Lesson Three  Thursday Feb 17 2005

Content

Controlling image capture, transfer and management

1. View, review and critique student photographs

2. Image dynamic range, image compression

3. The histogram   
    The perfect scene, the perfect exposure, the perfect image
    Difficult scenes - compensating for the camera (in auto mode)
    Being creative - changing the scene to create something that isn't "real"

4. A photograph is not real, so get creative

5. Composition   
    traditional rules form formal art (painting, film)
    breaking the rules

6. Three general types of images (can be combined)
    Light
    Shape
    Texture

7. Accepting light and controlling light
    Natural light - morning, midday, afternoon, evening, night   
    Artificial light - flash (built-in, external,) studio

8. Getting the photos from the media to the camera
    direct connection (yuck!)
    card readers

9. Direct printing (aargh!)

10. File formats (RAW, JPG, TIF)

11. Organizing your photographs

12. Archiving your images

 

More detailed notes for this class

Rules of composition from formal art.  Learn by observing other art forms, other photographers
Rule of thirds is classic example, as is leading lines, diagonals, rays, etc.
Balance (of light, texture, shapes)
Choose a central element for the image, put people off-center
Vertical or horizontal?
Be aware of the background, shadows, back lighting, flares and hot spots
Get closer to people
Change your view point
Put something in the foreground of landscapes
Put people in your photos

Once large numbers of images accumulate you need a cataloging and archiving system  Think ahead.
Be aware of the formats that images can be stored in JPG, TIF, RAW - Images may have to be converted
 

Homework

You must make a photograph specifically for this class within the boundaries of your house/property (you can look out from it) and email me the photo, or present a link, to the class. Be prepared to talk about why and how you made the photograph.

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