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Digital Photography

Learn about digital photogrphy and photo editing.

A Multitude of Modes

Do you tend to default to auto mode? Have you ever tried using the other modes available on your camera? In this project we are going to experiment with a variety of camera modes. 

  • Portrait 
  • Landscape 
  • Sports 
  • Night Portrait 
  • Close-up Mode 
  • Program Mode
  • Aperture Priority Mode
  • Shutter Priority Mode

Supplies:

  • An object to photograph
  • A camera or smart phone that has multiple modes to choose from.

 

Note: If you are using a smart phone camera it may have multiple modes but they maybe different then ones listed above. You can still try this project using any three camera modes available on your device.

Before we jump into taking photos, let’s take a moment to learn about what the different camera modes do. We recommend reading the article camera modes explained before moving on.

 

If you would like more information on camera modes feel free to explore the other resource as well.

1. Select an object to photograph

2. Pick at least three of the following camera modes to try.

  • Portrait 
  • Landscape 
  • Sports 
  • Night Portrait 
  • Close-up Mode 
  • Program Mode
  • Aperture Priority Mode
  • Shutter Priority Mode 

3. Take a photo of your object using the three different selected camera modes.

  • Try to take the photo in the same position. If you have a tripod handy we suggest using it for this project. If you do not have a tripod do your best to capture the image in the same position.
  • If you chose a priority mode, adjust the setting a bit before taking the photo.

Example - Using a DSLR Camera 

The first three images used preset modes. The camera made all the decisions for the settings, ISO, Aperture and shutter speed. As you can see, there are some minor differences. The last photo is a priority mode. Priority modes allows you to have control over one of the camera settings. In this case the photographer set the shutter speed to a fast setting, allowing less exposure to light. Which is why it looks darker than the others.

Example - Using a Smart Phone Camera

When you are finished taking photos, take the time to look over them. When you look at them think about the following questions:

  • Did one of the photos stand out to you? 
  • What about it made it more appealing then the others? 
  • Do you think using a variety of camera modes will be beneficial in your future photography?
  • Do you think having control over one of the camera settings is beneficial  to your photography?

 

Congratulations, you have finished Project 1 - A Multitude of Modes

Orb Photography

Orb Photography, also known as Crystal Ball, or Lensball, Photography is a fun way to add creativity to your  picture taking skills, whether you are a beginner or a long-time photographer.

Supplies: 

  • A Camera
  • Crystal Orb 

 

Note: The Idea Lab has an orb you can use in the Media Lab. It also has an Orb Photography Kit you can check out with your library card!

Place the glass ball between your camera and the object you are photographing, and then shoot the picture through the ball. The orb refracts light and the image will appear upside down in the ball.

Some ideas for orb photography:

  • Sunrises or sunsets
  • Bright lights, textures, patterns
  • Architecture
  • Nature and plants
  • Beach and water splashes – use water around the ball for reflection
  • A cloudy sky

 

CAUTION: The orb can act like a magnifying glass and will pose a fire hazard. Keep it out of direct sunlight! Wet grass or other dry outdoor surfaces before placing the orb.

Here are some great online articles will plenty of tips to get you started with orb photography!

                      

Practice with Light

Light plays a big role in photography. The question is how should you light your subject to create the kind of image you want? The goal of this project is to practice using light in different ways.

 

Supplies:

  • An object to photograph (Choose something you can easily set on a table) 
  • Flashlight 
  • Any kind of camera

 

1. Choose three lighting techniques from the list to try. 

  • Front
  • Rembrandt
  • Side/split
  • Edge
  • Back/silhouette
  • Uplighting

2. Read the following article to learn about the lighting techniques you chose. 

 

3. Position your flashlight at the object you are photographing according to your selected lighting technique. This project works best in a dark or dimly lit space.

Note: Make sure to turn auto flash off on your camera.

After taking a moment to look over your photos think about these questions.

  • Which photo was your favorite?
  • What light source was used in that photo?
  • Did one of the lighting techniques give the object a dramatic feel?
  • Did one of the lighting techniques give the object a softer feel?
  • Do you think how you use light affects the overall feel of the image?

 

Congratulations, you have finished Project 2 - Practice with Light

Play with Motion

Photography is used to capture a single moment in time. Usually when you take a photo of a friend or family member  you ask them to stay still. This project, however, is going to challenge you to play with motion. Try to do one or both of the following:

  • Create an intentional blur
  • Capture an action shot

Supplies: 

  • A Camera (Preferable a DSLR or a camera that allows you to adjust the shutter speed) 
  • A tripod is helpful but not required.
  • A subject that can move (a person, a pet, a plant that moves in the wind, etc) 

For this project you are to try to capture an intentional blur or an action shot. To do this you will most likely need to play with your cameras settings, taking multiple photos of the subject. What are intentional blur and action shots? 

 Intentional Blur

  • Creating an intentional blur means to have part of or all of your photo to be out of focus. The blur can be created by physically moving your camera or having your subject matter move. This photo was created by zooming out while taking the photo at 1/10 shutter speed.

Action Shot

  • Action shots tend to freeze a motion as if time stopped. This often involves having a high shutter speed setting.

 

Look over the associating articles to get more ideas about how to create intentional blurs or how to take an action shot.  Then take some time to experiment, shooting some of your own photos.

Take the time to look over your photos and think about the following questions

Intentional Blur 

  • Were you able to adjust your settings in order to create an intentional blur? 
  • Do you think the blur made an interesting photo? Why or why not? 

Action Shot 

  • Were you able to adjust your settings in order to take an action shot? 
  • What words would you use to describe this photo?

Congratulations, you have finished Project 3 - Play with Motion

More Photography Projects!