Topic 7:basic Photography - Part 1: EDU3105 Technology in Teaching and Learning

EDU3105 Technology in Teaching and Learning
2013
TOPIC 7 :BASIC PHOTOGRAPHY Part 1

SYNOPSIS
This is an introduction to basic photography. The learners may have to familiarize
themselves with the structure and function of an analog and digital camera and their
accessories. The learner many get to know the different types of camera shot,
camera angle and shooting technique. It had included some basic guiding principles
of picture composition, lighting techniques, finally yet importantly how to integrate
photography in education.
FRAME WORK
7.1 The history of photography
7.2 Basic parts and functions of the camera
7.3 Camera accessories
7.4 Types of films
7.5 Photography techniques
7.6 Composition
7.7 Digital photography
Points to Ponder
What do you know about cameras and photography? It is an art or

a science?
What is the role of photography in our daily life?
How do we integrate photography in education?
7.1 History of photographyThe evolution never ends

Photography is derived from Greek where photo meaning light and graphien
denotes writing or to draw. The simplest and oldest camera is believed to be
the pinhole camera. Based on the principle of a pinhole camera, Alhazen (Ibn AlHaytham) had made the first Obscura camera, to study the image formation and
was able to explain the principles behind the inverted image.
Sumitra Kan Fong Kuen, JTP IPGKTHO
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A pinhole camera may produce an inverted image.

(source: left: Urban Rethink.com.(n.d.).
right: Gibbs, Keith. (2007).School physics: pinhole camera.)
The Obscura camera, a Latin word literally means dark chamber was the
predecessor of all cameras (Steadman, Philips, 2011). In the 17th century, artists
used it as an aid for painting while a German astronaut used it to observe the sun.
.
Obscura camera was initially used as an aid to draw pictures.
In 1727, a scientist called Professor Johann Heinrich Schulze. (in 1727) accidentally
created the first photosensitive compound when he mixed chalk, nitric acid, and silver
in a flask, he noticed darkening on the side of flask exposed to sunlight. The
unexposed sight remained white., He had succeeded in forming a crude
photographic impression. Nevertheless the silver continued to darken and eventually
turned all black (Historic camera.com, n.d.).
Johann Heinrich Schulze (1687-1744)
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In the year1826, Joseph Nicphore Nipce, the French inventor, had made the first
photographic image with an obscura camera. The product is known as holography or
sun drawing on a pewter plate. It took a day long eight hours of exposure to form
the image but the image faded soon after.(Bellis, n.d,; Brown, 2002 .)
Joseph Nicphore Nipce

View from the Window at Le Gras, c. 1826
Louis Jacques Mande Daquerre, the father of photography, was the first person to
have introduced photography.in 1837 by capturing an image using the Obscura
camera and able to retain the photographic image on daguerreotype, a copper
plate coated with silver.
left: Louis Daquerre. (source: Bellis, About.com guide).

right: Daquerre took this image of Paris busy Boulevard du Temple street in 1838
(source: Howell, Elizabeth, 2013)
In 1872, Eadweard Muybridge had initiated the study of serial photography, a

series of successive photographs to study motion of house footfall, and later
analyzing human actions. His works had ignited the birth of motion pictures
(Franklin Institute, 2013).
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left: The study of horses running and trotting.

right: The farmer using pick plate.
(source: The Franklin Institute's Animal Locomotion collection. 1887, Eadweard
Muybridge.)
Many had attempted to improve the quality of the cameras and its photographic
images. It was in 1888, George Eastman had invented the portable Kodak camera
which used the rolled photography film instead. Later he founded the Kodak
Company perfected and commercialized the film and made photography an
accessible tool to the public for recording images.
left The patent of Kodak camera.

right: An image captured and printed using the Kodak camera and film. (source: Bellis,
About.com guide guide):
Many other companies penetrated the market with respective design of cameras
and films, the art of photography became popular.
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In 1907, the first commercial colour film was developed in France. Later on in
1963, Polaroid had invented the first instant colour film and Kodak had released
the Instamatic camera (Greenspun, 1999).
Polaroid camera is the breakthrough that enable the users to get the printed image
instantaneously.
In 1985, the public started the access to the autofocus SLR camera marketed by
Minolta. In 1991, the Kodak digital SLR camera became a reality. By the year
2000, hand phone is equipped with the function of camera, too (Greenspun,
1999). The availability of digital cameras and information on how to compose good
pictures for various purposes had enabled anyone to take photographs at any time,
any place and published them via different media.
Cameras in the form of hand phone, ipad, spy camera built into car remote control, etc.
Many innovative changes in technology is still under way, we may not be able to
predict what will presented to us then. Let us keep an open mind to accept
whatever innovation might be accessible in the near future.
You may do further reading on the history of photography by visiting the following
websites:
Bellis, Mary. (n.d.). History of photography.

http://inventors.about.com/od/pstartinventions/a/stilphotography.htm
Greenspun, Philip. (1999). History of photography timeline.
http://photo.net/history/timeline
Online Museum Educator. (n.d.) The history of photography.
http://fi.edu/pieces/watson/hist.htm
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7.2 Getting to know your tool: The camera, its components and
functions
Points to Ponder
How does a camera help us to capture the image? How do we manipulate
this tool to give us the best result?
There are many different types of camera, do find out what it means when we refer
to:
Rangefinder camera
SLR (Single-Lens Reflector) camera
TLR (Twin-Lens Reflector) camera
Digital compact camera
DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflector) camera
Polaroid or instant camera
Cine camera
7.2 Parts of Camera

A camera consists of several major components (or features) which require special
attention:
the lens (standard lens, macro lens, zoom lens, etc. different focal length
helps us to capture the image from a particular distance)
the viewfinder (let us frame and view our composition)
focusing mechanism ( foucus ring that help us to focus , i.e. to sharpen or

blurring the image)
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exposure (shutter speed, the size aperture opening, film speed that control
the amount of light to expose the film to form a desired photographic
impression)
the shutter release (permiting light entering the film to start the photographic
impression), etc.
]
I. Here is the illustration of a traditional analog SLR (Single lens reflector)
camera:
The front view of a digital camera.

(source: Oracle ThinkQuest.org, n.d.)
Camera back
The rear view of a digital camera.

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The top view of a digital camera.

Facts about a camera:

1. The lens:
The lens is an important element of a camera. it is actually consisted of a set
of lenses that help to focus the light traveling through the aperture to
the film located inside the camera body.
The cutaway of an SLR camera shows that the lens is made up of a set of lenses.
(source: left: http://socrates.bmcc.cuny.edu/hbrockington/vocabulary.htm
right: http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=54078)
There are several types of lens, each having respective focal lenght which
covers different field of view of certain distance or vicinity.
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Focal length, usually represented in millimeters (mm), is the basic description of a

photographic lens. It is not a measurement of the actual length of a lens, but a
calculation of an optical distance from the point where light rays converge to form a
sharp image of an object to the digital sensor or 35mm film at the focal plane in the
camera.
(Nikon USA, 2013)
1.1. Standard lens (focal length 50mm for a 35 mm film camera) A common
lens that simulates the normal human eyes vision.
Images produced by standard lens
1.2. Macro lens - Mainly for close up photography where a standard lense failed
to capture any image closer than 30 cm away from the lens, a macro lens let
us focus on the object in close range and to a certain extend it provides the
magnifying effects.
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Macro lens enable the photographer to use the Close up technique to capture images
from a very near distance.
1.3. Wide angle lens (approximately 14mm 35mm) popular for lanscape,
outdoor and group pictures which may cover a wider angle.
(source: http://ishikosworld.blogspot.com/2011_05_01_archive.html)
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1.4 Telephoto lens or zoom lens, (the cheaper version of telephoto lens)
There are different ranges of telephoto lenses for capturing image from further
distance but it does covers a narrower angle.
The bird eye view of Kuching using the zoom lens.
photo do.com (2013) had recommended the following range of telephoto

lenses for different scenarios:
90 mm 100 mm (short telephoto lens)
Generally
for
shooting portrait photography from a distance.
135 mm 300 mm
Suitable for landscape and picking up
the details of a distant building
300 mm 600 mm (super telephoto lens)
Ideal for sport and
action photographers, bird watch and wild life photography.
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Below is the comparison of the scope of view using lenses with different focal
lenght:
(Source:nikonusa.com http://www.nikonusa.com/en/Learn-AndExplore/Article/g3cu6o2o/understanding-focal-length.html)
Read more:
Heres an interesting article which illustrates the differences of focal length and its
coverage:
Ophrys Photogarphy. (n.d.). Tutorial: lens focal length comparison.

http://www.ophrysphotography.co.uk/pages/tutorialfocallength.htm
2. Aperture and focal stops
Aperture size and its level of exposure

(source: Schlick, Jennifer, 2011.)
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Aperture refers to the mechanism which vary the size of the opening to permit
different amount of light passing through the lens . It is measured as f/stops
such as f/1.4, f/2.8, f/5.6, f/8, f/11, etc..
The smaller the number, the bigger is the size of the opening and hence
allowing more light to pass through the lenses. The image becomes brighter
or vice versa.
The variation of aperture size also bring about another visual effect called the
Depth of Field, which means that the smaller the f/stop, less objects stays in
focus.
(source: Digitalphotography Life.com http://digitalphotographylive.com/influence-offocal-length-aperture-on-depth-of-field/)
3. Shutter speed
The shutter is the curtain in front of the film which opens or closes to control
the amount of light entering and expose the film. The speed of the shutter is
the length of time for the shutter remain opened for exposure.
(source: LeoFoo. (2000). Photography: the resource page.)
It is measured as 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, etc. 1/8 equals to
1/8 of a second, and 1/250 denotes 1/250 second, the later is a much faster
speed. You may also use a slower shutter speed such as 1 second, 2
seconds or even use the bulb mode that allow the shutter to remain open as
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long as you do not let go the shutter release. The slower the shutter speed
more light entered and exposed the film, resulting a brighter image formed.
The faster the shutter speed, less light is permitted to expose the film, the darker
versionis consider under-exposed while slower shutter speed permits more light and
if the picture is too bright, it is considered over-exposed.
(source: Nikon.com., 2013. http://imaging.nikon.com/history/basics/04/02.htm)
The faster shutter speed also has the effect of freezing action while the
slower shutter speed tends to produce blurring motion or images.
Notice how the faster shutter speed freezes the motion.

(source: http://thatwifeblog.com/2009/03/shutter-speed/)
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Do find out more examples high speed and slow speed photography by
browsing to websites and doing library research.
II. Digital SLR Camera : Parts and function.

The digital camera is built based on the same principle as the analog camera.
(source: Nikon.com. (2013). Digital SLR camera basics)
(source: http://sumnersemeniuk.wordpress.com/2011/04/18/slr-camera-labelling-theparts/)
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(source: http://asia.cnet.com/cnet-asia-photo-academy-advanced-the-basics62201732.htm)
Points to Ponder
Is the basic camera good enough for me to produce images that tell
my story?
Why do people spend so much money acquiring many different

types of accessories? How do these items contribute to the making
of photographic impression?
7.3 Accessories for camera:

1. Filters are a popular acessories which may create special effects, cut down
glare, affect the contrast, sharpness, etc.
For example:
Polarize filter may reduce glare from certain surface and make darken the
colour of the sky, etc.
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left: no polarized filter, right: Polarized filter effect:

(source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polarizing_filter_%28photography%29)
Star filters may generate four to sixteen point stars light effects.
left: no star filter; right: star light effects

(source: http://www.cs.mtu.edu/~shene/DigiCam/User-Guide/filter/filter-star.html_
Other examples of Star light filter effect:
(source: left: http://www.rugift.com/photocameras/6-point-star-light-flare-cross-lens-filter.htm ,

right: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sennichan/5602415094/)
Graduated neutral density filter (grad filter) offers artificial enhancement to

the colour balance and saturation that make landscape and sunset
photography more appealing.
left: without filter, right with grad filter.

(source: http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/graduated-neutral-density-filters.htm)
Do find out more about this interesting item that may add spices to you photograps.
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2. Tripod is used to support and stabilize a camera to avoid the shaky hands that
reduce the clarity of a photograph. We may also use the tripod to elevate the
camera.
Different types of tripods
Besides tripod (three legged support), there are also monopod (one-legged),
quadpod (four-legged), etc.
3. Flashes emits short burst of bright light that may help to iluminate the object to
avoid instances of under exposure.
4. Batteries and charger It is a neccesity that supply the power for the camera
and the external flash untis to function normally.
5. Memory cards There are various forms of memory card that serve to store
images created.
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Memory cards for storing images captured during the photogphy sessions.
6. Lens hood Useful for cutting down lens flare and offer protection to the lens.
7. Camera light meter Helping the photographer to detect the appropriate

exposure settings to produce well-exposed pictures.
8. Camera bags and cases It offers protection for the equipment (camera and its
accessories)
There are many more types of accessories, do find out more about it to see how it
may help you in your photographic works.
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7.4 Types of films

The traditional analog camera uses a tranlucent film which is coated with chemical
to produce photographic impression that allows you to print your work later. There
many different types of film, broadly speaking, there are two type of film: negative
and chrome.
7.4.1 Negative film vs positive film
Negative film or print film The are black and white negative films as well
as the coloured version. The film turns dark when exposed to light the the
colour is reverse meaning that the white image appears black on the film, the
green looks red and vice versa. When the colour negative films are
processed, developed and printed on photograph papers, the print show the
actual colour of the obejct.
Negative film show the reverse colour of the objects.
Chrome or positive film or slide film The colour is the same as the
original object. It is processed and developed to turn into mounted slides. By
using the slide projector, the slides may be projected as slide show.
Chrome film reveals the original colour of the object.
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7.4.2 Film speed
Film speed refers to how sensitive is the film when it is exposed to light. If it reacts
instantaneously even to low intensity of light to form image, it is termed as fast film.
Slow films refers to films need longer exposure to light to form the desired image
intensity.
Film speed is measured by several scales or standard, the most commonly known
will be ISO (International Organization for Standardization) or ASA (American
Standard Association). Both standards may be used interchangeably.
Film speed may be measures as ISO/ASA 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1000,... 3200,
etc.ISO/ASA 100-200 film is considered the slow speed film while ISO/ASA 400 and
above film is considered as fast film.
Different film speed may has different properties and effects on your photographic
work:
ISO or ASA
25 - 50
Characteristic
Slow speed film
Need bright light, for example studio lighting condition.
Produces the greatest contrast and finest grain photo print

when it is enlarged.
100 - 200
Slow speed film.
Suitable for outdoor landscape photography, bightly lit objects

and inanimate (non moving) objects.
It takes longer exposure time and may capture detailed images

with high quality (finer grainular picture when the image is
enlarged).
400
Medium speed film
Generally handle indoor lighting condition, overcast day, twilight

settings.
The quality of the enlarged photo print is not much different

from the ISO 100 film.
800
Fast speed film
Best for moving objects such as the sport events and concert,
when you are using zoom lens or taking photos in low light
condition.
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ISO or ASA
Characteristic
and
1600
above
The enlarged images may look grainy.

Very fast film
Suitable for night, interior and fast motion photography.
Below is the comparison of the grain size of the enlarged photo print using different
film speed:
(source: http://www.photonhead.com/beginners/filmspeed.php)
Note:
Digital cameras no longer uses films but the sensitivity of the sensors stills
operate based on the principle of ISO/ASA.
Read more:
Koning,
Mischa.
(2007).
3106.
Photography:
The
hasselblad
guide.
http://istillshootfilm.org/post/592532284/what-is-iso-film-speed
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bahagian Pembangunan Kurikulum (2008). Modul Pembelajaran Grafik Berkomputer

(MPV) Teknik Pemerolehan Grafik.
Kuala Lumpur: Kementerian Pelajaran
Malaysia.
Bellis, Mary. (n.d.). History of photography. Retrieved August 16, 2013 from
http://inventors.About.com guide/od/pstartinventions/a/stilphotography.htm.
Brown, Barbara. (2002).The first photograph. in Abbey Newsletter vol.26, no.3, Nov.
2002. Retrieved August 17, 2013 from http://cool.conservationus.org/byorg/abbey/an/an26/an26-3/an26-307.html
FotografiI N8 / 808 Pureview: Teknik Komposisi Aturan Sepertiga. Capaian 11

Oktober 2012. dari http://www.symbianku.my/fotografi-n8-808-pureview-teknikkomposisi-aturan-sepertiga/
Franklin Institute. (2013). First motion picture. Retrieved August 16, 2013 from
http://www.fi.edu/learn/sci-tech/motion-pictures/motionpictures.php?cts=photography
Gibbs, Keith. (2007).School physics: pinhole camera. Retrieved August 16, 2013
from
http://www.schoolphysics.co.uk/age11-
14/Light/experiments/Pinhole_camera/index.html
Greenspun, Philip. (1999). History of photography timeline. Retrieved August 16,
2013 from http://photo.net/history/timeline
Heinich, R., Molenda, M., Russell, J.D., & Smaldino, S.E. (edisi ke 5). (1996).
Instructional media and technologies for learning. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall.
Historic camera.com. (n.d.). Illustrated history of photography: 1727. Retrieved

August 17, 2013 from
http://www.historiccamera.com/history1/photo_history1727.html.
Howell, Elizabeth. (2013). This date in science: daguerreotype photography made

public. Retrieved August 16, 2013 from http://earthsky.org/human-world/thisdate-in-science-daguerreotype-photography-made-public
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Istillshootfilm.org. (n.d.). What is ISO (film speed)? Retrieve August 20, 2013 from
http://istillshootfilm.org/post/592532284/what-is-iso-film-speed
Klosowski, Thorin. (2013). How important is film speed. Retrieved August 20, 2013
from http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/cameras-photography/tips/howimportant-is-film-speed.htm
Koning, Mischa. (2007). 3106. Photography: The hasselblad guide. Retrieved August
20, 2013 from http://istillshootfilm.org/post/592532284/what-is-iso-film-speed
Leofoo. (2000). Photography resource page: what is shutter speed?. Retrieved

August 13, 2013 from
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/fototech/apershutter/shutter.htm
Nikon.com. (2013). Digital SLR basic: exposure. Retrieved August 17, 2013 from
http://imaging.nikon.com/history/basics/04/02.htm
Nikonusa.com. (2013). Understand focal length. Retrieved August 17, 2013 from
http://www.nikonusa.com/en/Learn-AndExplore/Article/g3cu6o2o/understanding-focal-length.html
Oracle ThinkQuest.org. (n.d.). Photo interactive: parts of a camera.Retrieved August

17, 2013 from http://library.thinkquest.org/11355/html/partsofcamera1.htm
Photohead.com. (n.d.). Begginers guide to photography: film speed. Retrieved
August 20, 2013 from http://www.photonhead.com/beginners/filmspeed.php
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.
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Steadman, Philip. (2011). Vermeer and the obscura camera. Retrieved August 16,
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/empire_seapower/vermeer_camera_01.sht
ml
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