Tollenaar+-+Jocker

** Composition, Lighting, and Focus **

 * Composition is how the artist/photographer sets up their piece. In photography, there are composition techniques that can be used in order to enhance the quality of the photo. For example, the photographer can use the rule of thirds, framing, leading lines, and more.
 * Lighting is described in relation to its source. There are two types of light, natural and artificial, that can be used when taking a photo.
 * Focus describes the sharpness and quality of the photo. A well focused photo has the important components, like the subject, clear and easy to easy, with the less important components, such as the background, slightly blurred. The amount of the photo that is in focus depends on the aperture (f/number). The smaller the number, the less is in focus.


 * What is important about focus? How do you get good focus in a digital SLR photograph? **
 * Focus is important because you want your subject to be clearly seen. Unfocused photographs can be distracting to the viewer. However, soft focus can be interesting for the photo; depending on the composition, it can make the photo look poorly done.
 * To ensure that your photograph is in focus, hold the camera steady to avoid camera shake, which is simply a blurred photo. Also, make sure that the depth of filed and the distance you can focus on the subject is being taken into account. Being too close to the subject will cause the camera to be unable to focus--unless the photographer is using a special lens called a macro lens. A good rule to follow when taking photographs is to avoid getting closer than an arm's length to the subject if you want the camera to focus. Sometimes, the photographer will be better off using manual focus instead of auto-focus to achieve the look they desire.
 * [[image:https://zhivagoksenia.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/unfocused-for-blog3.jpg width="296" height="224"]]
 * Source: https://zhivagoksenia.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/unfocused-for-blog3.jpg


 * Explain in your own words what depth of field is and why it's important to understand when shooting photos. **
 * Depth of field is how much of the background of the photo is in focus. The depth of field is measured in f/stops. The larger the number in the f/stop (i.e, f/8, f/11, f,16, f/22), the more of the background will be in focus. On the other hand, the smaller the number in the f/stop (i.e, f/5.6, f/4, f/3), less of the background, and more foreground, will be in focus. This is important to consider when taking photos because you don't want so much of the background to be in focus so that it is distracting the viewer from the subject, but you still want the subject to be in focus. [[image:http://www.conceptonestudios.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/8643193_orig.jpg]]
 * Source: http://www.conceptonestudios.com/complete-guide-to-depth-of-field/


 * What is the exposure triangle and why is it important to making quality photos? (Hint... there are 3 parts to the Triangle, make sure you explain all three and how they relate to each other and making a good photo).**
 * The Exposure Triangle is made of three components: the ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. The ISO is the measure of a digital camera sensor's sensitivity to light. The aperture is the size of the opening in the lens when a picture is taken. The shutter speed is the amount of time that the shutter is open for. At the intersection of the three elements is when the image's exposure is successful. All three are connected with each other; when changing any element in the Triangle, it impacts another. Changing the aperture, changes the depth of field. Changing the ISO, changes the graininess of a shot. Changing the shutter speed impacts how much motion is captured. It is crucial that the photo has the right amount of background and foreground in focus, graininess, and motion. When all are balanced, the photo is successful.
 * [[image:http://thsda.ttsd.k12.or.us/DigitalPhoto/Exposure/EXPOSURE_TRIANGLE.jpg width="438" height="382"]]
 * Source: http://thsda.ttsd.k12.or.us/DigitalPhoto/Exposure/EXPOSURE_TRIANGLE.jp


 * What are the 5 compositional techniques we use in photography? Explain don't list.**
 * The rule of thirds is where the frame is split into a grid with nine squares. There are four main intersection points; the subject should be placed on one of these four. Avoid placing things in the middle of the frame, this makes the picture more interesting to look at. Placing the subject in one of the thirds, instead of the middle, is called asymmetrical or informal balance.
 * [[image:http://www.photovideoedu.com/Portals/0/Composition_and_Posing/MOC%20Zuckerman%20on%20Composition%20Rule%20of%20Thirds%201-2.JPG width="461" height="309"]]
 * Source: https://www.photovideoedu.com/Learn/Articles/jim-zuckerman-on-composition-the-rule-of-thirds.aspx
 * Framing is where the photographer uses elements in the shot to frame the subject. It is essential that if there is a significant amount of framing present, that it is in focus. If it is out of focus, it can detract from the image. Examples of framing can be using tree branches to frame a softly lit portrait.
 * [[image:https://streetbounty.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Framing-Photography-1.jpg width="459" height="301"]]
 * Source: https://streetbounty.com/2017/05/03/framing-in-photography-with-dan-ginn/
 * Fill the Frame allows for the subject to fill the whole frame of the photo. This is completed by moving closer and or zooming in on the subject. This ensures that what is in the shot is absolutely necessary for the piece. It is important that no vital parts of the subject are being cut off while filling the frame.
 * [[image:http://img.bhs4.com/65/D/65DCDCA2C3EF6ED6B0148BA06BB8C15EE621BF28_large.jpg width="414" height="414"]]
 * Source: http://www.brighthub.com/multimedia/photography/articles/955.aspx
 * Level Horizon is another extremely important factors of successful photography. A level horizon is where the camera is being held steadily and the horizon is a straight, horizontal line across the frame of the photo. Diagonally placed horizons create tension and confuse the viewer. Having the horizon line in the upper or lower third of the piece, makes it more interesting to view. On top of having the the horizon level, an interesting point of view is required. Where the photographer stands while taking the photo makes a massive difference in the creativity and originality of the design. Instead of taking the picture head on, consider standing on top of something or crouching down to achieve the different POVs.
 * [[image:http://medias.photodeck.com/e355f270-74ad-465b-a7ac-2dddcd4d593e/Moonrise-Cleveland_uxga.jpg width="750" height="328"]][[image:https://www.readingthepictures.org/files/2014/01/Hong-Kong-apartment-blocks.jpg width="492" height="330"]]
 * Source: https://www.johnrehner.com/
 * Source: https://www.readingthepictures.org/2014/01/no-single-point-of-view/
 * Leading lines are used to create interest in the image and to lead people around the picture. The type of line impacts the mood of the images. For example, diagonal lines create drama, while curved lines create a sense of harmony and gracefulness.
 * [[image:https://bonuspastorharris.weebly.com/uploads/5/2/6/0/52609825/150481_orig.jpg]]
 * Source: https://bonuspastorharris.weebly.com/
 * Which lighting techniques come from natural sources and which come from natural sources and which come from artificial? When would you use one vs another?**
 * Natural light can be divided into two basic sources: outside light, such as sunlight, firelight, moonlight, and inside light, like available light coming through a window and firelight from a fireplace or candle flame. Artificial light includes flash on a camera, studio lighting (spotlights/strobe lights), and the light in the room. There are different types of studio light. For example, there is light from one source, like computer screens, bounce lights, like umbrellas, sheets, etc, fill light, and dramatic lighting. If the photographers want a portrait with extreme shadows, they should use dramatic lighting. If they want a photo where the subject is really well lit, they should us bounce lighting. Typically it is best to use natural light because it is usually softer than harsh, artificial lighting.


 * In terms of lighting what kinds of light sources do you already have experience shooting with? Explain.**
 * Most beginning photographers have used natural sunlight, not studio lighting. The photos that we have taken have mostly been outside, instead of being inside a professional photography studio.