COMPOSITION AND FRAMING

What are some ways we can achieve a better looking image?
- We can ensure we maximise the usage of the image, make sure the background is not distracting.
- We can ensure the subject of the photo is clearly seen.
- We can place subjects to one side of the frame

There are rules and theories that help photographers produce better images.

Rule of thirds - which is a simple method which splits the frame

Lines - important role of composition
Diagonal lines - dynamic

Lines can be used to lead the viewer, this is called leading lines such as Roads, paths, fences etc. Here are some examples i found on the internet . Leading the viewers following the lines.

Balance - if we can incorporate geometric shapes into images, this can also invoke.

Another element of balance is the use of symmetrical balance - makes image powerful, strong and gives an equal balance. Using shapes to help generate interesting images (geometric shapes - triangles)

Framing can be used to help subjects more interesting. You can also have frames with in a frame.

Here are some images i took following all these theories.

This image shows the theory of Rule of Thirds. If you split the subject you would see that 

the model is right on the line on the right side of the rule of thirds lines.

using the Rule of thirds gives interesting composition and makes it more interesting to look at.

These two images shows framing. I used the frame within a frame idea. as you can see with 

the first image there are a few shapes within each other by using the doorways of the corridor, 

it is almost similar to using the leading the viewer as you can almost look through the doorway and follow the photograph. The second photograph is also following the same idea of a frame with in the frame by using the lift being open as a frame around the model.

This image shows symmetrical balance, it isn't exactly the same but each side is busy which gives a balance. The divided lines in the middle of the photo give a symmetrical line.

 The ceiling shows symmetry. As the architecture is symmetrical, i took the image on a low angle looking up to show the ceiling.

FOCAL LENGTH AND SENSORS

A lens is a piece of glass or other transparent substance with curved sides for concentrating or dispersing light rays. A sensor is a solid state devive which captures light required to form a digital image. A large sensor is necessary for advertisements or studio based shoots. They can also cope better when shooting in dark situations. A smaller sensor is necessary and good for wildlife and sport photography, due to the crop factor. Cameras with smaller sensors can take more images due to their frames per second.

15 mm focal length

55 mm focal length

The images above show two images I took of the same subject and composition but using different focal lengths. The first one was 15 mm and the second was 55 mm.

Exposure Triangle

The exposure can be seeing either on information or when looking through the view finder:

             +2 means the image will be over exposed (too bright)

             - 2 means the image will be under exposed (too dark)

Seen like this through view finder : 

When taking an image, you must understand that there is a specific objective;

- pictures of sports

- a family portrait

- a landscape image

- capturing a band in a dark venue

Depending on the objective, this will influence your choice of ensuring aperture of shutter take priority. Only use ISO when you are struggling to get enough light into the camera.

Setting up exposure:

Set the camera into manual mode, the wheel at the top right controls the shutter speed

ISO button works independently (click the ISO button and will come up on the screen)

In manual mode, hold the av button and rotate wheel to change the aperture value.

The best way of dealing with the task is to think about the required or necessary setting to capture the best image in the scenario given.

e.g - if i wanted to capture an image of someone walking past me, i would prioritise the shutter speed over anything else as it is involving movement

ISO

ISO is the cameras sensitivity to light.

The ISO and the White Balance should always be set before a photo shoot. White Balance corrects the colors.

The Higher the ISO is, the more light can be squeezed in, especially when its dark. If in a bright situation a lower ISO would be used. 400 ISO is the ISO number which can be used for everyday.

LOWER ISO - LESS SENSITIVE - BETTER QUALITY - EVEN COLORS - EVEN TONE

HIGHER ISO - MORE SENSITIVE - BAD QUALITY - NO FINE OUTLINES - MORE GRAINY 

ISO is usually measured in a base of 100 and typically doubles each time - 100 200 400 800 1600 3200 6400

                                                                                  This image shows an ISO of a high number, 1600.

the quality of the photograph isn't as fine as the one below. There is also no fine outlines and good focus of the image.

  This image shows an ISO of a low number, the ISO was set to about 400. Where in this image you can see that it a greater quality and has fine details around the photo frames. also good shadows have been produced by using a lower number.

ISO of 800

Mode Dials

Automatic

Portrait

Macro

Landscape

Sports

Night Portrait

Program

Tv Shutter Priority

AV Aperture Value

Auto Depth Of Field

Flash Off

The first 6 are just Basic Modes, which in the basic modes there is no need to alter any settings, they are all fully automatic.

In the last 5 modes you have the ability to alter certain values, E.g Aperture Priority, where you would use the spinning wheel on the top right usually.

APERTURE

Aperture changes two elements within an image. Aperture controls depth of field in the photograph and also how much light is exposed. 

Aperture is defined by f/stops. E.g, f2.8 f.11

To set aperture on the camera you change the settings to A.V (Aperture Value) and then you can use the wheel to change the number. Numbers such as f2.8 have more light and have a faster shutter so are less sharp.Numbers such as F.11 have less light and a slower shutter speed so are more sharp.

When would you use a aperture greater than f5.6?

- LANDSCAPES, TIMELAPSES, LIGHTING

When would you use a aperture lower than f4.5

- SPORT, GIGS