ELEMENTS OF A GOOD PHOTO:

1.Exposure2.Focus3.Composition

Which would you argue is the most importantto get right while you are shooting your picture?

Effect of focal lengthEffect of focusing screensEffect of available lightAuto vs. manual focus

Manually focus when:

You want to zero in on a subject not in the centerYou’re shooting action picturesShooting in low lightPhotographing through glassShooting confusing subjects or backgrounds

Auto focus when?

WHY NOT?The camera may not focus on the subject of your choice.Auto focus is fast; but not that fast.Auto focus may cause shutter lag.Auto focus requires light (Some cameras have focus assist lamps).Auto focus uses battery power.Auto focus requires high contrast subjects.

FOCUS ZONES:Some cameras focus on the center subject.Some cameras focus on the nearest subject.Some camera have 5 or so focus zones and chooses among them by contrast or movement.You may be able to switch focus zones manually.You may be able to lock out focus ranges (near/far).

(Sharply focused subjects show more contrast than blurry subjects.Auto focus works by maximizing image contrast at one of the focus sensors.)

Auto focus modes:

Continuous auto focus (AF-C)when you press the shutter release half way, the camera continually shifts the focus as it detects movement in the field of view. Useful for action photography.

Single auto focus (AF-S)the camera sets the focus when you press the shutter release half way and leaves it there until after you take the picture.

Automatic auto focusjust like single auto focus unless the camera detects motion; then it switches to continuous auto focus.

!!learn about auto focus modes in your camera!!!

COMPOSITION

Use your frame of view as a canvas. (squint, use your fingers, etc.)Fill the frame.Decide on the critical elements to include or eliminate (avoid clutter).Don’t always center your subject.Use the rule of thirds.Include points of interest: shapes, texture, color, movement, lines, diagonalsInclude converging or radiating lines.Make use of repetition or pattern.Balance and compartmentalize.Use pairs and trios.Connect the fore- and background.Incorporate a reference for scale.Direct action or potential action toward space.Simplify and isolate your subject.Consider depth of field. Every picture needs a focal point.Consider the effect of portrait (vertical) vs. landscape (horizontal) format.Lighting affects the “mood.”Consider the effect of your viewfinder.

Know when to break the rules!!!

COMMON ERRORS OF COMPOSITON:Lack of subjectSubject too smallCentered subjectTilted horizonCentered horizonLack of scaleDistracting backgroundToo many elements includedUnfortunate mergers and displaced objects

TIPS TO CONSIDER:Use a pair of forceps to remove distracting clutterChange the camera angle.Alter the depth of field.Line up camera parallel to subject plane.Use background card.Throw background into shadow or highlight.