Boy Scouts Photography Merit Badge Course
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Basics of Digital Basics of Digital Photography Photography Boy Scout Merit Boy Scout Merit Badge Badge
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Feb. 4 2012 Boy Scout Photography Merit Badge Course by Ron Mayberry & Manatee County Audubon
Transcript of Boy Scouts Photography Merit Badge Course
Basics of Digital Basics of Digital Photography Photography
Boy Scout Merit Boy Scout Merit BadgeBadge
Objectives
Basic photography terms Digital camera Technology Understand your camera Take photographs Download images Editing digital photographs Display photographs (web, email) Printing
Ron MayberryRon Mayberry
• In FocusIn Focus• Proper ExposureProper Exposure• Pleasing to the Pleasing to the ViewerViewer
What is a good image?What is a good image?
Basics of Digital Basics of Digital Photography Photography
Compose: This is the creative or Compose: This is the creative or artistic part. Arrange all of the artistic part. Arrange all of the elements of the picture within the elements of the picture within the frame or viewfinder to produce what frame or viewfinder to produce what should hopefully should hopefully be a pleasing be a pleasing composition.composition.
Expose: This is the scientific and Expose: This is the scientific and mechanical bit . Expose the image mechanical bit . Expose the image to light through the lens of the to light through the lens of the camera and preserve the image for camera and preserve the image for posterity.posterity.
Basics of Digital Basics of Digital Photography Photography
Basics of Digital Basics of Digital Photography Photography
It’s all about the It’s all about the Light !Light !
Basics of Digital Basics of Digital Photography Photography
It’s all about the It’s all about the Light !Light !
Sunlight
•Natural light (Sunlight)Natural light (Sunlight)
•Ambient (Light in this room)Ambient (Light in this room)
•FlashFlash
FlashFlash
Off Camera Flash.Off Camera Flash.Why do we use it?Why do we use it?
Fill Flash.Fill Flash.
Main Light. Main Light.
Stop ActionStop Action.
Flash Mode
For dim light or for “filling in” backlitpictures. Most cameras default to autoflash, but you need to know how tomanually turn the flash off or on for specialconditions. Turn off the flash when it willbe useless. For example, photographing aperson far away under dim lightconditions.
FlashFlash
Exposure - (histogram) The ability to judge tonality in all colors is paramount in order to
quickly evaluate the overall scene and ultimately determine your “desired” exposure
Middle LightExtra Light
DarkExtra Dark
Exposure - (histogram) The ability to judge tonality in all colors is paramount in order to
quickly evaluate the overall scene and ultimately determine your “desired” exposure
Middle LightExtra Light
DarkExtra Dark
ApertureApertureApertureAperture is the size of the lens opening and is referred is the size of the lens opening and is referred
to as an “F stop”. Higher values represent a smaller to as an “F stop”. Higher values represent a smaller aperture, aperture, llower values represent a ower values represent a llarger aperture arger aperture
Examples of full stops are: F5.6, F8, F11 or F16
Smaller aperture = less light (LDOF), Smaller aperture = less light (LDOF), Larger aperture = more light (NDOF)Larger aperture = more light (NDOF)
Shutter SpeedShutter SpeedShutter speed Shutter speed is how long the is how long the
shutter is open and is indicated in shutter is open and is indicated in fractions of a second.fractions of a second.
Examples of full stops are: Examples of full stops are: 1/125, 1/250, 1/500 or 1/10001/125, 1/250, 1/500 or 1/1000
Faster shutter speeds = less light, Faster shutter speeds = less light, slower shutter speeds = more lightslower shutter speeds = more light
ISO ISO International Standards International Standards OrganizationOrganization
ISOISO is the film or digital sensors “sensitivity” to is the film or digital sensors “sensitivity” to the light entering. Each stop in ISO will double or the light entering. Each stop in ISO will double or halve the sensitivityhalve the sensitivity
Examples of full stops are: 100, 200, 400 or 800
Lower ISO = less sensitive, Lower ISO = less sensitive, Higher ISO = more sensitiveHigher ISO = more sensitive
Aperture < > Shutter SpeedAperture and shutter speed interact to give a
correct exposure there is a balance between the two. These settings wouldgive about the same exposure:
Shutter
1/30 1/60 1/125 1/250 1/500
Aperture
F22 F16 F11 F8 F5.6
Examples:moving from f16 to f8 is: TWO STOPS brighter.
moving from f5.6 to f8 is:ONE STOP darker
moving from f4 to f2.8 is:ONE STOP brighter
Every step in this table »represents a ONE STOP
change in light.
Shutter Speed + Aperture = ExposureShutter Speed + Aperture = Exposure
Shutter speed and aperture interact to produceShutter speed and aperture interact to producegood good exposure. While Auto Exposure is usually the exposure. While Auto Exposure is usually the
default, default, it can be overridden on some cameras by it can be overridden on some cameras by setting the camera to:setting the camera to:
Aperture-priority auto:Aperture-priority auto: the user sets the aperture and the user sets the aperture andthe camera sets the speed.the camera sets the speed.
Shutter-priority auto: Shutter-priority auto: the user sets shutter speed andthe user sets shutter speed andthe camera sets the aperture.the camera sets the aperture.
Manual:Manual: the user sets both speed and aperture. the user sets both speed and aperture.
Histogram ?Histogram ? Each pixel in an image has a color which has been produced by some
combination of the primary colors red, green, and blue (RGB).
Each of these colors can have a brightness value ranging from 0 to 255.
A RGB histogram results when the camera logic scans through each of these RGB brightness values and counts how many are at each level from 0 through 255.
Technically the histogram simply tells you if your image is properly exposed. It provides an indication that some part of your image may be under or over exposed, but that determination is yours to decide.
Underexposed Normal Exposure Overexposed
Sunny 16Sunny 16Rough guidelines for the following outdoor lighting Rough guidelines for the following outdoor lighting
condition @ ISO 400 – f/8 condition @ ISO 400 – f/8
Sunny day outdoors — 1/2000 secHazy bright day — 1/1000 sec Bright cloudy day without shadows — 1/500 sec Overcast day, or open shade on a sunny day — 1/250 sec A heavily overcast day Deep shade — 1/125 sec Woods on an bright overcast day — 1/60 sec Just before a thunderstorm or a heavily overcast day — 1/30 sec
Why is the background all blurred in the right picture, and sharpest Why is the background all blurred in the right picture, and sharpest in the left ? Because if the exposure is made with a wide aperture in the left ? Because if the exposure is made with a wide aperture ( like f2.8 ), then objects farther away from the subject are thrown ( like f2.8 ), then objects farther away from the subject are thrown farther out of focus. This effect is referred to as "depth of field" farther out of focus. This effect is referred to as "depth of field"
So.. if the aperture is small (like f22) then objects in the background So.. if the aperture is small (like f22) then objects in the background (and foreground ) will appear sharper. However, since more light (and foreground ) will appear sharper. However, since more light was required to make the exposure on the left ( 1/4 Second ) the was required to make the exposure on the left ( 1/4 Second ) the subjects became blurred from MOTION. At 1/250th of a second, the subjects became blurred from MOTION. At 1/250th of a second, the shutter is fast enough to freeze motion. shutter is fast enough to freeze motion.
Depth of Field -DOFDepth of Field -DOF
White Balance• White balance adjusts the white Color quality of your image.
• Digital cameras usually have adjustable white balance settings for electronic flash, shade, sunlight, fluorescent lighting and tungsten lighting.
• Most cameras default to “auto”white balance and some cameras allow itto be set separately.
The Rule of ThirdsThe Rule of ThirdsPlace important elements of the Place important elements of the compositioncomposition where the lines intersect.where the lines intersect.
Getting Close & Keeping Getting Close & Keeping SteadySteady
When shooting fast-moving animals such as birds in flight, When shooting fast-moving animals such as birds in flight, you may want a shutter speed as high as 1/1250th of a you may want a shutter speed as high as 1/1250th of a second to freeze your subject. And of course, second to freeze your subject. And of course, proper technique in stabilizing your camera can go a long can go a long way.way.
Camera AnglesCamera Angles
MacroMacro refers to a digital camera function that takes “close-up” pictures—images of objects that are only a few inches away. Most digital cameras have a macro setting and take good macro pictures because of the inherent design of digital cameras.
Other Settings
• Camera settings (language, auto-off, etc.)• Timer (so the photographer can be in the picture)• Metering (how the camera decides on brightness)• Continuous shooting (camera shoots as fast as it can)• Best Shot Selector (multiple shots at different settings)• Saturation Control (controlling color intensity)• Image Sharpening (electronic improvement of shot)• Etc. (etc.)
EquipmentEquipmentCameraCameraOperating manual (!)Operating manual (!)Batteries/power cord. Batteries/power cord. Use NiMH Use NiMH
batteries.batteries.Extra storage (memory cards)Extra storage (memory cards)Computer interface cableComputer interface cableOptional: lens, Camera bag, tripod, flash, Optional: lens, Camera bag, tripod, flash,
UV UV filter, etc.filter, etc.
Digital Camera Digital Camera features & terminologyfeatures & terminology
You don’t You don’t need to know terminology orneed to know terminology oryour camera’s features, you can just shootyour camera’s features, you can just shoot““auto” and hope for the best. auto” and hope for the best.
OR!OR!
If you understand your camera and haveIf you understand your camera and haveexperience using it’s features, you willexperience using it’s features, you willtake better pictures.take better pictures.
Understanding your cameraUnderstanding your camera What are your camera’s abilities and What are your camera’s abilities and
limitations, what features does it have?limitations, what features does it have?You need to read and understand your You need to read and understand your
Camera’s operating manual!Camera’s operating manual!You need to have experience shooting You need to have experience shooting
pictures and studying the results.pictures and studying the results.
MegapixelA megapixel is equal to 1 millions pixels.How many megapixels a camera shoots atindicates the maximum size and/or detailof a digital picture. Generally, more pixelsare better (and cost more), but it is notonly factor that should be consideredwhen choosing a camera.
PixelsA pixel is a contraction of the term Picture Element. Digital images are
made up of small squares, just like a tile mosaic on your kitchen or bathroom wall. Though a digital photograph looks smooth and continuous just like a regular photograph, it's actually composed of millions of tiny squares as shown below.
On the left the full image, on the right the area in the red square magnified to show individual pixels
Each pixel in the image has a numerical value of between 0 and 255 and is made up of three color channels. So for example a pixel could be 37-red, 76-green and 125-blue and it would then look like this . If it was 162-red, 27-green and 12-blue, it would look like this .
File Types
• JPEG (JPG): The most common format. This is a “lossy”
compression format that can be saved at various qualities.• TIFF: A “loss-less” compression format of
a higher quality that is better for very high quality prints but has larger file size.• RAW: Actual image from the camera sensor
Image Size
Refers to the dimensions of the image, measured in pixels. Pictures taken at smaller sizes require less memory and are suitable for distribution by email or on the web. Conversely, the larger the image, the larger the size at
which it can be printed or displayed without loosing quality
(becoming “grainy”).
Image Size
Image Size Pixels Print Size (@300dpi)
3264 x 2448 8MP 11” x 14”2592 x 1944 5MP 8½” x 6½”2048 x 1536 3MP 7” x 5”1600 x 1200 2MP 5” x 4”1280 x 960 1MP 4” x 3”
640 x 480 .5MP Email and Web
Practice with Your CameraPractice with Your CameraThe best way to take good pictures is to The best way to take good pictures is to take a lot of take a lot of them and to experiment with your camera.them and to experiment with your camera.
• Understand your camera settingsUnderstand your camera settings• Take pictures and do tests: Take pictures and do tests: Take the same pictureTake the same picture several times while changing the settings for each shot. Then several times while changing the settings for each shot. Then compare the result. What settings work best under what compare the result. What settings work best under what conditions? What are theconditions? What are the characteristics of your camera?characteristics of your camera?
• Digital pictures are Digital pictures are FREEFREE• until you print them!until you print them!
Transferring PicturesTransferring Pictures
• Most cameras use a USB Most cameras use a USB cable that connects the camera to the cable that connects the camera to the computer. computer.
Photographing Photographing wildlifewildlife takes patience, steady takes patience, steady breathing, perseverance,breathing, perseverance,
and a good cameraand a good camera
A Career in PhotographyA Career in Photography
Why photograph wildlife?Why photograph wildlife?
• Nature and wildlife is one of the primary Nature and wildlife is one of the primary subjects of photography today.subjects of photography today.
• The natural beauty The natural beauty that surrounds us in the form that surrounds us in the form of landscapes, plants, and wildlife is a compelling of landscapes, plants, and wildlife is a compelling subject to capture in still images.subject to capture in still images.
A Career in PhotographyA Career in Photography
• But more than that, the experience of photographing wildlife is one of the But more than that, the experience of photographing wildlife is one of the most thrilling forms of the craft. There is something deeply compelling about most thrilling forms of the craft. There is something deeply compelling about being in the middle of a great migration, wading an Alaska stream with Brown being in the middle of a great migration, wading an Alaska stream with Brown Bears, and documenting their beauty and behavior. Bears, and documenting their beauty and behavior.
A Career in PhotographyA Career in Photography
Why photograph wildlife?Why photograph wildlife?
• Nature and wildlife is one of the primary Nature and wildlife is one of the primary subjects of photography today.subjects of photography today.
• There are upwards of 46 million bird-watchersin the United States • The natural beauty that surrounds us in the form The natural beauty that surrounds us in the form of landscapes, plants, and wildlife is a compelling of landscapes, plants, and wildlife is a compelling subject to capture in still images.subject to capture in still images.
• But more than that, the experience of photographing wildlife is one of the But more than that, the experience of photographing wildlife is one of the most thrilling forms of the craft. There is something deeply compelling about most thrilling forms of the craft. There is something deeply compelling about being in the middle of a great migration, wading an Alaska stream with Brown being in the middle of a great migration, wading an Alaska stream with Brown Bears, and documenting their beauty and behavior. Bears, and documenting their beauty and behavior.
A Career in PhotographyA Career in Photography
A Career in PhotographyA Career in Photography
Portrait PhotographyPortrait Photography
A Career in PhotographyA Career in Photography
Sports & Media PhotographySports & Media Photography
A Career in PhotographyA Career in Photography
Products & Advertising PhotographyProducts & Advertising Photography
Photographing WildlifePhotographing WildlifeSome Parting Shots Some Parting Shots
Passion! If you love observing and photographing wildlife in their natural habitat and you get a rush every time you are able to share a few special moments with your subject… then
Patience & Perseverance Wait for it, wait… wait… wait!Wait for it, wait… wait… wait!
You learn to take better pictures by taking You learn to take better pictures by taking Lot s of pictures,Lot s of pictures, and the beauty of digital photography and the beauty of digital photography is that bad pictures only cost you the amount is that bad pictures only cost you the amount of time it takes to throw them away.of time it takes to throw them away.
““f/8 and be there” — the idea being you’ll f/8 and be there” — the idea being you’ll never take a great photo unless you’re out never take a great photo unless you’re out among the proper picture-taking raw material.among the proper picture-taking raw material.
You’ve taken the picture; is your job done?You’ve taken the picture; is your job done?
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