Focussing

Most cameras boast of so many auto focus points. A layman might think, the more the auto focus points, the more the accuracy of focus. It is wrong!

The first thing I do, when I get a new camera, disable multiple/auto focussing points, and choose the center one for focusing - this is because of the following reason.
- I want to choose what subject should be in focus (if center focus point is selected, I just need to make my subject at the center of frame
- Usually the center focusing element is larger and more accurate.

Now, some tips.

Most camera click buttons has a "half click position". Yes, I am talking about the shutter button. Try pressing the button again, but slowly, and feel the half click position. When the button is in half click position, the camera's computer does the necessary computations for exposure and focusing. When the button is pressed all the way down, the shutter activates and the camera takes the photo - but based on the parameters set during the half press!

Lesson - 2 -Composing

Composing is where you apply your creativity. It involves idenitfying the scene, selecting the angle of view, selecting the right equipments (lenses etc) and finally framing it.

The following are the general guidelines for composing a photo

(a) A strong subject - that should be in focus. Avoid distractions which keep the viewer's eyes away from the subject

(b) Keep the subject off center : Imagine two vertical lines and horizontal lines on the frame dividing it into 9 rectangles. Keep the subject on the intersections of the lines (rule of third)

(c) Keep the horizon horizontal (not tilted)

(d) ....


Basic Camera Settings
You need to master your camera's controls - the user manual is the best reference for this. The objectives of your settings are
1. Change the mode from Auto to one of the creative modes - Programmed (P), Aperture Priority (A), Shutter Priority (P),  Manual (M)

2. Change the auto focus mode to the one which sets the focus on the subject in the center of view (or a single spot). Avoid the face detection mode and other "automatic" features. You should be able to tell the camera where to focus on - not the camera dictating you.

3. Set the ISO to the lowest. Lowest ISO gives you the lowest noise, bump up the ISO only when you really need it - the Aperture and Shutter settings hit the bounds.

4. 

Lesson - 1 - Basic steps

Every shooting session start with your creative mind. You choose a subject, a location and you have a frame in your mind.

Now, taking photos requires the following steps

(1) Composing the photo

(2) Set the correct exposure

(3) Set the correct focus

(4) Re-compose the photo

Composing a photo means, how you want the frame, where the subject should stand. How far you should ZOOM-IN or ZOOM-OUT. How do you want the background.

Setting "Exposure" means, to set the amount of light to be captured by the camera. If the amount you set is not correct, your photo will be too dark or too white (washed out)

Setting the focus needs no explanation. But it needs some learning to use the camera controls.

Re-composing is related to focussing. Many cameras requires the subject to be focussed be at the center of view. That means, it may not accurately focus the subject, for your frame. So you focus the object keeping it at the center, lock the focus, re-compose the frame the way you want and then shoot.

Introduction

Photography is an art as well as a skill!

The "art" needs creativity.

The "skill" needs learning or training.

This blog caters the second part - the skill. ( I dont know how to teach creativity - I feel it is something natural)

I am a gadget enthusiast, and also a bit creative. I am passionate about tech devices and fell for a digital SLR camera - the Canon Rebel XSi.

Thus I started learning about photography

I read many books, e.g., Understanding Exposure by Brian Peterson. Recently I got a chance to attend a "free" digital photography class sponsored by the San Jose Public Library.

But everywhere, I felt, the professionals seldom come to a beginners level. That prompted me to start this blog

Thanks for reading this and posting comments.