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Understanding the Camera and its Medium
By: Ali Maadelat
I would like to apologize to the people who have had some experience in photography. I am going to start this with the mind set that none of you have ever used a camera properly. Ok? Good. As always, I go into more detail in my secret package.
Now then, if you feel something is missing, etc. please contact my support team and I will be informed immediately. We will make the proper changes.
First off, we will start with the camera. As you remember, I said that a camera is JUST a light-tight box with a hole (lens) on one side and a medium (film/digital chip) on the other. However, I lied. It is much more complex than that, but all in all, it doesnt matter. Speaking of things that don't matter, I am NOT going to give you a history of the camera. Go to Wikipedia if you want one.
First off, there are two type of cameras: SLRs and Point-and-Shoots.
Point-and-shoots are considered by many to be "consumer cameras". To be quite honest, they are. You can not do much with them. But that does not matter; a good photographer can manipulate the camera to do his or her bidding.
SLRs stand for single-lens-reflex cameras. These cameras show you exactly what you are going to take a picture of using a combinations of mirrors and prisms. SLRs are considered to be more "professional" cameras.
You can take good pictures with either one.
Your camera will have a set of modes. You can change this through either a menu (on most P&Ss) or a dial (most SLRs). I am willing to bet that you shoot everything using the little green square. The square is the devil, honestly.
So are: "The Flower" (Macro), "The Running Man" (Action), "Star and Man" (Night), "Mountain" (Landscape), "The Woman" (Portrait) and "P" (Programmable).
Those photography modes tie your hands and feet together. If you learn how to use your camera, you will be free.
The mode you want to use the most is "M" (Manual). This lets you choose both the aperture and shutter speed (I will explain those later).
What kind of camera do you need? It doesn't really matter (they are all the "same" remember?), but I will explain a few types of cameras anyway.
35mm: This is what most people just call "Film". Kodak had a monopoly on this before they blew it (Remember "Kodak Moment"?)
120/220: This is in between Medium Format and 35mm. Some say it should be in MF, they are crazy (in my not-so-humble opinion). Most studios use this.
Medium Format and Large Format: These are basically giant sheets of film. Have you seen the pictures of people who take pictures by hiding under a big sheet? That is medium and large format (well, large format at least...)
Digital: The reason people have become so complacent when it comes to photography: Digital. Instant gratification for the MTV-generation.
I like to keep the lessons short, so I will continue on this in the next lesson.
To your success in photography,
The Snobby Photographer is a veteran photographer who is intent on helping people take better pictures. Sign up for his FREE newsletter at http://www.thesnobbyphotographer.com. |
