Written by Jian Wei
I can see that a lot of media club members enjoy photography, but at the same time, I can also see that a lot of members don't know photography. In this post, I shall teach you the very basics of photography you need to know as an amateur photographer.
I can see that a lot of media club members enjoy photography, but at the same time, I can also see that a lot of members don't know photography. In this post, I shall teach you the very basics of photography you need to know as an amateur photographer.
Notes from here shall be in point form.
"All cameras" in this article refer to Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) Cameras.
INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOGRAPHY
- Photography is an art. Just like in any painting, compostition of an image, rule of thirds, and color composition is essential in photography.
- The three elements important in photography is shutter speed, ISO and aperture. These elements control the exposure and composition of an image.
- It will be beneficial for you to know the laws of reflection, lenses, and light travels in a straight line to fully understand photography. I'm not sure about refraction though. All these can be found in Singapore's Upper Secondary Physics Textbooks.
"All cameras" in this article refer to Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) Cameras.
INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOGRAPHY
- Photography is an art. Just like in any painting, compostition of an image, rule of thirds, and color composition is essential in photography.
- The three elements important in photography is shutter speed, ISO and aperture. These elements control the exposure and composition of an image.
- It will be beneficial for you to know the laws of reflection, lenses, and light travels in a straight line to fully understand photography. I'm not sure about refraction though. All these can be found in Singapore's Upper Secondary Physics Textbooks.
Fig 1: Diagram of a basic camera
Shutter speed
- Shutter speed is the element that enables one to show motion through blurs or freeze an image.
WHAT IS SHUTTER SPEED?
- Shutter speed is the length of time the sensor is exposed to light. For example, a shutter speed of 1/125 means that the sensor is exposed to light for only 1/125 seconds.
- A fast shutter speed can freeze an action completely but restricts the amount of light exposed onto the sensor.
- A slow shutter speed can show motion through blurs but allows more light to be exposed onto the sensor.
- Shutter speed ranges from 1/8000s (digital shutter) to BULB (as long as you want it to be).
- Shutter is normally located in the front of the body of a DSLR camera behind the lens. To put it in layman's terms, it is the mirror that makes the sound of a machine gun shooting.
- When a shutter fires, it controls the time light is exposed onto the sensor, which is in this case, the 'film' in Fig 1.
- The button you press to take a picture in a DSLR camera is called the shutter release button.
WHAT IS SHUTTER SPEED?
- Shutter speed is the length of time the sensor is exposed to light. For example, a shutter speed of 1/125 means that the sensor is exposed to light for only 1/125 seconds.
- A fast shutter speed can freeze an action completely but restricts the amount of light exposed onto the sensor.
- A slow shutter speed can show motion through blurs but allows more light to be exposed onto the sensor.
- Shutter speed ranges from 1/8000s (digital shutter) to BULB (as long as you want it to be).
- Shutter is normally located in the front of the body of a DSLR camera behind the lens. To put it in layman's terms, it is the mirror that makes the sound of a machine gun shooting.
- When a shutter fires, it controls the time light is exposed onto the sensor, which is in this case, the 'film' in Fig 1.
- The button you press to take a picture in a DSLR camera is called the shutter release button.
Fig 2: An example of a shot with a slow shutter speed shot with BULB.
Shutter speed: 125/1s
Notice that the fountain looks foggy and is blur. This what I meant by "A slow shutter speed can show motion through blurs".
Shutter speed: 125/1s
Notice that the fountain looks foggy and is blur. This what I meant by "A slow shutter speed can show motion through blurs".
Fig 3: An example of a shot with a fast shutter speed.
Shutter speed: 1/4000s
As you can see, the motion of the water dripping down is frozen.
Shutter speed: 1/4000s
As you can see, the motion of the water dripping down is frozen.
- However, motion blurs are normally not good for event photography unless the picture is with the camera NOT MOVING AT ALL, NOT EVEN THE SLIGHTEST BIT, or it is a creative shot. I will mention about creative slow shutter shots in the near future.
- Another way to freeze motion is by using a flash or a bright light source, like the one in Fig 3.
Fig 4: An example of a motion freezed due to flash.
Shutter speed: 1/200s with built in flash
Shutter speed: 1/200s with built in flash
HOW DO YOU SET SHUTTER SPEED?
- There are dials on a DSLR camera dedicated to set the shutter speed. For Canon and Nikon entry-level cameras, it's the dial at the top, near to the shutter release button. For Nikon's higher-end cameras, it's most probably the dial at the back (I'm not used to Nikon, I'm not sure about this.)
- Shutter speed are normally displayed as 1/xxx for shutter speed that are less than a second, xxx" for shutter speed that are more than a second and BULB if you want to set the shutter speed as long as you want.
- You can control the shutter speed if you are in Shutter priority or Manual mode, but not the rest of the modes.
- There are dials on a DSLR camera dedicated to set the shutter speed. For Canon and Nikon entry-level cameras, it's the dial at the top, near to the shutter release button. For Nikon's higher-end cameras, it's most probably the dial at the back (I'm not used to Nikon, I'm not sure about this.)
- Shutter speed are normally displayed as 1/xxx for shutter speed that are less than a second, xxx" for shutter speed that are more than a second and BULB if you want to set the shutter speed as long as you want.
- You can control the shutter speed if you are in Shutter priority or Manual mode, but not the rest of the modes.
Aperture
- As you can see from Fig 1, aperture is located in the lens of a camera.
Fig 5: The ranges of aperture and what it really is visually.
- Aperture can restrict the amount of light that is exposed onto the sensor and controls the depth of field of an image.
- Fig 5 shows that the aperture is just the diameter of the space in between the iris of the lens. It works just like the iris in your eyes.
- The aperture is also knows as the 'diaphragm' in optics.
- Aperture affects the composition of an image due to the depth of field.
SIZE OF APERTURE
REFER TO FIG 5 FOR THIS WHOLE PART
- A smaller F-Stop number (f/xxxx) means that the diameter of the space in between the iris is larger. This also means that there is more light being exposed onto the sensor as there is more space for light to pass through.
- A larger F-Stop number means that the diameter of the space in between the iris is smaller. This also means that there is less light being exposed on to the sensor as there is lesser space for light to pass through comparing to a larger F-Stop number.
- F-Stop number ranges from f/0.75 to f/32.
- The larger the F-Stop number, the lesser the amount of light exposed onto the sensor and vice-versa.
DEPTH OF FIELD
- The aperture not only controls the amount of light that is exposed onto the sensor, but also controls the depth of field of an image.
- The depth of field is also knows as bokeh, which is the blur-blur part of a picture.
- A smaller F-Stop number increases the bokeh and a larger F-Stop number decreases the bokeh. Basically, in layman's terms, a smaller F-Stop number increases the blurness of the blur-blur part of a picture while a larger F-Stop number increases the clarity of the blur-blur part of a picture.
- The larger the F-Stop number, the lesser the bokeh is and vice-versa.
- Fig 5 shows that the aperture is just the diameter of the space in between the iris of the lens. It works just like the iris in your eyes.
- The aperture is also knows as the 'diaphragm' in optics.
- Aperture affects the composition of an image due to the depth of field.
SIZE OF APERTURE
REFER TO FIG 5 FOR THIS WHOLE PART
- A smaller F-Stop number (f/xxxx) means that the diameter of the space in between the iris is larger. This also means that there is more light being exposed onto the sensor as there is more space for light to pass through.
- A larger F-Stop number means that the diameter of the space in between the iris is smaller. This also means that there is less light being exposed on to the sensor as there is lesser space for light to pass through comparing to a larger F-Stop number.
- F-Stop number ranges from f/0.75 to f/32.
- The larger the F-Stop number, the lesser the amount of light exposed onto the sensor and vice-versa.
DEPTH OF FIELD
- The aperture not only controls the amount of light that is exposed onto the sensor, but also controls the depth of field of an image.
- The depth of field is also knows as bokeh, which is the blur-blur part of a picture.
- A smaller F-Stop number increases the bokeh and a larger F-Stop number decreases the bokeh. Basically, in layman's terms, a smaller F-Stop number increases the blurness of the blur-blur part of a picture while a larger F-Stop number increases the clarity of the blur-blur part of a picture.
- The larger the F-Stop number, the lesser the bokeh is and vice-versa.
Fig 6: Example of different depths of field.
If you can't understand what I said above, this might explain all of it. Observe how the clarity of the background changes as the aperture becomes wider.
If you can't understand what I said above, this might explain all of it. Observe how the clarity of the background changes as the aperture becomes wider.
HOW TO CONTROL APERTURE
- For Canon cameras, you can control it by switching the Shutter control to the Aperture control through the Q button and the same dial that controls the Shutter speed. You can also control it through the side dial (the second dial) on the body. For Nikon, I'm not sure about the entry-level cameras but you can control aperture through the front dial for higher-end models.
- Maximum aperture is normally not very important unless you take long exposure/ low shutter shots as most lenses can go up to f/16 or f/22. I will state why later. However, minimum aperture is important as it can restrict the amount of bokeh you can make.
- Zoom lenses normally have a larger minimum aperture compared to prime lenses (lenses that cannot zoom) as zooming affects the minimum aperture. For example, a Canon 18-135mm STM has a minimum aperture of f/3.5-5.6. It means that when the lens is zoomed in to 18mm, the minimum aperture is f/3.5 while when it is zoomed in to 135mm, the minimum aperture is f/5.6.
- You can only control the aperture in Aperture Priority mode and Manual mode
ISO
First things first, before I even start, let me make this clear. ISO IS NOT AN ACRONYM AND IT IS NOT PRONOUNCED AS EYE-ES-OH. If you Google ISO, a lot of photographers may tell you it stands for International Standards Organisation but if you actually think about it, why would a photography element be an organisation? It stands for NOTHING and ISO is pronounced as EYE-SO.
- ISO is the level of sensitivity of your camera to available light.
- The lower the ISO number, the less sensitive it is to the light, while a higher ISO number increases the sensitivity of your camera.
- The lower the ISO number, the darker the image is and vice-versa.
- The sensor of a camera is responsible for adjusting the ISO of your image.
- The sensitivity can be seen through the "grains/noise" of an image. The higher the ISO number, the grainier or noisier a picture is. The lower the ISO number, the smoother a picture is.
- ISO is the most troublesome element in event photography as it can ruin the shot by making the shot too grainy/noisy.
- ISO is the level of sensitivity of your camera to available light.
- The lower the ISO number, the less sensitive it is to the light, while a higher ISO number increases the sensitivity of your camera.
- The lower the ISO number, the darker the image is and vice-versa.
- The sensor of a camera is responsible for adjusting the ISO of your image.
- The sensitivity can be seen through the "grains/noise" of an image. The higher the ISO number, the grainier or noisier a picture is. The lower the ISO number, the smoother a picture is.
- ISO is the most troublesome element in event photography as it can ruin the shot by making the shot too grainy/noisy.
Fig 7: The contrast between a smooth and a grainy/noisy image.
HOW DO YOU CONTROL ISO
- ISO can be controlled by pressing the ISO button and then setting your preferred ISO through the dial for both Canon and Nikon (I think) cameras.
- ISO can be controlled by pressing the ISO button and then setting your preferred ISO through the dial for both Canon and Nikon (I think) cameras.
Composition
- Composition, in any form (in photography/art), is the placement or arrangement of visual elements or ingredients in a work of art, as distinct from the subject of a work.
- There are different forms of composition: Leading lines, Rule of thirds/odds/space, Simplification, Geometry and Symmetry and Creating distance. (Taken from wikipedia)
- There are different forms of composition: Leading lines, Rule of thirds/odds/space, Simplification, Geometry and Symmetry and Creating distance. (Taken from wikipedia)
RULE OF THIRDS
Fig 8: Rule of thirds
- The brain do not see an image as a whole. It takes quick snapshots of parts of the pictures. That's what the rule of thirds is invented for as the brain concentrates and take snapshots along those lines and their intersections.
- However, not all shots are suitable for applying the rule of thirds. For example, family photos and news' picture to camera (PTC) are not suitable for applying the rule of thirds.
- One example of shots with rule of thirds applied to it is Fig 2, where the fountain lies along the bottom left intersection.
- However, not all shots are suitable for applying the rule of thirds. For example, family photos and news' picture to camera (PTC) are not suitable for applying the rule of thirds.
- One example of shots with rule of thirds applied to it is Fig 2, where the fountain lies along the bottom left intersection.
Fig 9: An example of an image with rule of thirds applied.
Notice the body of the guy lies on the left line, covering all the intersection points on it.
Notice the body of the guy lies on the left line, covering all the intersection points on it.
RULE OF ODDS
- The rule of odds states that a subject with an even number of object surrounding it makes it more pleasing for the eye.
- It also states that an odd number of subjects, preferably 3, makes an image more interesting as an odd number of subjects produce symmetries in an image.
- The rule of odds states that a subject with an even number of object surrounding it makes it more pleasing for the eye.
- It also states that an odd number of subjects, preferably 3, makes an image more interesting as an odd number of subjects produce symmetries in an image.
Fig 10: An example of an image with rule of odds applied.
The focus of the image is on the three locks.
The focus of the image is on the three locks.
RULE OF SPACE
- The rule of space applies to picture to which the photographer wants to apply the illusion of movement, or which it is supposed to create a speech bubble.
- The rule of space applies to picture to which the photographer wants to apply the illusion of movement, or which it is supposed to create a speech bubble.
Fig 11: An example of a shot with rule of space applied.
Notice that Char Aznable Doraemon (that figure, that's his name) is looking in a distance and a speech bubble can be placed in the place he is looking at.
Notice that Char Aznable Doraemon (that figure, that's his name) is looking in a distance and a speech bubble can be placed in the place he is looking at.
LEADING LINES
- Leading lines are lines that lies near to the intersection points in the rule of thirds that leads the viewer's attention to the horizon, where the line ends.
- Leading lines are lines that lies near to the intersection points in the rule of thirds that leads the viewer's attention to the horizon, where the line ends.
Fig 12: A example of a shot with leading lines.
This picture was taken in a rush. The pavement being at the intersection points of the rule of thirds would make a better shot.
This picture was taken in a rush. The pavement being at the intersection points of the rule of thirds would make a better shot.
SIMPLIFICATION
-Simplification is getting rid of all the unnecessary things in an object.
LIMITING FOCUS
-This is the method used to simplify a picture. It can be done through bokehs by taking pictures with a small F-Stop number.
-Simplification is getting rid of all the unnecessary things in an object.
LIMITING FOCUS
-This is the method used to simplify a picture. It can be done through bokehs by taking pictures with a small F-Stop number.
Fig 13: An example of a shot with a limited focus (f/1.8).
I got rid of the focus on the rest of the objects and I only focused on the pagoda thing.
I got rid of the focus on the rest of the objects and I only focused on the pagoda thing.
GEOMETRY AND SYMMETRY
- This is the only type of composition that does not follow the rule of thirds.
- You can choose to make your object symmetrical or asymmetrical.
- For a shot to be symmetrical or asymmetrical depends on the camera angle. If you decide to put the vanishing point of a picture in one of the intersection points of the rule of thirds, it is an asymmetrical shot. If you want to put the vanishing point right smack in the middle and the features at both sides of the pictures are the same, it is a symmetrical shot.
- This is the only type of composition that does not follow the rule of thirds.
- You can choose to make your object symmetrical or asymmetrical.
- For a shot to be symmetrical or asymmetrical depends on the camera angle. If you decide to put the vanishing point of a picture in one of the intersection points of the rule of thirds, it is an asymmetrical shot. If you want to put the vanishing point right smack in the middle and the features at both sides of the pictures are the same, it is a symmetrical shot.
Fig 14: An example of an asymmetrical shot.
Fig 15: An example of a symmetrical shot.
CREATING DISTANCE
- Creating distance is a very good technique in photography. It is showing the distance between objects through angles or bokehs.
- Creating distance is a very good technique in photography. It is showing the distance between objects through angles or bokehs.
Fig 16: An example of an attempt to create distance between evenly sized objects with no bokehs. (f/29)
Fig 17: An example of an attempt to create distance between odd sized objects with bokehs. (f/3.5)
exposure
- The three elements of an image controls the exposure of an image.
- The slower the shutter speed, the brighter the exposure and vice-versa.
- The wider the aperture, the brighter the exposure and vice-versa.
- The higher the ISO number, the brighter the exposure and vice-versa.
- The slower the shutter speed, the brighter the exposure and vice-versa.
- The wider the aperture, the brighter the exposure and vice-versa.
- The higher the ISO number, the brighter the exposure and vice-versa.
Fig 18: Shots with different exposure levels.
- To judge the exposure level correctly and accurately, look through the viewfinder instead of using live-view (image appears on screen).
Other useful websites
Some websites that I learnt photography from. These are also my research materials. If my notes doesn't help, maybe try these websites:
ISO - https://photographylife.com/what-is-iso-in-photography
Aperture - https://photographylife.com/what-is-aperture-in-photography
Shutter - https://photographylife.com/what-is-shutter-speed-in-photography
Composition -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Composition_(visual_arts)#Geometry_and_symmetry
Photographers: Inge Shi, Jian Wei, Jeng Hwee
Special thanks to Char Aznable Doraemon
Thank you for reading my notes that I used 4 hours to type. I know there are grammar mistakes cause there most probably are. The next set of notes shall be on creative shots.
Remember, practice makes perfect.
ISO - https://photographylife.com/what-is-iso-in-photography
Aperture - https://photographylife.com/what-is-aperture-in-photography
Shutter - https://photographylife.com/what-is-shutter-speed-in-photography
Composition -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Composition_(visual_arts)#Geometry_and_symmetry
Photographers: Inge Shi, Jian Wei, Jeng Hwee
Special thanks to Char Aznable Doraemon
Thank you for reading my notes that I used 4 hours to type. I know there are grammar mistakes cause there most probably are. The next set of notes shall be on creative shots.
Remember, practice makes perfect.