Digital Photography Activity 3 Jose Garcia

1. Digital PhotographyActivity 3Jose Garcia

2. What are the different types of camera angles? Camera angle – means slightly different things to different people but it always refers to the way a shot is composed. Different types of camera angles: Eye Level: This is the most common view, being the real-world angle that we are all used to. It shows subjects as we would expect to see them in real life. It is a fairly neutral shot. High Angle: A high angle shows the subject from above, i.e. the camera is angled down towards the subject. This has the effect of diminishing the subject, making them appear less powerful, less significant or even submissive. Low Angle: This shows the subject from below, giving them the impression of being more powerful or dominant. Bird’s Eye: The scene is shown from directly above. This is a completely different and somewhat unnatural point of view which can be used for dramatic effect or for showing a different spatial perspective. In drama it can be used to show the positions and motions of different characters and objects, enabling the viewer to see things the characters can't. The bird's-eye view is also very useful in sports, documentaries, etc. Slanted: Also known as a Dutch tilt, this is where the camera is purposely tilted to one side so the horizon is on an angle. This creates an interesting and dramatic effect. Famous examples include Carol Reed's The Third Man, Orson Welles' Citizen Kane and the Batman series. Dutch tilts are also popular in MTV-style video production, where unusual angles and lots of camera movement play a big part.

3. List 7 different camera shots. Shot Types - There is a convention in the video, film and television industries which assigns names and guidelines to common types of shots, framing and picture composition. EWS (Extreme Wide Shot): this view is so far from the subject that he isn’t even visible. Often used as an establishing shot. VWS (Very Wide Shot): the subject is visible, but the emphasis is still on placing him in his environment. WS (Wide Shot): the subject takes up the full name, or at least as much as comfortably possible. MS (Mid Shot): shows some part of the subject in more detail while still giving an impression of the whole subject. MCU (Medium Close Up): half way between a MS and a CU. CU (Close Up): a certain feature or part of the subject takes up the whole frame. ECU (Extreme Close Up): the ECU gets right in and shows extreme detail. Cut-In: shows some (other) part of the subject in detail. CA (Cutaway): a shot of something other than the subject. Two-Shot: a shot of two people, framed similarly to a mid shot. OSS (Over-the-Shoulder Shot): looking from behind a person at the subject. Noddy Shot: usually refers to a shot of the interviewer listening and reacting to the subject. Point-of-View Shot (POV): shows a view from the subject’s perspective. Weather Shot: the subject is the weather. Can be used for other purposes, e.g. background for graphics.

4. What is the rule of thirds ? • Framing – shots are all about composition. Rather than pointing the camera at the subject, you need to compose an image. The rule of thirds which is the rule that divides the frame into nine sections, as in the first frame below. Points (or lines) of interest should occur at 1/3 or 2/3 of the way up (or across) the frame, rather than in the centre.

5. Three different types of photography Aerial – from a plane, helicopter, balloon or other airborne device. Artistic – photography in which creative composition is the goal. Event – concerts, parties, festivals, weddings, etc. My favorite type of photography is Aerial because looks at landscape from a bird’s eye view is amazing.

6. What are six components of the camera? Body: A light-tight compartment to house the recording medium (film or CCD). Lens : A transparent element to focus light rays onto the recording medium. Aperture: A method of controlling how much light reaches to recording medium. Shutter: A method of controlling how long the recording medium is exposed to the incoming light. Viewfinder: A way to se the image that is to be captured. Transport: In film cameras, a method of moving he film and holding it in the correct position.

7. What are five types of cameras? SLR (Single Lens Reflex): The viewfinder sees the same image as the main lens, i.e. what you see is what you get. SLRs also allow you to change lenses for different purposes. This is a hugely popular type of camera, pretty much the standard for enthusiasts and professionals. Viewfinder (or range finder): In this type of camera the viewfinder is separate to the lens. This is common in cheap cameras, although some professional cameras also use this configuration. The main problem with a separate viewfinder is that the image you see may not be quite the same as the image that gets recorded. This limitation is overcome in professional cameras by using viewfinders that compensate for the different positions. Viewfinder cameras do have some advantages; for example, lower noise and higher light levels to the viewfinder. Twin Reflex: The camera has two lenses — one for the photograph and one for the viewfinder. This type of camera has certain advantages in some professional situations. View: A flexible bellows joins two standards — one with the lens and the other with the viewfinder or film. This allows for unusual types of composition; for example, distorting the shape of the image by skewing the film plane. Pinhole: A very simple camera without a lens.

8. Composition: The subject Make sure you know exactly what it is you are photographing, i.e. have a clearly defined subject. For example, if you are photographing a person and you are not interested in what's happening in the background, compose the photo accordingly (i.e. zoom in on them or get closer). Likewise, if you are photographing flowers, wide shots are fine but you should also try getting up close and making a feature of an individual flower. Don't have unnecessary empty or useless space in the photo (e.g. lots of sky if the subject is on the ground). In some cases you may have a good reason for including empty space — the rule is to leave out empty space which serves no purpose. If it adds to the effect of the composition, that's fine. In some cases the subject is simply a scene or a landscape. You don't necessarily need a person or object to be the subject — it can be anything at all. The point is to be aware of what it is you are trying to capture, and how you can best compose the photo to achieve this.

9. Composition: The Frame If an object is not completely in shot (i.e. part of it is outside the frame), make sure it will still look okay. Some objects don't look good if you can't see the whole thing, or at least a certain amount of it. Partial objects can be awkward or even confusing; for example, a sign that begs to be read but is cut off half way through. You can't always avoid this situation; sometimes it doesn't matter, and you may even use it for effect. However it is something to be mindful of — try to have a reason for including or excluding partial objects. It's especially important to notice how people in the background are framed — it's best not to cut them off in an unflattering way. You may need to adjust the framing to have enough of them in shot to look comfortable, or leave them out altogether.

10. Why use different camera angles? One of the most common ways to add dramatic effect to a photograph is to use an interesting or unusual camera angle. Many shots can be given added impact by simple changes in the camera view. The photo on the top right has quite a nice composition, but the effect is much more dramatic when the camera is rolled to the right. When the subject is a person, different angles can have a strong influence on how they are perceived. A photo looking down at a person can make them look diminished, or perhaps down-to-earth, informal, etc. A photo looking up at someone can make them look powerful or imposing.

11. Why should you strive for balance? There are many types of "balance" in a photograph; for example, a mix of close and distant objects, a mix of light and dark, etc. Poor balance is not usually good, for example, a photo with too much light and no contrast. Experiment and learn how to provide a pleasing balance. The photo below has an obvious theme in the balanced stones, but it also contains a balance of light/dark tones, foreground/background, sharp/soft areas, etc.

12. Why use lines when composing your composition? Look for different types of lines in the composition (e.g. buildings, poles, the horizon, etc). Different lines have different effects: Vertical lines emphasize strength, power and height. Horizontal lines emphasize width, stability and security. Diagonal lines have a more dramatic, dynamic effect than vertical and horizontal. Curved lines reflect nature, relaxation, sensuality, etc. Lines can be used to direct the viewer's interest, emphasize parts of the frame, and generally create interesting effects.