Camera Basics USING A SLR CAMERA

Single Lens Reflex Camera

Using the film camera is very similar to using the digital cameras, because both have similar ways of functioning. The main difference with film cameras is that you CAN NOT change the ISO and you can not see your photographs as immediate as a Digital SLR.

https://www.scribd.com/document/54029263/Canon-EOS-Rebel-Xs-35mm-SLR-owner-s-manual

SLR Camera:

• We use a SLR camera, which means “Single Lens Reflex”.

• We look through the same “Single Lens” as the picture is taken through, because of a series of mirrors in the camera that move out of the way of the film when the picture is taken (“Reflex”).

Camera Body:

• The main part of the camera which holds the film.

• When holding the camera, hold your left hand palm up to support the camera, and your right hand gripping the side of the camera. Wrap the strap around you right wrist so it doesn't fall.

Shutter Speed

• Controls how long light is exposed to the film. Setting needs to be at 60 or above if you are not using a tripod.

• To adjust, turn the plastic wheel behind the shutter button.

Tricks to

Stabilizing a Camera when without a tripod

Lens, Aperture, Focus• Lens: The front

attachment of the camera. Focuses the light onto the film.

• Aperture: Controls the amount of light let through the lens. Also known as the "F-stop".

• You must press the Av button while turning the wheel to get a change.

• Focus: The ring furthest from the camera body on the lens. Controls what is in focus and what is not.

Aperture (F-Stop)

Diagram:

Light Meter

• THE FIRST STEP WHEN TAKING ANY PICTURE IS TO GET A CORRECT LIGHT METER EXPOSURE READING!

• Light Meter: Meter on the bottom in the viewfinder.

• At a proper exposure, the meter will show a single dot in the center, under the “0”.

Light Meter

• Check to see if the dot(s) are going towards the “+” or “-” to see if there is too much light or too little.

• Adjust the Aperture and the Shutter Speed to achieve a proper exposure.

Value

• Value: The lightness or darkness of light. Black and White photography deals ONLY in value, color does not translate, only the lightness or darkness.

4 Steps for taking ANY Photo:

1. Set the exposure (Light Meter)

2. Check your settings (Aperture and S.S.)

3. Focus on your subject

4. Shoot!

Composition Tips:

• Get close to your subject.

• Use the rule of thirds to create a more interesting composition.

• Look for contrast in the value.

Project

Come up to my desk with a camera and properly set the light meter.

Project• Photo Assignment: Shoot 7 CONSECUTIVE pictures with a

proper exposure (Light Meter), this way all of your negatives will be in a row on the film strip and easier to work with later on.

• Pictures should also have strong composition, a wide range of value and good use of value and space.

• Look for all the little nooks you miss in the school day. Consider taking photographs with different viewpoints i.e. bird’s eye view/ant’s eye view.

• Include at least one motion photograph, one shallow depth of field photograph.

• Film will be developed next class.