Carl Hattley - Learning Resources

Learning Resources

Digital Photography

Week: Two

This week we will be mostly looking at Aperture. Aperture is how the lens controls the amount of light going through it. Inside the lens are blades which close down to limit the amount of light as you adjust your F-Stop. F-Stop is the description of how much light is going though at any one time. F1.8 will let in a greater amount of light whereas F22 would let in the least amount of light (depending on the lens). The effect of this is:

F1.8 is the least amount of depth of focus.
F22 is the most that is in focus from front to back.

The aperture can be used to control the depth of field within a photo. This might be used to bring a subject out from a confusing background or enhance aspects such as: Detail, Texture, the subjects proximity to the camera or to force attention to whatever might be the focal point of the photograph.

Aperture
Please download and read.

Creative Aperture
Please download and read.

Lenses
Below are samples of when different apertures lenses might be used. Of course there is no one answer for each situation because every photo is different. However these samples offer a general guide. Pay attention to what is in focus, composition and how fast or far away the subject might be.


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Types of lenses

Lens Focal Length	Terminology	Typical Photography
Less than 21 mm	Extreme Wide Angle	Architecture
21-35 mm	Wide Angle	Landscape
35-70 mm	Normal	Street & Documentary
70-135 mm	Medium Telephoto	Portraiture
135-300+ mm	Telephoto	Sports, Bird & Wildlife

Discussion
We will also be discussing the photos you submitted on the forum.

Assignment
We will be taking the cameras out for a spin. The aperture assignment being the key focus.

Assignment 1 - Aperture
This will be 1 of 3 graded assignments due before mid-terms. There will also be a mid-terms assignment so I would recommend producing these each week and making the most of your lesson time.

Produce a series of photographs exploring the use of Aperture. You are free to take this in any direction you like be it: Details, textures, isolating subjects or forcing attention on a certain aspect of your photographs. You can experiment with a range of subjects or just one. However, I would recommend exploring different concepts so that I don't fall asleep whilst grading them. It is also more beneficial to you as CREATIVE individuals and to the learning process to explore your options.

Good luck!

Submission format:
· One printed 8 x 10" contact sheet containing 25 photographs (relevant to the brief)
· Three individual prints at whatever size you can afford (minimum 4 x 6")
· Digital files via USB or CD
· Bonus points will be given for documenting each photograph's F-Stop and Shutter Speed

Deadline:
· ABMA 71 - 15 July 2008
· ABMA 74 - 17th July 2008