Darren LeBlanc

Photography 101

In the “101” section of this course I want to cover 3 big topics: Framing, Light, and Technique. The goal is to improve the pictures you take everyday with your current camera. Last installment I discussed camera equipment. That was basically if you have a desire to get into photography for the first time, or if you want to get more serious and have some cash to do so. But for everyone who just wants a bit nicer pictures with your existing camera, stay tuned.

First (starting today) we will tackle framing. Here is the outline of what will be covered in the coming installments.

Framing——–

– Rule of thirds

– Shooting People

– Shooting Landscapes

– Don’t forget the background

– Creative Framing

Outline for the Light and Technique sections will be posted later.

Framing: Rule of Thirds

If you spend some time talking to photography teacher, there is no doubt they will likely touch on the Rule of Thirds. This is a pretty simple idea, but if you are really new to photography, it will be new for you. Basically, you imagine the picture you are taking split into three sections and position your subject on one of the lines. This may sound complicated, but I promise this is easy.

First of all, like all “rules”, this is really just a good technique. There are times when it doesn’t work, but it’s a good idea to try it. Ok, so most of us have taken this picture before:

 

Well, maybe not that exact picture, but we have all taken a picture of a person straight on. Those pictures are fine, but might not be as great as they could be. Now, lets take the same frame and cut it into thirds.

The idea is to move your camera so the person is on one of those lines. Like this:

When to use it? All the time! When shooting a single person I almost always use the rule of thirds. Extreme close-ups may be better in the middle of the frame, but not always. And group shots are often better in the middle of the frame. I also use the rule of thirds on landscapes (that pretty barn you have been eyeing up will be a perfect test to try out the rule of thirds!) This isn’t a science and by no means do you have to be exact in your placement. The point is to just get away from the center (but not too close to the edge).

I know you aren’y convinced that you need the rule of thirds…so I’m going to show you some examples. Here are a few images that I have taken that are good examples of the rule of thirds:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Update: I added the last two sections below(adam and patrick) and added some great gear to the Serious Student discussion

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I am getting an increasing amount of emails asking for recommendations for camera gear. So for the first installment of my Photography 101, I’m going to discuss gear; what you need for whatever level of photography you are at (or want to be at). I want to make it clear that the only reason this is first is because I have been getting so many questions about this and I’d like to get it out of the way. I do not think that equipment makes a photographer, nor to I think that a camera makes an image.
Having said that, I do want to mention what I have used. Two years ago, I left the hospital the day that Olivia was born to buy my first digital SLR at 6th ave Electronics (they used to match prices I’d find online) and I was back to the hospital within the hour. I spent literally hundreds of hours reading reviews on all the major brands and visiting stores to get a feel for each of the options. I got a Pentax K100d and I’ve been thrilled with my decision ever since. I was definitely a Serious Student. One year later, I found myself booking events and wanting to have more manual functions available with buttons (rather than scrolling through menus), so I upgraded to the Pentax K10d. Today I’m well set in the advanced Amateur (Semi-Pro) range as I book multiple paid gigs each month. Having built up some cash from that, I upgraded again to the Pentax K20d, of which I am thrilled.

Nearly all of us take pictures at some point during the year – this is not just for people who take it as seriously as I do. There are of a few of us who snap only a couple shots at family holiday parties, but most of us use these photographic tools a bit more frequently. I made 6 profiles of fictional photographers and I am going to give you my thoughts on gear for each category. Skip to the image below that most fits where you are now, or perhaps where you want to be. Otherwise, just click through to read them all.

And please remember, these are just my opinions. You will likely disagree with something (or everything) that I write. I’m just giving you my thoughts. And if you are moving to a DSLR, remember to get your hands on the actual camera before you buy it. Specs and Features are nice, but if it doesn’t feel good in your hands you won’t enjoy using it…and if you don’t enjoy using it, you will leave it at home…and if you will leave it at home, you might as well not buy it :)

Click the pictures below to go to each section:

That’s all for now. The coming installments will have some practical tips on how to get great pictures regardless of your equipment and even how to make your 6 month old smile better for your pictures (a problem I have with a client right now).

Remember, it’s foolish to discount your own abilities because you don’t have the best gear. If you love to shoot, get off ebay and take the camera you have outside. But if you are in the spot where you have a desire to move into a new area in the art form, I hope this post can help you with the often intimidating decision making process.

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