5 Steps to Becoming a Better Photographer 1

5 Steps to Becoming a Better Photographer

1. Learn to Imagine; Then Create All great images are the product of the photographer’s imagination 2. Requires thinking ahead; also called “pre-visualization. ” Thinking about what you want the image to be before you use the camera. 3. Good photographers think ahead…plan ahead…and use pre-visualization. 1.

Ok…what goes on in your mind. (Scary, I know!) What is on your mind RIGHT NOW! Get a camera and make a photo that reflects that which is on your mind at this moment!

2. Look for an Alternate Perspective � Don’t accept the ordinary shot; think outside of the box. � Be willing to move the camera (and yourself) into a different position � Use planning and variety when placing the subject…and take the time to get it just the way you want it. � Angle to the subject is EVERYTHING!

Working With Your Partner… � Take your cameras and make four (4) different photos while remaining in the same general location…a 3 ft X 3 ft space. � Here’s the catch: Each photo must represent a completely different perspective!

3. Shoot Tight! � Use the zoom lens and camera position to eliminate clutter, junk, and garbage! � Don’t rely on cropping to do all of the work! Create a shot that is all content and no fluff! � Keep context in mind…sometimes surroundings are necessary…so don’t “over-zoom”…Think Goldie Locks and the Three Bears…Just Right!

Time to Use your camera Make 5 pairs of photos where you shoot a wide shot first and then zoom or move in for a “tight shot. ” Put these in a Google slide show so you show the class how to eliminate unwanted clutter in your photos.

4. Light & Shadow � The invention of photography was rooted in the idea that every visual scene is a combination of light and shadow. � The term CONTRAST means the range of light-to-shadow in a photographic image. � Effective images use light and shadow to create visual impressions…mood, tone, and intensity are directly related to contrast.

5. The Rule of Thirds � The imaginary (or maybe not) grid made from two sets of intersecting parallel lines. The idea is to frame your shots so that the main subject or point of interest falls on or near one of the 4 intersect points. � Ok…now, the main thing is to not let this rule become your “rule. ” � Use the “Ro 3 rds” as a guideline; not gospel! Sometimes, being different is good!

Elements of Composition � Camera Placement-where the camera is located � Subject Placement…Are there any background distractions? � Rule-of-Thirds (not an absolute rule) � Framing- Is there too much in the photo?

Look at these images Look at each of the following images: Which element of composition is being demonstrated in the photo?

Ok…look at the following photos.

B A

A B

B A

The 4 Elements of Photography �Light �Space �Time �Emotion

Light �Is what makes our existence in the world as we know it possible. �Has physical properties… �Is the reason that photography is possible.

Space � Where ever you go…there you are! � Any and every place in the universe… � Any physical location…place…a “something or place”.

Time � The instant that an image is captured �A frozen slice of existence that is indefinitely preserved to be experienced again and again. � In quantum physics, space and time are interchangeable values.

Emotion � The content of every photographic image and the reason that every photo image was created. � Emotion is why we are human and why we do what we do in every situation…including photography. Especially photography. � Emotion is what makes you who, what, where, when, why, and how you are inside.