Print out packet here
Photography = light writing
Our goal is to capture and control light so that we have good exposure (balanced light and range of value)
* light is the media and the camera is a tool just like paint is the media and a paintbrush is the tool
Photographic paper-- 3 layers
top= resin (plastic coating)
middle= emulsion (light sensitive varnish)
bottom= paper
*do not open in light
*when white light hits paper it exposes it (makes it darker)
Visual Clarity = control of exposure and composition
Exposure = balanced light through the camera and through the enlarger
Composition = the arrangement of elements in a photograph (think about main focal point, support elements for balance and unity, and details for texture and visual interest)
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Photogram
(click here for more info)
Since light is our media, we can create a photographic image with a camera, with an enlarger, with an oatmeal box (pin hole camera)....anything that will allow us to capture and control light to expose a light sensitive material like film, photographic paper, or any object that is coated with a liquid emulsion. This project introduces us to the main concept behind the photographic process and gives us a chance to experiment with composition; we will use found objects to create a thoughtful and well designed final composition.
Composition = how objects/elements are arranged in visual space; There are exceptions to artistic rules but here are some guidelines for a strong composition
1) should have a visual hierarchy-- main focal point/ support elements and details
2) variety of size/texture
3) balance and unity of artistic elements and positive/negative space
4) creating a sense of depth or movement with directional lines will give you a more dynamic point of view
5) strive for your work to be dynamic but not chaotic and balanced but not boring
click here and here for more info
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The Camera
(please refer to camera basics pdf for more info; click here)
* The camera is my tool...through it, I give reason to everything around me...Andre Kertesz
* You don't make a photograph just with a camera....you bring to the art of photography all of the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard, the people you have loved...Ansel Adams
Goal-- to capture and control light
There are 2 ways to do this
1) shutter speed: fractions of time; how fast you take a picture; this is a priority if movement is involved.
*60 or faster (1/60 of a second) = handheld
*30 or slower (1/30 of a second) = need a tripod for stability or images with have camera shake (softness/blur)
2) aperture: lens opening; this is a priority when depth of field is important
* large aperture (like a f/2.8) = shallow d.o.f. (few things in focus)
* small aperture (like f/22) = great d.o.f. (many things in focus)
BUT how do you know when you have good exposure??????
answer = light meter (photographer's BFF): read your light meter to know what settings you should use to have balanced light; there are many different kinds- please research or see me
.....and don't forget to FOCUS-- think about the composition as you look through the lens of the camera and focus your lens on what is the most important part of the photo because then if you have shallow d.o.f, your main focal point will still be sharp.
Film = set your ISO (film speed) to 400 and review how to load film properly (see sidebar "loading film")
When in doubt GOOGLE it....
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How to load film- video
Some additional points:
1) if your tab snaps out of the slot just try again; when you wind it make sure gears catches sprocket holes
2) don't forget to set your ISO
a) this is usually on your shutter speed dial-- pull up on the outer ring and turn until 400 shows through window
b) some cameras have this dial with the rewind knob instead-- push down on the button and turn to 400
c) some cameras will set this automatically-- if you have a series of silver beads on inside of camera where you insert the film canister than this will set automatically
3) do not open camera until you rewind your film
How to rewind film- video
Some additional points:
1) on manual cameras you must push the release button and then hand wind your film in the direction of the arrow until it is all back in the film canister;
2) if you do not push the release button and you go to rewind you will rip your film and ruin your photos
3) on automatic cameras it will usually rewind after you take the last photo
How do you prep film so it is ready to develop?
click here for more info
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Contact Sheet
click here for more info
Basic Print
click here for more info
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Study guide 1 -- click here
Study guide 2 -- click here