Chapter 5 Basic Photographic Techniques

CHAPTER 5 BASIC PHOTOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUES Today, photography is characterized by a rapid growth in the development of technology and ideas. Each year, millions of pictures are taken and an astonishing array of new films, cameras and imaging systems enter the market. One of the great attractions of the photography field is the ease with which basic skills can be learned. Unlike some of the older arts that take years of training to produce an acceptable product, anyone can quickly learn how to take a picture; however, photographic techniques must be mastered before you can become an accomplished photographer; therefore, mastery of the basic fundamentals is the foundation upon which you will build your photographic and professional skills as a Navy Photographer’s Mate. The photographic techniques presented in this chapter are essential in producing quality photographs, and you can apply each of these fundamentals, to some extent, each time you take a picture. KEEPING THE CAMERA STEADY Many photographs have been ruined because of camera movement. Unless you want a blurred picture, keeping your camera steady when shooting is crucial. The longer the exposure or focal-length lens you use, the more crucial holding your camera steady becomes; therefore, there are many instances when the use of a tripod or some other type of camera support is necessary. The following section provides general guidelines for the various methods used to support a camera to ensure quality results. These are not necessarily the only or even the best ways to support a camera. You should practice supporting your camera using various methods; then select those that are most appropriate for the situation and the subject being photographed. Practice should include all the camera functions you normally use on actual photographic assignments. Concentrate on composing through the viewfinder, focusing, selecting shutter speeds and f/stops, holding 5-1 the flash off the camera, depressing the shutter release, and winding the film. HANDHOLDING THE CAMERA Of the various methods to keep your camera steady, the best is to use a tripod, but often you may not have one with you or the situation makes the use of a tripod impossible. In these situations, if you use proper precautions, it is possible to take high-quality pictures using hand-held methods. Under normal circumstances, you should not handhold your camera at shutter speeds longer than about 1/60 second. When a long lens is used, this becomes even more critical, because the images produced by long lenses are affected more by camera movement. Also, it is more difficult to control the weight and greater size of a long lens when it is hand-held. As a general rule, the slowest recommended shutter speed is the reciprocal of the focal length of the lens; for example, when you are using a 500mm lens, the slowest shutter speed you should use is 1/500 second. When handholding your camera, be sure to have a good, solid, but not tense grip on the camera. Use your whole body as a firm support. Your elbows should be close to your body and your feet spread apart to provide good balance. In this position your body is acting as a tripod. When possible, you should try steadying yourself by leaning against something solid like a wall, tree, or post. When using an eye-level camera, press the camera against your forehead and face. A waist-level camera should be pulled solidly against your body. Just before releasing the shutter, take a deep breath, let out part of the air-hold the rest, and squeeze the shutter release as if firing a gun. When nothing is available to support your camera other than yourself, try sitting down, squatting, or kneeling, and firmly rest your elbows on one or both knees. When you are taking low-angle photographs, lying on the ground with the camera in front of you is another simple way to keep the camera reasonably