Northwestern University

Laoag City

Introduction to Photography

Photography is the process of recording visual images by capturing light rays on a light-sensitive recording
medium (e.g. film or digital CCD). It can be thought of as two pursuits:

1. Technical: The science of setting up the camera and the recording medium to take images in a
controlled way.
2. Creative: The art of composing good images to capture.

Photography is an art form like drawing and painting.

Photographers use their camera to make us see life in a different way, feel emotions, and record stories and
events.

How a Camera works?

Notice the inverted
(upside-down) tree.

When the shutter of a camera is opened, light passes through the lens and onto the film. The film is covered with
chemicals that create a pattern of light on the film. This becomes the negative.

Cameras can be divided into several major types. Although most cameras operate in roughly the same way, there
are a few notable differences. It helps to know what type of camera you are using, and what its strengths and
weaknesses are.

Common Components

Firstly, let's look at what cameras have in common. Except for some specialist types of camera, all cameras have
the following basic components:

• Body: A light-tight compartment to house the recording medium (film or CCD).

• Lens: A transparent element to focus light rays onto the recording medium.
• Aperture: A method of controlling how much light reaches the recording medium.
• Shutter: A method of controlling how long the recording medium is exposed to the incoming light.
• Viewfinder: A way to see the image that is to be captured.
• Transport: In film cameras, a method of moving the film and holding it in the correct position.

MULTIMEDIA - Unit 6 Digital Imaging P a g e 1 | 16

 Northwestern University
Laoag City

Types of Camera

• SLR (Single Lens Reflex): The viewfinder sees the same image as the main lens, i.e. what you see is
what you get. SLRs also allow you to change lenses for different purposes. This is a hugely popular type
of camera, pretty much the standard for enthusiasts and professionals.
• Viewfinder (or range finder): In this type of camera the viewfinder is separate to the lens. This is common
in cheap cameras, although some professional cameras also use this configuration. The main problem
with a separate viewfinder is that the image you see may not be quite the same as the image that gets
recorded. This limitation is overcome in professional cameras by using viewfinders that compensate for
the different positions. Viewfinder cameras do have some advantages; for example, lower noise and
higher light levels to the viewfinder.
• Twin reflex: The camera has two lenses — one for the photograph and one for the viewfinder. This type
of camera has certain advantages in some professional situations.
• View: A flexible bellows joins two standards — one with the lens and the other with the viewfinder or film.
This allows for unusual types of composition; for example, distorting the shape of the image by skewing
the film plane.
• Pinhole: A very simple camera without a lens.

Three Basic Styles of Photography

1. Landscape - is a photograph of the environment. It could be the forest, mountains, oceans, or your
backyard. Landscape photography is a photograph of the outdoors. It could be of the land, water, or
buildings. Ansel Adams is a famous landscape photographer. Here are his images.

MULTIMEDIA - Unit 6 Digital Imaging P a g e 2 | 16

 Northwestern University
Laoag City

2. Portrait photography is a picture of a person or animal that shows an emotional connection.

Holding Virgina - Sally Mann

Different Portrait Styles

Lukasz Holma, Poland - Lauren Bacall Rubenesque - Keith Carter

Can you compare and contrast these photographs? How are they similar? How are they different?

Portraits can be the whole body.

The Dress - Sally Mann Boy and Car, New York City – Jerome Liebling, 1949

MULTIMEDIA - Unit 6 Digital Imaging P a g e 3 | 16

 Northwestern University
Laoag City

3. Documentary photography presents facts without changing anything. Good documentary photographs
make you wonder what the story is behind the photograph. Documentary photographs can be seen in
newspaper, magazines, books, and internet. It can be a portrait or landscape. Remember that a good
documentary photograph makes you wonder what the story is behind the picture!

Migrant Mother - Dorthea Lange

What are the stories in these photos?

Documentary photographs can be either landscape or portrait.

Dante’s View - 1938 Edward Weston

Portrait Landscape

MULTIMEDIA - Unit 6 Digital Imaging P a g e 4 | 16

 Northwestern University
Laoag City

Tips on Composing the Perfect Photograph

The term composition refers to the content of a photograph; specifically, the way everything in the photo is laid out.
This includes the subject matter, the relative size and positions of objects within the photo, lighting and tonal
balance, etc.

The Subject

Make sure you know exactly what it is you are photographing, i.e. have a clearly defined subject. For example, if
you are photographing a person and you are not interested in what's happening in the background, compose the
photo accordingly (i.e. zoom in on them or get closer).

Likewise, if you are photographing flowers, wide shots are fine but you should also try getting up close and making
a feature of an individual flower.

Don't have unnecessary empty or useless space in the photo (e.g. lots of sky if the subject is on the ground). In
some cases you may have a good reason for including empty space — the rule is to leave out empty space which
serves no purpose. If it adds to the effect of the composition, that's fine.

In some cases the subject is simply a scene or a landscape. You don't necessarily need a person or object to be
the subject — it can be anything at all. The point is to be aware of what it is you are trying to capture, and how you
can best compose the photo to achieve this.

MULTIMEDIA - Unit 6 Digital Imaging P a g e 5 | 16

 Northwestern University
Laoag City

The Frame

While concentrating on the subject of the photo, it's easy to overlook other parts of the composition. Before you hit
the shutter button, take note of everything in the photo — not just the subject.

Check the edges of the frame

If an object is not completely in shot (i.e. part of it is outside the frame), make sure it will still look okay. Some
objects don't look good if you can't see the whole thing, or at least a certain amount of it. Partial objects can be
awkward or even confusing; for example, a sign that begs to be read but is cut off half way through. You can't
always avoid this situation; sometimes it doesn't matter, and you may even use it for effect. However it is something
to be mindful of — try to have a reason for including or excluding partial objects.

It's especially important to notice how people in the background are framed — it's best not to cut them off in an
unflattering way. You may need to adjust the framing to have enough of them in shot to look comfortable, or leave
them out altogether.

The first example on the right includes a person in the background who is uncomfortably cut off. To fix this you
could either zoom in to exclude the person, or zoom out to reveal both background people.

Avoid distracting objects

If something in the photo attracts the eye more than the subject, try to compose the photo differently.

MULTIMEDIA - Unit 6 Digital Imaging P a g e 6 | 16

 Northwestern University
Laoag City

The Angles

One of the most common ways to add dramatic effect to a photograph is to use an interesting or unusual camera
angle.

Many shots can be given added impact by simple changes in the camera view. The photo on the top right has quite
a nice composition, but the effect is much more dramatic when the camera is rolled to the right.

When the subject is a person, different angles can have a strong influence on how they are perceived. A photo
looking down at a person can make them look diminished, or perhaps down-to-earth, informal, etc. A photo looking
up at someone can make them look powerful or imposing.

In the image below, the subject presents a non-threatening friendly face.

The subject in the next photo has a more "I'm in charge" feel.

MULTIMEDIA - Unit 6 Digital Imaging P a g e 7 | 16

 Northwestern University
Laoag City

The Balance

There are many types of "balance" in a photograph; for example, a mix of close and distant objects, a mix of light
and dark, etc. Poor balance is not usually good, for example, a photo with too much light and no contrast.
Experiment and learn how to provide a pleasing balance.

The photo below has an obvious theme in the balanced stones, but it also contains a balance of light/dark tones,
foreground/background, sharp/soft areas, etc.

The next photo has a balance of light/shadow as well as technology/nature.

There are lots of rules about composition, most of them fairly simple. If you follow the rules (at least when you're
starting out) you will find your photos naturally become better.

MULTIMEDIA - Unit 6 Digital Imaging P a g e 8 | 16

 Northwestern University
Laoag City

Basic Composition Principles

Composition is the way a photograph is framed and determines the impact of the image.

Most cameras take rectangular photos, so decide if the photograph is going to be taken horizontally or vertically.
Long wide scenes like a sunset look better horizontally where as tall subjects such as sky scrapers or a tree look
better taken vertically.

Rule of thirds.

Rule of thirds is a balancing technique you can apply when you are taking your image. To set it up you need to
find the grid tool in your camera settings and turn it on. You will then be able to line up your three things. You
should line up the main points of interest or focal point with the lines.

A photo is more interesting if the subject is NOT directly in the center. Try placing your subject 1/3 to the left or
right, or 1/3 from top or bottom.

MULTIMEDIA - Unit 6 Digital Imaging P a g e 9 | 16

 Northwestern University
Laoag City

Simplify the background.

Busy backgrounds can take a lot of focus away from the focal point. So, to emphasize a specific object or subject
take the photograph with a simple background such as a sheet or a wall. You can also simplify the background by
using a shallow depth of field.

MULTIMEDIA - Unit 6 Digital Imaging P a g e 10 | 16

 Northwestern University
Laoag City
Framing a scene.

Using a frame in a shot can alter the composition dramatically. It draws attention towards the focal point and fills
unwanted space. It can be achieved simply by framing the outside or part of the outside of the photograph with
natural (such as a cave or a tree canopy) or man-made (such as windows and archways) objects.

MULTIMEDIA - Unit 6 Digital Imaging P a g e 11 | 16

 Northwestern University
Laoag City
Using lines.

Lines are very important when taking a photograph because it dictates where the viewer carries their eyes and
helps balance or segment your photo. You can use objects such as power lines, hedges, fences or rivers.

Look for different types of lines in the composition (e.g. buildings, poles, the horizon, etc).

Different lines have different effects:

• Vertical lines emphasize strength, power and height.
• Horizontal lines emphasize width, stability and security.
• Diagonal lines have a more dramatic, dynamic effect than vertical and horizontal.
• Curved lines reflect nature, relaxation, sensuality, etc.

Lines can be used to direct the viewer's interest, emphasize parts of the frame, and generally create interesting
effects.
Note that lines do not have to be artificial or even particularly obvious. In the example on the lower right, the man's
arms create a diagonal flow from the bottom right to the upper left of the frame.

MULTIMEDIA - Unit 6 Digital Imaging P a g e 12 | 16

 Northwestern University
Laoag City
Contrast.
The most important thing about your photograph is light and color. Contrasting tones and shades create a dramatic
impact. If you have a bold color amongst soft or dull colors, that object is going to stand out, similar to a spotlight
on a stage. You can also generate interest with contrasting textures (rough/smooth, shiny/dull, soft/hard) and
objects (light/dark, delicate/robust, predator/prey). Contrast refers to the brightness between the light and shadow
areas of a picture.

Working with Natural Lights

Close ups.

When you take a photograph with a close up of an object it attracts and holds the viewer’s eye. It is quite a good
way to make an impact or it can make even a common place object seem remarkable.

Alternative viewpoints.

Taking a photograph from an unusual place is a good way of making the ordinary look extraordinary. It shows the
viewer an image or setting they may be familiar with and changes the viewpoint so they could see it from a different
perspective.

MULTIMEDIA - Unit 6 Digital Imaging P a g e 13 | 16

 Northwestern University
Laoag City

Point of View

Try selecting and unusual point of view.

Above

Eye Level

Below

Experiment.

Remember that these are just guidelines that you shouldn’t limit yourself to. These principles are just a guideline
so feel free to do whatever you want with your picture.

Sometimes to take a great photograph all you need to do is add a different filter or use a weird lens. Use your
imagination and remember a lot of photography is being at the right place at the right time to capture the moment.

MULTIMEDIA - Unit 6 Digital Imaging P a g e 14 | 16

 Northwestern University
Laoag City

How to Capture an Image that Tells a Story

Good travel photography captures an image that tells a story. From huge
landscapes to detailed architecture to human portraits, travel photography
encompasses many skills and subjects. Some of those subjects are once-
in-a-lifetime views, which you may never get a second opportunity to
photograph. But whatever you photograph on your travels, following a few
composition rules can help you transport those unique sights back home
through your camera.

Clarity

Whatever your subject, make sure that it’s clear. Some images leave the viewer wondering why the photographer
bothered with the shot as it’s unclear as to what has actually been photographed. The reason for your photograph
should be obvious and need no explanation. When photographing your image, focus on what makes it special to
you and eliminate anything else.

Angle

When photographing a location that’s frequently photographed, try to shoot it from an angle that will make your
image unique. Famous sights are more interesting when viewed from unusual angles than they are when seen
from the standard viewpoint. Walk around the subject to see if photographing it from a different height or distance
would help make the image more interesting. If the size of your subject is less than half the size of your viewfinder,
try placing your subject to the side and including something else of interest: a brooding looking sky can add drama
to an image, as well as help bring about a sense of balance to the scene.

Simplicity

Don’t overlook smaller, everyday objects. They can sometimes look striking when set against the right background.
Look at contrasts when taking a photograph of a very simple object. For example, horizontal lines next to vertical
lines can help emphasis the subject of your shot, as can the colors in the image.

Color

Color can determine mood in images, and should be used to enhance your subject or set the overall atmosphere
of your photograph. Chunky blocks of bright colors such as red and orange can give a feeling of warmth and power,
while soft, muted tones can create a peaceful and restful feeling.

MULTIMEDIA - Unit 6 Digital Imaging P a g e 15 | 16

 Northwestern University
Laoag City
Light

Every photographer knows the importance of light. While today’s photographic technology helps the photographer
avoid making mistakes where light’s concerned, there are still some pointers that should be remembered. Light is
brightest when the sun is directly overhead, and at this time light colors will appear very bright while shadows will
look very dark. For some cameras this contract is too much to handle and the result is dark and light patches with
little detail. Wait until the sun is lower in the sky and the light less harsh.

Also remember that your subject will cast short, vertical shadows when the sun is directly overhead, which may
spoil your photograph. Big structures and scenes with large expanses of color are best shot with the sun behind
you. Photographing with the light coming in from the side creates shadows which can enhance textures in your
shot. When photographing in the light, see how it falls on your subject. Move around until you find the best angle
from which to shoot.

People

Photographs of people you meet on your travels can produce stirring images. In order to capture the essence of
the people you meet, always try to see them as people first and photographic subjects second. Knowing a little bit
about the culture of the people you’re photographing can help you photograph them in such a way that your photos
do what all good travel photography aims to do -- tell a story.

When photographing people, eliminate any objects behind your subjects that may look to be protruding from their
bodies. Decide if you’re going to include the entire person in your photograph or just a part of them. Photographing
your subject while they are engaged in something that’s indigenous to their country or culture could make for a
very special photograph. Always ask permission to photograph your subject: knowing a little of the language if
traveling in a foreign country can help (although a friendly attitude, a smile, and a nod to your camera are
sometimes all that’s needed).

“One should really use the camera as

though tomorrow you'd be stricken
blind.”

-Dorthea Lange

MULTIMEDIA - Unit 6 Digital Imaging P a g e 16 | 16