13. Photography Basics
Rule of Thirds
Divide a photo into thirds both horizontally and vertically
Horizon line should be on one of the horizontal lines
14. Photography Basics
Rule of Thirds
Divide a photo into thirds both horizontally and vertically
Horizon line should be on one of the horizontal lines
Place main subject in either 1/3 or 2/3 of the frame
15. Photography Basics
Rule of Thirds
Divide a photo into thirds both horizontally and vertically
Horizon line should be on one of the horizontal lines
Place main subject in either 1/3 or 2/3 of the frame
Use “sweet spots” for perfect placement
18. How to Choose Camera Equipment
Camera Bodies
Lenses
19. How to Choose Camera Equipment
Camera Bodies
Lenses
Lighting (Strobes)
20. How to Choose Camera Equipment
Camera Bodies
Lenses
Lighting (Strobes)
Accessories
21. How to Choose Camera Equipment
Camera Bodies - Types
Cellphones
Point & Shoot
DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex)
Medium Format
Large Format
22. How to Choose Camera Equipment
Camera Bodies – Brand Names
Nikon
Canon
Pentax
Sigma
Olympus
Sony
23. How to Choose Camera Equipment
Camera Bodies – What to Look For
Fully manual controls
Uses something other than AA batteries
Uses CF or SD memory cards
Replaceable lenses
Resolution is irrelevant
24. How to Choose Camera Equipment
Camera Lenses – Types
Fisheye: 10mm or smaller
25. How to Choose Camera Equipment
Camera Lenses – Types
Fisheye: 10mm or smaller
Wide Angle: 10-30mm
26. How to Choose Camera Equipment
Camera Lenses – Types
Fisheye: 10mm or smaller
Wide Angle: 10-30mm
Normal: 35-70mm
27. How to Choose Camera Equipment
Camera Lenses – Types
Fisheye: 10mm or smaller
Wide Angle: 10-30mm
Normal: 35-70mm
Telephoto: 85-200mm
28. How to Choose Camera Equipment
Camera Lenses – Types
Fisheye: 10mm or smaller
Wide Angle: 10-30mm
Normal: 35-70mm
Telephoto: 85-200mm
Supertelephoto: 200-600mm
33. How to Choose Camera Equipment
Camera Lenses – Prime vs. Zoom
34. How to Choose Camera Equipment
Camera Lenses – Prime vs. Zoom
Prime lenses use a single focal length
35. How to Choose Camera Equipment
Camera Lenses – Prime vs. Zoom
Prime lenses use a single focal length
Zoom lenses can vary greatly or only slightly
36. How to Choose Camera Equipment
Camera Lenses – Prime vs. Zoom
Prime lenses use a single focal length
Zoom lenses can vary greatly or only slightly
Prime lenses are sharper, lighter, cheaper
37. How to Choose Camera Equipment
Camera Lenses – Prime vs. Zoom
Prime lenses use a single focal length
Zoom lenses can vary greatly or only slightly
Prime lenses are sharper, lighter, cheaper
Prime lenses are often the better choice for portraits,
landscapes, products, and marketing
38. How to Choose Camera Equipment
Camera Lenses – Prime vs. Zoom
Prime lenses use a single focal length
Zoom lenses can vary greatly or only slightly
Prime lenses are sharper, lighter, cheaper
Prime lenses are often the better choice for portraits,
landscapes, products, and marketing
Zoom lenses are heavier, more expensive, more easily
broken
39. How to Choose Camera Equipment
Camera Lenses – Prime vs. Zoom
Prime lenses use a single focal length
Zoom lenses can vary greatly or only slightly
Prime lenses are sharper, lighter, cheaper
Prime lenses are often the better choice for
portraits, landscapes, products, and marketing
Zoom lenses are heavier, more expensive, more easily
broken
Zoom lenses are better for sports, editorial
40. How to Choose Camera Equipment
Camera Lenses – Fixed Aperture vs. Variable Aperture
41. How to Choose Camera Equipment
Camera Lenses – Fixed Aperture vs. Variable Aperture
Cheaper lenses = variable maximum aperture
42. How to Choose Camera Equipment
Camera Lenses – Fixed Aperture vs. Variable Aperture
Cheaper lenses = variable maximum aperture
Better lenses = fixed maximum aperture
43. How to Choose Camera Equipment
Camera Lenses – Tips on Buying and Using
44. How to Choose Camera Equipment
Camera Lenses – Tips on Buying and Using
Get the right lens for the job
45. How to Choose Camera Equipment
Camera Lenses – Tips on Buying and Using
Get the right lens for the job
Wide angle for tight spaces and large groups
46. How to Choose Camera Equipment
Camera Lenses – Tips on Buying and Using
Get the right lens for the job
Wide angle for tight spaces and large groups
Normal range for individual portraits and most common
47. How to Choose Camera Equipment
Camera Lenses – Tips on Buying and Using
Get the right lens for the job
Wide angle for tight spaces and large groups
Normal range for individual portraits and most common
Telephoto for sports and wildlife
48. How to Choose Camera Equipment
Camera Lenses – Tips on Buying and Using
Get the right lens for the job
Wide angle for tight spaces and large groups
Normal range for individual portraits and most common
Telephoto for sports and wildlife
If you can be flexible during shoots, go with primes
49. How to Choose Camera Equipment
Camera Lenses – Tips on Buying and Using
Get the right lens for the job
Wide angle for tight spaces and large groups
Normal range for individual portraits and most common
Telephoto for sports and wildlife
If you can be flexible during shoots, go with primes
If you don’t have much money to spend, buy one or two
zooms (worth three primes)
50. How to Choose Camera Equipment
Camera Lenses – Tips on Buying and Using
Get the right lens for the job
Wide angle for tight spaces and large groups
Normal range for individual portraits and most common
Telephoto for sports and wildlife
If you can be flexible during shoots, go with primes
If you don’t have much money to spend, buy one or two
zooms (worth three primes)
Start with 50mm prime
51. How to Choose Camera Equipment
Camera Lenses – Tips on Buying and Using
Get the right lens for the job
Wide angle for tight spaces and large groups
Normal range for individual portraits and most common
Telephoto for sports and wildlife
If you can be flexible during shoots, go with primes
If you don’t have much money to spend, buy one or two
zooms (worth three primes)
Start with 50mm prime
Have at least one lens with an aperture of f/1.8 or f/1.4
52. How to Choose Camera Equipment
Lighting (Strobes)
Internal flashes are weak, narrow, consume battery power
53. How to Choose Camera Equipment
Lighting (Strobes)
Internal flashes are weak, narrow, consume battery power
External flashes, also known as Strobes, are more commonly
used
55. How to Choose Camera Equipment
Lighting (Strobes)
Internal flashes are weak, narrow, consume battery power
External flashes, also known as Strobes, are more commonly
used
Light modification kits, bounce boards, diffusers
56. How to Choose Camera Equipment
Lighting (Strobes)
Internal flashes are weak, narrow, consume battery power
External flashes, also known as Strobes, are more commonly
used
Light modification kits, bounce boards, diffusers
Remotes, such as Pocket Wizards, help fire strobes remotely,
but are not required
57. How to Choose Camera Equipment
Lighting (Strobes)
Internal flashes are weak, narrow, consume battery power
External flashes, also known as Strobes, are more commonly
used
Light modification kits, bounce boards, diffusers
Remotes, such as Pocket Wizards, help fire strobes remotely,
but are not required
Light stands, clamps, special adaptors
67. Camera Basics
Camera Basics – Aperture
Aperture determines how much light enters the camera
body through the lens
68. Camera Basics
Camera Basics – Aperture
Aperture determines how much light enters the camera
body through the lens
Uses a scale called the F-Scale and looks like f/5.6
69. Camera Basics
Camera Basics – Aperture
Aperture determines how much light enters the camera
body through the lens
Uses a scale called the F-Scale and looks like f/5.6
The larger the aperture, the smaller the number
70. Camera Basics
Camera Basics – Aperture
Aperture determines how much light enters the camera
body through the lens
Uses a scale called the F-Scale and looks like f/5.6
The larger the aperture, the smaller the number
The smaller the aperture (larger the number) the more
limited the Depth of Field
72. Camera Basics
Camera Basics – Exposure (Shutter Speed)
Exposure is the amount of time the sensor is exposed to light
73. Camera Basics
Camera Basics – Exposure (Shutter Speed)
Exposure is the amount of time the sensor is exposed to light
Minimum exposure times are required for different situations
74. Camera Basics
Camera Basics – Exposure (Shutter Speed)
Exposure is the amount of time the sensor is exposed to light
Minimum exposure times are required for different situations
Human action: 1/125
75. Camera Basics
Camera Basics – Exposure (Shutter Speed)
Exposure is the amount of time the sensor is exposed to light
Minimum exposure times are required for different situations
Human action: 1/125
Sports: 1/1000-1/2000
76. Camera Basics
Camera Basics – Exposure (Shutter Speed)
Exposure is the amount of time the sensor is exposed to light
Minimum exposure times are required for different situations
Human action: 1/125
Sports: 1/1000-1/2000
Wildlife: 1/500
77. Camera Basics
Camera Basics – Exposure (Shutter Speed)
Exposure is the amount of time the sensor is exposed to light
Minimum exposure times are required for different situations
Human action: 1/125
Sports: 1/1000-1/2000
Wildlife: 1/500
General rule for exposure: shutter speed should be faster
than 1 / focal length
79. Camera Basics
Camera Basics – ISO
ISO determines how sensitive your sensor is to light
80. Camera Basics
Camera Basics – ISO
ISO determines how sensitive your sensor is to light
Similar to ASA during days of film
81. Camera Basics
Camera Basics – ISO
ISO determines how sensitive your sensor is to light
Similar to ASA during days of film
Lower the ISO, the less sensitive (requires more light)
82. Camera Basics
Camera Basics – ISO
ISO determines how sensitive your sensor is to light
Similar to ASA during days of film
Lower the ISO, the less sensitive (requires more light)
Typical ISO settings:
83. Camera Basics
Camera Basics – ISO
ISO determines how sensitive your sensor is to light
Similar to ASA during days of film
Lower the ISO, the less sensitive (requires more light)
Typical ISO settings:
100 ISO = Sunny days
84. Camera Basics
Camera Basics – ISO
ISO determines how sensitive your sensor is to light
Similar to ASA during days of film
Lower the ISO, the less sensitive (requires more light)
Typical ISO settings:
100 ISO = Sunny days
400 ISO = Cloudy days/indoor with strobe/portraits
85. Camera Basics
Camera Basics – ISO
ISO determines how sensitive your sensor is to light
Similar to ASA during days of film
Lower the ISO, the less sensitive (requires more light)
Typical ISO settings:
100 ISO = Sunny days
400 ISO = Cloudy days/indoor with strobe/portraits
800 ISO = Pre-Dawn, post-dusk, very low light situations
86. Camera Basics
Camera Basics – ISO
ISO determines how sensitive your sensor is to light
Similar to ASA during days of film
Lower the ISO, the less sensitive (requires more light)
Typical ISO settings:
100 ISO = Sunny days
400 ISO = Cloudy days/indoor with strobe/portraits
800 ISO = Pre-Dawn, post-dusk, very low light situations
1600 ISO = Indoor sports
88. Camera Basics
Camera Basics – White Balance
Determines what is white depending on color temperature
89. Camera Basics
Camera Basics – White Balance
Determines what is white depending on color temperature
Most cameras have about 7 pre-set settings
90. Camera Basics
Camera Basics – White Balance
Determines what is white depending on color temperature
Most cameras have about 7 pre-set settings
An incorrect white balance can ruin a photo, but can be
corrected with editing software
93. Photography Law
Photography Law – Copyright
A photograph is automatically protected the moment it is
created
You can register photos, but not necessary
94. Photography Law
Photography Law – Copyright
A photograph is automatically protected the moment it is
created
You can register photos, but not necessary
U.S. Copyright Office suggests you add the following to all
appearances of your photo: Copyright Symbol + Name +
Date taken
97. Photography Law
Photography Law - Releases
Only required when shooting individual or group portraits,
children, or on private property
98. Photography Law
Photography Law - Releases
Only required when shooting individual or group portraits,
children, or on private property
Not required for shooting on public property, including
streets, sidewalks, parks, beaches, and any government-
owned and operated property
99. Photography Law
Photography Law - Releases
Only required when shooting individual or group portraits,
children, or on private property
Not required for shooting on public property, including
streets, sidewalks, parks, beaches, and any government-
owned and operated property
Also not required if photos are used for editorial,
educational, or non-profit uses
100. Photography Law
Photography Law - Releases
Only required when shooting individual or group portraits,
children, or on private property
Not required for shooting on public property, including
streets, sidewalks, parks, beaches, and any government-
owned and operated property
Also not required if photos are used for editorial,
educational, or non-profit uses
You do not need a release as long as the person has no
reasonable expectation of privacy
103. Photography Law
Photography Law – Your Rights
You have the right to shoot any photo on public property
You can shoot any person on public property
104. Photography Law
Photography Law – Your Rights
You have the right to shoot any photo on public property
You can shoot any person on public property
You do not have to surrender yourself or camera gear to any
individual or police officer on public property
108. Capturing Great Photos
Capturing Emotion
Spontaneous
Better with a long lens from a distance
109. Capturing Great Photos
Capturing Emotion
Spontaneous
Better with a long lens from a distance
Be gentle, respectful, and use good judgement
110. Capturing Great Photos
Capturing Emotion
Spontaneous
Better with a long lens from a distance
Be gentle, respectful, and use good judgement
Don’t draw attention to yourself
111. Capturing Great Photos
Capturing Emotion
Spontaneous
Better with a long lens from a distance
Be gentle, respectful, and use good judgement
Don’t draw attention to yourself
Mimic the emotions you are capturing
116. Capturing Great Photos
Telling a Story
ALL photography is about telling a story
Stories have characters, mood, setting, time of day or year
117. Capturing Great Photos
Telling a Story
ALL photography is about telling a story
Stories have characters, mood, setting, time of day or year
Use the environment to tell the story rather than words
118. Capturing Great Photos
Telling a Story
ALL photography is about telling a story
Stories have characters, mood, setting, time of day or year
Use the environment to tell the story rather than words
A great story-telling photo does not need a caption
120. Capturing Great Photos
Photojournalism
Photojournalism is the art of telling a story with photos
instead of words
121. Capturing Great Photos
Photojournalism
Photojournalism is the art of telling a story with photos
instead of words
If you can use an action verb to describe a photo, it is
photojournalism
122. Capturing Great Photos
Photojournalism
Photojournalism is the art of telling a story with photos
instead of words
If you can use an action verb to describe a photo, it is
photojournalism
All photos should tell a story, regardless of purpose or intent
126. Capturing Great Photos
Position
Forget eye-height and experiment
Different positions suggest different moods
127. Capturing Great Photos
Position
Forget eye-height and experiment
Different positions suggest different moods
Standing higher, looking down suggests the subject is small,
weak, powerless
128. Capturing Great Photos
Position
Forget eye-height and experiment
Different positions suggest different moods
Standing higher, looking down suggests the subject is small,
weak, powerless
Sitting low, looking up suggest the subject is larger than life,
dominating, powerful
129. Capturing Great Photos
Position
Forget eye-height and experiment
Different positions suggest different moods
Standing higher, looking down suggests the subject is small,
weak, powerless
Sitting low, looking up suggest the subject is larger than life,
dominating, powerful
Canted angles should almost always be avoided
132. Capturing Great Photos
Working with the Greatest Light Source: The Sun
#1 problem in amateur photography: fighting the sun
133. Capturing Great Photos
Working with the Greatest Light Source: The Sun
#1 problem in amateur photography: fighting the sun
Best hours of day to shoot outside: 3 hours after sunrise, 3
hours before sunset
134. Capturing Great Photos
Working with the Greatest Light Source: The Sun
#1 problem in amateur photography: fighting the sun
Best hours of day to shoot outside: 3 hours after sunrise, 3
hours before sunset
Always place sun behind you
135. Capturing Great Photos
Working with the Greatest Light Source: The Sun
#1 problem in amateur photography: fighting the sun
Best hours of day to shoot outside: 3 hours after sunrise, 3
hours before sunset
Always place sun behind you
The sun changes position and inclination in the sky
depending on time of year
136. Capturing Great Photos
Working with the Greatest Light Source: The Sun
#1 problem in amateur photography: fighting the sun
Best hours of day to shoot outside: 3 hours after sunrise, 3
hours before sunset
Always place sun behind you
The sun changes position and inclination in the sky
depending on time of year
Use an almanac or online sun plotter to determine angle
and position of sun
137. Capturing Great Photos
Working with the Greatest Light Source: The Sun
#1 problem in amateur photography: fighting the sun
Best hours of day to shoot outside: 3 hours after sunrise, 3
hours before sunset
Always place sun behind you
The sun changes position and inclination in the sky
depending on time of year
Use an almanac or online sun plotter to determine angle
and position of sun
Sometimes, waiting on the sun is the most important part
139. Amateur vs. Professional
A professional is simply someone who earns a living
primarily from photography
140. Amateur vs. Professional
A professional is simply someone who earns a living
primarily from photography
A professional can do something an amateur cannot
141. Amateur vs. Professional
A professional is simply someone who earns a living
primarily from photography
A professional can do something an amateur cannot
A professional knows how to handle all situations
142. Amateur vs. Professional
A professional is simply someone who earns a living
primarily from photography
A professional can do something an amateur cannot
A professional knows how to handle all situations
A professional is also a businessperson
144. 5 Rules for a Great Photographer
Never Set the Camera Down
145. 5 Rules for a Great Photographer
Never Set the Camera Down
Never Draw Attention to Yourself
146. 5 Rules for a Great Photographer
Never Set the Camera Down
Never Draw Attention to Yourself
Don’t Become Part of the Story
147. 5 Rules for a Great Photographer
Never Set the Camera Down
Never Draw Attention to Yourself
Don’t Become Part of the Story
Always Charge Your Batteries
148. 5 Rules for a Great Photographer
Never Set the Camera Down
Never Draw Attention to Yourself
Don’t Become Part of the Story
Always Charge Your Batteries
Be Prepared for Anything