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Chapter Eight
Up to Now
We want to take a few moments to recap the information contained in the first seven chapters. In Chapters 1-4 we
discussed the basics of Artistic Composition, your basic 35mm camera types, and a few of the different films you might try
using. We also discussed the most probable arsenal of lenses you might already own or that we feel are the most popular
and will cover most of the shooting situations you might encounter.
The author, setting up his
8x10 view camera at
Linville Falls, NC.
Shooting B/W, of course.
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Chapter 5 covered Basic Composition where we talked about what to include and what to exclude from your viewfinder,
how to identify and place your scenes horizon within the viewfinder, we talked about the Rule of Thirds and when it
should be used and how to avoid using it improperly, and how to take your own sweet time to improve your chances of
capturing a great shot by working your cameras position in relation to your subject.
Although you do not have to own any photo filters, we introduced you to several of the basic ones in Chapter Six and how
and why you want to own this small, affordable selection. Filters help make your finished images easier to print and also
make them easier to view if you are using slide film to capture your moments. And lastly, in Chapter Seven we explained
how to use and make better use of your flash in ways that your Owner's Manual might not discuss.
These basics are what you need to know and apply if you want to see an immediate improvement in your photographic
memoirs. These basics are neither creative nor dramatic and probably will not win any photo contests for you, but they
will form the foundation on which the next five chapters will help you learn how to completely compose a prize-winning
photograph.
The next five chapters discuss apertures, shutterspeeds, and much of the information that goes along with using them
correctly together. Most cameras of todays choosing come complete with automatic modes that can be selected to fit
most any photographic situation; these automatic modes do a fine job most of the time. By applying what your owners
manual says and the insight you receive from TPC you should find yourself mastering each different automatic mode and
being able to apply that information correctly when the particular photographic situation demands. If you want to go a bit
beyond the automatic modes and venture into manually selecting either or both of these aperture and shutter speed
exposure variables, we can accommodate you.
So, without further adieu, TPC presents Apertures, an Introduction to Depth of Field, followed by Shutter Speeds,
Program Modes, and an Introduction to Action Photography.