Resources
Let's talk gear. This will answer most gear questions you might have.
Most projects in this class can be done with the phone camera you likely already have. But for the few projects we do that require a real camera, I have four cameras available for students to check out and use for their in-class assignments.
You do not need a fancy new camera for this class, but having a camera is definitely helpful. Here are some guidelines for what you need if you are planning to borrow or buy a camera.
Any DSLR that allows you to manually control your focus, shutter speed, aperture, and ISO will work fine for this class.
Ask around. Chances are you know somebody with an older DSLR that's gathering dust in a closet somewhere and they'd love to let you borrow it. If that doesn't work, it might be time to go shopping. My personal bias favors Canon because I think their user interface tends to be more intuitive for new users. But any camera that meets the criteria above is great. (Another thing to consider is that all GHS Art Department loaner gear is Canon. If you have a Canon camera, it will be compatible with specialized lenses that you can borrow. We do not have lenses you can borrow for any other brand.)
When shopping, be aware that "body only" cameras do not include a lens, so purchasing a separate and compatible lens is necessary. It is usually cheaper to buy a "body and lens" kit together.
Older entry-level Canon T-series (T-3,T-5,) can be quite affordable, particularly when buying used. Canon XSi and XTi can probably be found even cheaper. Most of these will come with an 18-55mm lens-- that's great for this class.
Amazon has lots of affordable gear, but when purchasing used, it's always best to buy local so you can hold, inspect, and test gear before making a purchase. WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF YOUR PARENTS, Craigslist and local pawn shops might have camera gear that fits your needs.
Photo Video Plus in Kalispell is a wonderful and reliable resource for finding and purchasing used gear. If you're looking for good new or used gear, look there first. Talk to them, describe what you need and what your budget is, and see how they can help you.
A camera-specific, padded bag is a MUST. Protect your investment! Good bags can be as little as $10.
Optional accessories: A tripod is a really useful tool that can be found affordably. A camera timer is also a great, inexpensive tool. You can take time-lapses and capture things at a regular intervals. A remote shutter release is also really handy and can be had for less than $10. Just make sure you pick one that is compatible with your camera.
Feel free to contact Mr. Cummings if you have any questions!
Most projects in this class can be done with the phone camera you likely already have. But for the few projects we do that require a real camera, I have four cameras available for students to check out and use for their in-class assignments.
You do not need a fancy new camera for this class, but having a camera is definitely helpful. Here are some guidelines for what you need if you are planning to borrow or buy a camera.
Any DSLR that allows you to manually control your focus, shutter speed, aperture, and ISO will work fine for this class.
Ask around. Chances are you know somebody with an older DSLR that's gathering dust in a closet somewhere and they'd love to let you borrow it. If that doesn't work, it might be time to go shopping. My personal bias favors Canon because I think their user interface tends to be more intuitive for new users. But any camera that meets the criteria above is great. (Another thing to consider is that all GHS Art Department loaner gear is Canon. If you have a Canon camera, it will be compatible with specialized lenses that you can borrow. We do not have lenses you can borrow for any other brand.)
When shopping, be aware that "body only" cameras do not include a lens, so purchasing a separate and compatible lens is necessary. It is usually cheaper to buy a "body and lens" kit together.
Older entry-level Canon T-series (T-3,T-5,) can be quite affordable, particularly when buying used. Canon XSi and XTi can probably be found even cheaper. Most of these will come with an 18-55mm lens-- that's great for this class.
Amazon has lots of affordable gear, but when purchasing used, it's always best to buy local so you can hold, inspect, and test gear before making a purchase. WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF YOUR PARENTS, Craigslist and local pawn shops might have camera gear that fits your needs.
Photo Video Plus in Kalispell is a wonderful and reliable resource for finding and purchasing used gear. If you're looking for good new or used gear, look there first. Talk to them, describe what you need and what your budget is, and see how they can help you.
A camera-specific, padded bag is a MUST. Protect your investment! Good bags can be as little as $10.
Optional accessories: A tripod is a really useful tool that can be found affordably. A camera timer is also a great, inexpensive tool. You can take time-lapses and capture things at a regular intervals. A remote shutter release is also really handy and can be had for less than $10. Just make sure you pick one that is compatible with your camera.
Feel free to contact Mr. Cummings if you have any questions!
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This interactive visualizer allows you to play with all of the variables (lighting conditions, aperture, ISO, and exposure time (a.k.a. shutter speed) that go into selecting an overall correct image exposure. It also shows how changes in those variables affect depth of field, motion blur, and 'noise'. Please play with it until you are able to anticipate how certain changes will affect the image before you even make those changes.
Aperture, Depth of Field (DOF), and focal length explainedF-Stop And Aperture ExplainedColor Theory ExplainedMake sure you understand the difference between ADDITIVE and SUBTRACTIVE color mixing. How does the difference between the two impact the way you plan to present your work? (Hint: Consider the difference between work presented digitally vs. printed).
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ISO ExplainedThis school's AP site has some good photography project ideas. Check it out!
FOUR-DIMENSIONAL LIGHT PAINTING? Oh yes. |
Contact Sheet Template
