9/25, Class 3 / Homework 3 - Depth of Field and Lenses

This week we discussed depth of field along with its four factors, shooting modes, focal length and other aspects of lenses.

Students were able to try out different lens adapters for their phones such as those in the kit we have at MMC, which can be checked out by students (contact Beth or Hallie in art department or Sally can put you in touch.) Or you can purchase your own.

HOMEWORK

1. Depth of Field Assignment (Everyone is required to do part 1, only manual camera control folks need to do part 2. Bonus is for anyone with manual camera or students who want to try the lens adapters). Due next week as blog post.

2. Read Barrett Criticizing Photographs, Chapter 4 pp. 78-91 (up to Aesthetically Evaluative) - Reading Assessment on this latest reading due to your blog next week.

9/18, Class 2 / Homework 2 - Shutter Speed and Motion

This week in class we reviewed the basics of the camera and exposure and went over the homework from last time. We then built on what we had learned last week by further discussing shutter speed and its effect on motion.

We also discussed the basics of digital imaging.

The homework assignment for this week is:

1. Shutter Speed and Motion Assignment (2 photos, due as blog post) 
2. Read Terry Barrett, Criticizing Photographs, Chapter 4 pp. 60-78 (up to Interpretive Photographs)
3. Reading Assessment on Barrett Chapter 4 pp. 60-78 

The Shutter Speed and Motion Assignment and Reading Assessment are both due as separate blog posts before class next week.

Assignment 1 - Due 9/18

This week's assignments:

1. Read Exposure handout (quiz on this information next class)

2. Create blog and email the url link to your instructor

3. Bracketing and ISO Assignment - 9 images total due as blog post (see linked handout for details)

If you have any trouble accessing the google drive folders or have any other questions please contact the instructor.

Welcome to Digital Photo Class!

Welcome to class and to the class blog. Here you will find reviews of what happened in class each week as well as assignments and a look forward to what's happening next. Please save the url for this blog and check it weekly. 

This week in class we went over the basics of how the camera works. This week your assignments are: 

• Create your own personal class blog using Blogger
• Email the URL of your blog to the instructor
• Make sure you have successfully accessed the class Google Drive folder (this is restricted access so if you cannot view it please email the instructor to give you access)
• Download manual control app for your phone such as Manual for iPhone or Manual Camera for Android
• Read Exposure handout - QUIZ on this information next week
• Shoot and upload Bracketing and ISO Assignment to personal blog - DUE NEXT CLASS

One thing I neglected to mention during class time was how to find the camera settings for the images you shoot for your homework (a necessary part of the homework). You can either manually write down the settings you used as you're shooting OR you can also find the information after the fact as all this information is captured and stored along with the image when you make the photograph. I have created a handout for you with instructions for how to find this information (called EXIF data) after you have uploaded the photos to your computer.

Digital SLR Buying Guide

My advice for buying a camera is the same as most electronics, decide how much money you are willing/able to spend and then try to fit the best possible gear into that price range.

Here's some recommendations for good SLR cameras for beginner and intermediate users.

I would recommend buying from either Adorama or B&H, the two biggest retailers in the country. Conveniently they are both located here in New York. I would recommend going to the store to purchase a camera so that you can see and feel the equipment and also ask questions to the salespeople before buying. If you are intimidated by large, crowded stores B&H can be a bit crazy and overwhelming--Adorama has just as much stuff but the store itself is less intimidating. But one of the advantages of B&H is that there is more equipment to look at on the floor since their retail space is larger.

Both Adorama and B&H offer their own student discount programs so you might want to check those out/enroll online before going to the store.

A good starter DSLR I often recommend is the Canon Rebel - which has taken many forms over the years, one of the newer versions is the T6 which is selling for $450 at Adorama (and same price at B&H but the Adorama version comes with a few more accessories including a camera bag). If you can afford this price (it will be slightly cheaper with student discount) this is the one I recommend getting.

If you are looking for something more affordable, Adorama is selling a refurbished version of the Nikon D3300 for $350, which is similar to the rebel and Adorama tests all their refurbished equipment.

If you need to go even cheaper consider buying used. I think Adorama has more options for used equipment than B&H but BE AWARE of Adorama's used equipment rating system. I would recommend not buying anything below "V" rating for camera bodies and "E-" or better for lenses.

Right now Adorama has at least one used Canon Rebel T3 body for $139 which you can pair with the Canon EF-S 18-55mm lens for $64. As with buying anything used there is a small amount of risk involved but Adorama tests all their used gear and the T3 is still a very good camera and will give you plenty of options for this course and beyond.