COMPUTER

Photography and Lighting

The Rule of Thirds
A basic principle in picture composition is the rule of thirds. Imagine
that a rectangular frame is divided by horizontal and vertical lines into
thirds. The more important elements in the frame are placed on the
four points where the horizontal and vertical lines intersect.
Framing the Body and Headroom
When framing a person or a face, we usually put a little space on top of
the head. This is called headroom.
Without headroom, it seems like the top part of the person’s head is
cut off. Meanwhile, too much headroom makes the composition
uninteresting, as if a head without a neck is left floating at the bottom
of the frame.
When framing a person’s body, make sure that the frame does not cut
the person at the joints, or it might seem like he/she does not have
arms or legs.
Looking Space
Put adequate space in the direction where your subject is looking.
Walking Space
Put more in the direction towards where your subject is moving.
Levelving
If you are shooting spaces with a lot of horizontal areas (such as
landscapes) or objects with strong vertical lines (such as buildings and
skyscrapers), make sure that the frame is leveled. Or else, the object
will look like it is about to slide down or fall.
Background-Foreground Relationship
Composition involves emphasizing important details and leaving our
unimportant ones. One effective way to achieve this is by taking note of
the relationship between the foreground (objects nearest to the
camera), middle ground, and background (objects and areas farthest
from the camera).
Your foreground and background should not be of the same color.
Your background should not be too cluttered to avoid overwhelming
your subject in the foreground.
Reframing
Be conscious of your composition even when your subject is moving.
Video Controls
The digital video camera has several features for manipulating images.
Exposure and brightness
Digital still and video cameras have an auto exposure function.
Another exposure tool that most digital cameras have is the back light
compensation control. This is particularly useful in instances when your
subject is standing in front of a bright area, say a sunny window.
Focus
The auto focus function is sufficient for the most shooting conditions.
White Balance
Different kinds of light give off different colors.
Lighting
Light creates images. Without enough light, the most that will come out
of your camera are muddy pools of black.
Natural Light Source
The sun is the best light source you can get. If you plan to shoot with
natural light, it is best to shoot around 8 a.m. or 3 p.m.
During noon, the sun is too high up, casting harsh shadows on faces.
You can use a reflector to direct sunlight at your subject’s face to lessen
this problem. Reflectors are usually smooth and silvered.
Artificial Light Source
The most accessible artificial light source is the regular household
incandescent bulb.
Example of video shooting lighting:
Bulb
Ring Light
Led Light
Lump
Candle
Directionality
The direction of your light source determines how your subject would
appear on screen.
The front light has light hitting your target from the direction of the
camera.
Back light comes from behind and outlines the subject and sets it apart
from the background.
Full side light produces shadows that are clear across the frame.
Top light shines light down directly from above the subject.
Underlighting has a light source from below the subject and casts
shadows upward.