How to take photographs · 13 How to shoot this picture Inclusive school n Use a telephoto lens (T setting on camera) n Use a large aperture (F2, F2.8, F4, etc) n Use a reflector

How to take photographsA quick guide to help you set up and take great photos of the students and activities at your primary school

SCHOOL PROMOTIONS UNIT

Glossary 4-5

Composition 4

Equipment 4

Lighting 5

Your camera 5

A strong community 6

Catering for individuals 7

Buddy program 8

Computers 9

Environmental education 10

Getting ready for class 11

Happy & safe school 12

Inclusive school 13

Individual attention 14

In the classroom 15

In the library 16

In the open air 17

In the playground 18

Live on stage 19

Music ensemble 20

Outdoor sporting action 21

Parent volunteers 22

Peer support 23

PE outdoors 24

Science 25

Technology 26

Values 27

Contents Contents

4

Composition

Composition is subjective but some rules have stood the test of time. The goal is to make images interesting, easy to view and understand.

Rule of Thirds: Divide the scene into thirds vertically and horizontally. Where they intersect near the edges is considered the ideal area to place your subject.

Horizons: It is best not to place the horizon in the middle. Use the rule of thirds above. Ensure your horizons are level.

Not in the centre: Don’t place subjects right in the middle of frame. Use the rule of thirds.

Move in closer: Fill the frame with the subject.

Viewpoint: Consider the angle you are photographing from. Often photographing lower or from higher can make more dramatic pictures. Eye-level photos do work well with small children.

Foreground: Often images made with wide-angle lenses have empty foregrounds. Make sure you have something relevant in the foreground, perhaps even the subject itself.

Equipment

Aperture is a small, variable opening in the lens measured in f/stops. A large aperture lets a lot of light in and is often referred to as “fast”. A fast f/stop generally isolates the subject by making the foreground and background blur. A small aperture lets less light in and is called “slow”. A small f/stop can keep more of the image in focus and appear sharper.

DSLR stands for Digital Single Lens Reflex camera.

Fast lens is one with a large aperture and is more expensive (e.g. 24-70mm F2.8 on DSLR compared with a slow, less expensive lens such as 18-70mm F3.5-4.5). Fast lenses make it possible to blur a background and foreground; use flash at greater distances; use available light instead of flash without camera shake or tripod.

Fill flash is using electronic flash to reduce contrast. The light of the flash brightens shadows.

Focal length designates whether a lens setting is wide-angle, telephoto, or normal. A normal focal length produces images with a perspective similar to the human eye. On a typical DSLR a normal lens would be 35mm.

Lens flare makes the picture look washed out. It occurs when a light source like the sun shines directly into the front of the lens. Sometimes it reflects inside the lens causing hexagonal patterns on the image.

Using the correct lens hood helps to prevent lens flare. A telephoto lens can have a deep lens hood that is very effective. A wide-angle lens requires a shallow lens hood otherwise it will appear in the picture causing vignetting (darkening of the corners).

Reflector is a white surface that bounces light onto the subject, typically a portrait. It can be a 1m professional, collapsible, round reflector for $50 or you can use items such as a piece of white cardboard, a whiteboard or a white tablecloth.

T stands for telephoto or long lens setting that magnifies the image e.g. 135mm on DSLR.

W stands for wide-angle lens setting that records more of the subject without the photographer moving back e.g. 18mm on DSLR.

Zoom lens is one with many focal lengths (e.g. 18-70mm on DSLR). It can be a wide-angle zoom (e.g. 10-22mm on DSLR); wide to telephoto zoom (e.g. 18-200mm); or telephoto zoom (e.g. 70-300mm).

Glossary

5

Your camera

Before you start it’s really important to read the instruction manual that came with your camera as not all camera toggles and controls appear in exactly the same place

Lighting

Available light is any existing light e.g. daylight; overhead lights; stage lights etc.

Artificial light is what the photographer introduces, typically on-camera flash

Fluorescent and/or energy-saving lights cast a green tinge

Standard light globes cast a warm, yellow tinge

Daylight is neutral and has no colour cast

Remember

n Don’t mix lighting types because digital cameras cannot correct for that mix.

n Digital cameras automatically detect the colour and type of light source and set the white balance.

n Avoid taking photos outside at midday when the sun is at its highest point.

n Set your camera for highest resolution or highest quality.

Lens

Shutter realeaseExposure controls

Camera body

Flash

n Red eye reduction

Flash On

Flash OFF

Macro

Telephoto lens

Wide

n Program AE

Shutter Speed-Priority

Aperture-Priority AE

Manual Exposure

T W

6

How to shoot this picture

A strong community

n Use a telephoto lens (T setting on camera)

n Use a medium aperture (F5.6, F8, etc)

n Use a reflector to bounce light onto faces or fill flash

n Have subjects parallel and in line with camera so both are in focus

n Look for a simple, uncluttered background

n Have sun behind subjects

n Have happy, smiling faces

KEY MESSAGES

Our school is an integral part of the community

We celebrate the diversity of our community

Our students learn tolerance, self-reliance and good citizenship

Crop to get rid of peeling paint on fence pickets

7


Catering for individuals

n Turn off room lights

n Open all window blinds and doors to let in daylight

n Use flash bounced off (white) ceiling or reflector

n Have subjects parallel to camera

n Use a wide aperture (F2.8, F4, etc)

n Background computers contrast musical subject to illustrate range of interests catered for

KEY MESSAGES

We cater for a broad range of individual interests

Our specialist teachers nurture the individual talents of students

Our broad range of opportunities helps promote a love of learning

Background computers contrast musical subject

to illustrate range of interests catered for


8

Buddy program

n Use a long/telephoto lens (T setting on your camera)

n Use “large” aperture (F2, F2.8, or F4, etc) to blur the background

n Place students parallel with camera so both are in focus and have the younger student lean slightly in front of the older student

n Look for a simple, uncluttered background

n Find extroverted students

n Try some shots with the students looking off camera at same object

n Use a reflector to bounce light onto faces or turn on flash

KEY MESSAGES

Our buddy program nurtures maturity and confidence

Our students care for one another

Your child is valued and cared for at school

Crop the photo to reduce distracting background

Younger student leans slightly in front of the older student


9

Computers

n If possible choose a bank of computers along a line of windows to allow lots of light to hit subjects

n Select 3-5 students to be seated at the computers



n Use fill flash or reflect light from the right side of subject

n Take shots of students engaged with the computer and then ask to look up at the camera and be engaged with the lens

n If computer screen isn’t visible then turn it off as it can distract students being photographed

n If screen is visible make sure that what is on it is educational

n Turn screen towards camera and brightness up — the more you turn an LCD screen to camera the brighter it appears

KEY MESSAGES

Our school is fully networked

Our school has a focus on technology

Our students have access to the latest learning technologies

NOTE Minimum camera requirement for this picture DSLR with long lens, fast aperture

If possible choose a bank of computers along a line of windows to allow lots of light to hit subjects


10

Environmental education

n Generally use a long/telephoto lens (T setting on your camera)

n Look for a simple, uncluttered, dark background. Move the subjects and/or yourself

n The sun is coming from behind the subjects’ heads producing rim lighting

n Use fill flash or reflector to fill light on the students’ faces

n Have the students engaged with what they are doing

n Use props to suggest what they are doing

KEY MESSAGES

Our school offers environmental education programs

Student learning is enhanced by our attractive environment

Our students learn to work cooperatively

The sun is coming from behind the subjects’ heads

producing rim lighting

11


Getting ready for class

n Use a medium to wide-angle lens (W setting on your camera)

n Use “small” aperture (F8, F11, or F16, etc) if you want all subjects in focus

n Select just 1-2 students or 7-8 students going through their bags

n Have a teacher in the background

n Rely on available light, with light bouncing off exterior surface to fill

n Make sure all students can be seen, no hidden or half faces

n Make sure no child is making faces or you’ll have to reshoot the picture!

KEY MESSAGES

Our school is orderly, disciplined and organised

Your child is nurtured and cared for in a safe environment


Make sure no child is making faces or you’ll have

to reshoot the picture!

Oops! Time to reshoot


12

Happy & safe school

n Select 2 or 3 students neat and tidy in school uniform

n Select a location with a non-distracting background

n Have light coming from behind students’ heads

n Eliminate squinting by using a reflector to bounce light into subjects’ faces and off to the side

n Have students place arms around each other’s shoulders

n Ask the students to smile directly at the camera

KEY MESSAGES

Our school is a happy and safe environment

Our students look after each other

Your child is cared for and valued

A happy school promotes good learning

Have light coming from behind students’ heads

Blur background to reduce distracting textures

13


Inclusive school

n Use a telephoto lens (T setting on camera)

n Use a large aperture (F2, F2.8, F4, etc)

n Use a reflector to bounce light onto faces

n Have subjects parallel and in line with camera so both are in focus

n Look for a simple background

n Have sun behind subjects


KEY MESSAGES

We value every child in our care

Your child receives individual attention

We have highly skilled specialist teachers

Your child’s success is important to us

Have subjects parallel and in line with camera so both are in focus


14

Individual attention


n Use “large” aperture (F2, F2.8, or F4, etc) to blur background

n Open all blinds to allow all available light in

n Set up two main subjects in foreground in front of students working in background

n Always make sure teacher is farther back from student and both faces can be seen

n Have teacher engage student in a happy way with numbers

n Have teacher looking at student while student looks at board

n Note that background has colour rather than plain wall

KEY MESSAGES

Your child receives individual attention

Our skilled teachers know your child well

Our school has strong numeracy programs

Always make sure teacher is farther back from student and

both faces can be seen

15


In the classroom

n Choose a corner that is neat, tidy and full of colour

n Use long/telephoto lens (T setting on your camera) to throw the background out of focus


n The shooting angle is almost at tabletop level

n The light is coming through the window behind the subjects with fill flash or reflector in the foreground

n Students are engaged with the teacher (you can also have the subjects look up at the camera)

KEY MESSAGES

Our teachers nurture and engage their students

Our students learn to work cooperatively

Your children receive special attention

Set up near window to allow maximum natural light on the subjects then

fill with fill flash or reflector in foreground

16


In the library

n Make sure students look happy and are engaged with camera

n Use a long/telephoto lens (T setting on your camera) to throw background out of focus


n Turn off fluorescent ceiling lights

n Use available light entering through a window from the right

n Place reflector on left to bounce light coming from right onto faces

n Keep background clean, tidy, out of focus and well lit by available light

n Take picture from same eye-line as students

n Focus on student in the centre of group

KEY MESSAGES

Our students are happy and engaged in their learning

Our school promotes a love of learning

We have an excellent school library

Focus on student in the centre of group, blur remainder of

subjects using large aperture


17

In the open air

n Generally use a long/telephoto lens (T setting on your camera)


n Select a gnarly tree with no buildings in the background

n Sun is behind students and you can use either flash or a reflector to throw light on faces

n Trees make great props

n For safety reasons, don’t have students too high off the ground

KEY MESSAGES

Our students are happy and safe

Our school is situated in beautiful grounds

Our school is a friendly, attractive and welcoming environment

Sun is behind students and you can use either flash or a

reflector to throw light on faces

18

How to shoot this pictureKEY MESSAGES

We promote an active, healthy lifestyle

We provide modern and safe playground equipment

Our school has beautiful grounds

n This photograph uses soft lighting from an overcast day perfectly



n Shoot individuals/small groups /set up a group shot on play equipment in a casual fashion

n Tell students they have three minutes to play and to look at camera only when asked

In the playground

Crop to emphasise focus on subjects

19


Live on stage


n Use “medium” aperture (F5.6, F8, etc) to keep all the students in focus

n Choose an appropriate location e.g. stage or hall

n Turn on stage lights and face them towards camera to backlight subjects

n Watch out for lens flare/ensure the lens is clean

n Use a reflector or flash to reflect light onto subjects

n Open doors and windows to let in daylight

n Turn off fluorescent lights

n Use a dark, simple, uncluttered background like a curtain to avoid visual distractions and to bring foreground colours to life

KEY MESSAGES

Our school has a strong tradition in the performing arts

Our extracurricular activities help build confidence

Our students receive a well-rounded education

Use a dark, simple, uncluttered background to bring to life

foreground colours and subjects

20


Music ensemble

n Select 10-12 students with various instruments

n Select an appropriate location e.g. school hall or music room

n Turn on all stage lights and open curtains/doors for available light

n Make sure all students are holding instruments correctly

n If possible place students on different levels on the stage

n Photograph the students as a group then bring one student out about 10 metres from group and with long/telephoto lens (T setting on your camera) focus on student in front to throw other students out of focus


n Use flash on your camera to light single student

n Experiment with flash and no flash to achieve the look you want

KEY MESSAGES

We provide a wide range of extracurricular activities

Our school nurtures well-rounded students

Our school has a creative and performing arts focus

NOTE Minimum camera requirement for this picture is a DSLR with long lens, fast aperture

If possible place students on different levels on the stage

Use large aperture to blur and simplify a busy background


21

Outdoor sporting action

n Set scene by choosing a field preferably with uncluttered background

n Try for light behind subjects

n Use a reflector to bounce light onto subjects’ faces or set your camera to fill flash

n Use a wide-angle lens (W setting on your camera) and get up close and intimate

n Use “small” aperture (F8, F11, or F16, etc) to keep subjects in focus

n Ask students to face teacher and to be animated

n Make sure teacher is dressed smartly

n Use sports equipment to set the scene

KEY MESSAGES

Our school promotes a healthy lifestyle

Our specialist sports teachers are highly skilled

Our excellent grounds accommodate a range of sporting activities

Use a wide-angle lens and get up close


22

Parent volunteers

n Choose a background that is non-distracting, fresh and plain

n Use a long/telephoto lens (T setting on your camera) to throw background out of focus — this may be difficult as outside light and large aperture are hard to mix


n Put the student in the foreground and the adult in the background

n Have both subjects holding the book and looking at the page closest to the camera

n The light is coming from behind and filled with a reflector from the front or side

KEY MESSAGES

Our parents are partners in their children’s learning

Our parents support student learning in practical ways

We welcome and value the input of parents at the school

Light is coming from behind and filled with a reflector

from the front or side

23


Peer support



n Place students parallel with camera so both are in focus and have older student lean over top of younger student

n Look for simple, uncluttered background

n Find extroverted students

n Try some shots with students looking off camera at same object

n Use a reflector to bounce light into faces or turn on flash

n Normally you would not photograph at midday — this lighting is soft because of light cloudy conditions

KEY MESSAGES

Our peer support program nurtures maturity, self-esteem and effective communication skills

Our students care for one another

Your child is valued and cared for at school

Use “large” aperture to blur background

24


PE outdoors

n Use a wide-angle lens (W setting on your camera)

n Use “small” aperture (F8, F11, or F16, etc) to keep subjects in focus

n Have a plain background

n Have students run through their activity together and fast

n Try to include a teacher helping them

n Make sure the students keep smiling

KEY MESSAGES

Our school promotes a healthy lifestyle

Our students have access to a range of healthy activities

Our school grounds are beautiful with plenty of space for children to be active

While focusing on the subject include other active

students in the background to further illustrate the context

25


Science

n Use a wide-angle lens (W setting on your camera)

n Use a “small” aperture (F11 etc) to keep foreground and subject in focus

n Use slow shutter speed (< 1/25th sec) to capture screen image

n Turn off fluorescent lights

n Set up near a window but watch out for reflections if you are using a screen/monitor in the shot

n Use a reflector to bounce light into face

n Use appropriate props e.g. microscope

n Have subjects’ faces parallel to camera so both are in focus


KEY MESSAGES

Our school delivers strong science programs

Our students are engaged and active learners

Our teachers are highly qualified, experienced and dedicated

Crop screen out to zoom in on the action

Set up near a window but watch out for reflections if you are using

a screen/monitor in the shot

26


Technology

n Place main subject of photo to one side so you can see what else is happening in the room

n Have light coming from window on left so it hits subject in foreground as well as subjects in background

n Use the reflector from right side

n Use a long/telephoto lens (T setting on your camera) to throw background out of focus


n Make sure foreground subject is engaged with camera while background subjects concentrate on what they are doing

n Ensure there is colour on walls/boards in background

KEY MESSAGES

Our students have access to the latest learning technologies

Our school has a strong focus on technology in education

Place main subject of photo to one side so you can see what else

is happening in the room

27


Values

n Use a telephoto lens

n Use a wide aperture (F2.8, F4, etc)

n Open all window blinds and doors to let in daylight

n Turn off all artificial lights

n Use flash bounced into (white) ceiling or reflector

n Smiling faces

KEY MESSAGES

Our school shares the values of the community

Our school benefits from strong community support

Our students are respected, happy and responsible

Using large aperture, focus on student in background to isolate

subject within a group photo

GPO Box 33 Sydney NSW 2001 Australia T 9561 8000 www.det.nsw.edu.au

© 2012 NSW Department of Education & Training

For further information visit our Intranet site at: detwww.det.nsw.edu.au/schoolpromotions

Documents

How to take photographs · 13 How to shoot this picture Inclusive school n Use a telephoto lens (T setting on camera) n Use a large aperture (F2, F2.8, F4, etc) n Use a reflector