LVA PHOTO SCHOOL: manual mode

Welcome to LVA PHOTO SCHOOL! Today’s zoom lesson was all about shooting in manual mode and the equipment that allows us to do this. Our cameras are not smarter than we are, so let’s take our mode of auto and make beautiful images.

Here’s a quick recap of what we learned:

Welcome to LVA PHOTO SCHOOL! Today’s zoom lesson was all about light and its qualities and characteristics that make it our most essential photography tool. After all, light there is no photography.

How to shoot in manual mode:

1. Set lowest ISO possible for lighting situation

2. Determine DOF you desire and set aperture

3. Set shutter speed  accordingly to get light meter lined up 

Here’s a quick recap:

• 2 types of lenses: prime and zoom

• EXPOSURE IS A GIVE AND TAKE 

• 3 variables of exposure: ISO, aperture, shutter speed

  • ISO influences grain/noise

  • Aperture influences depth of field

  • Shutter speed influences movement

• Always meter off your hand! 

You can tune into our zoom class from April 6, 2020 below to listen to the lesson and see the lecture. The manual mode pohto challenge follows: try it out and tag me on instagram using #LVAphotoschool.

LVA Photo School: Manual Mode

Manual Mode Challenge

Rules:

1. SHOOT IN MANUAL ONLY

2. Aim for well-exposed photographs

3. Practice your lighting + composition techniques 

4. Meter off your hand

5. Practice social distancing!

6. Tag me on insta + use #lvaphotoschool

Scavenger Hunt:

1. Take 2 photos of the same subject: 1 shallow DOF and 1 deep DOF; adjust settings accordingly

2. Portrait with bokeh in background

3. High ISO, low-light photo to show grain/noise

4. Long exposure showing blur (stablize your camera!)

5. Long exposure showing panning

6. Freeze movement with a high shutter speed

7. Bracket a series of photographs; photographers’ choice on variable

LVA PHOTO SCHOOL: composition

Welcome to LVA PHOTO SCHOOL! Today’s zoom lesson was all about composition and the design principles that make photos look good while directing your audiences’ eye to the focal point. Basically, composition makes you control minds.

Here’s a quick recap of what we learned:

• UTILIZE rule of 3rds, angles, leading lines, framing, and layering TO ACHIEVE balance, space, movement, contrast, and emphasis in your photos.

• GET CLOSE!

• How can you shoot this differently?

• Have a focal point

• Look out for distractions

• Control your audience’s mind

• Use your grid on your phone

• You can use multiple compositions

You can tune into our zoom class from April 2, 2020 below to listen to the lesson and see the lecture. The composition photo challenge follows: try it out and tag me on instagram using #LVAphotoschool.

Tune in April 3, 2020 for a class on lighting!

LVA PHOTO SCHOOL: COMPOSITION

Learn to train your eye to make artful, storytelling images through photography using design principles and photographic compositions.

Composition Challenge

RULES:

1. Always have a focal point

2. Use a composition if challenge is design based + vice versa

3. Try to shoot in well-lit areas

4. Practice social distancing!

Scavenger Hunt:

• Salt + pepper shakers with positive space

• Fruit with negative space

• Portrait of a pet or person framed

• Centered composition with leading lines

• Layers with a window

• Self-portrait with rule of 3rds (get creative! No selfies!)

• Pet’s perspective of the outside

• Break a pattern with contrast

• Up close and personal: framing or layers with a portrait

• Visually interpret blue with angles