📸Photojournalism I Unit 4 – Fundamentals of Photography

Core Concepts and Terminology

• Photography captures light on a light-sensitive medium (digital sensor or film) to create an image
• Exposure triangle consists of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, which work together to determine the overall exposure of an image
• Aperture controls the amount of light entering the lens and affects depth of field (f-stop)
• Shutter speed determines the duration of light exposure and influences motion blur (seconds or fractions of a second)
• ISO measures the sensitivity of the camera's sensor to light and impacts image noise (typically ranges from 100 to 6400)
• Focal length is the distance between the lens and the camera's sensor, affecting the angle of view and magnification (measured in mm)
  • Longer focal lengths (telephoto lenses) have a narrower angle of view and higher magnification
  • Shorter focal lengths (wide-angle lenses) capture a wider angle of view and lower magnification
• Depth of field is the distance between the nearest and farthest objects in a scene that appears acceptably sharp in an image
  • Larger apertures (smaller f-stop numbers) result in a shallower depth of field, isolating the subject
  • Smaller apertures (larger f-stop numbers) create a deeper depth of field, keeping more of the scene in focus

Camera Basics and Settings

• DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) and mirrorless cameras are popular choices for photojournalists, offering manual control and interchangeable lenses
• Shooting modes include Auto, Program (P), Aperture Priority (A or Av), Shutter Priority (S or Tv), and Manual (M)
  • Auto mode allows the camera to control all settings based on the scene
  • Program mode enables the photographer to adjust certain settings while the camera maintains exposure
  • Aperture Priority lets the photographer set the aperture while the camera determines the appropriate shutter speed
  • Shutter Priority allows the photographer to choose the shutter speed while the camera selects the aperture
  • Manual mode gives the photographer full control over aperture, shutter speed, and ISO
• Metering modes help determine the correct exposure by measuring light in different ways (evaluative, center-weighted, spot)
• White balance ensures colors are rendered accurately under different lighting conditions (daylight, cloudy, tungsten, fluorescent)
• Focus modes include autofocus (AF) and manual focus (MF), with AF options like single-servo (AF-S) for stationary subjects and continuous-servo (AF-C) for moving subjects
• Image file formats include RAW (uncompressed, unprocessed data) and JPEG (compressed, processed data)

Composition Techniques

• Rule of thirds involves dividing the frame into a 3x3 grid and placing key elements along the lines or at their intersections to create a balanced, visually appealing composition
• Leading lines are visual elements (roads, fences, rivers) that guide the viewer's eye through the image and towards the main subject
• Framing uses natural or man-made elements (windows, arches, branches) to surround the subject and add depth to the composition
• Symmetry and patterns can create visually striking images by repeating elements or showcasing balanced, mirror-like compositions
• Perspective can be manipulated by changing the camera's angle or position relative to the subject (bird's eye view, worm's eye view, eye-level)
• Fill the frame by getting close to the subject or using a longer focal length to eliminate distracting elements and emphasize the main subject
• Negative space is the area surrounding the main subject that can be used to create a sense of balance or highlight the subject's shape or form
• Odd numbers of subjects (3, 5, 7) can create a more dynamic and visually interesting composition compared to even numbers

Lighting Essentials

• Natural light includes sunlight and varies in color temperature and intensity throughout the day (golden hour, blue hour)
• Artificial light encompasses man-made light sources such as lamps, flashlights, and strobes
• Hard light creates strong, well-defined shadows and high contrast (direct sunlight, bare bulb flash)
• Soft light produces diffused, even illumination with soft shadows and lower contrast (overcast sky, softbox)
• Front lighting illuminates the subject from the same direction as the camera, minimizing shadows and revealing detail
• Side lighting comes from the side of the subject, creating depth and emphasizing texture through shadows
• Backlighting originates from behind the subject, creating a rim light effect or silhouette depending on the exposure
• Reflected light bounces off surfaces like walls, ceilings, or reflectors to illuminate the subject indirectly
• Color temperature describes the warmth or coolness of light, measured in Kelvin (K), with lower values (2700K) appearing warm and higher values (6500K) appearing cool

Capturing Motion and Action

• Freeze motion using a fast shutter speed (1/500th or faster) to capture sharp images of moving subjects
• Convey motion blur by using a slower shutter speed (1/30th or slower) to create a sense of movement in the image
• Panning involves following a moving subject with the camera while using a slower shutter speed to keep the subject relatively sharp while blurring the background
• Burst mode allows the camera to capture multiple frames per second (fps), increasing the chances of capturing the decisive moment
• Anticipate the action by predicting where and when the peak moment will occur, and position yourself accordingly
• Use continuous autofocus (AF-C) to maintain focus on moving subjects, paired with the appropriate AF area mode (single-point, dynamic, or auto-area)
• Adjust the camera's drive mode to single-shot for stationary subjects or continuous high-speed for action sequences
• Utilize back-button focus to separate the focus function from the shutter release button, allowing for more precise control and quicker response time

Post-Processing Fundamentals

• RAW files provide greater flexibility in post-processing due to their uncompressed, unprocessed nature
• Exposure adjustments include brightness, contrast, highlights, shadows, whites, and blacks
• White balance correction ensures accurate color representation and can be used creatively to set a specific mood
• Color adjustments encompass saturation, vibrance, and individual color channels (hue, saturation, luminance)
• Sharpening enhances edge detail and clarity but should be used sparingly to avoid over-sharpening artifacts
• Noise reduction minimizes high ISO noise and color splotches but can result in loss of detail if applied excessively
• Cropping and straightening can improve composition, remove distracting elements, or correct perspective distortions
• Retouching involves removing blemishes, dust spots, or unwanted objects using tools like clone stamp or healing brush
• Batch processing allows for efficient editing of multiple images with consistent settings or presets

Ethical Considerations in Photojournalism

• Truthfulness and accuracy are paramount in photojournalism, as images are expected to represent reality without deception
• Staged or manipulated photos undermine the credibility of the photojournalist and the news organization
• Respect the privacy and dignity of subjects, especially in sensitive situations like accidents, crimes, or tragedies
• Obtain informed consent when photographing individuals in private settings or when the subject's face is clearly recognizable
• Be aware of cultural sensitivities and traditions when photographing in diverse communities or foreign countries
• Avoid influencing or interfering with events as they unfold, maintaining the role of an impartial observer
• Provide context and accurate captions to ensure the viewer understands the full story behind the image
• Adhere to copyright laws and give proper attribution when using or sharing images created by others

Practical Applications and Assignments

• News and events coverage includes photographing press conferences, rallies, protests, and breaking news stories
• Sports photography involves capturing action, emotion, and key moments in various sporting events
• Feature stories combine images and text to provide in-depth coverage of a specific topic or issue
• Portrait assignments focus on capturing the personality, character, or essence of an individual through posed or candid shots
• Photo essays tell a story through a series of related images, often with accompanying captions or text
• Environmental portraits showcase subjects in their natural surroundings or workplaces, providing context and insight into their lives
• Documentary projects explore social, political, or economic issues through long-term, in-depth visual storytelling
• Multimedia storytelling combines still images, video, audio, and text to create immersive, interactive narratives