ACCESS TO CVU

Advanced Digital Photography

Duncan Wardwell (duncan@cvuhs.org)

Picture all the possibilities

THE POWERS THAT BE

This slide show demonstrates some useful tips for capturing portraits and landscapes.

CAN YOU PICTURE THAT?  IT'S A CLOSER LOOK

Follow the procedure below to explore the portrait and marco functions of your camera.
1.  Choose a Type from the list below.  Find a location in the library or hallways to set up a tripod or chair or small pillow/beanbag.

2.  Set your camera to Portrait mode.  Shoot several pictures by setting the auto-exposure lock at different spots/angles for the same composition.

3.  Re-shoot best results from step 2 with flash on and flash off.

4.  Repeat steps 2 & 3 with camera set to Aperture priority.  Set aperture at several low number f-stops.

5.  Repeat steps 2 & 3 with camera set to lowest Aperture f-stop and Macro mode (Tulip icon or MF button).  Use the LCD display to determine the shallow depth of field and re-position camera to highlight detail priority.

6.  If your results come in too dark then try setting the ISO to 400 or higher and then retake the picture.  If your results come in too light then try setting your ISO to 200 or below and then retake the picture.  Keep in mind it is easy to tweak light, dark, and color controls once you get your digital picture into some enhancement software but it is always best to get the best shot possible when in the field.

Capture the soul of your subject and setting as you utilize these different composition tips.

TYPE

DESCRIPTION

TIPS
Formal Portraits     A person willing to cooperate.      Scout out your setting and set up secondary lights and reflectors beforehand.  Get your subject comfortable then test flash & exposure settings.  Highlight a section of the face for focus.  Take at least two photographs from different angles.  
Group Portraits     We the people. . .      Let someone else arrange the group as you determine the best light angles.  Ask yourself if there is a center of attention or a pattern to highlight.  Take pictures before & after the actual "say cheese!"  Shutter delays allow you to become a part of the picture.
Environmental     Put a person in their place.      Be a chameleon and don't hesitate to shoot with an unorthodox approach.  Try to be sneaky & quick.  Is there such a thing as a landscape portrait? 
Candid     A blend of subject & setting.      Use the setting to dictate angles, depth of field, lighting.  Increase the depth of field.  Experiment with panning and a slow shutter speed.  Be candid yourself. 
Close-up      Capture a small subject with specific and life-size detail.      Utilize the Tulip icon on most digital cameras.  Use a tripod, shutter delays, or other steadying techniques.  Use light reflectors and wind barriers to optimize results. 

EYE SPY

Use magazines like National Geographic to simulate results you like.  Keep observing your shots to examine variables of light and location and depth of field.


ALL HANDS ON DECK

What you see is what you get.  There's always room to learn just a bit more.

The best way to understand your camera, subject, and environmental factors is to experiment with different buttons, settings, and times of day.

Don't forget to explore software commands that will Enhance your composition.