Basics of Photography

There is an old saying that goes, “When you buy a camera, you are a photographer, but when you buy a piano, you own a piano.” Those of us that have been photographing for a while know this to be false; that a commitment to taking pictures, the kind that quench a thirst for expression, comes with a commitment to constantly learn and adapt to something new, be it new ideas, new technologies, or new ways of sharing those images.  Photography is a trade that takes a lot of hard work and a long time to master, and even then, the seasoned photographer may still occasionally miss the shot or choose the wrong camera settings.  For the green photographer, this is not meant to discourage.  Much rather, I hope that you will feel inspired by what lies ahead.  That shiny new camera which you hold in your hand, or that dusty old one that has been passed down to you, is all the membership you need to join one of the world’s most rewarding clubs.  Through the passage of time and with a little commitment, the club will reveal its mysteries to you; mysteries that are unique to you and your relationship with the camera.  Welcome.

 

1. Aperture
2. Shutter Speed
3. ISO
4. Composition- the arrangement of elements in a photograph
5. Light
6. Focusing- controls for the apparent sharpness of the image in a photograph
7. Exposure- the total amount of light that reaches the film or digital sensor in a camera