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TOPIC 7 BASIC PHOTOGRAPHY
SYNOPSIS
This topic introduces the basic photography where students will be able to find
some shooting techniques that have diversified. By learning the basics of
photography students were also able to identify parts of a camera. With the
latest digital era students will fill more challenging for the use of photography
in education.
TITLE FRAME
7.1 The history of photography
7.2 Basic parts and functions of the camera
7.3 Types and camera accessories
7.4 Types of films
7.5 Techniques of shooting
7.6 Composition
7.7 Digital photography
7.1 Development History of Photography
History has shown the existence of photography since the late 19th century where
the first photo was made in 1826 for 8 hours. The term Photography derived from
the word photography that was originated from the greek word meaning light
(phos) and write (graphien). Louis Jacques Mande Daquerre was the first to
introduce photography and he is also known as the father of the world of
photography (1837). Obscura camera is the first camera that used to draw then
photographing. Kodak cameras (Kodak Eastmant) was first found by Snapshooter
1888 in America. Edward Muybridge was the the person who contribute
photography into the world of film. Flash or the flash was first discovered by
Harold E.Edgerton in 1938. Photographing dead things called still life. The
discovery of negative film by John Hendri Fox Talbot made for 40 seconds under
the scorching sun.
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Basic Photography
Try to think.
How important is photography in the process of producing materials for teaching and
learning?
Basically all cameras are the same. It is a box with a hole that controls light on one
end and a space to put the film on the other end. These openings allow light into the
box and shone to the film that was already inserted to form an image. The more
complex the building / structure of a camera, the more complete the mechanism. The
completeness and efficiency of this mechanism will also affect the results.
To produce a decent result, a camera must have:
i. A tool that allows users to view the camera direct to the target. This
section is called the view finfer. It allows users to view the target.
ii. An opening called the aperture that allows light into the camera.
iii. A lens which collect light and project the image onto the film.
iv. A closing and opening device of the lens that can be controlled is known
as shutter.
v. A button called shutter release which when pressed will open the shutter
curtain briefly enough to let light into the camera and create an image on
the film.
vi.Film with light sensitive surface facing the lens..
vii. Tools to roll film.
viii. A focusing mechanism to change the position of the lens backwards and
forwards so that it can produce sharp image.
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7.2 Parts of Camera
A camera consists of several parts and components
Diagram 1: Basic Parts of Camera
Source (Book): Teknologi dalam Pengajaran dan Pembelajaran
7.2.1 Lens
The lens is used to form a clear image on the surface of the film in the camera. The
main feature of a camera is the focus distance. Lens with different focal length can
form different image on different film size. The distance of a focal length is measured
in mm unit. Normal focal distance will form an image of a normal saiz no matter what
types of camera used. Normal focal distance is different depending on the film saiz
used as follow:
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Film size Normal focal length
110 25 mm
126/127 45 mm
35 50 mm
120 75 mm
Types of Lens
i. Wide Angle Lens
Size 6 mm - 45 mm. Used for shooting scenery or narrow space. Distant view
of the area.
ii. Standard or Normal Lens
Size 43 mm – 50 mm. Most used. View size is almost the same as seen by
normal human eye.
iii. Telefoto Lens
85 mm – 120 mm Used for shooting portrait picture
135 mm – 200 mm Suitable for shooting sports event
300 mm – 600 mm suitable for moving target, nature, wild life
iv. Zoom Lens
Zoom lens is a lens that contains a combination of lenses in one unit of either
normal angle to wide or wide angle to normal. Zoom lens is normally used in
situation where subjects or targets always changes its position. In this
situation a photographer have no time to change to different lens.
28 mm - 50 mm wide to normal angle
50 mm – 100 mm normal to moderate angle
70 mm – 200 mm normal to distant angle
135 mm – 300 mm moderate to distant angle
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Diagram 2 : Zoom Lens
Sumber : Canon Marketing Malaysia
7.2.2 Shutter
The shutter is a curtain that covers the surface of the film from light. The Shutter
curtain will only be open for a certain period of time so that the film is exposed to light
sufficiently to get a good photograph. Shutter curtain will only be open for a certain
period of time just enough to get a good photograph.
The index speed of a shutter are shown with these numbers: B, 1, 2, 4, 6, 15, 30, 60,
125, 250, 500, 1000 and 2000. These numbers indicate a fraction of a second. Thus
1 means one of a second, 2 means half of a second, 4 means quarter of a second
and so on. These fractions show that the bigger the number the faster the speed of
the shutter curtain opens and closes. They also mean that the shotter time the
shutter curtain opens the shotter time the film exposed to the light and vice versa.
Thus a shutter is a mechanism that controls the time where light enters the lens.
Diagram 3 : Shutter Release /Shutter Speed
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7.2.3 Aperture
Aperture is an opening in the lens. The size of the opening can be adjusted through
the aperture ring. Through this adjustment the aperture size can be modify (big or
small). The size of the aperture will determain the amount of light passes through the
lens. Thus the function of the aperture is to control the amount of light entering the
lens . Too little light will under exposed the film and too much will over exposed it. In
this case a photographer should know how to control the amount of light. He has to
regulate the aperture ring and choose an appropriate aperture scale.
The size of an aperture is measured with f/stop number. Thus you can see
the number such as 2.8/3.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16, 22, 32 on the aperture ring. These
numbers indicate that the smaller the number the bigger the size of the aperture and
the bigger the number the smaller the aperture (see the diagram below).
Nevertheless these number scales depend on the types of lenses used. Expansive
lens usually has wide range of aperture scale of f/ number.
F2.8/3.8 f4 f5.6 f8 f11 f16 f22
Diagram 4 : Aperture
Diagram 5 : Apertur ring and scale
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7.2.4 Focus
Focusing is a process to change the lens distance from the film surface so that a
clear image is formed on the film surface. This process is done by rotating the lens
focusing ring while the photographer view the subject in the viewfinder. Doubled or
blured image shows that the object is out of focus. Clear image shows that the object
is in focus.
Diagram 6 : Focusing ring and distance scale
7.3 Types of cameras
There are several types of cameras available in the market. Among them is a disk
camera, instant camera, cartridge camera, reflects camera and large format
cameras.
7.3.1 Fixed Focus Camera
This type of camera has no focusing mechanism. There was only a view finder a little
further from the lens position. Most of these cameras have a fixed aperture and
cannot be modified. But there's also a type with simple aperture adjustment marked
with the symbols as follows:
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Diagram 7 : Fixed Focus Camera
Exercise 7.1
You are required to find information about the types of cameras and the basic parts
of the camera. Then discuss with your partner the types of cameras available in the
market today.
7.3.2 Range finder camera
This camera has a focusing mechanism on the lens and its shape is similar to a fixed
focal camera. The mechanism allows the photographer to adjust the lens (to focus)
in order to get clear and sharp images.
To take pictures in bright sunlight and significant
shadows.
To take pictures in bright light but with vague
shadows.
To take pictures in cloudy day with little shadows .
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7.3.3 Single Lens Reflects (SLR)
SLR cameras do not have a view finder in the front. It only has a view finder at the
rear. The image seen in the view finder is actually the image that reflected (with the
help of pentarisme) to the film through the lens. This camera is equipped with an
interchangeable lens. Lens can be changed even if the camera is loaded with film
without exposing it. It can also use a telephoto lens, wide angle lens, micro lens and
other attachments.
Diagram 8: Types of Single Lens Reflects cameras
Source : Sharifah Alwiah Alsagoff (1992)
7.3.4 Medium format camera
This type of camera uses 120 or 220 film size with field size 60 mm x 60 mm. This
camera is quite large and heavy. It is found in SLR type and TLR (Twin Lens Reflex).
TLR type has two identical lenses mounted on top of each other. The top lens is used
as the viewfinder while the objective lens attached underneath.
Diagram 9 : Medium format camera (SLR type)
Source : Razali Nor (1996 )
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Diagram 10: Medium format camera (TLR type)
Source : Razali Nor (1996)
7.3.5 Large Format Camera
Large format camera is a camera that uses film larger than the size of 120/220. Due
to the large camera design, the camera of this type are often used by professional
photographers in the studio to get the maximum quality pictures.
Rajah 11 : Large format camera
7.3.6 Instant camera
This type of camera can produce photos and slides in a short time span, between
one to two minutes. The film surface is coated with a special chemical that can
process the image into positive within a few seconds.
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Diagram 12 : Instant Camera ( Polaroid)
Source : Sharifah Alwiah Alsagoff (1992)
Exercise 7.2
Discuss with your partner the advantages available to each type of camera.
Based on your reading, identify the extent of the difference between the functions of
the medium format camera with a large format camera?
7.4 Types of films
Film is a special plastic sheets that have a surface of light-sensitive chemicals. These
chemicals will form images when exposed to light. The sensitivity of the film is
measured by several scales such as ASA (American Standard Association), JIS
(Japan Industrial Standards), DIN (Deutsche Industrie Norme) and ISO (International
Standards Organizations).
Diagram 13 : A type of film
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7.2.5.1 Types of films
Black and white film Black and white negative that produce black and
white photo.
Colour film Colour negatif that produce colour or black and
white photo.
Slide film Also known as positive film. It can produce colour
slide or transparency and can be printed.
7.2.5.2 Film Speed
A film is very sensitive to light. The sensitivity rate of a film is not the same.
The higher the number, the more sensitive the film to light and vice versa. If
you take pictures in the blazing light condition, the use of low-rate sensitivity
is sufficient. For example, ASA/DIN 100 or 125. If you take pictures in dim
light or dark places, the use of high sensitivity film is more suitable. For
example, taking a picture of a candle light, lamps, lamp shade or a situation in
stage drama (where light is not sufficient). In this situation the use of film
ASA/DIN 400 to 1000 is appropriate.
1000 500 250 125 64 32 16 8 4 ASA
ISO
31 28 25 22 19 16 13 10 7 DIN
High speed Low speed
Diagram 14 : Filem Speed
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7.2.6 Exposure Meter
An accurate way to determine exposure is by using exposure light meter. Light
exposure meter is a small device that consists of a photoelectric cell, light scale and
camera adjustment scale.
Diagram 15 : Exposure meter
Source : Sharifah Alwiah Alsagoff
7.5 Shooting techniques
There are various types of photographic shooting technique. Here are examples of
shooting techniques:
Diagram 16.1 : Close-up shot technique
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Diagram 16.11 Silhouette shot technique
Practical
You are to take pictures using B-Stop technique, over laping image, medium shot,
long shot and close-up shot. Discuss with your friends to facilitate you learn the
techniques of shooting.
7.6 Composition
There are many things to consider in the art of photography, including
composition. Composition is related with;
Emphasize more impact on visual communication.
Determine the subject matter to be highlighted and its relation to the
background.
Determine the mood and the message to be delivered.
The composition of digital images / photos can be repaired or changed
using cropping technique in graphics software applications, photo
retouching or scanning.
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There are many techniques of composition, but what needs to be addressed is
the practice of 'The Rule Of Thirds' in photography.
What is ‘The Rule Of Thirds’? According to Bryan F. Paterson; “The rule states
that an image should be imagined as divided into nine equal parts by two
equally-spaced horizontal lines and two equally-spaced vertical lines, and that
important compositional elements should be placed along these lines or their
intersections”. This is shown in the diagram below.
Diagram 17 : 'The Rule Of Thirds'
7.7 Digital Photography
Introduction of digital photography
Digital photography do not use film. Instead this technology transfers
electronic image to the light sensitive microchips known as CCD (Charged
coupled Device).
Allows photos to be taken and reviews directly on the camera.
Can transfer images to a computer, can be edited, make colour and light
adjustment and print the desired image and size.
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Photo or image can be sent to web site through e-mail and can be shared
through handheld organizer.
Fast and versatile.
Available in different size of mega pixels (the larger the mega pixels the better
quality of the picture can be printed).
Each image/picture can be stored as small as postage stamps.
Can record as much as possible depends on the capacity of the memory
card.
Storing image/memory
Using a memory like a computer stail instead of film
The larger the memory the more image can be stored.
Image can be stored in 3 forms of memory card.
i. Smart Media card with different memory size such as 8 ,16 , 32 ,
64,128 MB or even Gigabite (GB). This card can be inserted into the
camera or computer through an adapter or attaching the camera to
the computer with a cable to transfer the image/picture.
ii. Compact Flash – A card which can stored memory with different
memory size such as 8 ,16 , 32 , 64,128 MB or even gigabite (GB).
.
ii. PCMCIA Card - This type of memory card is for specific camera
only.`
There are types of digital camera that can store images in the harddisk that is
built in the camera. These type of cameras can be connected directly to a
computer via a cable.
Types of memory card :
CompactFlash, PCMCIA,
and SmartMedia
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Image resolution for digital camera
Image resolution is measured based on the amount of pixels.
The amount of pixels determain the quality of the picture printed.
The higher the pixels the less image can be stored in a memory card.
320 x 240 pixels (considered as low resolution)
640 x 480 pixels (considered as medium resolution)
1080 x 720 pixels (considered as high resolution. Suitable for high
quality production).
CONCLUSION
Learning photography is particularly important among teachers because they can
document the historical results or our daily activities so as to benefit all later. To what
extent the types of camera used is not important. The most important is the quality of
the picture. This module helps you learn a basic introduction of photography and
some basic photographic techniques.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Heinich, R., Molenda, M., Russell, J.D., & Smaldino, S.E. (edisi ke 5). (1996).
Instructional media and technologies for learning. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall.
Poh Swee Hiang, Mokhtar Affandi Amran & Tajuddin Hassan. (1996). Pengurusan
sumber pengajaran pembelajaran 2. Kuala Lumpur: Kumpulan Budiman Sdn.
Bhd.
Razali Nor (1995). Teknologi pendidikan: media unjuran dan media elektronik.
Kuala Lumpur: Kumpulan Budiman Sdn. Bhd.
Safian bin Abd. Rashid (2002). Pengurusan sumber: komponen teknologi pendidikan.
Sharifah Alwiah Alsagoff (1987). Teknologi pengajaran. Kuala Lumpur:
Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka.
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Bahagian Pembangunan Kurikulum (2008). Modul Pembelajaran Grafik Berkomputer
(MPV) Teknik Pemerolehan Grafik. Kuala Lumpur: Kementerian Pelajaran
Malaysia.
FotografiI N8 / 808 Pureview: Teknik Komposisi Aturan Sepertiga. Capaian 11
Oktober 2012. dari http://www.symbianku.my/fotografi-n8-808-pureview-teknik-
komposisi-aturan-sepertiga/
