Digital photography is a relatively new technology. The basic composition, lighting and camera manipulations used with film photography still generally apply to the new technology. In addition, digital photography permits (and even encourages) image manipulation that was difficult or impossible with film photography. Digital photograph also opens many new means for the storage and distribution of images.
The capabilities offered with digital technologies are expanding rapidly. This means that the set of skills and behaviors for a particular level are also increasing, often faster than can be recorded here.
- Uses a simple "point and shoot" digital camera (perhaps even a cell-phone camera).
- Takes few photographs, with most photographs involving events (rather than subjects).
- Keeps photos that are poor quality.
- Shows no regard for camera care.
- Tends to keep photos on camera media and has only a rudimentary knowledge of photo downloading.
- Fails to set the local date and time on the camera.
- Has no organized way to share photos.
- Utilizes no particular workflow and is often unprepared to take a photo (e.g., dead battery, full memory).
- Uses a good "point and shoot" or simple SLR camera (but uses auto mode or few of the features).
- Takes many photographs using a variety of subjects.
- Deletes most photos that have flaws (e.g., out of focus, poor lighting).
- Performs basic camera maintenance on an ad hoc basis.
- Set the local date and time on the camera.
- Shares some photos on an on-line site (e.g., Picasa, Flickr).
- Organizes some photos on a local computer, likely using a combination of folders.
- Keeps information about images by renaming most photo files.
- Has a general workflow but is inconsistent in its use.
- Uses a camera with advanced (manual) settings (e.g., zoom or multiple lenses, focus, ISO, f-stop, shutter speed) and regularly uses these.
- Carries an advanced "point and shoot" camera that is rugged (e.g., waterproof) for extreme environmental conditions (or weight/bulk restrictions).
- Uses a daily workflow that insures that all elements of the photo system are organized and available.
- Takes many photographs and selects those worth keeping.
- Processes all kept photos with general software(e.g., Photoshop) to improve the design and quality.
- Adds key metadata to photo collections, including georeferencing information.
- Regularly maintains photo collections on public sites (e.g., Picasa, Flickr)
- Maintains cameras carefully, including frequently cleaning the lens, and the use of filters to protect the lens.
- Keeps photos fairly well organized and generally makes backups.
- Understands and abides by ethical standards in taking and sharing photos.
- Involves other people in taking photos.
- Adds quality DSLR lenses and other accessories that allow high-quality capture in difficult situations (e.g., low light, distance).
- Carries a tripod and cable release when the situation requires a stable camera.
- Uses controlled lighting (e.g., reflectors, flash) in some situations.
- Carefully reviews images frequently and makes sure to add photos so that collections are complete.
- Processes all photos with both general software and, when needed, specialized software.
- Maintains a complete collection of photographs in a highly organized way with automatic backup protection.
- Involves other people in capturing needed images, including instructing them in best-practices photography.
- Uses high-end camera gear very naturally.
- Finds unique opportunities to capture high quality photographs.
- Creates photo collections that are outstanding for their creativity and technical quality.
- Controls lighting in unique ways for optimal results.
The Skill Acquisition Units provide guidance in learning the basic tasks needed to achieve a Competent Skill level for photography.
These units are intended to be "self-learned." As a result, they require active participation, a curious mind, a self-starter personality, and perseverance.
(Note: unit numbering on links needs to be fixed)
Photo Unit 0: Introduction
Photo Unit 1: Activities Common to All Units
Photo Unit 2: Workflow
Photo Unit 3: Plant Documentation
Photo Unit 4: Landscapes
Photo Unit 5: People (alone and in groups)
Photo Unit 6: Structures (outside and inside)
Photo Unit 7: Artifact Documentation
Photo Unit 8: Process Documentation
Photo Unit 9: Repeat Photography
Photo Unit 10: Image Dissemination (prints, file sharing)
- File Renaming (e.g., 1-4a Rename)
- General On-Line Libraries (e.g., Flickr - Uploader;Picasa2)
- Specialized On-Line Libraries (e.g., Panoramio for use with Google Earth)
- EXIF data and annotation
- Adding Locations (e.g., On-Line with Flickr; Off-Line with Microsoft Image Mechanic?)
- AutoPano Pro
- Photoshop CS 3 (Advanced)
- GigaPan
- Photoshop CS3 (Advanced)
- Adobe Lightroom
- Specialized Filters (e.g., Helicon Filter ,Viveza)
- Confocal Photography (e.g., Helicon Focus)
- HDR Photography (e.g., Artizen HDR)
- Noise Removal (RAW files) (e.g., DxO Optics)
- Time Lapse
- Motion Detection (e.g., Webcam Zone Trigger)
- Tabletop (see Breeze Systems PSRemote)
- DP Review (likely the most comprehensive site for in-depth reviews of all digital camera models, including user-forums for most kinds of cameras)