Les materiaal 2

Please read through this information before coming to the workshop

Anyone can take a snapshot, a special photo is something else. There is more to it than just pressing the button.

A special photo is a combination of, a good composition, the timing, the right settings, an unexpected camera angle and a clear objective.

Then you can save your special photo, and immortalise that moment!

I will explain the ins & outs of the camera settings, during the workshop. Before taking a photo, we will determine what the subject is, and think about how to visualize the subject in a surprising or unusual way. In most cases, the subject should be sharply in focus and we will look at how to achieve this. We will research what is possible and what works for you!

The right lighting is important to get beautiful, bright and fresh colors. The exposure meter in the camera usually works well, but it is important to check the photo (exposure). Sometimes the shot is too light or too dark. You can adjust the exposure with the (+/-) exposure correction button. Then you can take a new photo, with the correct exposure. Do not forget to reset the exposure compensation to 0. Besides the settings on the camera, the composition is also important for making a good photograph.

The rule of a third (the golden ratio), is a handy tool for a good composition. Visualise the frame divided horizontally and vertically into three. Place your subject on a line, or on the intersection of 2 lines. This gives harmony and balance to the composition, and you will easily achieve a good picture.

Pay attention to distracting elements in your image and in the background. Distracting elements give a restless, unbalanced image. You can make your photo series more interesting, by making a combination of overview shots and close up shots, capturing images with a wide angle and a telephoto lens. An unusual viewpoint can often also give a surprising result. For example, a low (frog), or high (bird) perspective.

Checklist: Before photographing, it is smart to check a number of important points:

• Are the batteries charged?
• Think about your own safety, be aware of traffic and your personal belongings during the shooting.
• Correct ISO values,for good weather: ISO 100/200, low light or indoors:ISO 800 or 1600. (Auto ISO is also possible, of course)
• The right file format, L + small compression.
• The white balance (WB), usually the automatic white balance (AWB) is a good setting.
• Select focal point carefully. AF on. (AF-s on the subject or AF-c on a moving subject)
• Be aware of the contrasting light on the subject, and use the flash to decrease the contrast between the subject and the background.

After taking a photo, it is wise to check the following points: Check the exposure using the overexposure indication, make sure that your subject is well-exposed. It may be that the background is slightly overexposed. Check the sharpness of the picture by enlarging the image on the display. The subject must be sharp and in focus.