ACCESS TO CVU

Advanced Digital Photography

Duncan Wardwell (duncan@cvuhs.org)

Picture all the possibilities

CAN YOU PICTURE THAT?  LOOK TO BACKUP YOUR BACKGROUND

Follow the procedure below to explore landscapes and panoramics.
1.  Choose a Criteria from the list below.  Find a location in the hallways to set up a tripod or chair or small pillow/beanbag.

2.  Set your camera to Landscape mode.  Shoot several pictures by setting the auto-exposure lock at different background depths.

3.  Re-shoot best results from step 2 but include some sort of foreground balance or perspective.

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

5.  Repeat steps 2 & 3 with camera set to highest Aperture f-stop and shoot several shots that you can stitch into a panoramic.  Be sure to overlap each adjacent picture by appx 20% (or 1/5).  Shoot at least an extra picture on each end of the desired stitch.  For each picture make sure you lock in on the same backgroud depth. Poor light conditions or location creates a lot of extra work when combining photos with software.

6.  If you are shooting from a well-lit location into a dark scene then you will want to zoom or get closer to the dark scene so that the camera will not expose the light closest to you.  You might also increase the ISO value to increase brightness and color saturation in the darker section.  This is especially true for any motion.  Also set camera to multi-shot or burst mode ("stacked papers" icon) so that you can take multiple pictures by maintaining pressure on shutter button - this helps eliminate guess work.

7. If you are shooting from a dark location into well-lit scene then you will first want to turn off your flash.  Use your location and zoom controls to minimize the amount of dark light in the foreground.  Use the shutter priority to get the correct amount of light on the scene.  Decreasing the shutter speed may help get the correct color balance but could also blur motion.  Increasing the shutter speed may help capture sharp motion but may dim light.  Ditto for ISO speed.  Set the multi-shot or burst mode to expose several different pictures, one of which will probably capture what you want. 
 
Play around with some landscaping criteria and explore the artistic elements of every composition.

CRITERIA

RULES OF THUMB
Location      Find a place that allows for ample experimentation.  Minimize motion and other interference.  Move to a different location for other criteria.
Light      Utilize light to illuminate the background.  Avoid midday light and try the hours around dawn and dusk.
Foreground      Use the foreground to provide contrast for the background.  Sunsets appear dynamic with foreground balance.  Mountain ranges rise with foreground scale.
Background      Prioritize a characteristic or two of the background.  Use Light, Orientation, Horizon, Symmetry to emphasize that characteristic.
Orientation      Most landscapes work best with a horizontal orientation.  Keep your horizon straight.  Use vertical orientation for a specific peak, foreground balance, or aesthetic variations.
Symmetry    Symmetry may direct attention to a subject or multiple focal points.  Often an asymmetrical element provides best results.
Frame it     Utilize your LCD display and frame your photo.  Use the Rule of Thirds and zoom options to improve your composition.

Depth of Field      Landscapes require a large depth of field.  Select the proper scene selection or aperture setting.  Press the shutter release partway to lock a specific focal point or exposure.   Be prepared to compensate for less light.
Every Picture Tells A Story. . . Don't It?      You saw something before you took the picture.  Do you see the same thing after you took it?

EYE SPY

Use your photographs for fun cards, slideshows, or other art products provided at PhotoGarden.  Keep observing your shots to examine variables of light and location.