Holzhauer+-+Kayla

Holzhauer - Kayla

=**Photography **=

Composition, Focus, and Lighting

 * Focus: **

The mot important thing to remember about focus in a digital slr photograph is to make sure that you determine the object you will be focusing on and how far away to place yourself from the subject __before__ you take the picture. You don't want to get too close to the subject or the camera won't be able to clearly focus on it, so try to stay about and arm-length away from the object. Focus is important because it gives you a clean, clear shot and can make your photographs more interesting.


 * Depth of Field: **

Depth of field is the distance between the subject and the furthest object in the background, and helps determine how much of the background is visible. Good depth of field shows most of the background in focus and gives the viewer more details about the overall image. The photographer can also choose to not have good depth of focus, meaning the subject is in focus but the background isn't visible. This is important for the photographer to understand because showing a clearer or blurrier background changes the mood and effect of the overall picture.


 * Exposure Triangle: **

The three elements of the exposure triangle are Iso, aperture, and shutter speed. Iso is a measure of how much the camera adjusts to the amount of light. Aperture is the size of the lens opening, which effects how much light is let in, and shutter speed is the amount of time that the lens is open allowing more or less light in. These aspects all work together and are important to remember when taking a picture because they greatly affect the quality of the image.


 * Compositional Techniques: **

In photography there are six main compositional techniques, including:


 * The Rule of Thirds
 * Filling the Frame
 * Level Horizon
 * Framing
 * Unusual Point of View
 * Leading Lines

A good photographer follows the rule of thirds by mentally dividing a photograph into thirds both horizontally and vertically. The four points where the dividing lines meet create areas of interest to the viewer, where the main components of the photo should be placed. The rule of thirds can also be used to create asymmetrical balance. A photographer should also make sure he or she fills the entire frame with the subject, rather than having the subject placed very small in the center or off to the side with a lot of background. For an interesting effect the photographer can even have the subject extend out of the frame. When taking a landscape such as a cityscape, the horizon should be level with the edges of the photograph, so that the photo doesn't feel uncomfortable. This rule can also be broken to create an interesting perspective. Framing is another interesting way to improve the composition of your photographs. This is done by using background objects such as buildings or greenery to create a frame around the subject and accentuate it. Taking a picture from an unusual point of view such as an extreme close up or birds eye view can add depth and meaning to your photos. Finally, leading lines are lines created by the subject in an image that draws the viewer's eye to a different part of the image.


 * Lighting Techniques: **

Any lighting that is available in nature such as sunlight (coming through a window when indoors), moonlight, and firelight is considered natural light and comes from natural sources. Artificial light comes from the flash on your camera, any interior lighting fixtures, and studio light. Natural light is used when it is available and to create a natural effect that shows an image exactly how you see it. Artificial light is used to emphasize objects and shadows that otherwise wouldn't be clear through the camera, or in a darker area with limited light. Most of my experience comes from taking pictures with natural sunlight or the flash on my camera. I think it would be really cool to learn how to take pictures using firelight and moonlight.