on whether your problem is under-exposure or over-exposure) or over-exposure)

Depress your shutter halfway Depress your shutter halfway oror press the Automatic press the Automatic Exposure Lock (AE) button to lock exposureExposure Lock (AE) button to lock exposure

Recompose image and fireRecompose image and fire

Fixing Exposure Problems, Fixing Exposure Problems, continuedcontinued

Use your camera’s Exposure Compensation controlUse your camera’s Exposure Compensation controlSometimes indicated as AV or EV button or dialSometimes indicated as AV or EV button or dialAllows you to vary exposure usually by +/- 2 stops Allows you to vary exposure usually by +/- 2 stops from what camera indicates in one third stop from what camera indicates in one third stop incrementsincrements

Hard to Expose ScenesHard to Expose Scenes

High contrast scenes with dark shadows and bright High contrast scenes with dark shadows and bright highlights may be difficult for your camera to highlights may be difficult for your camera to capture accuratelycapture accuratelyThe dynamic range of the human eye is about 17 The dynamic range of the human eye is about 17 stops or 250,000 to 1stops or 250,000 to 1High end digital cameras can only record a dynamic High end digital cameras can only record a dynamic range of up to 10 stops or 1,000 to 1range of up to 10 stops or 1,000 to 1Digital cameras can’t “see” the same dynamic Digital cameras can’t “see” the same dynamic range we dorange we do

Handling High Contrast ScenesHandling High Contrast Scenes

Recompose to minimize the bright highlights or deep Recompose to minimize the bright highlights or deep shadowsshadowsUse your flash to even out the illumination and fill in the Use your flash to even out the illumination and fill in the shadowsshadowsShoot in RAW mode (which captures widest dynamic Shoot in RAW mode (which captures widest dynamic range) process for shadows and then for highlights, and range) process for shadows and then for highlights, and combine both versions in your image editing softwarecombine both versions in your image editing softwareShoot two exposures (use a tripod) – one for shadows, one Shoot two exposures (use a tripod) – one for shadows, one for highlights - and combine using your image editing for highlights - and combine using your image editing softwaresoftware

Light Has a Color TemperatureLight Has a Color Temperature

The color temperature of The color temperature of light is expressed in light is expressed in degrees Kelvin (K)degrees Kelvin (K)Light under shade and Light under shade and clouds tends to be blueclouds tends to be blueSunlight & Flash are nearly Sunlight & Flash are nearly pure whitepure whiteIncandescent light and the Incandescent light and the light at sunrise & sunset light at sunrise & sunset tends to be orangetends to be orange

White BalanceWhite Balance

Your camera’s white balance compensates for the Your camera’s white balance compensates for the light’s color temperature by shifting all colors in the light’s color temperature by shifting all colors in the opposite directionopposite directionAuto White Balance (AWB) does a good job, but Auto White Balance (AWB) does a good job, but your camera’s presets give more natural resultsyour camera’s presets give more natural resultsAWB neutralizes the color temperature of the AWB neutralizes the color temperature of the ambient light and can lead to dull colorambient light and can lead to dull colorPresets usually include sunlight, shade, cloudy, Presets usually include sunlight, shade, cloudy, tungsten (incandescent) and florescenttungsten (incandescent) and florescent

White Balance, White Balance, continuedcontinued

Many cameras give you the ability to set a custom white Many cameras give you the ability to set a custom white balance, but you’ll probably never have tobalance, but you’ll probably never have toNEVER use AWB when shooting a sunrise or sunset if you NEVER use AWB when shooting a sunrise or sunset if you want to preserve the rich colorwant to preserve the rich colorScene modes in point and shoots often set WB. Some Scene modes in point and shoots often set WB. Some models include a Sunset mode to preserve the colormodels include a Sunset mode to preserve the colorExperiment with special effects by using the “wrong” Experiment with special effects by using the “wrong” presets (e.g., shooting a snow scene in incandescent mode presets (e.g., shooting a snow scene in incandescent mode to make the snow a cool blue)to make the snow a cool blue)

Image File FormatsImage File Formats

Most cameras give two options – RAW and JPEGMost cameras give two options – RAW and JPEGSome also offer TIFF formatSome also offer TIFF formatNew format called DNG (Digital Negative)New format called DNG (Digital Negative)Which format to use depends on:Which format to use depends on: How much processing you want to do to the imageHow much processing you want to do to the image Which software you use to edit your imagesWhich software you use to edit your images How much storage space you have in your memory cardHow much storage space you have in your memory card

JPEG FormatJPEG Format

Camera software converts raw data, making color Camera software converts raw data, making color and exposure decisionsand exposure decisionsSmaller files – you can fit more on your memory Smaller files – you can fit more on your memory cardcardFormat recognized by many different programs and Format recognized by many different programs and can be easily distributedcan be easily distributedCompression is “lossy” – data is permanently Compression is “lossy” – data is permanently removed when a JPEG is saved and resavedremoved when a JPEG is saved and resaved

RAW FormatRAW Format

Like a digital “negative” RAW files contain maximum Like a digital “negative” RAW files contain maximum amount of data. You can change exposure settings amount of data. You can change exposure settings and white balance after taking the shotand white balance after taking the shotRequires proprietary software or a plug-in to process Requires proprietary software or a plug-in to process (though newer software supports RAW)(though newer software supports RAW)Larger than JPEG – you can’t fit as many on a Larger than JPEG – you can’t fit as many on a memory cardmemory cardMust be converted to JPEG or another format before Must be converted to JPEG or another format before you can distributeyou can distribute

RAW + JPEG ModeRAW + JPEG Mode

Many cameras now offer the option to shoot a RAW Many cameras now offer the option to shoot a RAW file and JPEG at the same timefile and JPEG at the same timeThis gives you the convenience of a JPEG but with This gives you the convenience of a JPEG but with all the data of the RAW file should you need to all the data of the RAW file should you need to adjust exposure and white balanceadjust exposure and white balanceTakes up more room, but memory cards have Takes up more room, but memory cards have gotten inexpensive (2 GB sell for under $50)gotten inexpensive (2 GB sell for under $50)

Digital Negative (DNG)Digital Negative (DNG)

Problem with RAW format is that it is proprietary to Problem with RAW format is that it is proprietary to that manufacturer and that particular camera modelthat manufacturer and that particular camera modelConcern is that a particular RAW format may not be Concern is that a particular RAW format may not be readable by software in a few years or decadesreadable by software in a few years or decadesAdobe’s Digital Negative (DNG) format is designed Adobe’s Digital Negative (DNG) format is designed to contain all of the data of a RAW file, but in a to contain all of the data of a RAW file, but in a format that will be universally readable in the future format that will be universally readable in the future (like JPEG)(like JPEG)

Image Editing SoftwareImage Editing Software

Adobe Photoshop CS3Adobe Photoshop CS3 Industry standard, has every feature you needIndustry standard, has every feature you need Very expensive ($600 street price), but worth it!Very expensive ($600 street price), but worth it! Steep learning curveSteep learning curve

Photoshop ElementsPhotoshop Elements Gives you the most used features of Photoshop CS3 (levels, Gives you the most used features of Photoshop CS3 (levels,

curves, color balance)curves, color balance) Much less expensive (under $100) – sometimes bundled freeMuch less expensive (under $100) – sometimes bundled free Easier for beginners than CS3Easier for beginners than CS3

Image Editing Software, Image Editing Software, continuedcontinued

Corel Paint Shop ProCorel Paint Shop Pro Inexpensive (about $100), but packed with featuresInexpensive (about $100), but packed with features Easy to useEasy to use Runs on Windows onlyRuns on Windows only

PicasaPicasa Free from GoogleFree from Google Offers very basic editing (red-eye fix, color, contrast, Offers very basic editing (red-eye fix, color, contrast,

some special effects)some special effects) A very powerful organizing toolA very powerful organizing tool

Software ResourcesSoftware Resources

Picasa: Picasa: http://http://picasa.google.com/index.htmlpicasa.google.com/index.htmlAdobe: Adobe: http://www.adobe.comhttp://www.adobe.comCorel: Corel: http://www.corel.comhttp://www.corel.com

Saving and Storing Your FilesSaving and Storing Your Files

Best to save in the native format of your image Best to save in the native format of your image editing softwareediting softwareDon’t keep resaving as a JPEG. Each time you Don’t keep resaving as a JPEG. Each time you save, some of your data will be permanently save, some of your data will be permanently discardeddiscardedKeep your RAW or untouched originals separate in Keep your RAW or untouched originals separate in case you need to start all over againcase you need to start all over again

Sharing & Printing Photos OnlineSharing & Printing Photos Online

Many companies offer online photo albums and Many companies offer online photo albums and allow you to share your photos with othersallow you to share your photos with othersMost are free, but for a small fee you can usually Most are free, but for a small fee you can usually purchase more storagepurchase more storageGenerally accept JPEG or GIF formats onlyGenerally accept JPEG or GIF formats onlyYou can also order prints, posters, calendars, etc.You can also order prints, posters, calendars, etc.Size of file uploaded determines size of print you Size of file uploaded determines size of print you can ordercan order

Some Photo Sharing & Printing WebsitesSome Photo Sharing & Printing Websites

Flikr (Flikr (http://http://www.flikr.comwww.flikr.com ) - Features social ) - Features social networking featuresnetworking featuresDotPhoto (DotPhoto (http://http://www.dotphoto.comwww.dotphoto.com) – Good print ) – Good print quality, allows albums to be sharedquality, allows albums to be sharedShutterfly (Shutterfly (http://http://www.shutterfly.comwww.shutterfly.com) - voted best ) - voted best by PC magazineby PC magazineMpix (Mpix (http://http://www.mpix.comwww.mpix.com) – Excellent print ) – Excellent print quality, but no way to share photosquality, but no way to share photos

Photo PrintersPhoto Printers

You can print professional quality photos at homeYou can print professional quality photos at homeSome feature 6, 7, or 8 color inks (Canon just Some feature 6, 7, or 8 color inks (Canon just introduced a 10 color pro printer). More inks means introduced a 10 color pro printer). More inks means a greater range of colors that can be reproduceda greater range of colors that can be reproducedEpson pioneered archival inks – now HP and Epson pioneered archival inks – now HP and Canon also offer archival printersCanon also offer archival printersSome printers designed for black & whiteSome printers designed for black & whiteYou can print up to 12x18 prints on a variety of You can print up to 12x18 prints on a variety of papers – gloss, luster, matte, watercolor, etc.papers – gloss, luster, matte, watercolor, etc.

Printer ManufacturersPrinter Manufacturers

Epson (Epson (www.epson.comwww.epson.com)) Geared primarily to pro market, but now make easy to use Geared primarily to pro market, but now make easy to use

consumer printersconsumer printers Most large format print labs use Epson printersMost large format print labs use Epson printers

HP (HP (www.hp.comwww.hp.com)) Known for easy-to-use consumer printers, but now make Known for easy-to-use consumer printers, but now make

excellent pro printersexcellent pro printers Some print directly from your camera’s memory cardSome print directly from your camera’s memory card

Canon (Canon (http://http://www.usa.canon.comwww.usa.canon.com)) New pro line of printersNew pro line of printers

Composing the ImageComposing the Image

Photography is not just about equipment, it is Photography is not just about equipment, it is ultimately an aesthetic pursuitultimately an aesthetic pursuitPhotography tells a story, expresses a mood, lets Photography tells a story, expresses a mood, lets us express ourselvesus express ourselvesWhy do some photos have impact and other don’t?Why do some photos have impact and other don’t?

Composition as Visual LanguageComposition as Visual Language

Photography, like other arts, is a universal languagePhotography, like other arts, is a universal languageAs with any language, there are techniques that As with any language, there are techniques that allow you to communicate more clearlyallow you to communicate more clearly

Technique 1: Get CloserTechnique 1: Get Closer

Your viewer should have no question about what Your viewer should have no question about what the subject of your photo isthe subject of your photo isDon’t be afraid to fill the frame with your subjectDon’t be afraid to fill the frame with your subjectAsk yourself “What is drawing me to take this Ask yourself “What is drawing me to take this photo?” Then, photograph THAT!photo?” Then, photograph THAT!Photographers are Photographers are editorseditors of reality of reality

Technique 2: Use the “Rule of Thirds”Technique 2: Use the “Rule of Thirds”

Placing your subject dead enter in your frame is Placing your subject dead enter in your frame is static and boringstatic and boringOne way to create interest is to use the Rule of One way to create interest is to use the Rule of ThirdsThirdsUse for subject placement as well as line placement Use for subject placement as well as line placement (horizons)(horizons)

Take your viewfinder and visualize it divided Take your viewfinder and visualize it divided into thirdsinto thirds

The main subject of your image should appear at the The main subject of your image should appear at the intersection of those grid linesintersection of those grid lines

The main subject of your image should appear at the The main subject of your image should appear at the intersection of those grid linesintersection of those grid lines

In a close-up (macro), the most visually interesting In a close-up (macro), the most visually interesting part should lie near an intersectionpart should lie near an intersection

Use the horizontal lines to place your horizonUse the horizontal lines to place your horizon

Technique 3: Use DiagonalsTechnique 3: Use Diagonals

Another way to create a dynamic composition is to Another way to create a dynamic composition is to use diagonal linesuse diagonal linesDiagonal lines create movement and flow in your Diagonal lines create movement and flow in your imageimage

Technique 4: Use Leading LinesTechnique 4: Use Leading Lines

Leading lines can Leading lines can leadlead the viewer into your photo the viewer into your photoUse roads, paths, streams, or other patterns as Use roads, paths, streams, or other patterns as leading lines. Edges or rows of objects can also leading lines. Edges or rows of objects can also function as leading linesfunction as leading lines

Technique 5: Frame Your SubjectTechnique 5: Frame Your Subject

Framing your subject with foreground elements Framing your subject with foreground elements creates compositions with depthcreates compositions with depthThe frame can go all the way around or appear only The frame can go all the way around or appear only on 2 or 3 sideson 2 or 3 sidesBe sure your zone of sharpness allows both your Be sure your zone of sharpness allows both your frame and your subject to be in sharp focusframe and your subject to be in sharp focus

Technique 6: Balance Main Subject with a Technique 6: Balance Main Subject with a Secondary SubjectSecondary Subject

You can have more than one subject in a photoYou can have more than one subject in a photoMake a visual distinction, such as size or Make a visual distinction, such as size or placement, indicating which is the main subject and placement, indicating which is the main subject and which is secondarywhich is secondaryUse rule of thirds when placing both subjects in the Use rule of thirds when placing both subjects in the frameframe

Wrap-UpWrap-Up

Questions?Questions?For follow-up questions, email: For follow-up questions, email: ken@quietheart.comken@quietheart.com