Understanding the tools of Photography

Understanding the tools of Photography
May 5th, 2011 @ 4:49 pm

Last week, hubby and I attended a Photography Workshop in a British compound. I felt it is my duty as his wife to support his interest so when I’ve heard from a friend about the workshop, I asked her to include hubby’s name. So, it came as a surprise to him because all along he thought that I opposed his new hobby. Well, I would like him to learn the fundamental knowledge of photography so that his DSLR will not go to waste. If he will not learn the fundamentals, he won’t be able to take good photographs of me…lol… Or he will be forever doing trial and error shots. That’s tiring and frustrating….

Photography Workshop

I also decided to join even though I only have a point and shoot camera. At the start of the session, our trainers asked who among us brought cameras and all of them took out from their bags their new and state of the art cameras while I sheepishly showed my point and shoot camera. Yes, it was only me who have the courage to use a P&S while others have DSLR’s of different brands and models. Surprisingly, we were briefed that “better camera does NOT necessarily mean you become a better photographer”. Yes, that boosted my spirit! We’ve learned too that good photos are not based on new and sophisticated cameras but it is determined by one’s talent and knowledge in using the tools for photography. Yes! That was strike two…for I know that with my kinda creative mind and limitless imagination, even if I will be using my P&S, I can come up with better photographs.

high end cameras that made my point & shoot inferior in quality

Whew… as the workshop lessons deepened…I was somewhat confused with numbers and metering… too technical but I tried my best to listen and drill it into my mind. The terms Aperture, Depth of Field, Speed of Lens and Shutter Speed plus ISO , I should try to learn by heart. For a beginner, it was too alien sounding terms for me…. but I know that I will soon learn about it… gradually but surely.

lessons about Elements of Exposure

Husband who was besides me asked if I understood and I shook my head… anyways… last night I did my review of the manual and took multiple shots adjusting the shutter, controlling Depth of Field …(yes! I am learning!!!). I was satisfied with couple of photos and submitted it to our trainer through email because tomorrow, they will decide on which of those photos submitted passed their standards. I am not expecting anything.. I still have a lot of things to learn.