Basic Introduction to Photographic Concepts

1. by Mr. Berdinka
Technology Education Department
Northern Lebanon High School

2.  Identify what Photography is and basic concept
of a picture
 Identify the photographic process and how
light is captured to create an image
 Identify the significance of photography in our
visual society

3.  Definition: Capturing light on a sensitized
surface to produce an image
 The act of “drawing with light” or capturing
reflected light to form an image
 From the Greek roots the word translates as:
 Photos –
 Graphos -
Light
Drawing

4.  1500’s - where light was used as a
tool for drawing
Camera
Obscura

6.  We are a highly visual society using sight as a
means of communicating, displaying, and
expressing information
 Photographs are a major component to a wide
variety of businesses and industries
 Pictures have the ability to say things that
words alone cannot
“A picture is worth a thousand words.”
Napoleon Bonaparte

7.  Generally speaking:
 If it is not worth looking at:
 Viewer turns away
 Doesn’t accomplish its task
 Fails to attract attention, confusion
 Loss of sales
 Good pictures requires: a plan, interesting
detail, and a purpose
“To look at!!!”

8.  What is a picture made up of:
 Foreground – things in front of the subject
 Subject – Main focal point
 Background – things behind the subject/off in distance

9.  Characteristics that influence the
quality of an image:
 Interesting Subject
 Clear Sharp Detail
 Proper Brightness
 Contrast
 Technically Sound (color)
 Use of Composition (balance, symmetry,
and framing)
 Use of Point-of-View and Camera Angle
 Creativity???

10.  PHASE 1 – Planning (don’t even
need the camera yet)
 Subject selection
 Purpose of image
 Visualize what you want the image
to look like
 Explore the possibilities
 Determine Accessibility

11.  PHASE II – Camera Set-up and Application
 Analyze lighting
 Analyze Surroundings (foreground/background)
 Determine design and any techniques to use (for arranging
detail)
 Choose Point-of-View & Camera Angle
 Camera placement and position
 Select Appropriate Shooting Mode
 Set menu settings (ISO Speed, White Balance, Metering
Mode)
 Frame the subject in the image area
 Establish proper focus (move focus point)
 ***Lastly:
 Capture the image
 Review for success

12.  PHASE III – Post Processing
 Crop
 Rotate/Straighten
 Edit/Touch-Up/Correct
 Modify
 Output

13.  Communicate
 Remember
 Document

14.  How has photography and its uses changed
within society over the past 1 year, 10 years,
100 years?
 How do you think photography will change
over the next 1 year, 10 years, 100 years?
 Be used…
 Look like…
 Purpose in society…