Photography

In this video, we dive into the world of photography and explore the essential basics that will help you take better photos. Whether you're using a smartphone or a professional camera, the key principles remain the same: ISO, shutter speed, and aperture. In this video, we’ll explain what these terms mean and how they affect the quality of your photos.

You’ll learn how ISO settings influence your camera’s light sensitivity and image quality. Discover how to balance a bright image with minimal noise—when to keep ISO low and when to raise it, such as at night or in low-light conditions.

We’ll also look at how shutter speed affects the amount of light reaching the camera sensor and how motion is captured. Do you want sharp, “frozen” subjects or dynamic movement? You’ll learn how to shoot with different shutter speeds and get practical tips, like why using a tripod is helpful for long-exposure shots.

Lastly, we’ll discuss aperture, which influences both the brightness of the image and the depth of field. You’ll learn how to adjust f-numbers to create a blurred background for portraits or a sharp background for group photos and events. Mastering aperture is one of the foundational skills in photography, giving you greater control over your shots.

Additionally, we’ll share practical tips for shooting portraits and events. Learn how to set your camera for portrait photography to make your subject stand out from the background and how to capture the atmosphere and activities at events while keeping your images sharp and storytelling.

In this video, we provide tips to help you feel more confident in your photography. Once you understand how to adjust your camera settings to match the situation, it becomes easier to create impressive and professional-looking photos.

*The video has English subtitles

Additional reading

"10 Ways to Improve Your Travel Photography Portraits" by Digital Photography School offers practical tips for capturing compelling travel portraits, focusing on composition, lighting, and engaging with subjects. MasterClass

"10 Portrait Photography Tips for Beginners" by MasterClass provides essential advice on capturing stunning portraits, including focusing on the eyes, understanding lighting, and selecting appropriate backgrounds. MasterClass

"The 25 Best Photography Tips for Beginners" by Capture the Atlas is a comprehensive guide covering various aspects of photography, from understanding camera settings to mastering composition techniques. Capture the Atlas

Practical exersices

Light and Shadow Portrait Challenge

Practice creating engaging and artistic portraits by experimenting with different light and shadow techniques.

Instructions:

  1. Choose a Subject: Ask a friend, family member, or classmate to pose for you as your portrait subject.

  2. Experiment with Light Sources: Take 4 portraits of your subject using different lighting techniques:

    • Natural Light: Take a portrait near a window with soft, natural light on the subject's face.

    • Side Lighting: Use a lamp or flashlight from the side to create dramatic shadows on one half of the face.

    • Backlight: Place the light source (e.g., the sun or a lamp) behind the subject to create a glowing outline.

    • Low Light and Shadows: Use a dim room and add creative shadows with props (e.g., leaves, blinds, or fabric with patterns).

  3. Focus on Expression: Encourage your subject to experiment with facial expressions or poses that match the mood of each lighting setup.

  4. Compare the Results: Look at the photos and answer the following questions:

    • Which lighting setup created the most striking portrait and why?

    • How did the shadows enhance or change the mood of the image?

  5. Share Your Favorite: Choose your best portrait and share it on social media or with your friends and ask for feedback.

Photo Storytelling Challenge

Learn to tell a story through photos by applying composition techniques (e.g., rule of thirds, lighting, and focus).

Instructions:

  1. Choose a Theme: Pick a simple topic such as "A Day in My Life," "My Community," or "Event in My Neighborhood."
  2. Plan Your Story: Outline 5–7 shots that capture the essence of your theme (e.g., wide shots, close-ups, action shots).
  3. Take the Photos: Focus on using one composition technique (e.g., rule of thirds, leading lines, or playing with natural light).
  4. Create a Visual Sequence: Arrange the photos in a meaningful order that tells a story. Add a short caption or sentence for each photo to explain its significance.
  5. Reflection:
    • Which photo best tells the story and why?
    • What challenges did you face with composition or lighting?
    • Ask for feedback from someone else and ask if the photo expresses the story you were trying to tell.