TUTORIAL NOTEBOOK

Patricia Uceda LCC 3410

TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. II. III. IV. V. VI. VII. VIII. IX. X. XI. XII. XIII. XIV. XV. Summary Glossary Author Bio Action Angles Architectural Detail Close-Up Depth of Field Light/Shadow Motion Natural Frame Reflection Repetition Rule of Thirds Texture Works Cited 2 3 4-5 6-7 8-9 10-11 12-13 14-15 16-17 18-19 20-21 22-23 24-25 26-27 28-29

SUMMARY GLOSSARY
Action: Capturing a subject in action Angles: Capturing a subject at an angle Architectural Detail: Making man-made structures the subject of a photograph Close-Up: Zooming in on an object in order to gain a new perspective Depth of Field: Capturing the distance range in front of and behind the subject that are in focus Light/Shadow: Contrasting areas of lightness and darkness in a photograph Motion: Capturing the sensation of movement Natural Frame: Using natural objects to frame a subject Reflection: Capturing a subjects image on a reflective surface Repetition: Repeating an element within a photograph multiple times Rule of Thirds: Aligning a subject slightly off center in order to create a more dynamic photograph Texture: Conveying the sensation of texture through a photograph
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AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY
My name is Patricia Uceda and I am a 5th year Science Technology and Culture Major at Georgia Tech. I am a Staff Writer for the Technique, and was previously Entertainment Editor. After I graduate this December I plan on attending law school. This past summer I interned at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Atlanta District Office as an assistant in the Systemic Division. I have developed a passion for photography through my various travels. My family is from Lima, Peru, and we enjoy going back to visit. I also went to California last spring break, and many of the pictures in this tutorial were borrowed from that trip.

Pool Dive July 20, 2011 / Marietta GA Sony Cybershot DSC-S780

Description: This photograph was taken during a summer pool party. Although taken with an automatically adjusted shutter speed, because this photo was taken at the peak of the subjects jump, the camera was able to clearly capture the subject.

ction photography entails capturing a subject in the form of ac-

tion. This phenomenon is accomplished through the use of quick timing and a fast shutter speed. A long lens is also helpful, although point-andshoot cameras with focal lengths of 35mm to 135mm are sufficient. When photographing action, timing is very important in terms of capturing a fleeting action. As seen in Pool Dive, it is useful to capture a subject at the peak of its action, or the brief moment in which it is hovering at the peak of its ascent before beginning its descent, because since the subject isnt moving, it can be captured more clearly. Shooting just a beat before this peak of action allows the camera enough time to react in time to capture the peak.
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With subjects that are in continuous motion such as in Swimming Duck, pre-focusing as well as panning are both important. Pre-focusing is done by focusing the camera on an immobile point in the path of the subject and then shooting as soon as the moving subject arrives there. This is much more effective than trying to focus the camera on a moving object. Panning involves following the subject with the camera as you shoot it, and is usually best done with a slow shutter speed. This will capture the subject clearly, but it will also blur the background, however, this effect is aesthetically pleasing as well and is commonly done on purpose to convey that the subject is moving. Action photography is used for a variety of purposes, most commonly for sporting events such as football, tennis, baseball, soccer, etc. It is also an important concept for wildlife photography, which often involves capturing moving subjects.

Swimming Duck April 19, 2011 San Diego CA Sony Cybershot DSC-S780 Description: This photograph was taken at the San Diego Zoo using a 70mm focal length. Prefocus was used in order to clearly capture the swimming duck.

ACTION

The Climb April 18, 2011 / San Diego CA Sony Cybershot DSC-S780

Description: This photograph was taken in San Diego on the Torrey State Pines Reserve national park. Landmark mode was used, which decreases the aperture and increases the depth of field.

Exploring angles in photography is a quick way to make an ordinary subject appear more dynamic. They provide personality as well as new qualities such as changes in lighting or texture. Low angles exaggerate height in tall objects and add new perspectives in short objects. They have the effect of making a subject appear more intimidating and large. In The Climb, I used a low angle to exaggerate the height of the mountain trail I was hiking, making it appear insurmountable and exhausting. On the other hand, high angles are used to make the subject appear more manageable or add height, like in Long Way Down. This photograph was taken at the top of the mountain, and showed the long

Long Way Down April 18, 2011 San Diego CA Sony Cybershot DSC-S780 Description: This photograph was taken at the top of the Torrey Pines Reserve hiking trail. Again, landscape mode was used in order to capture a wide frame.

ANGLES

trip someone would have to take if they strayed off the trail. By using this steep downward angle, I was able to convey the sense of height effectively. High angles can also make a chaotic scene more manageable, such as photographing a crowd from a high vantage point. Angles in photographic images are used for a variety of purposes, mainly to gain a new perspective on a subject in order to create a more dynamic image. Because of the personifying effects of angled images, angles are also widely used in cinematography to create the same effect.

French Quarter September 1, 2010 / New Orleans LA Sony Cybershot DSC-S780

Description: Taken in the French Quarter of downtown New Orleans, this photograph makes strong use of angles and symmetry inherent in architecture. The lowered viewpoint provides an interesting and angled perspective.

apturing architectural detail in photographs involves focusing

on man-made structures and making them the subject of a photograph. Generally a wide-angle lens and long focal length are ideal for this type of photography, as they allow the entire structure to be photographed. The direction of the light is also important when shooting architectural exteriors. Side lighting adds texture and shape to a photogrpah, whereas front lighting makes a flat image with no form. Architectural detail in man-made structures can also be aesthetic and dynamic because of the inherent symmetry of architectural buildings. Architecture is based on symmetry, and capturing it through angles it through angles or different perspectives can create an aesthetically pleasing image. Modern architecture also utilizes circles and other
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shapes which provide new shadows and contours that contrast with traditional structural lines. Architectural detail is a concept that is captured numerous times for various applications such as educational materials, signs, posters, postcards, personal memorabilia, etc. There are also a variety of visual effects that can be achieved with architectural structures, such as shooting its silhouette during sunset or capturing a certain building during all the elements of nature. Because of their immobile nature, man-made architectural structures have become almost historical markers, noting the passage of time by their very existence.

ARCHITECTURAL DETAIL

Cabrillo Bridge April 19, 2011 / San Diego CA Sony Cybershot DSC-S780

Description: This is a photograph of the Cabrillo Bridge, a historic bridge in San Diego. It was taken in landscape mode, which gives the camera a small aperture in order to have a large depth of field.

Tree Moss September 10, 2011 / Marietta GA Sony Cybershot DSC-S780

Description: This image was taken on a trail by the Chattahoochee River. I used the macro mode which decreased the aperture and increased the depth of field. I also used a focal length of 130mm.

lose-up photography, or macro photography, is the act of zooming

in on a subject in order to gain a new perspective. Close-up photography adds creativity and a dramatic tone to an otherwise ordinary object. Unfortunately, positioning a camera so close to a subject results in a very small depth of field. In order to effectively capture a close-up, a small aperture is essential in order to increase the depth of field. The aperture is the size of the opening in the lens. This smaller aperture in turn requires a longer shutter speed in order to properly capture the subject, which requires the camera to be held perfectly still. It is important to use a tripod if at all possible in order to capture a clear

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Pink Wild Flowers April 19, 2011 San Diego CA Sony Cybershot DSC-S780 Description: This photograph was taking using the macro mode as well, although I held the camera very steady so that the background would not be blurred.

CLOSE-UP

picture. The small depth of field can also be used as an artistic technique for blurring the background or surroundings of a subject, creating more impact. Lighting conditions also play a huge role in the composition of close-up images. Soft, even light looks good in close-ups because it provides low lighting and rich colors. Close-up images are used for a wide variety of purposes, but mainly artistic. The exciting way in which they are able to display small objects with intricate detail is astounding. Textures and patterns which were not visible from normal perspective are illuminated through close-up photographs.

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Colored Vase September 10, 2011 / Marietta GA Sony Cybershot DSC-S780

Description: This photograph was taken at my apartment on our balconey. I used the portrait mode, which automatically sets a large arpeture, helping to keep the background out of focus.

epth of field is defined as the distance range in front of and

behind the photographed subject that appear sharp. The change from sharp to blurry is not an abrupt one, but a gradual one that transitions from clear to unclear. The depth of field is determined by the aperture, focal distance, and distance from the camera to the subject. The focal length of the lens is inversely proportional to the depth of field; the smaller the focal length, the greater the depth of field. The depth of field is also directly proportional to the distance of the camera from the subject; a subject at a further distance will have a greater depth of field than a subject closer. As for aperture, wider apertures result in shal12

lower depth of fields. Depth of field is valued mostly for artistic purposes because of its unique way of separating the subject of a photograph from the background. Because the background is blurred, the viewer is able to focus on the subject of the photograph. It has also been widely used in cinematography because of its ability to add depth to a shot. As seen in Purple Wild Flower, the purple flower appears much closer to the viewer compared with its blurred background. This effect could not have been achieved without depth of field.

DEPTH OF FIELD

Purple Wild Flower September 10, 2011 / Marietta GA Sony Cybershot DSC-S780

Description: This photograph was taken on a trail by the Chattahoochee. It was also shot in portrait mode.

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Sunny Beach March 9, 2010 / Bradenton FL Sony Cybershot DSC-S780

Description: This photograph exhibiting high contrast lighting was an accident; I meant to take a picture of some of my family but forgot that with the sun at their backs they would appear as silhouettes.

ltering light/shadow in a photograph involves contrasting ar-

eas of lightness and darkness in order to create an interesting picture. Light creates shadows, which in turn alter the appearance of a subject. They can make a subject appear ominous and foreboding, or their absence can make a subject feel dull or flat. Shadows have the ability to add dimensions to an image; without shadows a subject oftentimes comes across as flat and boring. Additionally, light and shadows establish positioning within a photograph, and the relation of one object to another. Light and shadows also establish time; by analyzing the suns shadow in a photograph, we can

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LIGHT/SHADOW

White Lamp September 12, 2011 / Marietta GA Sony Cybershot DSC-S780

Description: This photograph uses low key lighting to create an elongated shadow of this white lamp. The effect of the shadow is to add some character to the lamp, making it appear almost lazy.

deduce whether it is morning or late afternoon. The strength of light can also set the mood of an image, from bright and happy to dark and mysterious. Creating a dynamic photograph that exhibits light and shadow is relatively simple to do; it only requires playing with objects and light sources to create different effects. The purpose of this concept is mostly aesthetic, with many artists seeking to add substance to their photographs through the use of light and shadow.

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Moving Highway April 18, 2011 / San Diego CA Sony Cybershot DSC-S780

Description: This photograph was captured from a moving vehicle. I did not alter the shutter speeds, but because the car was moving I was able to capture a slight motion blur as well as a clear background.

he concept of motion is defined as capturing the sensation

of movement within a photograph. This can be accomplished many different ways, although the most common is through motion blur. Motion blur is achieved by slowing down the shutter speed so that the camera lens is open long enough to allow the cameras sensor to capture the movement, as opposed to action shots that focus on fast shutter speeds so that the action is freeze-framed. When capturing motion, it is also important to keep the camera very steady since shutter time is so slow. This can be done through the use of a tripod. Because of the longer shutter speed, often motion pho-

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tography can be overexposed. A way to decrease this defect is by adjusting the cameras aperture and making it smaller, so that less light is allowed in. Point and shoot cameras in shutter priority mode will do this automatically. You can also adjust the ISO setting, which affects the sensitivity of the digital camera to light. Capturing motion is predominantly used for artistic purposes which seek to capture motion in their photographs. The ability of motion blur to distort the moving subject really conveys the sense of movement and direction.

Rushing River September 10, 2011 Marietta GA Sony Cybershot DSC-S780 Description: This photograph actually conveys motion in a more literal sense of the word through the fluid movements of the rivers waves. It was taken of the Chattahoochee.

MOTION

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Through the Leaves September 10, 2011 / Marietta GA Sony Cybershot DSC-S780

Description: This photograph was taken using landscape mode, which uses a small aperture and slow shutter speed to increase the depth of field. It was taken by the Chattahoochee River.

atural framing is a technique that uses natural objects to

direct the viewers gaze towards the subject of the photograph. By separating the subject from the rest of the photograph, it creates an emphasis that draws the viewers attention. Framing also enhances depth in an image because it creates a discernable foreground and background. In this way they are able to make an image more dynamic and interesting.

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NATURAL FRAME

Hidden View September 10, 2011 / Marietta GA Sony Cybershot DSC-S780

Description: This photograph was also taken in landscape mode by the Chattahoochee river. The natural framing of the river provided by the riverside trees is an excellant example of natural framing.

In order to take a good natural framing picture, you should use a small aperture setting so that there is enough depth of field to keep the frame and subject in clear focus. If you are using a point and shoot camera with focusing sensors, make sure they are focused on the subject and not the frame. Natural framing is used mainly for aesthetic and artistic purposes, as it improves the composition of a photograph. It is valued for its ability to add depth to a photograph.

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Reflected Hill October 24, 2009 / Montreat NC Sony Cybershot DSC-S780

Description: This photograph was taken during a vacation to Montreat. It was shot with landscape mode, using a small aperture and slow shutter speed.

eflection is done by capturing a subjects image on a reflective

surface. This is a common technique that is used in everything from dramatic landscape shots to close-ups in order to create an aesthetically pleasing and balanced result. In order to create a good reflection photograph, a small aperture is needed so that the subject can be in focus over a greater distance. A good technique to use in order to achieve this focus is pre-focusing on the original subject and then moving down towards the reflection until the correct balance is achieved. This depends on how much attention you personally wish to draw to the reflection.

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Another important thing to keep in mind is lighting, and particularly the angle and brightness of the light, and how it will affect the reflection. In an outdoor setting, different viewpoints afford different angles, and you can choose the one that allows the reflection to be most visible. Additionally, artificial lighting from a flash can interfere with the reflection, so it is useful to turn this off and allow the natural light to take over or experiment with other sources of light. Reflection in photography is used for purely aesthetic purposes. The balanced result of a well-done photograph is very aesthetically pleasing. In addition, you can use other reflective surfaces besides just bodies of water, such as mirrors, glass, metal, etc.

Hidden Creek September 10, 2011 Marietta GA Sony Cybershot DSC-S780 Description: This photograph was taken by Chattahooche River. It features a small creek with the refleciton of the surrounding bushes in the water. It is interesting in that the original subjects are obscured from view.

REFLECTION

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Ivy Leaves October 24, 2009 / Montreat NC Sony Cybershot DSC-S780

Description: This photograph was taken in Montreat. It emphasizes repetition because of the way the ivy leaves dominate the frame, almost to the point of bursting out.

epetition photography involves repeating an element within a

photograph multiple times. It is also closely associated with the concept of pattern. The best way to capture repetition is by using a long focal length and zooming in on the repeated element as much as possible, so that it occupies most of the photograph. This gives the illusion that there are more objects than there really are, as seen with the photograph Row of Palm Trees. The natural assumption is that the element continues to be repeated outside of the frame, but you dont know that for sure.

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Row of Palm Trees April 20, 2011 Los Angelas CA Sony Cybershot DSC-S780 Description: This photograph was taken in L.A, it demonstrates repetition.

REPETITION

Two common ways to photograph repetition are by emphasizing it or breaking it. Emphasizing a pattern involves filling a frame with one repeated element, so that the repetition appears to extend beyond the frame. Breaking the repetition or pattern is done by interrupting the flow of the repetition through introducing a new element, such as one blue ball amid a sea of white balls. Repetition is used predominantly for artistic purposes because it has the ability to render a commonly repeating element abstract. The pattern it creates incorporates color, shape, and texture to create a more dynamic and aesthetically pleasing effect.

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Hiking by the Ocean April 18, 2011, San Diego CA Sony Cybershot DSC-S780

Description: This photograph was taken in San Diego with a self-timer. The subject is located at the lower left inersection, and the picture is balanced by the ocean at the right.

ule of thirds is the rule that in

order to create an interesting and organic photograph an image should be divided equally by four lines, and the subject should be located at one of the four intersections of these lines. This creates a more interesting photograph as opposed to repeatedly centering the subject in every image. In order to create a photo exhibiting the rule of thirds concept, the photographer need only capture a subject slightly off-center at one of the

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invisible intersections. It helps to photograph more than one element, as in Three Ducks, in order to balance out the picture. The shutter speed, focal length, and arperture depend on what you are trying to capture. In Hiking by the Ocean I used the landscape mode, which decreases the focal length and slows the shutter speed. The rule of thirds is a commonly used concept that is seen in almost every type of photography. It is used whenever a photographer

RULE OF THIRDS

wishes to create an organic and more realistic composition instead of just centering a subject, which can come across as flat and boring. Centering objects can have its uses as well though, such as when a photographer seeks to emphasize the symmetry in a subject.

Three Ducks September 10, 2011 / Marietta GA Sony Cybershot DSC-S780

Description: This photograph was taken along the Chattahoochee River. The two ducks are located at the upper right intersection and they are balanced by teh one duck near the lower left intersection.

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Seaside Cliffs April 18, 2011, San Diego CA Sony Cybershot DSC-S780

Description: This photograph was taken at Torrey Pines State Reserve. The texture of the cliffsides are a nicely highlighted by the sunlight.

exture is a photographic concept that conveys the texture of a

subject. When capturing texture, it is important to select a subject that has a clearly defined texture, as signified by tonal or color contrasts. Lighting is also important in order to bring out the dramatic texture, particularly side lighting. Some aspects of composition that are important with texture are contrast, curves, and patterns. Contrast is important for enhancing the detail in the textural surface. Color also adds to the texture, especially the contrasts between different colors. Curves are another common

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Tree Roots September 10, 2011 Marietta GA Sony Cybershot DSC-S780 Description: This photograph was taken by the Chattahoochee. It features non-leading curves.

TEXTURE

feature of texture, as seen in Tree Roots. There are two types of curves, leading and non-leading. Leading curves lead a viewers eye to a focal point of interest. Non-leading curves do not lead, but do add feeling and texture. Texture is used for mainly aesthetic and artistic purposes, particularly with abstract photography, because of its ability to evoke feeling and texture. The right utilization of texture adds impact to otherwise dull images.

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WORKS CITED
Action Photography. Steephill: Bike Travelogue. Web. 18 Sept. 2011. <http://www.steephill.tv/photography/action-photography-tips.html>. Johnson, Natalie. 9 Architectural Photography Tips. Digital Photography School. Web. 20 Sept. 2011. <http://www.digital-photographyschool.com/architectural-photography> High and Low Camera Angles. Fodors Travel Guides. Web. 18 Sept. 2011. <http://www.fodors.com/travel-photography/article-high-andlow-camera-angles-54/>. Close-Up Photography Basics. Explore Photography. Web. 20 Sept. 2011. <http://www.tcinternet.net/users/nmolson/closeupphotography.htm>. Understanding Depth of Field in Photography. Cambridge in Colour - Photography Tutorials & Learning Community. Web. 19 Sept. 2011. <http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/depth-of-field.htm>. Ray, Michael. Basic Photographic Lighting Technique and Tips. Food Photography Blog. Web. 18 Sept. 2011. <http://www.foodportfolio. com/blog/food_photography/basic_light.html>. Rouse, Darren. How to Capture Motion Blur in Photography. Digital Photography School. Web. 17 Sept. 2011. <http://www.digital-photography-school.com/how-to-capture-motion-blur-in-photography>.

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Understanding Natural Framing in Photography. Katyzzz on HubPages. Web. 19 Sept. 2011. <http://katyzzz.hubpages.com/hub/ Understanding-Natural-Framing-in-Photography>. Bray, Simon. 4 Steps to Remarkable Reflection Photography. Phototuts. 27 Nov. 2010. Web. 19 Sept. 2011. <http://photo.tutsplus. com/articles/composition-articles/quick-tip-4-steps-to-remarkablereflection-photography/>. Rouse, Darren. Using Repetition and Patterns in Photography. Digital Photography School. Web. 18 Sept. 2011. <http://www.digitalphotography-school.com/using-repetition-and-patterns-in-photography>.

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