I have been using cameras and taking photos for many years now. I even created a photoblog last year. But on May 11, 2012 was my very first time to attend a Photography 101 seminar. The Iligan Bloggers Society, Inc. organized a Photography 101 Seminar in celebration of IBS' first year anniversary and Iligan Bloggers Month in May this year. The resource person was Bobby Timonera, an Iliganon photojournalist.
The seminar was only about four hours. But, boy, I learned so much! Bobby first showed us some pictures he has taken. Then he talked about the 3 basic camera controls : Focusing, Aperture and Shutter Speed. He also discussed on ISO, exposure, exposure compensation,flash,histogram, and types of lenses. What they are for and how to use them. With each topic, we have a little hands-on photo shooting to see for ourselves what he was talking about.
I was not able to concentrate much with the lecture though. I have to take photos for IBS' documentation of the event. But still I got some advice from Sir Bobby that I will have to remember always. These are :
- When shooting at slow speeds, always use a tripod or other means of stable support to avoid blurry pictures. I already have a tripod. But at times I get lazy taking them with me on trips. So when I am shooting and then needs the tripod, I don't have it, hehehe...
- Do not use full manual mode in all your shooting activities for you will miss the subject or the moments you need to capture. I sometimes use the Smart Auto in my camera settings whenever I need to take pictures fast during events.
- The key element in photography is good composition. This is something I know I got. Though I need to practice a lot to really develop it.
- To make ordinary subjects into extraordinary photos, explore other angles. I have been trying to experiment on this.
- Learn the rules but don’t be afraid to break them when the situation calls for it. I still have to really learn the rules, hehehe...
- To get good pictures, move in close to the subject, except for wildlife. This is my problem with taking photos in events. I am naturally a shy person. So, I still have to practice getting up close with the subjects.
- Capture “decisive moments”. Yes, I like this so much.
- Capture emotion. This is what I like with portraits. When one gets to put into the photo the feelings of the subjects at that moment.
- Take lots and lots of pictures. One of them is bound to be a perfect one.
- “A technically perfect picture with a fuzzy visual concept won’t cut it.” – Adam Ansel
- A picture that tells a good story, even if technically flawed, is always better than a technically perfect but boring picture. So true!
- Shoot the event’s highlights but shoot the sidelights too and don’t forget to look for interesting details. Yes, this is what I usually do when I document events. And I also like taking candid shots. The pictures themselves would tell a story on what happened during the event.
- Experiment. Experiment. There is no added cost in digital photography, just extra effort needed.
- Read photo books. Both instructional and story books.
Below are some of the photos I have taken during the seminar :
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| Mr. Bobby Timonera, the Master :-) |
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| Taking a picture of subject against the light |
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| Xy-Za of Purpleslipperz.com, our instant model since she doesn't have a new camera yet. Typhoon Sendong took her old one away from her. | |
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| Outdoor photo shoot |
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| My photo of Xy-Za with the blue cloudy sky |
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| Macro shot in manual setting :-) |
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| My ID, hehehe |
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| I took this photo outside the Bishop's House, near the gate, while we were waiting for a ride. |
Sir Bobby said we have to practice everyday using our camera with the different settings so that we would know our camera well and we could take good pictures like a pro. Hmmm.. it has been almost a month now, but I have not yet started practicing with my camera. Tsk tsk tsk... :-(
In taking good pictures, it is not about the camera. It is about the photographer. No matter how hi-tech and expensive your camera is, if you don't know how to use it and you don't have the eye for art, your pictures would remain ordinary and boring. :-D
Thanks for this great review of the Iligan Bloggers Society, Photography 101 Seminar. As time and distance between us prevent me from attending so many interesting and informative things happening in Iligan, it is blogs like this one that give me a window to Iligan.
ReplyDeleteFrom viewing thousands of pics posted on the internet from Iligan, one of the things I look at the most are what is in the background that may not even be related to the subject matter of the picture itself. I have found many interesting things that way.
I primarily take photos on a " point and shoot " method with only a basic camera, your listing of things covered at Photography 101 with the Iligan Bloggers Society is giving me some good things to remember. For me, this blog is the next best thing to have actually been there.
Hi Bob!
DeleteThank you for liking my post on the seminar and that I was able to share to you the event enough for you to feel like you were also there. :-)
Thanks so much.