Intro to Digital Photography: Week 5 (I’m a monkey with a camera.)
By DIY Maven
Last week our directive was to capture motion–either stopping it or suggesting it–by manipulating our shutter speeds. I will admit, I had difficulty with this one. I over corrected constantly, not getting exactly what I wanted. But, if I’m being honest, half the time I wasn’t sure what I wanted. Ultimately, a trip to a nearby mall produced the above ‘gut shot’. I have no idea what the image is of, nor could I replicate it for a million damn dollars. It was one of my favorite shots, however. My instructor liked it too, even though he called it ‘a monkey shot’* meaning a monkey with a camera could have taken it. Was I insulted by the comment? Not in the least. I felt like a monkey with a camera while taking it. So it seemed appropriate.
This week is all about composition. Scouring the You Tube, I found two vids that explain and illustrate (in a better than average way) what a well-composed photograph looks like.
First up is a 8:50 minute video that explains the basics in a very easy to understand way. Definitely worth your time if you’re a newbie.
Next up is more in-depth video demonstrating–and using–the rule of thirds. BTW, many new digital cameras have a virtual grid function available on their LCDs. If you haven’t figured out if you have this option or how to use it, you might want to. The grid can help get the hang of the rule of thirds.
And what they’ve forgotten in the videos, Darren Rowse covers in his 5 Elements of Composition in Photography and 5 More Elements of Composition in Photography.
*A ‘gut-shot’ is technique of a fellow class member. It’s when you let your camera hang around your neck, bouncing upon your gut while randomly snapping pics. Hey, sometimes even monkeys get lucky.
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