essential skills: digital photography in available light
Introduction
In the chapter ‘Framing the Image’ we have looked at how the camera is a subjective recording
medium that can communicate and express the ideas of individual photographers. We have seen
how the choice of subject and the arrangement or design of this subject within the frame has
enormous potential to control communication. This communication can be further enhanced by
varying the way we use the equipment and its controls in order to create or capture images. The
photographer is advised to consider the application of technical effects very carefully so that the
resulting images are primarily about the communication of content and not technique. Technique
should never be obtrusive. The principal techniques that enable photographers on location to
communicate in controlled ways are:
~ Focus
~ Duration of exposure
~ Perspective
Familiarity with equipment
Owning a large amount of equipment does not necessarily make us a better photographer. It is
essential that you fi rst become familiar with what you own before acquiring additional equipment.
The camera must become an extension of the photographer so it can be operated with the
minimum of fuss. The equipment must not interfere with the primary function of seeing.
The camera is a tool to communicate the vision of the photographer. Creative
photography is essentially about seeing.Mark Galer