WEEK 1 : INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOGRAPHY

Into to Photography

Class Info

Class Blog:

http://introphotographyclass.wordpress.com/

My email:Conestoga.zoeyheath@gmail.com

The Camera

SLR cameras use a mechanical mirror system andpentaprism to direct light from the lens to an opticalviewfinder on the back of the camera. The mirror is

lifted out of the optic path at the moment of shutter

release toallow the light to expose the film. (Digital Single Lens Reflex) is digital camera that

uses asingle lens reflex (SLR) mechanism.

Anatomy of a DSLR

Lens: the light collecting, columnating, and focusing element of the camera.

Body: houses the sensor, processor, and control functions. The Sensor coverts the light from the lens into electrical signals that

are sent to the memory Card The Memory Card stores electronic images until they are transferred

Two types of memory cards: SD: Secure Digital CF: Compact Flash

The Shutter: Opens and closes to control the length of time the light strikes the sensor

The hotshoe: where you mount your flash Tripod Screw Mount: where you screw in your tripod mount

How to Hold your Camera

Stance:Your feet should be

spread shoulder distance apart

left foot a bit in front to provide better stability, knees slightly bent.

How to Hold your Camera

Horizontal:Keep your arms against

your body to steady the camera.

Use your left hand to support and focus the lens

Grip the camera body with your right hand.

Use your right forefinger to press the shutter release

How to Hold your Camera

Vertical:Hold the lens in your

right hand Keep elbow against

body to steady camera (creating a “human tripod”)

Use the right hand to grip camera and press shutter release

Tripods

The single best equipment purchase after thecamera is a tripod.It allows you to shoot in low light conditionsif used properly, will ensure the sharpest imagesCan be used for careful composition and framing Used for photographing night-time images such as the

moonUsed to shoot HDR and panoramic shots that require

exactly the same framing and precision.Used to shoot extreme close-ups (macro photography)Used to hold various objects such as flashes

Tripod Considerations

How much weight can your tripod hold? Should always be at least 2x’s more than your camera

Your tripod should match your height The viewfinder should be at your eye-level without you needing to

bend overHow heavy is your tripod to carry?

Your tripod could be the best tripod in the world, but if it is too heavy, you will end up keeping it at home.

Depending on your size and strength, a good tripod is around 5 pounds

Tripod Heads: Choosing a tripod head comes down to preference and usability Make sure the head can support as much weight as the tripod legs

can Try out different heads before investing. Find the one that works the

best for your style of shooting and is comfortable

How to Care for & Clean your Lenses

The best thing you can do to prevent any lens damage is invest in a UV filter this will create a barrier between your lens and the rest of the

world, protecting it from scratches and cracks It is much MUCH cheaper to invest in a new filter instead of a

new lens Before cleaning a lens, brush and wipe whole cameraif there is dirt on the outside, it will most likely get it. When removing the lens from the camera always tilt

the camera down as it will prevent getting any dust in the camera.

How to Clean your Lenses

You first need to remove all dust and loose dirt with a blower and brush

If you don’t remove this initial loose debris, you chance grinding it into the lens later

Use thin, specially designed tissue paper with an alcohol solution to clean any smudges or fingerprints

You can also use a lens penWhen the lens is clear, you should use blower

to ensure all dust is off and give the lens a final wipe with a lens cloth.

Dust…the enemy.

Week 1 Exercise

Read your manual Collect your favorite 10 images and bring

them to class on a usb