THE BASICS OF
PHOTOGRAPHY
N E L M A M A E L O J A
LEARNING OUTCOMES
WHAT WE'RE COVERING
• define the basics of photography and its origin;
• identify the principles and techniques in photography; and
• demonstrate application of principles and techniques in
photography.
Photography is the story
I fail to put into words.
DESTIN SPARKS
As a hobby
It offers the opportunity to explore your creativity, observe
the world with a different perspective, and capture moments
that are meaningful to you.
As an art form
WHY Photography is a widely recognized and respected art form,
PHOTOGRAPHY? characterized by its unique ability to capture and convey
artistic expression through visual imagery.
As communication
Photography is a powerful form of visual communication that
transcends language barriers and conveys messages,
emotions, and stories.
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Photo: Light
Graphy: Drawing/writing
Thus photography literally means:
WHAT IS
Drawing with light. Photography is the art of
capturing light with a camera, usually via a digital
sensor or film, to create an image. With the right
PHOTOGRAPHY? camera equipment, you can even photograph
wavelengths of light invisible to the human eye,
A BRIEF HISTORY including UV, infrared, and radio.
Photography is an art form invented in 1830s,
becoming publicly recognised ten years later.
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CAMERA OBSCURA
is essentially a dark, closed space in the shape of a box with a
hole on one side of it. The hole has to be small enough in
proportion to the box to make the camera obscura work
properly. Light coming in through a tiny hole transforms and
creates an image on the surface that it meets, like the wall of
the box. The image is flipped and upside down, however,
which is why modern analogue cameras have made use of
mirrors.
GIOVANNI BATTISTA DELLA PORTA
In the mid 16th century, Giovanni Battista della Porta, an
Italian scholar, wrote an essay on how to use camera
obscura to make the drawing process easier. He projected
the image of people outside the camera obscura on the
canvas inside of it (camera obscura was a rather big room in
this case) and then drew over the image or tried to copy it.
THE HISTORY OF PHOTOGRAPHY
“View from the Window at Le Gras” by Sir John Herschel Tartan Ribbon
Joseph Nicéphore Niépce
THE FIRST PHOTOGRAPH PHOTOGRAPHY TAKES OFF COLOR PHOTOGRAPHY
\Installing film and permanently capturing an In 1839, Sir John Herschel came up with a Color photography was explored
image was a logical progression. The first way of making the first glass negative. The throughout the 19th century, but didn't
permanent photograph was captured in 1826 same year he coined the term photography, become truly commercially viable until the
(some sources say 1827) by Joseph deriving from the Greek "fos" meaning light middle of the 20th century.
Nicéphore Niépce in France. It shows the roof and "grafo"—to write.
of a building lit by the sun.
TYPES OF CAMERA
THERE ARE SEVERAL TYPES OF CAMERAS
AVAILABLE, EACH DESIGNED FOR
SPECIFIC PURPOSES AND USER
PREFERENCES.
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TYPES OF CAMERA
DIGITAL SINGLE LENS MIRRORLESS CAMERA COMPACT
REFLEX CAMERA (DSLR) Similar to DSLRs but without a mirror Designed for casual photographers,
DSLRs offer versatility and control, making mechanism, these cameras are more compact these compact, easy-to-use cameras
them popular among enthusiasts and and lightweight. They are versatile and suitable are ideal for everyday photography.
professionals. They are suitable for a wide for various photography genres, offering They're suitable for capturing family
range of photography, including portraits, interchangeable lenses and advanced features. events, vacations, and general
landscapes, sports, and more. snapshots.
TYPES OF CAMERA
DIGITAL MEDIUM FORMAT ACTION CAMERA
VIDEO CAMERA
Medium format cameras are used by Action cameras are designed for (CAMCORDER)
professionals and advanced capturing action-packed
photographers for high-resolution, fine moments in extreme conditions. Professional filmmaking.
art, and studio photography. They offer They're often used for sports and
larger sensors and superior image quality. adventure activities, such as
surfing, skiing, and cycling.
TYPES OF CAMERA
360 DEGREE CAMERA DRONE CAMERA SMARTPHONE /
is a type of camera that captures images and Drones equipped with cameras TABLET
videos in a way that covers a full 360-degree are used for aerial photography Smartphone and tablet cameras
field of view horizontally and, often, vertically. and videography, capturing do not have the same level of
These cameras are designed to capture stunning aerial views and unique performance as actual pro
everything around them simultaneously, perspectives. cameras, but they are getting
providing an immersive, spherical view of the better.
environment.
TYPES OF
PHOTOGRAPHY
Photography is a diverse field with various types or
genres, each catering to different subjects, styles,
and purposes.
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Portrait Photography
Focuses on capturing the personality and expressions of individuals,
often in a studio or controlled setting.
Landscape Photography
Highlights natural scenery, such as mountains, forests, and water
bodies, showcasing the beauty of the environment.
Comercial/Product Photography
Highlights products for advertising, e-commerce, and catalogs,
emphasizing their features and details.
Wildlife Photography
Involves capturing animals and their behavior in their natural habitats,
often requiring patience and specialized equipment.
Street Photography
Documents everyday life and people in public spaces, often candidly and
without their awareness.
Fashion Photography
Showcases clothing, accessories, and models, often used in advertising
and fashion publications.
Event Photography
Covers events like weddings, parties, and conferences, capturing
moments, guests, and the atmosphere.
Travel Photography
Focuses on capturing the culture, landscapes, and people of different
locations during travel adventures.
Sports Photography
Captures athletes in action, from amateur events to professional sports,
emphasizing the intensity and emotion of the moment.
Architectural Photography
Focuses on capturing buildings, structures, and interior spaces,
emphasizing design, aesthetics, and details.
Food Photography
Showcases food and culinary creations, making dishes visually
appealing for menus, cookbooks, and advertisements.
Fine Art Photography
Emphasizes artistic expression, often with a conceptual or abstract
approach.
IMPORTANCE OF
COM
POSI
TION
Composition is a fundamental and crucial element in photography,
playing a significant role in the overall quality and impact of an image.
Proper composition enhances the visual appeal of a photograph and
helps convey the photographer's intended message.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Rule of Thirds
• Divides the frame into a 3x3 grid by drawing two horizontal and two
vertical lines, creating four points of intersection.
• The main subject or key elements are placed along these lines or at the
intersection points, providing balance and visual interest.
Leading Lines
• Incorporates lines or objects within the frame to guide the viewer's eye
towards the main subject or through the image.
• Leading lines can be diagonal, curved, straight, or any shape that
naturally directs the viewer's gaze.
Rule of Odds
Suggests that an odd number of subjects in the frame (usually 3 or 5) is
more visually appealing and creates a harmonious balance.
Negative Space
• Involves using empty or negative space around the subject to highlight
and emphasize the subject itself.
• Negative space can create a sense of simplicity and elegance.
Framing
• Uses elements in the foreground to frame the main subject, adding
depth and drawing attention to the subject.
• Common framing elements include arches, windows, foliage, or any
objects that create a border around the subject.
Fill the Frame
Fills the entire frame with the subject or a particular element, eliminating
distractions and emphasizing the subject's details.
Depth of Field
Fills the entire frame with the subject or a particular element, eliminating
distractions and emphasizing the subject's details.
Diagonal or Goldden Triangle
• Places key elements along diagonal lines to add dynamism and energy
to the image.
• Diagonals create a sense of movement and direction.
Centered Composition
• Positions the subject in the center of the frame, often creating a strong
and symmetrical composition.
• This technique can be used for specific artistic or storytelling purposes.
Golden Ratio
• Similar to the rule of thirds, but uses a spiral pattern that leads the
viewer's eye through the image.
• Objects or subjects are placed along the spiral for balanced and
aesthetically pleasing compositions.
Symmetry and Balance
• Achieves visual harmony by creating symmetry or balance within the frame.
• Perfect symmetry involves mirroring elements on either side of a central axis, while asymmetrical
balance uses different elements to create a sense of equilibrium.
Symmetrical Balance Asymmetrical Balance
ACTIVITY
LET'S EMBARK ON A JOURNEY OF
CREATIVE EXPLORATION WITHIN THE
CAPTIVATING WORLD OF
PHOTOGRAPHY!
• Create your own Photography Portfolio using
Google Site, Adobe Portfolio, or Behance.
• Apply all the Rules in Composition
• You can use any type, genres or style in
photography
• Creativity and Originality: [0-5]
PHOTOGRAPHY • Technical Proficiency: [0-5]
• Composition and Framing: [0-5]
PORTFOLIO • Lighting: [0-5]
• Subject Matter and Conceptualization: [0-5]
EVALUATION • Visual Impact: [0-5]
• Editing and Post-Processing: [0-5]
RUBRIC: • Diversity and Range: [0-5]
• Narrative and Storytelling: [0-5]
EACH CRITERION CAN BE ASSIGNED A • Presentation and Organization: [0-5]
POINT VALUE (0-5) TO ASSESS THE
PORTFOLIO.
Total Score: [0-50]
