The Basics and Possibilities of Photography – Sept. 2010
The Basics And Possibilities of Photography
By Mike Jensen, JensenOne Marketing & Photography
Hi Everyone! This is the first in what we hope to be an ongoing series of educational and fun articles about photography. The intention is to inform you, challenge you, and peak your interest in what can be a tremendously rewarding hobby, a career, or just a better way to take pictures of your children or grand kids! Because of space, we may have a larger (or more) information on the Eagle’s blog site, so check it out at http://www.newberryeagle.com/blog1/.
First, let’s start with the basics, and I’ll make the assumption you’re working with a digital camera. Film cameras are great, but digital is where it’s at for the masses, so that’s where we’ll focus. If you have a question about film, let me know.
How does photography work? Essentially there are three main components to digital photography:
1. ISO (or Sensor Exposure Sensitivity),
2. Shutter Speed (How long the Sensor is exposed to the image), and
3. Aperture (How large the opening is in the lens).
That’s it! Easy stuff, right? There are two types of cameras we’ll be talking about in this series, Point & Shoot (or Point & Click), and DSLR’s (Digital Single Lens Reflex). So, how do I know what the difference is? Easy! If you can remove the lens from the camera body, it’s a DSLR. Easy stuff, right?
Now, I’ll be honest with you, I shoot 99% of my work with a DSLR, but I usually carry a point & click as well. It’s easy to get to, fast to set up, and it takes a pretty good photograph. And the one I use is only five megapixels and nine years old. My DSLR is newer! Now, for probably about 90% of you out there, you just need a good point and click. The biggest problem is many of you don’t know how to use all the settings, or understand all the components of photography, and how to post process (edit). A good point & click can run you anywhere from around $100 to $450. And here’s your first tip…If you’re shopping for a new camera, ask a photographer, not a store clerk. Shoot me an email, I’ll answer it! If you’re in the market for a DSLR, definitely ask a photographer! And probably more than one.
Okay, so first assignment! You didn’t know you were going to get homework did you?
The Rule of Thirds (A rule made to be broken)
The rule of thirds is a compositional rule of thumb. The rule states that an image should be imagined as divided into nine equal parts by two equally-spaced horizontal lines and two equally-spaced vertical lines, and that important compositional elements should be placed along these lines or their intersections. The example I have for you was taken on a Kayak trip on Sparks Lake about noon on a sunny day.
So, now your assignment. Send me your best example of photographs using the rule of thirds. I’ll choose a few of the best, and we’ll print them in the Eagle. The rest we’ll show on both the Eagle’s Blog, and mine. Send your photos to photos@jensenone.com.
Also, look for my upcoming classes with the La Pine Parks & Rec District:
Photography 101:
Saturday September 25, 2010 9am – Noon, & Tuesday September 28, 2010 7pm
New to digital photography? This class, for the absolute beginner, helps you find out what to look for in a camera, and then how to work its basic settings to get the best picture. This class covers the basics of Photography from the basic composition to the components of exposure (ISO, Shutter Speed, Aperture). This is a two part class with instruction and hands on photography in session one, and display of photos, editing/preparation in session two. Attendees are encouraged to bring their cameras, camera operational book, and a tripod if you own one. A working knowledge of a personal computer is helpful.
Price: $50 Course #1006
Mt. Bachelor From Sparks Lake Showing Rule of Thirds Lines
