INTRODUCTION

Photography is the process of recording visual images by capturing light rays on a light-
sensitive recording medium (e.g. film or digital CCD). It can be thought of as two pursuits:
Technical: The science of setting up the camera and the recording medium to take images in a
controlled way.
Photography is employed in many fields of science, manufacturing
(e.g., photolithography), and business, as well as its more direct uses for art, film and video
production, recreational purposes, hobby, and mass communication.
The increasingly complex digital cameras on the market today offer a bewildering variety
of ways to control their operation, and understanding how turning dials and flipping switches
affects the images is very logical and need training and retrainning.
To get the most out of our photography and to best use our camera as a tool to create
beautiful imagery, we really need to go back to the beginning and learn all about the basics. A
strong grounding in the fundamentals in photography is essential to make this possible. When we
know how it all works, then you know how to make it work. You will know how to set your
exposure to capture the detail you want. You will know how to control light to show people what
you want them to see. You will know how to react to unexpected situations and fleeting
opportunities. you will understand different types of event and different shots that is expected of
a photographer to take.
Sharp pictures are a result of holding your camera steady when you shoot. How steady
you can hold the camera depends on a number of factors:
1). Shutter speed, the faster it is the easier it is to get sharp pictures, generally you should not try
to hand hold a camera if the shutter speed is less then 1\30 of a second. If you use a telephoto
lens the rule is most folks can hand hold the slowest shutter speed of 1\focal length of the lens.
In other words if you have a 300 mm lens 1\300 sec is the slowest shutter speed you should try to
hand hold. Vibration reduction or image stabilization heps you steady your lens even more and
this is a great feature to have, but nothing beats a tripod for low light photography. To get faster
shutter speeds have your lens set to its widest aperture and\or increase the camera ISO speed.
Holding your camera properly can make a big difference - hold the camera close to your face
with your elbows tucked in, feet spread apart with one foot slightly forward. When you shoot
hold your breath. If you lean on a wall, fence post or other object this can help you steady your
camera.
Otherwise there are tools such as bean bags, monopods and tripods that will allow you to
support your camera and get sharper pictures. Professionals will often use a tripod when ever
they photograph a landscape, take a macro photograph or shoot a group photo. Another
accessory used to reduce camera shake when the camera is on a tripod is a cable release, a
remote control release or you can even use the camera's self timer. Using a tripod and\or cable
release takes more time to set kup, but it often results in a better composed and sharper picture.
At slow shutter speeds between 1\4 and 1\15 of a second vibration can be introduced into a
picture by the mirror "slap" during the exposure- the fix try to use a faster or slower (with tripod)
shutter speeds.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VOCATIONAL

It takes more than a camera to be a good photographer. But with today's smart technology
and training from photography class, it's easier than ever to learn how to take great pictures. This
course, was designed strictly for beginners, provides for a solid grounding in the skills and tools
we need to explore the world of digital photography some of the courses we learnt are
Exploring cameras and lenses
Understanding media
Controlling exposure
Composing with autofocus
Shooting portraits and different pictures
Understanding form and geometry
Exporting and editing digital images
Today, most photographers use digital cameras instead of the traditional silver-halide film
cameras. Digital cameras capture images electronically, so the photographer can edit the image
on a computer. Images can be stored on portable memory devices, such as compact disks,
memory cards, and flash drives. Once the raw image has been transferred to a computer,
photographers can use processing software to crop or modify the image and enhance it through
color correction and other specialized effects. Photographers who edit their own pictures use
computers, high-quality printers, and editing software.
 Photographers who work for commercial clients will often present finalized photographs in a
digital format to the client. However, wedding and portrait photographers, who primarily serve
noncommercial clients, often also provide framing services and present the photographs they
capture in albums.
Many wedding and portrait photographers are self-employed. Photographers who own and
operate their own business have additional responsibilities. They must advertise, schedule
appointments, set and adjust equipment, purchase supplies, keep records, bill customers, pay
bills, andif they have employeeshire, train, and direct their workers.
In addition, some photographers teach photography classes or conduct workshops in schools or
in their own studios.
The following are examples of types of photographers:
Portrait photographers take pictures of individuals or groups of people and usually work in their
own studios. Photographers who specialize in weddings, religious ceremonies, or school
photographs may work on location.
Commercial and industrial photographers take pictures of various subjects, such as buildings,
models, merchandise, artifacts, and landscapes. These photographs are used for a variety of
purposes, including magazine covers and images to supplement analysis of engineering projects.
These photographs are frequently taken on location.
Aerial photographers use planes or helicopters to capture photographs of buildings and
landscapes. They often use gyrostabilizers to counteract the movement of the aircraft and ensure
high-quality images.
Scientific photographers focus on the accurate visual representation of subjects and limit the use
of image manipulation software for clarifying an image. Scientific photographs record scientific
or medical data or phenomena. Scientific photographers typically use microscopes to photograph
subjects.
News photographers, also called photojournalists, photograph people, places, and events for
newspapers, journals, magazines, or television. In addition to taking still photos, photojournalists
often work with digital video.
Fine arts photographers sell their photographs as artwork. In addition to technical knowledge,
such as lighting and use of lenses, fine arts photographers need artistic talent and creativity. Most
use traditional silver-halide film instead of digital cameras.
University photographers serve as general photographers for academic institutions. They may be
required to take portraits, document an event, or take photographs for press releases. University
photographers are found primarily in larger academic institutions, because smaller institutions
often contract with freelancers to do their photography work.

RESOURCE REQUIRED
1. Choosing a camera - there are 2 main types of compact cameras
A) Point and Shoot Camera (some have interchangeable lenses most don't) - you view the
scene on a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, some cameras also offer viewfinders.
B) Single Lens Reflex (SLR) - cameras with interchangeable lenses let you see the image
through the lens that is attached to the camera. What you see is what you get this feature is
particularly valuable when you want to use different types of lenses. Digital SLR Camera with
Interchangeable zoom lens Point and shoot cameras are small, light weight and can be carried in
a pocket. These cameras tend to be cheaper then SLR cameras. Many of these cameras offer a
built in macro mode allowing extreme close-up pictures. Generally the quality of the images on
compact cameras is not as good as that from SLR cameras, but they are capable of taking
professional quality images.
SLR cameras are bigger and usually more expensive. SLRs can be used with a wide
variety of interchangeable lenses such as telephoto lenses and macro lenses. SLR cameras offer
excellent image quality, lots of features and accessories (some might argue too many features).
SLR cameras also shoot a higher frame rates then compact cameras making them better for
action photography. Their disadvantages include: higher cost, larger size and weight. They are
called Single Lens Reflex, because you see through the lens attached to the camera, the light is
reflected by a mirror through a prism and then the viewfinder. The mirror is pulled away (reflex)
when the user pushes the button to take a picture and allows light to hit the sensor behind the
mirror.
A camera bag will protect your gear and help you carry your equipment. The size and type of
bag depends on the size of your camera, how many lenses and accessories you own or intend to
purchase in the future. Look for something that is rainproof and comfortable to carry and ideally
does not advertise that you are carrying expensive camera gear.
Lens cloth or paper are important to clean your lenses. Some photographers prefer to buy a lens
pen with brush and soft cleaning chamois. All lenses should have a lens cap which is placed over
the lens when its carried in your bag.
Extra Batteries are essential if you plan to take a lot of pictures. Every photographer should
have at least one spare battery for their camera. Two may not be enough if you shoot in cold
weather. If you are going on a special trip,
Tripod -
Flash/ speed Light - most point and shoot cameras and some DSLRs come with an on-camera
flash. The flash is very useful even in daylight as it can be used to fill in shadows, reduce
contrast outside and put a small highlight in your subjects eye making your pictures look more
professional. Most built in camera flashes are only bright enough to illuminate subjects about 6-
12 feet (1-3 meters) from the camera (but this also depends on the ISO setting and F-stop your
are using).
Front curtain sync flash/ speed Light which is suitable for most situations, but in low light can
leave the background appearing black. Some cameras also offer slow-sync flash which simply
means the camera shutter stays open for a while even after the flash fires to allow some of the
ambient room light to become part of the exposure.
Camera manuals

METHOD AND PROCEDURE

Photographers typically do the following:
Market and advertise services to attract clients
Analyze and decide how to compose a subject
Use various photographic techniques and equipment
Capture subjects in commercial-quality photographs
Enhance the subjects appearance with natural or artificial light
Use photo enhancing software
Maintain a digital portfolio, often on a website, to demonstrate work
The work environment for photographers can vary considerably, depending on their
specialty.
 Portrait photographers may work in studios, but they also often travel to take photographs at
a clients location, such as a school, a company office, or a private home.
News and commercial photographers may travel locally or internationally. News photographers
often work long, irregular hours in uncomfortable or even dangerous surroundings and must be
available to work on short notice. For example, a news photographer may be sent to a war zone
to capture images.
Aerial photographers often work in planes or helicopters. for angle elevation pictures
Most photographers stand or walk for long periods while carrying heavy equipment.
First and most importantly According to the instructor there are no rules in photography that
you or anyone else needs to follow! There are no specific instructions or recipes that will
guarantee a great shot. There are, however guidelines that if you follow them may make your
pictures more interesting, but understand that guidelines are simply starting points or suggestions
and that is all they are. Start by photographing what interests you. A good picture is one that
commands attention, holds attention and makes someone think.
Most beginners try to put too many elements in their pictures or they put the main subject
smack in the middle and until you become an "artist" it is a good idea to avoid this. Once you
become an artist you can do anything you like
Putting things in the middle sometimes works, but often there are better places to place your
most important subject.
First - According to the instructor, to improve your pictures don't try to get everything in your
picture! Get closer to your subject and check if there is anything in the view that doesn't need to
be there. Ask yourself what is important in the picture and what do you want to show or
communicate. Sometimes just moving in closer or a little to one side can result in a significantly
better picture. Simplify as much as you can.
Second - if you are shooting a landscape avoid putting the the horizon in the middle of the
frame.
Either move the horizon down and emphasize the sky or move it up in the frame and emphasize
the foreground. An exception might be when you have symmetrical reflections in a body of
water.
Third - when shooting people or animals - try not to put them in the center of your frame, move
them off to the side. Photographers often refer to "the rule of thirds" which is simply a guide to
improve composition by moving your subject away from the center of the frame and near one of
the points of intersection. Some photographers divide the frame into thirds and place important
elements at an intersection and this can result in more effective pictures. If your camera has
guide lines you might want to try and turn them on for a while - think of them as training wheels
to get you started.
Many photographers take all their pictures in a horizontal format because it is easier to
hold the camera horizontally, however some subjects like people might look better if you
compose your pictures vertically. Good photographers often shoot important scenes using both
horizontal and vertical formats to increase their sales potential.

MARKETING STRATEGY
1. Plan the customer experience: Plan out the details of how your clients will experience
working with you and your business. Begin with how you introduce yourself and carry it
to the thank you card at the end of the assignment. How do you deliver your
photographs? For some photographers, it is all about the presentation. For my clients, its
about speed and ease of downloading the images. One thing I know is the more I
communicate with my clients, the happier they are at the end of the assignments.
2. Mistakes: How do you handle errors or mistakes? Your brand depends on you handling
issues with a fast response and reasonable resolutions. This is a marketing issue because a
poor reputation will hurt your business. You will never please everyone. You cant. Get
your head of the sand and think about every possible situation that could go wrong and
how you will handle it. Keep a solutions document easily accessible so you dont need to
reinvent your business protocols with each situation.
3. Social Media: Business is about people and building relationships. You can market and help
other people market for you with testimonials. Just like business offline, people are the
key to the growth of your business. As a photographer you are fortunate that sharing your
photographs is well received in the social media. Showing family and friends your latest
images on Facebook can lead to referrals because your family and friends are already sold,
and they trust you. .
4. Say hello: People like to be acknowledged. The best networkers are the ones who say hello,
dont focus on themselves, and introduce people to each other. It works. They remember
you in a positive light and are more apt to refer you to others because they like you.
6. Combination Code: Honestly, we live in an age when anyone can be a photographer.
Understanding how to compose images, achieve proper exposure ,and having your friends
like your photographs are not the prerequisites to becoming a professional
photographer. A camera is no longer a magic box in need of a qualified magician
anymore. An excellent photograph is easily created by pulling your phone from your
pocket and pressing a button. Professional photographers must do more than just take
pretty pictures to attract clients. They need to offer something that separates them from the
competition
7. Increase your rates: This is one of the most counter intuitive things a photographer can do. It
is true you may lose some clients and opportunities. You will may work less, but you will
most likely make more money in the long run too. Every time I raise my rates I lose the
clients that take too much of my time and dont want to pay for it. I find new clients who
believe quality photographers charge more and are willing to pay the price for the best. I
like these clients, you will too.
9. Ask for the sale: Yes, this is a sales technique and it should be part of your marketing plan.
When you are communicating with a prospect about your services, dont leave the
conversation without giving someone the opportunity buy from you. Ask for the sale or at
least a commitment to buy from you. Have paperwork ready in person or a PDF to email
immediately. You dont need to be pushy. I assure you the act of asking will often end the
prospects search for a photographer and increase your income.
10. Media be a regular contributor to magazines and newspapers you can made more money
through networking and building business relationships with the people you meet in the
field, have photographed some of the most high-profile people in my community for the
magazine covers. have photograph of governors, mayors, presidents and CEOs of major
corporations. The relationship with this magazine may boosts your portfolio, status as a
photographer and it could help close more deals.
11. Email: Dont forget email. It is one of the most powerful online marketing channels
available.
BENEFIT OF THE SKILLS REQUIRED
The market for photographic services demonstrates great work "A picture is worth a
thousand words", which has an interesting basis in the history of photography. Magazines and
newspapers, companies putting up Web sites, advertising agencies and other groups pay for
photography.
Photography is an extraordinary class that combines the significance of art, history, and
digital awareness into one. In the world of photography, we are aloud to take pictures of
whatever we wish, and may compose any subject or idea that comes to mind, letting our artistic
sides run wild. In the class we are advised to brush up on famous photographers and history for
tests, and are expected to know of great works of art, so our reading and memorization are both
tested as well. We are handed a camera, are given a computer to use, and a memory card to take
care of, and are expected to learn for ourselves how to operate and take advantage of this creative
and artistic technology on our own, so we can do so in the future. Photography not only teaches
us, the students, creative skills and useful skills for the future, but it also could lead into a career
in the performing arts, or as a professional artist or photographer.
Many people take photographs for commercial purposes. Organizations with a budget
and a need for photography have several options: they can employ a photographer directly,
organize a public competition, or obtain rights to stock photographs. Photo stock can be procured
through traditional stock giants, such as Getty Images or Corbis; smallermicrostock agencies,
such as Fotolia; or web marketplaces, such as Cutcaster.
Advantages of professional digital cameras
Immediate image review and deletion is possible; lighting and composition can be assessed
immediately, which ultimately conserves storage space.
High volume of images to medium ratio; allowing for extensive photography sessions
without changing film rolls. To most users a single memory card is sufficient for the lifetime
of the camera whereas film rolls are a re-incurring cost of film cameras.
Faster workflow: Management (colour and file), manipulation and printing tools are more
versatile than conventional film processes. However, batch processing of RAW files can be
time consuming, even on a fast computer.
Precision and reproducibility of processing: since processing in the digital domain is purely
numerical, image processing using deterministic (non-random) algorithms is perfectly
 reproducible and eliminates variations common with photochemical processing that make
many image processing techniques difficult if not impractical.
Digital manipulation: A digital image can be modified and manipulated much easier and
faster than with traditional negative and print methods. The digital image to the right was
captured in Raw image format, processed and output in 3 different ways from the source
RAW file, then merged and further processed for color saturation and other special effects to
produce a more dramatic result than was originally captured with the RAW image.

CHALLENGES
The Time frame allotted for the course is too short
Unavailability of the camera to do more practical of what we have been thought
The restrain of our movement in school which hamper our opportunity of printing some
of our beautiful shots
more of the classes are clashing with the stipulated time table time
CONCLUSION
Digital photography is a form of photography that uses cameras containing arrays
of electronic photodetectors to capture images focused by a lens, as opposed to an exposure
on photographic film. The captured images are digitized and stored as a computer file ready for
further digital processing, viewing, digital publishing or printing.

Photography basics: covers basic thing like cameras, camera handling, film types, lenses,
exposure mechanism, and depth of field.
Composition and creative elements: covers depth of field, classic composition rules such as the
rule of thirds, and other creative and compositional elements. Studio lighting: studies studio
lighting systems as well as how to work with various light sources.
Portraiture: the study of traditional portrait styles, light ratios, posing the subject, and advanced
portraiture techniques.
Less common photography classes cover digital photography, photojournalism, fashion
photography, portfolio production and so on.
All these and many more are things we learn during our classes we hope to have another
opportunity in 300 level.