An introduction to course and digital cameras
Introduction
Photography, like most arts, is a combination of science and art. A painter needs to know his tools
and his paints very well before he can start working masterpieces. This often takes years off
technical training and skill. Photography was the same until a few years ago. Film based cameras
made the learning process a slow, tedious and expensive one. If a student was serious about
photography, then each exposure had to be recorded as photographs were taken and then linked to
the actual photo when the printing had taken place. Now we have the joy if instant feedback via
LCD on the back of the camera. This has made the learning process exponentially faster, and even
more so with training. Feedback can be delivered in a matter of seconds and this really accelerates
the learning curve. However, the fundamentals of photography still remain and the basics of shutter
speed, aperture and exposure remain the foundations of photography.
What this course delves into is the fact that cameras now do almost all of the science for us. With
this confidence in the bag, we can thus concentrate on actually improving technique and images
through your creativity.
Philosophy of course
Teach clients to see the Art of photography through their own creativity.
Improve the results of their images through practical application of the lessons taught
Science vs Art
As mentioned, every photograph is a combination of science and art.
Science is the actual combination of shutter speed and aperture to create an exposure that is
pleasing to the eye. It is the basis of every image taken with every camera. If the exposure is
incorrect, then an image won’t work and be discarded. Many people concentrate on producing
technically precise images. Hours can be spent on producing an image that has the correct depth of
field with the corresponding correct shutter speed to ensure that an image is exposed perfectly. An
image like this can often be exceptionally boring. And luckily for us, we have the advantage of
technology on our side. As a professional photographer, I use the cameras meter readings for my
photographs about 85% of the time. I believe that for about 90% of all images, a camera will
produce the correct exposure.
This makes the photographers life a lot easier and now there can be more concentration on actually
taking a picture that looks good. A camera that takes well-exposed images is the biggest boon to a
photographer as they can concentrate on making a good image with their own creativity.
Art- The ability to create balance in a photograph. Balance is created via a combination of
light, composition, feel and colour combinations. Other factors like iso and depth of field are
technical methods that help creativity.
What is creativity?
Creativity- The art or power to invent. The ability to create knowledge/ingenuity.
In photography, and through creative use, images can:
• Tell a story
• Create atmosphere, mood and feel
• Compliment colours and create balance
• Lead a viewer into an image
• Create anticipation
• Give intrigue
For more information on Photography courses and how to improve your photography see here.
All text copyright C4 Images and Safaris
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