Camera Cheat Sheet

Photography is a word that originates from Greek meaning drawing with the light. It is an art form that allows an individual mind to express their views in a visually. Along its process, it presents the world in a new way.

Techniques to achieve a good photograph

Proper exposure Appropriate lighting Having a message that's sent out through the image Appropriate depth of field Play around with both orientations (portrait and landscape)

How To Compose a Good Photograph

Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds divides an image into 9 segments, locating its "sweet spots" which are show by the white dots on the image to the left. These spots are believed to be the first factors that catches the eye. The theory of the Rule of Thirds is that capturing a photo within these sweet spots will create a more interesting composition. This is a method used by many photographers to make their images more pleasing to look at.

Creative and Unique Framing

Zoom Length

Consider how much background is necessary in the desired image. Keep in mind that if too much of the background is included in the photograph, it may distract from the actual subject of the image.

Angle

Find inspiration from objects relating to the image being taken. For example, this wedding picture on the left. The photographer used the wedding ring as a frame to create a more effective and beautiful image. It emphasizes the meaning behind the photo.

Composing a good photograph requires creativity. Consider taking photos from different perspectives to attain that unique angle that'll make your images look better.

Camera Modes (Canon Rebel T2I)

Symbols Mode FunctionFull Automatic Camera decides on the best

setting for all of the components (ISO, exposure, etc) according to the image that's being taken.

Portrait Uses a large aperture setting creating a blurred background to emphasize the subject of the image.

Landscape Designed to allow both the near and distant objects to appear sharp in focus.

Macro Designed for capturing images close-up to show detail.

Sports Consisting of a faster shutter speed to capture motion.

Night Portrait Uses a combination of flash & slow shutter speed to illuminate the subject. Tripod recommended

No Flash Same functions as the full automatic mode with the exception of flash.

Creative Auto Same functions as full automatic mode but with more control over colour, exposure, and focus.

Programmed Auto Exposure Aperture and shutter speed are set automatically. User has total control over exposure.

Shutter-Priority Complete control over shutter speed and exposure while the aperture setting is set automatically, best fitting the image

Aperture-Priority Full control over aperture setting, while the shutter speed setting is set automatically, best fitting the image.

Manual Exposure Full control over exposure, shutter speed and aperture settings.

Automatic Depth of Field Aperture and shutter speed are automatically set, best fitting the image while the user has control over exposure.

Movie Enables recording mode.

Parts of a Camera (Canon Rebel T2I)

Aperture

Controls the size of the hole which light goes through Measured in F-stops Small aperture = large depth of field, high f-stop, everything is in focus Large aperture = shallow depth of field, low f-stop, certain parts appear in focus

while the rest is blurry

Shutter Speed

Shutter speed refers to light being permitted to enter the camera in a certain amoount of time. A higher shutter speed freezes motion while a lower shutter speed exaggerates

motion.

Exposure

There are 3 types of exposure:

Overexposed - The image appears very bright or white which cancels out a lot of detail

- Too much light was refelcted during the process of capturing the shot

Underexposed - Lacking light, the image appears to be very dark. Little detail is shown

Correctly Exposed - The lighting uses a combination of both light and dark, allowing details to be shown.

ISO - It is a level of sensitivity of the camera to light. A lower ISO results to a clear image while a higher ISO results to a grainy image. When in doubt, turn the ISO setting to automatic.