Lesson 9 - Traditional Portraits

Taking portrait pictures can be quite a challenge for both the photographer and the subject. Portraits highlight a person's face and make them the focal point of the picture. This can sometimes be uncomfortable and awkward. Take the time to check out a few videos and learn about what makes a successful portrait, but also what makes a comfortable situation. Have fun and do your best!

1. Watch the attached video on Portraits and take note of the tips.

2. Practice! Go around your house, neighborhood, nature, etc. (of course following social distancing guidelines) and take several pictures of others using the Portrait Composition.

3. Select your best 3 images showcasing your new abilities and turn them via a Google doc in the Optional Options Classroom.

Have Fun!

Lesson 8 - Depth Of Field

Shallow Depth of Field (AKA narrow depth of field, small depth of field, etc.) is where a very small point of depth in your image is in focus. This is great for emphasizing a subject (Focal Point) or "softening" the background.

Deep Depth of Field (AKA longer depth of field, larger depth of field, etc.) is where a great deal of your image is in focus. This is great for landscapes or scenic shots.

1. Watch the attached videos on Depth of Field for a detailed explanation.

2. Practice! Go around your house, neighborhood, nature, etc. (of course following social distancing guidelines) and take several pictures using the Depth of Field Composition.

3. Select your best 3 images showcasing your new abilities and turn them via a Google doc in the Optional Options Classroom.

Have Fun!

*Note* You may need a DSLR Camera to do this exercise... However, many phones do have settings that you can change the depth of field. (Macro, portrait, landscape, etc.)

Lesson 7 - Balance

Balance composition within photography is basically using the other compositions you have practiced to achieve a sort of 'balance' within your photo. For example using the Rule of Thirds to divide the frame equally and show two focal points, as illustrated in the picture with the cows, is a great example of balance.

1. Watch the attached video on Balance for a detailed explanation.

2. Practice! Go around your house, neighborhood, nature, etc. (of course following social distancing guidelines) and take several pictures using the Balance Composition.

3. Select your best 3 images showcasing your new abilities and turn them via a Google doc in the Optional Options Classroom.

Have Fun!

Lesson 6 - Patterns and Repetition

Patterns and repetition are seen all around us, both man-made and natural. In photography pattern or repetition can be loosely be defined as the regular recurrence or alternation of an object, shape, line, or form. It's a fairly easy concept when you get the hang of looking for them. Take a look at the included picture for an example or simply search some up!

1. Watch the attached video on Patterns and Repetition for a detailed explanation.

2. Practice! Go around your house, neighborhood, nature, etc. (of course following social distancing guidelines) and take several pictures using the Patterns and Repetition Composition.

3. Select your best 3 images showcasing your new abilities and turn them via a Google doc in the Optional Options Classroom.

Have Fun!

Check the link for a variety of examples.

Lesson 5 - Framing

Framing in photography composition is where objects in the foreground and background of a photo help to frame or emphasize the main subject (focal point) of the photo. In other words, framing creates a frame within your frame. For example, you might shoot through a doorway, pulled back curtains, branches, fences, tunnels, or arches to highlight your subject. Showing the focal point through framing shows a viewer exactly where to look.

1. Watch the attached video on Framing for a detailed explanation.

2. Practice! Go around your house, neighborhood, nature, etc. (of course following social distancing guidelines) and take several pictures using the Framing Composition.

3. Select your best 3 images showcasing your new abilities and turn them via a Google doc in the Optional Options Classroom.

Have Fun!

Check the link for a variety of examples.

Lesson 4 - Leading Lines

Leading Lines is a technique of composition where the photographer uses foreground elements to direct the viewer through your photo, ending at the focal point. The viewer of your photos attention is drawn to lines that lead to the main subject of the image.

1. Watch the attached video on Leading Lines for a detailed explanation.

2. Practice! Go around your house, neighborhood, nature, etc. (of course following social distancing guidelines) and take several pictures using the Leading Lines Composition.

3. Select your best 3 images showcasing your new abilities and turn them via a Google doc in the Optional Options Classroom.

Have Fun!

Lesson 3 - Rule of Thirds

The Rule of Thirds is the most common type of composition, it is created when the subject falls on the intersecting point of the imaginary lines created when you break the photo into thirds both vertically and horizontally. That is why so many cameras offer the 3x3 grid option.

1. Watch the attached video on Rule of Thirds for a detailed explanation.

2. Practice! Go around your house, neighborhood, nature, etc. (of course following social distancing guidelines) and take several pictures using the Rule of Thirds Composition.

3. Select your best 3 images showcasing your new abilities and turn them via a Google doc in the Optional Options Classroom.

Have Fun!

Photography Composition Introduction

Over the Easter break I wanted to provide a little bit of an intro to our next lessons. For this post there will be nothing you need to submit, but more of an introduction to what is coming: Photography Composition. So over the next few days complete the following:

1. Take a moment to learn about what photography composition actually is. Watch 'Photo Composition Introduction Part 1 and 2 for an overview.

2. Check out any other relevant videos/articles that describe photography composition.

When we get back from the break we will delve into six main photography composition styles focusing on one or two styles per week. Enjoy the break and stay healthy and safe!

(If you would like to watch more on composition check out the extra videos included.)

Lesson 2 - Aperture, ISO, Shutter Speed, White Balance

Hi Friends!

For Lesson 2 we are going to focus on Aperture, ISO, Shutter Speed and White Balance.

1. Watch the following videos on each camera setting.

2. Play with your camera! Whether it be a phone, a point-and-shoot, or a DSLR get used to the camera and see what manual options are available. Check user manuals and my video for a little help.

3. Open the Lesson 2 Google Doc, take your pictures and discuss your answers. You will need to take several identical photos changing only one of the previously listed settings. Then you can discuss your findings. Remember you will need to shoot in ‘M’ (manual) mode for this activity

Good luck, and have fun!