
Welcome to this comprehensive short course on the exposure triangle and fundamental controls of the photographic camera. As a seasoned instructor with over 17 years of experience working with photography students, I have witnessed many struggle to grasp these fundamental concepts even after years of practice. Through this course, my goal is to provide you with a deep understanding of the most important camera controls- the ISO, aperture, and shutter speed- enabling you to take full control and use your camera with confidence.
In this concise yet information-packed course, we will explore the intricate relationship between ISO, aperture, and shutter speed, and how they collectively shape the images we produce. You will gain insights into how these controls interact, their impact on exposure and creative effects, and the art of balancing them to achieve your desired results.
One dedicated lesson in this course focuses on setting up a DSLR camera, providing step-by-step guidance to ensure you have a solid foundation for capturing exceptional photographs. Additionally, we delve into utilising the camera's built-in light meter, unlocking its full potential to achieve accurate exposures in various lighting conditions.
By the end of this course, you will have acquired the knowledge and skills to confidently control ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. This will enable you to unlock a wide range of creative possibilities, allowing you to bring your ideas to life.
In this video, we look at the ISO, a vital control that governs a camera's sensitivity to light and plays a significant role in shaping image quality. We demystify the technicalities and break down the practical applications, empowering you to make informed decisions when adjusting ISO settings in various shooting conditions.
In this video, we look at the shutter speed, a critical control that governs the duration of light exposure in your photographs. You will gain a solid understanding of how adjusting the duration of exposure influences motion blur, freeze-action effects, and the overall mood and storytelling within your photographs.
Aperture is a fundamental control that unlocks the creative potential of depth and light in your photographs. Discover how adjusting the aperture setting influences depth of field, sharpness, and background blur, enabling you to craft visually captivating images that express your artistic vision.
In this informative video, we guide you through the essential process of setting up your digital camera for optimal performance. Discover the crucial steps to configure your camera, from basic settings to advanced functions, empowering you to capture outstanding images with confidence and precision.
Join me in this comprehensive video as we delve into the intricacies of your camera's built-in light meter. Together, we will demystify its functionalities and explore practical applications, empowering you to achieve precise control over exposure. Gain a deeper understanding of interpreting meter readings and learn to confidently adjust camera settings for well-balanced and perfectly exposed images.
In this engaging camera exercise video, join us on a journey to enhance your photography skills and master your camera's settings. Through practical demonstrations and insightful guidance, we'll explore various subjects while experimenting with aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. This exercise will empower you to capture stunning images, refine your technique, and unleash your creative potential. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced photographer looking to expand your skills, this exercise is designed to boost your confidence and take your photography to new heights.
EXERCISE BRIEF:
Take a picture of each of the following subjects:
Something red, green, or blue
A shop window
A locked gate
A reflection
Building works
A street sign
Water
Something looking up
Something looking down
Traffic
Landscape or cityscape
Close up
Silhouette
A statue
Sunshine
A shadow
Something left behind
Something far
A bicycle
A flower
Something tall
Something small
For each subject, pick one of the following camera settings:
F/2.8
F/4
F/5.6
F/8
F/11
F/16
F/22
1/15
1/30
1/60
1/125
1/250
1/500
ISO 100
ISO 200
ISO 400
ISO 800
ISO 1600
ISO 3200
ISO 6400
Use the camera in fully manual mode
Take three pictures of each subject using three different zoom settings
After completing the exercise, pick the one image for each of the subjects from the list
In this follow-up video to our camera exercise, we delve deeper into the results and discoveries made during the practical exploration. Reflecting on my own experiences, I discuss ten key observations that emerged from the exercise, shedding light on various aspects of photography technique and creative decision-making. Through the exploration of topics such as depth of field, high ISO usage, handholding techniques, composition angles, focal length choices, lighting considerations, cropping practices, exposure bracketing, and the significance of post-processing, we unravel important insights that can elevate your photographic skills.
In this video, I will give you five tips on how to improve, and give you a long-term strategy to keep improving, your photography. We will discuss the importance of learning about photography through influential books, such as "The Photograph as Contemporary Art", and examining the work of renowned photographers. I will explain the importance of engaging in projects that focus on personally resonant subjects and themes, and also touch upon the significance of creating a portfolio, website, and photobook to display your best work and establish an online presence.
In this video I recommend a number of books, however, the web can be just as valuable. Here are some links to journals, publishers etc:
https://www.1854.photography
https://www.huckmag.com
https://www.archivoplatform.com/portfolio
https://cphmag.com
http://theheavycollective.com
https://www.burnmagazine.org
https://artpil.com/articles/photography/
https://www.juxtapoz.com/photography/
https://www.setantabooks.com/book_category/photography/
https://www.skinnerboox.com/?category=PHOTOBOOKS
https://mackbooks.co.uk
https://photobookstore.co.uk
https://www.dewilewis.com
https://www.hoxtonminipress.com/collections/books
https://tipi-bookshop.be
https://www.artbook.com
https://moom.cat/en/photobooks
https://sobooks.jp/books/category/item/various-artists
https://www.stanleybarker.co.uk
https://www.samedust.org/home
https://www.icp.org
https://aperture.org
http://www.innenzines.com/index.php?/
https://steidl.de/Books/Photography-0104064348.html?chunk=2
Welcome to the Photography Foundation course!
This comprehensive course is designed for beginner and intermediate photographers who want to master the fundamentals of photography and take full control of their camera.
Starting with an analogue camera's foundation, we'll explore the intricate mechanisms common to all camera types. By examining the camera's key components- aperture, shutter speed, and ISO- you will learn how each of these controls influences the final image and begin using them creatively.
In addition to the comprehensive lessons, you will be assigned a practical task that will challenge you to apply your new knowledge and skills to real-world subjects and situations. This hands-on assignment is designed to reinforce your learning, help you gain confidence in using the camera, and make you look at your subjects creatively.
The final lesson of the course focuses on providing guidance for long-term improvement in photography. It offers valuable suggestions and strategies to continually develop your skills, stay inspired, and consistently refine your artistic vision.
By the end of this course you will already be using your camera confidently and be inspired to keep working on your skills. This holistic approach ensures that you not only acquire technical proficiency but also embrace a growth mindset to excel in your photographic journey.