ELEMENTS OF A GOOD PHOTO: 1.Exposure 2.Focus 3.Composition Which would you argue is the most important to get right while you are shooting your picture?

Effect of focal length Effect of focusing screens Effect of available light Auto vs. manual focus Manually focus when: You want to zero in on a subject not in the center You’re shooting action pictures Shooting in low light Photographing through glass Shooting confusing subjects or backgrounds Auto focus when?

WHY NOT? The camera may not focus on the subject of your choice. Auto focus is fast; but not that fast. Auto focus may cause shutter lag. Auto focus requires light (Some cameras have focus assist lamps). Auto focus uses battery power. Auto focus requires high contrast subjects. FOCUS ZONES: Some cameras focus on the center subject. Some cameras focus on the nearest subject. Some camera have 5 or so focus zones and chooses among them by contrast or movement. You may be able to switch focus zones manually. You may be able to lock out focus ranges (near/far). (Sharply focused subjects show more contrast than blurry subjects. Auto focus works by maximizing image contrast at one of the focus sensors.)

Auto focus modes: Continuous auto focus (AF-C) when you press the shutter release half way, the camera continually shifts the focus as it detects movement in the field of view. Useful for action photography. Single auto focus (AF-S) the camera sets the focus when you press the shutter release half way and leaves it there until after you take the picture. Automatic auto focus just like single auto focus unless the camera detects motion; then it switches to continuous auto focus. !!learn about auto focus modes in your camera!!!

COMPOSITION Use your frame of view as a canvas. (squint, use your fingers, etc.) Fill the frame. Decide on the critical elements to include or eliminate (avoid clutter). Don’t always center your subject. Use the rule of thirds. Include points of interest: shapes, texture, color, movement, lines, diagonals Include converging or radiating lines. Make use of repetition or pattern. Balance and compartmentalize. Use pairs and trios. Connect the fore- and background. Incorporate a reference for scale. Direct action or potential action toward space. Simplify and isolate your subject. Consider depth of field. Every picture needs a focal point. Consider the effect of portrait (vertical) vs. landscape (horizontal) format. Lighting affects the “mood.” Consider the effect of your viewfinder. Know when to break the rules!!!

COMMON ERRORS OF COMPOSITON: Lack of subject Subject too small Centered subject Tilted horizon Centered horizon Lack of scale Distracting background Too many elements included Unfortunate mergers and displaced objects TIPS TO CONSIDER: Use a pair of forceps to remove distracting clutter Change the camera angle. Alter the depth of field. Line up camera parallel to subject plane. Use background card. Throw background into shadow or highlight.