Rizwan Kassim's last minute presentation for BarCampSD2 for Amateur Photographers. "How to Take a Better Photograph"

1. Taking a better photograph
Rizwan Kassim
rizwank@geekymedia.com
tags: barcampla, photography, engineer, restaurant
November 11th, 2007
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2. What I Do
Software and Systems Engineer, uWink, Inc.
Interactive restaurant with at-the-table touchscreen ordering, solo and
group gaming, and group activities. From the same mind that brought
you Atari and Chuck-E-Cheese.
Senior Engineer, Hometown Telecom
VoIP International calling plans online
I also take photographs as a hobby
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3. Scope
This is not an exhaustive list
You’ve may have probably heard many, if not all, of these before
Avoiding technical discussions about fstops and exposure
I highly recommend spending a few hours reading about these
subjects.
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4. Photograph Sources
Outright theft
New York Institute of Photography
http://www.nyip.com
kodak.com
http://tinyurl.com/3c6taq
www.theimageisfound.com
Thanks to Jen Cleary, Hollee Brinlee and Lisa Brewster
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5. Equipment
Most of these tips can help even with a simple throwaway Point
and Shoot.
You don’t have to spent thousands of dollars in photography gear.
It can help.
Most importantly, you need equipment that you’re familiar with and
trust.
Don’t get stuck in the Nikon vs. Canon debate. Pick one. Enjoy.
Megapixel count isn’t as important as they make it out to be.
Wait until your equipment actually restricts your vision.
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6. There are no rules
As with any artistic pursuit, there are no rules, only guidelines.
That being said, trust the guidelines until you know when to break
them.
Except one rule.
Don’t take pictures of people eating food. They won’t like it.
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7. NYIP’s Three Rules Guidelines
Guideline One: What is the subject of my photograph?
Guideline Two: How can I focus attention on my subject?
Guideline Three: Is there anything I can do to simplify my
photograph? Is there anything in the frame that’s distracting?
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8. The subject is obvious
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9. Image from
www.theimageisfound.com
Focusing Attention
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10. Avoiding
Distractions
Cropping
What’s wrong with her legs?
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11. Presentation
A great photograph is recognizable as a great photograph
Occasionally, a good photograph needs a bit of help
Editing/Cropping
Avoiding the ubiquitous 4x6” 35mm print
Borders and Framing
Posed casual pictures = boring
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12. Kodak’s 10 tips for better
photos
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13. Look your subject in the eye
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14. Avoid distracting backgrounds
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15. The magic of the Flash
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16. Get in closer
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17. Rule of Thirds
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19. Lock your focus
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20. Know the range of your flash
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21. Lighting
Lighting
Lighting
“Painting Shadows”
Photography =
“Drawing with Light”
(c) Jennifer Colston
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22. Rotate the damn camera
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23. Direct your posed shots
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24. Getting better
Decide why you’re shooting
Are you capturing your child’s first birthday or attempting to be
artistic. Are you a photojournalist or part of the scene?
Do competitions, or self challenges
http://www.dpchallenge.com/
Too much flexibility - try restricting yourself.
Turn off the Zoom Lens. Five Obstructions. Walk your block.
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25. Final Thoughts
Shoot a lot
THINK about your photographs before you take them
Edit your photographs
Learn about Focus, Depth of Field, fstops and Focal Lengths.
Post and share your photographs (Thanks Doug!)
flickr, photo.net, nyip.com, slideshowpro.net. Any others?
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