June 14, 2022

Photography for Dummies

Learning photography is within your reach. It is a rewarding and fun process. To understand the basics of phototgraphy you need to take a little time to pick up the fundementals.

Table of Contents

Photography Basics

How to Compose a Photograph

How to Properly Expose an Image Every Time

Photography Basics

What is Shutter Speed

Shutter speed is the amount of time a camera shutter is open to expose light to the image sensor. Shutter speed is measured in seconds or fractions of seconds. The higher the number, the less light will be let in by the camera, and vice versa.

What is Aperture

Aperture is the opening in the lens that lets light into the camera. It is an important factor in photography because it controls how much light reaches the film or digital sensor.

It's often referred to as F-stops. The lower the number, the wider the aperture opening and vice versa.

What is ISO

ISO is a measure of the sensitivity to light. The higher the ISO number, the more sensitive the camera is. Think of it like when you wake up and it's completely dark. If you turn on the lights too fast your eyes will be sensitive. That's like a high ISO.

What is SLR vs DSLR vs Mirror-less

These are three styles of how a camera can be constructed. SLR is how older film cameras were commonly built. It means Single-Lens Reflex. Short hand for the view-finder see what the lens sees by way of a mirror. When you press the shutter of an SLR the mirror moves and exposes the film. A DSLR is a digital single-lens reflex. When the mirror moves it exposes the digital sensor. A mirror-less camera is somewhat self-evident. There's a lens and a digital sensor but there is no mirror in between.

How to Compose a Photograph

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The rule of thirds

The Rule Of Thirds is a compositional technique that can be used in photography to make your photos more visually appealing.

When applied to photography, the Rule of Thirds is a basic principle of composition in which you divide your frame into thirds both horizontally and vertically. The two lines should be at opposite ends of the frame and intersect at one point. The point where they intersect should be where your subject should go.

The idea behind this rule is that it will lead to more interesting compositions where there are strong diagonals going from one corner of the frame to another.

an example image showing rule of thirds as a grid

Consider the background

If you have a subject in the foreground and objects in the background, possible, make sure the background doesn't have shapes that interfere with the silhoutte of the subject.

self taught photographer

It's powerful having the idea of becoming a self-taught photographer. If you have a camera then you are on your way. It comes down to whether or not you continually maintain a learner's mindset or if you close off from new information. One is obviously better than the other.

To become a self-taught photographer you will need to study the photographers who have come before you. This is fundamental. Studying the the history of photography through the current day is a way of placing a larger and more meanful truth on your pursuit of the art form.

It will enforce your understanding of why some images are better than others.

How to Properly Expose an Image Every Time

There are some steps you can take to learn to be so in tuned with light intensity that you don't need a light meter.

Here's Why you Should Use a Light Meter

A light meter is an important tool for a professional photographer, so it should be for you too. It helps to measure the light levels in a scene and then set the right exposure settings on your camera.

You don't need the most expensive light meter either. While features light color tempture are nice, they aren't as key as f-stop, shutter, and ISO.

Some will say a light meter is not necessary for every type of photography, but it can be helpful in certain situations. To them we say, do you agree that most anyone can improve their exposures by understanding how to use a light meter. And if they can't agree to that, they aren't fully considering the statement.

The Sekonic Flashmate Light Meter is an extremely powerful, yet easy to operate light meter. They're also affordable.

What about Color Balance

Color balance is important. If you can afford a light meter that reads color temperature then you should get it and use it. If not, invest in a color card. They are cheap. A basic white, gray, black color card is all you need. Just grab a photo of it in a scene any time you change light environments.