WTF does my camera do?
Ever wonder how to use your point-and-shoot, digital SLR, other camera without relying on auto-exposure and auto-focus? Are you curious about different photo techniques and genres? Do you want to hear some tips about building your own camera? This course will explain what, exactly, a camera is, how they are designed, and will provide tips on how to get the best possible exposure when shooting in ambient light.
details
- when: sunday, april 19th, 2009, from 12:25 pm - 1:55 pm
- to attend: Please see the info page for more information on attending any of the workshops at the 2009 Boston Skillshare.
- facilitated by: Benjamin Smart
lesson plan
I). Intro - origins of the camera: A brief history of the camera as emerging from the camera obscura, an Elightenment-era drawing device.
II) Camera construction: the basic elements of cameras, and their function: a light-proof chamber, light sensitive material, aperture, shutter, pinhole/lens.
II) Reciprocal relationships: How shutter speed, aperture, and ISO function in proper exposure, and what "proper exposure" even means.
III) Lens, aperature, shutter, ISO, and how your choices of all will effect your photographs
IV) The histogram: what it is, how to read it, and how to learn to love it.
V) The benefits of shooting manually: quicker, selective focus; more accurate exposures, and greater control over your creative process, and more!
VI) Time for any additional questions and to go off on wild, exciting tangents. Also: how to apply the above information to film photography, if there is interest. (Also: why film isn't vegan).
facilitator experience
2004: Darkroom Intern, Maine Photographic Workshops (now Maine Media Workshops)
2006: Associates of Arts, Rockport College (now Maine Media Workshops). Focus in analog, alternative process, and digital photography
2006: Teaching Assistant, young photographers' program, Maine Photographic Workshops
2007, Fall: Teaching Assistant: Digital Photography, School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Focus on photography, video art, and screen printing.
2008: Photograph exhibited at College Annual show, Photographic Resource Center at Boston University
2009, May, Bachelors of Fine Arts from SMFA/Tufts
Basically, I'm a tremendous nerd with way too many photography skills than should be consider healthy. I've been shooting and printing for eight years, absorbing as much practical (and esoteric) knowledge as I can. I've also done teaching assistant work at a workshop or two through the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. I hope to spend a portion of my time teaching photography throughout the rest of my life.
intended audience
The intended audience is anyone who is interested in learning how to use their camera--basically anyone who isn't already a student of photography, or one who is looking to brush up on their knowledge.
This class is designed to conceptualize the camera as a basic device, which really isn't known by anyone who isn't a hobbyist or complete photo nerd. Most people learn that "this button does this" but not really the "why" behind these buttons existence.
pictures
