Week 1

Week 1
September 1st, 2010

● A caption should not tell the obvious, they should add something to the photo.
● Ask someone for more information, this way you can have an accurate, detailed caption.
● Ask questions about the things you are taking pictures of.
● After each assignment we will be writing a self-critique. The guidelines can be found in the syllabus.
● The histogram tells you about the exposure of a photograph -- learn to use it.
● The photo is made up of whatever you compose. This is what tells the story:
--What are you going to put in it, how will it be light, what vantage point will you shoot from, etc.
● There are several things to consider in a photograph:
-- Geometry
-- Rule of thirds
-- Lighting
-- Biology
-- Psychology
-- Physics

Each of these things makes up and influences the photograph.
Geometry:
Point: is a very small dot
Line: Is a straight point in the photograph. It is essential to lining things up. It can be the side of a building, the horizon or any other straight line.
Triangle: Is a very stable structure

Proportions:
1:1 is a perfectly symmetrical square
1:2 is the rule of thirds (golden ratio)
1:4
2:3
4:3 is 8X10

Psych: What do we want to see in the photo

●Learn to use different type of light. Sometime diffused light or uneven light can be good. LEarn how to shoot in different types.

Some Tips and Advice:
●Pay attention to lines, limbs, distracting elements when composing a photo. Do not let a pole stick out of someone's head.
● Watch for motion, make sure you can get the right shutter speed to stop it.
● The light right before the sun comes up is an excellent time to shoot. It is also very calm.
● Shooting just before sunset is another good time

Thoughts:
I am excited to start this photo class. It has been years since I have picked up anything other than a point-and-shoot camera. I hope that I can familiarize myself with the camera and its controls quickly.

It will be interesting to see the work that other students are producing as well. I look forward to seeing the style and technique that my peers are using.

I need to make sure I review these initial tips, this way I can optimize my shooting time.