Karl Taylor Education Introduction To Photography

An introduction to photography
A comprehensive guide to the online course
An Introduction To The Six Essentials of Photography

Light • Subject • Optics • Aperture • Time • Recording Medium
1 KarlTaylorEducation.com All rights reserved © Karl Taylor Education
karl taylor education
Karl Taylor is a professional commercial
photographer with more than 20 years
of experience in the industry. In 2007 he
entered the training market with the aim to
provide clear, expert guidance to anyone
wanting to learn photography. He soon
became known for his ability to explain
complex subjects extremely clearly and
his range of courses have become the
benchmark for effective, entertaining and
inspirational training.
KarlTaylorEducation.com/about-Karl-Taylor
2 All rights reserved © Karl Taylor Education

INTRODUCTION
We’re proud (and excited) to be
celebrating 12 years of success in the
photography education business, and as
our way of giving back we’ve completely
remastered our highly successful
introduction course. Our goal is simple: to
help you master your camera in Manual
mode so that you can confidently create
your own amazing images!
This ‘Introduction To Photography’ course

consists of 10 video tutorials that cover the
six fundamentals of photography. We’ve
also created this document to support
you along the way. In this guide you’ll find
helpful infographics that explain important
photography concepts, along with chapter
summaries and short quizzes to test your
knowledge.
As you progress, you’ll learn how cameras

work and all about aperture, shutter
speed, composition and more. Specifically
designed to provide an understanding
of the fundamentals of photography, this
comprehensive course will help you build
a solid foundation as you move forward
with your photography. By the end of this
course, you’ll have a clear understanding
of the most important concepts and how
to confidently apply them to achieve your
own creative results.

CONTENTS
1 How Does Your Camera Work? p. 5
2 What is Exposure in Photography? p. 10
3 Shutter Speed p. 21
4 Camera Focus p. 29
5 Aperture & Depth of Field p. 35
6 Get Creative in Manual Mode p. 42
7 Optics and Lenses p. 50
8 Understanding Light p. 59
9 The Recording Medium p. 68
10 Composition p. 78
11 Printable Infographics p. 86

CHAPTER 1
How does your camera work?

HOW DO
CAMERAS WORK?
A frame from video chapter 1
The Six Essentials process and how we create images. To start,

we need light to record an image. This light
Over time we’ve seen great advancements reflects off the subject before entering the optics
in photographic technology: cameras have (or lens) and passing through the aperture.
shrunk to fit in our pockets, film has largely This light then hits a mirror, which bounces
been replaced by digital and mirrorless is the light up into a prism and out through the
quickly growing in popularity. But despite these viewfinder. Mirrorless cameras have done away
changes, cameras (no matter the cost, brand with mirrors and instead have an electronic
or format) still all work in roughly the same way. viewfinder (EVF) that creates a preview of
This can be broken into six essentials. the image. Regardless of what camera you’re
These are: light, subject, optics, aperture, time using, the light then has to be recorded for
and the recording medium. To record an image a certain amount of time (controlled by the
we require at least one or a combination of shutter) before it is recorded by the medium. By
these six things, and throughout this course pressing the shutter button, light passes through
you’ll see how these relate to the photographic the shutter to be recorded by the medium.
How cameras work 1 LIGHT
the 6 essentials
2 SUBJECT 5 TIME / SHUTTER

OPTICS
APERTURE
3
4
MEDIUM
LIGHT REFLECTED
FROM SUBJECT
6
© Karl Taylor Education

1 - Light 2 - Subject
Light is an essential part of an image, and The subject is what we photograph and how we
there are many different types of light. Each of arrange elements within the frame. The subject,
these can be used to create different moods or which also relates to composition, narrative
feelings in an image. As photographers, our job and emotion, can be anything, and we can use
is to control this light to get the best results. compositional guidelines to create the image.
A frame from video chapter 1 A frame from video chapter 1
3 - Camera Optics 4 - Aperture

Optics, or lenses, are what focus the available The aperture refers to a hole in the lens that light
light so that it can be recorded by the medium. passes through before reaching the recording
Different types of lenses each have their own medium. Symbolised by the letter ‘f’, it controls
characteristics that control the focal length, the how much light is recorded and the depth of field
angle of view and magnification of an image. (how much of the picture is sharp) in an image.
5 - Time 6 - Recording Medium

The shutter speed refers to how long the shutter Once light passes through the lens, aperture
remains open and is recorded in seconds, and shutter, it reaches a digital sensor
tenths or hundredths of a second (e.g. 1”, 1/10 that records the image. Modern cameras
or 1/2000). The slower the shutter speed, the predominantly feature sensors that are either
more light that is recorded (and vice versa). full-frame, crop or medium format.

1. How do cameras work?
Check YourWHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW NOW

Knowledge
Once you can answer the following questions, you’re ready to
move on to the next chapter. You can also refer back to the video
tutorial here to learn more or refresh your memory.
Q1 Where is the aperture usually located in a camera?
Q2 Name two reasons for the different physical sizes of
cameras.
Q3 What’s the main difference between DSLRs and Mirrorless
cameras?
Q4 Which mechanism allows us to record a specific period of
time on a camera?
Q5 What does the prism do in a DSLR camera?

“
The same fundamental
principles of
photography are
applicable across all
camera types and it is
these fundamentals
that we’ll be exploring
in this course.”
KARL TAYLOR
”
Watch related class
All rights reserved © Karl Taylor Education

CHAPTER 2
WHAT IS EXPOSURE IN PHOTOGRAPHY?

What is
exposure in
photography?
SHUTTER SPEED and

exposure
Exposure simply refers to the brightness example, a shutter speed of 1” (one-second)
or darkness level of an image. One of the will record more light than a faster shutter
ways we can control how bright or dark an speed of 1/500 (one-five-hundredth of a
image is, is by adjusting the shutter speed. second). This means that when working in low
The shutter speed (referred to as time in light conditions, to get the best exposure it’s
the six essentials) is how long the shutter often necessary to use slower shutter speeds.
remains open when recording an image. The opposite is true for when photographing
The slower the shutter speed, the longer on a bright, sunny day. Here, it might be
the shutter remains open. This means the necessary to use a faster shutter speed to cut
medium records light for a longer amount out some of the bright light to get the correct
of time, resulting in a brighter image. The exposure. To achieve the correct exposure,
faster the shutter speed, the less time it’s necessary to select an appropriate shutter
the shutter stays open, which means less speed based on the lighting conditions and
light will be recorded by the medium. For the creative effect you want.

Aperture and Exposure
Another way to control exposure is by (like f2.8) refer to larger apertures, or larger
adjusting the aperture, which is the opening openings in the lens. On a given lens, f1.8
in the lens that light passes through before may be the largest aperture, allowing the most
reaching the recording medium. A larger hole light to enter the lens, while f32 may be the
will allow more light to pass through, while smallest aperture, allowing the least amount
a smaller hole will allow less light to pass of light to enter the lens. For example, when
through. This means that larger apertures (like photographing at twilight, a larger aperture
f1.4) can be a good choice when shooting in may be useful as it will allow more light to
low light conditions as they allow more light reach the sensor. But when photographing on
to reach the sensor, while smaller apertures a bright sunny day, a smaller aperture may be
can be used in bright conditions where it needed to help cut out some of the light. We
may be necessary to limit the amount of light can control exposure by using the aperture
reaching the sensor. A key thing to remember or shutter speed individually, or by using the
with apertures is that smaller f-stop numbers shutter speed and aperture together.
Controlling exposure One-Stop Changes

Exposure is a key part of photography, When it comes to controlling exposure, an
and knowing how to correctly expose important concept to understand is that of
an image is essential. This fundamental one-stop changes. Once you understand
skill is something photographers often one-stop changes, you’ll better understand
struggle with, especially if they don’t fully how changes in light work in photography.
understand the concept of exposure or how Any change in shutter speed or aperture
to control it. Measured in stops, exposure that doubles or halves the amount of
refers to the brightness or darkness of an light is known as a one-stop change in
image and is controlled by adjusting the exposure. For example, a change from f32
shutter speed and/or aperture. We can to f22 is a one-stop increase, the same
increase or decrease the brightness level way 1/60 to 1/125 is a one-stop decrease.
by adjusting the shutter speed, the aperture Aperture is measured in f-stops and most
or a combination of both. Determining the modern lenses follow the same f-stop
correct exposure depends on what creative scale: f1, f1.4, f2, f2.8, f4, f5.6, f8, f11, f16,
effect you’d like to achieve. For example, f22, f32. Shutter speed is also measured
do you want a shallow or large depth of in stops, with most cameras typically
field, motion blur or no motion blur? Once featuring speeds between 1/8000 and 30”.
you’ve decided this, it is necessary to find A typical shutter speed scale may look
a balance between the shutter speed and like this: 1”, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60,
aperture to get the correct exposure. Your 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000 etc. Although
camera’s built-in light meter will give a one-stop changes are what are commonly
good indication of your current exposure referred to throughout this course,
and you can use this to adjust your settings exposure can also be measured in one-
as necessary. If an image is too dark, we third stop changes (shown in the image
can either decrease the shutter speed or opposite). Although this allows for more
open the aperture. If an image is too bright, precise control when exposing an image,
we can either increase the shutter speed or we recommend that you use full one-stop
close the aperture. changes to start with.

Understanding One-Stop Changes
Below is a visual representation of one-stop and one-third stop exposure changes for both
aperture and shutter speeds.
Note: A one-
stop downwards
change indicates
double the
amount of light
and a one-stop
upwards change
indicates half the
amount of light.

These include the exposure, shutter speed,
a camera’s view finder aperture and ISO. The viewfinder also
allows us to see where the focus point is,
So you’ve just unpacked your camera and what mode we’re shooting in and even the
are ready to take your first picture. But battery level. Opposite are two examples of
looking through the viewfinder, you’re not a typical viewfinder, labelled with what each
sure what everything means! Don’t panic — part means. To start with, the most important
we’ve created a simple guide to explain it things you should be able to identify are
all. To start, let’s explain what a viewfinder the exposure scale (or light meter), shutter
is. The viewfinder is what allows us to view speed and aperture. Remember, although
and compose our image and it tells us what displays might vary between camera brands,
settings will be used to record the image. the fundamentals remain the same.
ISO
VIEWFINDER Key: The third set of numbers represents the ISO. We
recommend that you don’t concern yourself with
Shutter Speed ISO settings yet and keep it on the default setting.
Looking through the viewfinder, you’ll see a ISO will be covered in chapter 9.
combination of symbols and numbers. The first
set of numbers you see indicates the shutter Max Bursts
speed. A shutter speed of 1/100 will show in the The number in the square brackets indicates
viewfinder as 100, 1/50 as 50, 1/2 as 2, and so the max burst capabilities of the camera (the
on. In addition, a one-second exposure will be maximum number of images a camera can record
shown as 1”, two-seconds as 2” and so on. in one burst).
Aperture Focus Lock

The aperture is the second set of numbers seen This green dot will appear to indicate that
in the viewfinder. These numbers can vary from something is in focus. If the green dot is not
as low as 1 (a large aperture) to 32 (a small visible, this indicates that there is no specific point
aperture). Larger apertures let in more light, while of focus within the image.
smaller apertures let in less light. How low this
number can go depends on the lens you’re using.
Flash Status
This indicates whether on-camera flash will be
Exposure Scale used to capture the image. If this symbol does
Also referred to as a light meter, this estimates the not show, it means that the image will be taken
exposure of the image. A centred marker indicates without flash.
a well exposed image. Anything to the left
indicates an underexposed image and anything to Focus Point
the right indicates an overexposed image. The points within the frame that the camera can
use to autofocus are shown by focus points in the
Manual Mode viewfinder. The number and layout of these points
The letter M showing simply means you are using will vary from camera to camera.
your camera in Manual mode. This letter changes
depending on which mode you’re shooting in. AE Lock
For example, A may indicate Auto mode, TV may This indicates the Auto Exposure Lock function
indicate shutter priority or P may indicate program has been enabled. This locks the exposure when
(these letters and what they stand for will vary shooting and is only relevant if using automatic
between different camera brands). exposure modes such as Auto, AV or TV.

Version One:
An example of a typical viewfinder display where the different camera settings and exposure scale
are shown at the bottom.
Version Two:
Other viewfinder displays may look slightly different. In this example you can see the exposure
scale on the right, with the camera settings shown at the bottom.

exposure seesaws
To help when trying to find and maintain aperture needs to be wider. Let’s imagine
the correct exposure, try and visualise a two-stop change achieves the desired
exposure as a seesaw. If there is a change result. This means that to reach the same
in either shutter speed or aperture, the exposure, the shutter speed would have
other will have to be adjusted accordingly to to increase by two stops. By increasing
maintain a balance. Any adjustment in one the shutter speed, we compensate for
that is not matched by the other will result the change in the aperture by cutting out
in an unbalanced or incorrect exposure. the extra light and therefore maintain a
It is important to remember that different balance. If, however, the shutter speed did
shutter speed and aperture combinations not change, the final image would have a
can result in the same exposure. This shallower depth of field, but would be two-
doesn’t necessarily mean one combination stops overexposed.
is more correct than the other, it simply
means that we can take advantage of
the relationship between shutter speed
and aperture to achieve different creative
results. Let’s consider an example where
we might want to maintain the same
exposure, but decrease the depth of field.
To achieve a shallower depth of field, the A frame from video chapter 2
Under
Exposed

In the graphic, on the previous
page, we see the combination
of 1/200 at f1.4 results in a
one-stop underexposed image
(indicated by the camera’s
exposure scale or light meter).
This is because this particular
settings combination does not
allow enough light to reach
the sensor. To correct this,
we could either use a slower
shutter speed, or open the
aperture even further.
Over
Exposed
In this second example we

can see that by slowing the
shutter speed from 1/200
to 1/50 while keeping the
aperture at f1.4, it has
resulted in an image that
is one-stop overexposed.
By slowing the shutter
f1 speed, more light can be
recorded by the sensor and
as a result, this change has
produced an addition of two
stops of light.

Correct
Exposure
In this example we can see

that a combination of 1/100
at f1.4 has resulted in the
correct exposure. This could
be determined based on either
of the two previously incorrect
results. Using the principle
of a seesaw, we know the
same level of brightness could
also be achieved using a
combination of 1/25 at f2.8, for
example.
chapter Summary
Exposure is an important part of photography, light is referred to as a one-stop change.
and knowing how to control the brightness or Understanding this concept is key to getting
darkness of an image is key to taking control to grips with exposure. The principle of the
of your camera in Manual mode. Shutter exposure seesaw was also introduced in this
speed and aperture are the two main functions chapter. This demonstrated how an imbalance
used to control exposure, and any change in shutter speed and aperture will result in
that results in double or half the amount of overexposed or underexposed images.

2. What is exposure in photography?
2. What is exposure?
WHAT
Check Your YOU SHOULD KNOW NOW
Knowledge
Q1 What does underexposure actually mean?

Q2 What amount of exposure change does ‘one-stop’ relate to?
Q3 If a picture was ‘one-stop’ underexposed at 1/250th, what
shutter speed would give the correct exposure?
Q4 If a picture was ‘one-stop’ overexposed at f11, what aperture
setting would give the correct exposure?
Q5 What part of the viewfinder indicates if you have the correct
exposure?

“
Once you understand
exposure changes
in increments of
a stop at a time,
you will better
understand much
of the photography
terminology that is
”
used.
KARL TAYLOR
Watch related class

CHAPTER
Shutter speed
3
shutter speed
1/8000 and 30”. When using faster shutter

Shutter Speed Scale speeds, the shutter remains open for a
shorter length of time. This freezes motion
The shutter speed controls the amount of but allows less time for light to be recorded.
time we capture light for as well as how Slower shutter speeds mean the shutter
much motion is recorded in an image. Most remains open for longer, blurring motion and
cameras feature shutter speeds between allowing more light to be recorded.
Changing The Shutter Speed

You can manually control the shutter speed You can see what shutter speed is set either
when shooting in Manual mode or Shutter on the back screen of the camera, the top
Priority using the control dial on your camera. LCD panel or through the viewfinder.

shooting speeds
The shutter speed controls two creative only allows more light to be recorded by the
aspects of photography: the exposure (the sensor, it also means any moving objects
brightness or darkness level of an image) will appear blurred. Slow shutter speeds are
and the amount of motion blur captured in commonly used when photographing in low
an image. Faster shutter speeds mean the light conditions or when we want to capture
shutter remains open for a shorter period motion blur. This can be used for creative
of time, which means the sensor has less effect when photographing a number of
time to record the light once it’s passed different subjects. Common instances where
through the lens. This results in less light slow shutter speeds can be used creatively
being recorded, which makes faster shutter are when photographing star trails or
speeds useful for cutting out additional light running water like rivers or waterfalls. When
in bright, sunny conditions. Faster shutter selecting the shutter speed it’s important to
speeds will also freeze movement and are keep both of these factors in mind as they
often used when photographing fast moving will have a noticeable impact on your final
subjects like sports or wildlife. When using image. Try to decide if you want to capture
slow shutter speeds, the shutter remains more or less light and if you want to freeze
open for a greater length of time. This not or blur your subject.
Fast shutter speeds

An example of where a fast shutter
speed has been used to freeze
movement can be seen in the image
on the right. By using a fast shutter
speed, the motorbikes appear
completely still. How fast your
shutter speed needs to be to freeze
movement depends on how fast the
subject is moving. A faster shutter
speed would be needed for motorbikes
compared to, say, a child running. Discover this course: Capturing action shots
Slow Shutter speeds

In this example a very slow shutter
speed was used to record an image
of the night sky. Using a slow shutter
speed meant it was possible for
the sensor to record enough light
that the stars (and even lights
from the nearby city) were visible.
Photographing the night sky often
requires very slow shutter speeds,
anywhere from a couple of seconds,
up to a few minutes. Discover this course: Spectacular night skies

shooting techniques for creative effect
When photographing action shots there achieved by using a slow shutter speed while
are three techniques you can try. The following the subject with the camera. A third
first technique is to freeze the action and technique is capturing motion blur. This can
background by using a fast shutter speed. be done using a slow shutter speed while
The second is panning, which can be keeping the camera in a static position.
1. Frozen Action 2. panning

Here the subject appears stationary within This image is an example of a technique
the frame. This was achieved using a fast known as panning. This is when you follow
shutter speed of 1/500 while keeping the the movement of the subject with the cam-
camera in a fixed position. The result is a era while using a slow shutter speed. This
motionless image where the subject and results in a subject that appears frozen,
the background appear frozen in time. but with motion blur in the background.
3. Motion Blur
In these examples below motion blur has been created by using slow shutter speeds. In the
example of the girl on the bike, a shutter speed of 1/30 has resulted in the subject being
blurred as they pass through the frame, but because the camera has remained in a fixed
position everything else appears sharp. In the seascape shot, a four second exposure time
allowed the motion of the waves to be captured, but with everything else remaining sharp.
Remember motion blur can only be successful when there is no camera shake, so using a
tripod is essential.

Balancing exposure and shutter speed
When creating photos, there are often times appropriate shutter speed is used to capture
when we want to use a particular shutter different levels of motion blur. Using these
speed to capture a particular amount of specific shutter speeds, it becomes necessary
motion in an image. In the video you will to use other methods to control and balance
see as Karl shoots a number of examples, the exposure. Some examples of the results
demonstrating how to balance exposure can be seen below, with further being
and shutter speed. In these examples an demonstrated in the video.
Under Exposed
Here, a shutter speed of 1/30 has allowed

us to capture movement using the
technique of panning, but at f16, the image
is clearly underexposed. This is because
the aperture is not allowing sufficient light
to reach the sensor. Keeping the same
shutter speed, this could be corrected by
using a larger aperture.
over Exposed
In this second example, despite using a

larger aperture, there is still an imbalance
in the exposure. Using a shutter speed of
1/30 at f8 has resulted in an image that
is too bright. Changing to f8 provided two
extra stops of light. This was more light
than was actually needed and resulted in
an overexposed image.
correct exposure
To achieve the correct exposure at 1/30 we

can therefore determine that an aperture
between f16 and f8 will balance the
exposure. Using our knowledge of the f-stop
scale, we know this is f11; and at 1/30 we
can see this combination has provided the
right level of light and the correct exposure
has been achieved.

Shutter speed, camera shake & tripods
To get started with photography, you need
little more than your camera and a lens.
But one piece of equipment that will come
in handy is a tripod. You will see numerous
instances throughout this course where
a tripod is used, and there is a very good
reason for this. Generally, when shooting
at fast shutter speeds, the short exposure
time cuts out any motion blur caused by
camera shake; but as this exposure time
gets longer, it becomes harder to keep the
camera still when taking a picture. This
is where a tripod becomes necessary. By
using the camera on a tripod, it allows us
to fix the camera in position and therefore
reduce any unwanted movement. This is
especially useful when using exposure
times of several seconds. To avoid camera
shake when working handheld, use shutter
speeds greater than the focal length. For
example, if shooting with 200mm, use a
shutter speed faster than 1/200.
chapter Summary
Shutter speed refers to the length of result in motionless looking images. This
time that the shutter remains open for is clearly shown in the video through the
the medium to record light, and is one of examples of the cyclist and skateboarder.
the key methods we can use to control Slow shutter speeds are therefore often
exposure. Measured in fractions of a used when photographing in low light or at
second, most cameras will have shutter night or when wanting to create the effect
speeds ranging between 30” and 1/8000. of movement in an image, while fast shutter
This can be adjusted simply using the speeds are often used when photographing
control dial on the camera and can be in sunny conditions or when wanting to
viewed on the back of the camera, the top freeze fast moving subjects. Selecting
LCD panel or through the viewfinder. Slower which shutter speed to use depends on
shutter speeds will record more light while what we’re photographing and the creative
fast shutter speeds will record less light. In effect we want. There are a number of
addition to controlling the exposure of the creative techniques that can be achieved
image, the shutter speed also determines by using different shutter speeds. Many of
how much motion is recorded in an image. these effects and techniques are clearly
Slow shutter speeds will create the effect demonstrated throughout this video to
of movement (depending on how much / show exactly how shutter speed works and
how quickly the subject is moving) while fast how you can achieve creative results by
shutter speeds will freeze movement and adjusting just this one setting.

3. SHUTTER SPEED
WHAT
Check Your YOU SHOULD KNOW NOW
Knowledge
Q1 Shutter speeds can determine exposure, what else will they

determine?
Q2 What is the technique called when you track your subject
with a relatively slow shutter speed?
Q3 Which shutter speeds ‘freeze’ action?
Q4 Approximately what shutter speed will be good for capturing
a ‘silky’ effect in water motion?
Q5 If using a very slow shutter speed what aperture size will you
likely require: big, medium or small?

“
“By using long
shutter speeds
we open up
more creative
opportunities.
KARL TAYLOR ”
Watch related class

CHAPTER
Camera Focus
4
camera
focus
Adjusting the focus

When taking a photo it is essential that at least an image will be. Using autofocus, the camera
a part of the image is in focus. To create a can automatically select the focus point(s) or
photo, light is directed through the lens before you can select the focus point yourself. The
it reaches the recording medium. The lens, other factor to consider is the focus mode.
regardless of whether it’s built into your camera This is what determines how the autofocus
or interchangeable, is made up of elements works while the shutter button is half pressed.
that focus the light. Adjusting the focus of an Focus modes vary between cameras, but
image can be done manually or automatically. most will have at least two: either a single shot
When using manual focus, it is simply a case focus mode or a continuous focus mode. The
of rotating the focus ring on the lens until the single shot focus mode keeps the focus point
area you want to be in focus becomes sharp. locked once the shutter is half pressed, even
When using autofocus, there are two factors if you reframe the image. Continuous focusing
to understand: focus points and focus modes. continuously recalculates and readjusts the
Focus points are the squares that can be seen focus until the image is taken. All of these
in the viewfinder when framing the image. factors will help adjust the focus of the image
These determine where the point of focus in until the desired area becomes sharp.
Camera focus modes

Advantages Disadvantages
Manual Focus • More accurate in low light conditions
• Can be slower to manually focus
• Useful in situations where there is low contrast

• Can be difficult to get focus correct
• Good for scenes that are busy and confusing • Time consuming when having to
when your camera doesn’t know what to focus on recompose and refocus often
Autofocus • Quick
• Can be difficult to use in low light
• Different autofocus options for different situations
conditions
• Good for scenes that are often changing (like • Can be difficult to use in scenes with low
sport or wildlife photography) contrast
• Not always accurate in busy or confusing

scenes

AutoFocus Manual Focus
Autofocus is a great option for those still getting Not as commonly used as autofocus, manual
to grips with their camera as it is a quick and focus is still very relevant as it gives the user
easy method of focusing. Using autofocus, it is a far greater level of control in deciding where
possible to select different focus modes. These the focal point in an image should be. It can
include ‘Single shot/Single-servo’ focus mode, be particularly useful in situations where
where one focus point is used to determine fo- the camera has difficulty focusing (this can
cus (this does not change until you re-focus or often occur in low light conditions or when
take the image), or ‘Continuous focusing/Con- the background is very busy) or when taking
tinuous-servo’, where the camera continuously a series of images where you don’t want the
readjusts the focus for as long as the focus focus point to change. This means it can still be
button is held down. worth knowing how to use manual focus.
Camera Controls Selection Points

Initial focus can be achieved by pressing the Looking through the viewfinder, you will see a
shutter button halfway down. This focuses the number of small squares in front of the
lens according to which focus point is select- image. These are focus selection points, which
ed. To adjust these points, use the control is what the camera uses to determine the
wheel or buttons on the camera (some cam- point of focus. Different cameras have different
eras have a joystick on the back for this) or in numbers of selection points, as well as different
the menu system. Some cameras also have layouts of these points. These points make up
back button focusing that allows you to control what is referred to as the autofocus area and
the focus without pressing the shutter button can be changed automatically by the camera
(this feature may take some time to get used or manually by the photographer using the
to, but it does have certain advantages). controls mentioned in ‘Camera Controls’.

Selecting your focal points
Whether you’re photographing landscapes focus to different areas within the image.
or portraits, the key is to have the focus Where we choose to focus within an image
selection point over the area that you want can have a big impact (especially when
to be sharp. In the video you can see how using large apertures), so it’s important to
the focus points are changed to shift the choose the best focus point.
out of focus Focus Point One
Focus point Two Focus Point Three
Focus Point Four Focus Point Five
These examples are from video chapter 4
chapter Summary advantages and disadvantages. When

using autofocus, the two most important
concepts to understand are focus points
Focus is an important concept to understand and focus modes. Focus points can be
in photography as it can make or break an selected automatically or manually, and
image. With most camera lenses we now where these focus points are within an
have the option to choose between manual image can have a great bearing on how
focus and autofocus, both of which have their the final image looks.

4. camera focus
WHAT
Check Your YOU your
SHOULD
Knowledge
check KNOW NOW
knowledge
Onceyou
Once you can
can answer
answer the the following
following questions,
questions, you’reyou’re ready
ready to movetoonto
the nextonchapter.
move You can
to the next also refer
chapter. You back the the
can also video
refer tutorial
back to thehere to
video
learn more or refresh your memory.
Q1 How doesspeeds
Shutter autofocus
can work?
determine exposure. What else will they
determine?
Q2 What does ‘MF’ mean on your camera or lens?
What
Q3 What doisthe
themarkings
techniqueincalled
meterswhen
and you
feet track your
indicate onsubject
a lens?
with a relatively slow shutter speed?
Q4 Using your camera, how can you choose where to focus in
anWhich
image?shutter speeds ‘freeze’ action?
Q5 Which focus mode
Approximately would
what you speed
shutter use forwill
a subject
be goodmoving
for
towards you?
capturing ‘silky’ wave motion?
If using a very slow shutter speed, what aperture size will
you likely require: big, medium or small?

“
It Matters little how
much equipment we use;
it matters much that we
be masters of all we do.
Sam Abell ”
Watch related class

CHAPTER 5
APERTURE AND DEPTH OF FielD

Aperture and
depth of field
how to change the depth of fiEld

The aperture refers to the opening in the result in less depth of field, while smaller
lens through which light passes before apertures, like f16, result in greater depth of
reaching the medium. This controls not only field. Using the control wheel on the camera
the amount of light recorded in an image, but to adjust the aperture, we can change the
also the depth of field (this is the sharpness depth of field. There are other factors that
range either side of a focus point). Adjusting also influence depth of field though. These
the aperture is the easiest way to control the include the distance from the subject,
depth of field. Larger apertures, like f1.2, magnification and sensor size.
aperture

creative effects of aperture
By controlling the aperture, we can control the creative effect that can be achieved by adjusting
exposure of an image as well as the depth of the aperture is what is commonly referred
field. Adjusting the depth of field is one of the to as a starburst effect. This occurs when
easiest ways to get creative in photography, photographing focused light sources (such as a
but to do so it’s important to understand how street lamp or the sun) using a small aperture.
aperture works and how this relates to depth of This reduced aperture causes light to reflect
field. Larger apertures, such as f1.2, allow more off the blades of the aperture, resulting in a
light to pass through the lens and reach the starburst effect on the light source (an example
sensor and result in a much shallower depth of of this is shown earlier in chapter three of the
field. This means only a small part of the image document in the skateboarder image).
will be sharp, with the remainder appearing
blurry (this blurred effect is often referred to as
‘bokeh’). Larger apertures are typically used
in instances where we want to focus on just
a small part of the image, for example a bee
on a flower or the eyes of a person. Smaller
apertures allow less light to pass through the
lens, which, if not balanced with the shutter,
can result in darker images. They also allow
for greater depth of field, which makes them
ideal for shooting landscapes, or images where A frame from video chapter 5
we want detail in the background. Another
Small aperture: F22 Large aperture: F2.8
These are examples from video chapter 5
In this example a small aperture of f22 has Although it is not incorrect to use small
been used to photograph the subject. This has apertures when photographing people, this
resulted in a large depth of field, where both the example shows how a shallower depth of field,
subject and poles in the background are sharp. achieved using an aperture of f2.8, has resulted
Small apertures like this are not often used in a much more pleasing result. Using large
when photographing people because the large apertures is common when photographing
depth of field can often make the final image people as it helps to create separation between
appear quite busy. the model and the background.

Balancing Exposure and depth of field
In this chapter you will have seen how shutter speed to balance the exposure.
aperture can be used to control depth of In any situation where depth of field is a
field and how it can be balanced with shutter priority, the shutter speed has to change
speed to achieve the correct exposure. to find the correct exposure. For example,
Depending on what you want to achieve at f22 an image may be too dark, which
with the image, it may be necessary to means it may be necessary to use a slower
change either the shutter speed or the shutter speed to allow in more light, the
aperture. In the following examples you can same way using a large aperture may result
see how once we’ve achieved the desired in an overexposed image, which means a
depth of field, it is necessary to adjust the faster shutter speed may be needed.
Shot One
Large aperture and fast shutter speed
In this example, using a large

aperture of f1.4 with a very fast
shutter speed of 1/640 has resulted
in the correct exposure. The wider
aperture has been used to achieve
a shallow depth of field (we can see
only the yellow pen is sharp). In
addition, a faster shutter speed, which
does not allow very much light to be
recorded by the medium, has then
been used to balance the exposure.
These are examples from video chapter 5
Shot Two
Medium aperture and fast shutter speed
In this example we have used the

same fast shutter speed of 1/640
but closed the aperture by five-
stops, to f8. This has resulted in an
underexposed image because both
the fast shutter speed and medium
aperture limit the amount of light
recorded by the medium. To allow in
more light while maintaining the same
depth of field, it would be necessary
to use a slower shutter speed.

Shot Three
Medium aperture and slow shutter speed
In this example, using the same

aperture of f8, we have achieved the
correct exposure by using a much
slower shutter speed. By reducing the
shutter speed from 1/640 to 1/20, we
have increased the amount of light
by five-stops to achieve the correct
exposure. This setting combination
has resulted in the same exposure as
shown in the first example, but with a
far greater depth of field.
Shot four
Small aperture and slow shutter speed
In this
In this example,
example we cana see
using how
large a
aperture
different setting combination has
of f1.4 with a shutter speed of 1/640 has
resulted in
resulted in the
the correct
same exposure,
exposure.butThe
this time
wider with an
aperture haseven
beenlarger
useddepth of
to achieve
field. This has been achieved using
a shallow depth of field (we can see only
a small
the aperture
yellow pen is of
in f16 andwhile
focus), a slowa faster
shutter speed of 1/5. By decreasing
shutter speed has been used to balance
the exposure.
the size of the aperture, it becomes
necessary to use a slower shutter
speed to compensate for the loss of
light caused by the aperture change.
chapter Summary
The aperture is one of the easiest ways to background, and small apertures are popular
take creative images, and with it, we can for landscapes because of the larger depth of
control both the exposure and depth of field field. Magnification is another way to control
of an image. Large apertures like f2 result in depth of field. Distance from the subject,
more light and shallow depth of field, while sensor size and lens choice also have an
smaller apertures like f16 result in less light impact - this is because they all affect the
and larger depth of field. Large apertures magnification. The aperture can also be used
are often used to photograph people as together with the shutter speed to achieve the
they help separate the subject from the correct level of exposure in an image.

5. depth of fiEld
WHAT
Check Your YOUyour
SHOULD
Knowledge
check KNOW NOW
knowledge
Once
Onceyouyoucan
cananswer
answerthe the
following you’reyou’re
questions, ready to movetoonto
ready
the nextonchapter.
move You can
to the next also refer
chapter. You back the the
can also video
refer tutorial
back to thehere to
video
Shutter
Q1 What twospeeds can determine
things happen as you exposure. What
decrease the sizeelse will they
of the
aperture?
determine?
Q2 Describe
What isinthe thetechnique
best terms whatwhen
called depth of track
you field is.
your subject
Q3 If with a relatively
1/1000th slow
and f2.8 shutter
is the speed?
correct exposure, what would be
the correct shutter speed for f8?
Which shutter speeds ‘freeze’ action?
Q4 Why is shallow depth of field often used for portraits?
Approximately what shutter speed will be good for
capturing
Q5 Other ‘silky’ wave
than aperture motion?
settings, what is the key factor that
determines depth of field?

“
A camera didn’t make
a great picture any
more than a typewriter
wrote a great novel.
Peter Adams ”
Watch related class

CHAPTER 6
GET CREATIVE in manual mode

42 KarlTaylorEducation.com
Get Creative in
manual mode
Manual Mode
Shooting in Manual mode may initially seem changing light, maintaining depth of field
like a bit of a balancing act, but it is important to and capturing the desired amount of motion
master if you want to advance your photography. in the waves. Only once you can overcome
In this chapter Karl explains his camera settings challenges like this using manual mode will
while shooting a seascape. He battles with you be able to achieve creative results.
Earlier Shot: More availAble

In the video in this chapter you will see as
Karl sets out to photograph a seascape
sunset. Throughout the shoot he experiences
changing levels of light as the sun sets lower
in the sky and he demonstrates how, by
using Manual mode, you can more easily
adapt to light changes in your environment
f 16 while still achieving the creative results
desired.
4”
Early on in the shoot the sun was still fairly
A frame from video chapter 6 high in the sky, as seen on the left. The
aperture of f16 allowed for a large depth
Later Shot: less availAble light of field. The slower shutter of 4 seconds
allowed Karl to capture enough light as well
as some motion. With these settings, he was
able to achieve the correct exposure.
However later in the shoot, as shown on the

left, the sun had dropped in the sky. Wanting
to keep the same exposure time to capture
the desired amount of motion in the water,
f 14 adjusting the shutter speed was not an
4” option for Karl to correct the exposure, so he
opened the aperture by one third of a stop to
A frame from video chapter 6 f14 instead, to increase the exposure.

What can be achieved in Manual Mode
Shooting in Manual mode is just like learning In this chapter Karl touches on a few of the
to drive a car - it may seem daunting at first, things you can achieve when shooting in
but once you’ve mastered it you’ll wonder Manual, but the truth is that these examples
why you were ever worried! Shooting in are just the start. What you can achieve with
Manual requires balancing the shutter speed full control is limitless; and the fastest way to
and aperture to achieve the correct exposure. learn this is to go out and shoot in Manual.
Light Painting With a Long Exposure

Light painting is a creative technique that
looks far more complex than it actually
is. This is where light is ‘painted’ into the
photograph using an additional light source
while shooting with a long exposure. The
key to this is a slow shutter speed as this
is what will allow you to record the extra
light being ‘painted’ into the scene. This
can require exposures of up to several
minutes - the image on the right was taken
over 18 minutes! Light painting is a great
way to get creative and try something new;
and doesn’t require much more than your
camera, a tripod and a powerful torch (for
longer exposures, a shutter release cable
Discover this course: Painting with light
can also be useful).
Creative exposure for portraiture

One of the greatest benefits of shooting
in Manual mode is that it enables you to
create results that you wouldn’t otherwise
be able to achieve using any of the
automatic or semi-automatic modes on a
camera. This portrait is a great example
of this. The dark, moody lighting is exactly
what the photographer intended, but this
effect would have been very difficult to
achieve using Auto mode because the
camera would have perceived this as
‘underexposed’ and either lowered the
shutter speed or opened the aperture to
add more light. Switching to Manual mode
will give you the freedom to take those next
creative steps with your camera. Discover this course: Lighting theory

Blurred Background
Shallow depth of field is a common choice
when it comes to portrait photography
and it is one of the easiest ways to add
an extra level of creativity to your images.
A shallow depth of field helps to draw the
focus to your subject and make them stand
out, which can be particularly useful when
photographing against a busy backdrop.
To achieve shallow depth of field it is
necessary to use large apertures such as
f1.2 or even f2.8 (remember magnification,
distance from the subject and sensor size
also have an impact on depth of field). This
particular image was shot at f2.8, which has
helped create a beautiful soft background
with shallow depth of field. Discover this course: Bluebell woods shoot
Large depth of Field

Wide apertures are a popular choice
for photographing people, but they are
not the only option. Sometimes using a
small aperture for greater depth of field
can produce an equally interesting result,
as you can see here. This is particularly
relevant when photographing scenes
where we want the subject, as well as the
background, to be sharp. Remember it is
not only the aperture that controls depth
of field, and in this case, by using a wide
angle lens (covered in chapter seven of
the course), the city buildings behind the
subject remain sharp. This is due to the
magnification of the image and the distance
of the subject from the camera. Discover this course: Stunning location lighting

Maximize depth of fiEld
As established earlier in this chapter, the lenses, have less depth of field than wide
simplest way to increase depth of field when angle lenses (when using the same aperture).
photographing your subject is to use a small Furthermore, in addition to the aperture and
aperture. However, it is important to note that lens choice there is another factor to consider
there are other ways to also maximise the when maximising depth of field and this is
depth of field. Later in the course Karl will the hyperfocal distance. By understanding
introduce you to the different characteristics hyperfocal distance you can maximise the
lenses have when it comes to depth of depth of field available (from the aperture
field. For example, lenses with longer focal setting that has been selected) through a
lengths, like telephoto and super telephoto considered placement of your focal point.
Hyperfocal distance
Understanding hyperfocal distance will help you select a focus point that maximises the depth
of field in both directions in a shot. A key thing to remember is that focusing in the centre of
a shot will not maximise sharpness in the foreground and background, since focal distance
works in such a way that depth of field stretches one third of the way in front of the focus
point (towards the camera) and two thirds of the way backwards (away from the camera). If
used correctly, hyperfocal distance will place the furthest point of sharpness at its maximum
potential at that given aperture.
Depth of Field
Area in focus (towards the camera) Area in focus (away from the camera)
1/3 of depth of field 2/3 of depth of field
Hyperfocal Point

Further example of hyperfocal distance
Here is another example of hyperfocal distance, this
time illustrated simply with a row of five pens. In the
video tutorial you will see Karl demonstrate how to
capture an image where the pens are sharp throughout
by finding the optimal focal point when using a smaller
aperture. As shown in the illustration below, since the
depth of field stretches twice as much behind the focus
point as it does in front, placing the focus point on the
yellow pen allows the depth of field to run from the front
to the back pen when using an aperture of f16.
Optimum focal point to

maximise depth of field
available to given aperture.
Depth of Field
Aperture: F16
chapter Summary
The advantages of using your camera in you would have seen throughout this chapter,
Manual mode are endless. It allows you to it’s possible to achieve very particular results
develop a far greater understanding of how once you take full control of your camera.
your camera works and how to balance Mastering concepts such as shutter speed,
exposure using shutter speed and aperture, aperture, exposure, one-stop changes
and it also allows you the creative freedom and hyperfocal distance are good starting
to take photos that otherwise wouldn’t have points. Once you understand these and are
been possible using an automatic or semi- confident using Manual mode, you will be
automatic mode. This can take a little bit of able to make the most of your creativity and
time to get used to, but it will be worth it. As advance with your photography.

6. get creative in manual
WHAT
Check YourWHATYOU
YOU
check SHOULD
Knowledge
SHOULD
your KNOW
KNOWNOW
knowledge NOW
Onceyou
Once you can
can answer
ready to movetoonto
move on to the next chapter. You can also refer back
the next chapter. You can also refer back the the video tutorial to thehere
video
to
Q1 Karl used a tripod, camera and lens to capture some

beautiful landscape images in this chapter. What other key
piece of equipment does he use and why?
Q2 If the best exposure was f16 at 4 seconds, what would
the same scene look like if you took the shot at f16 and 2
seconds?
Q3 If the best exposure was f16 at 4 seconds, what would the
same scene look like if you took the shot at f11 & 2 seconds?
Q4 Why was a tripodCanimportant
you tick thisfor
boxthe
& PROGRESS?
shots in this chapter?
Q5 When photographing near the sea, what must you be
careful of?

“You can only truly
get creative with
photography once you
have mastered your
camera in manual
mode. I believe no other
course will advance
your knowledge as
quickly.
KARL TAYLOR ”
Watch related class

CHAPTER
OPTICS AND LENSES
7
50 KarlTaylorEducation.com
Optics and
lenses
Understanding lenses
Lenses are an important part of the the light so that it can be recorded by the
photographic process as their unique medium. The arrangement of these elements
characteristics are, in part, what determine determine the focal length of an image, the
the look and feel of an image. As light angle of view, the magnification and help
reflected off of the subject enters the lens, describe the image based on their particular
it passes through a number of elements, as characteristics. Available in a variety of
well as the aperture, before passing through different focal lengths, different lenses
the shutter and reaching the sensor. These produce very different results depending on
lens elements are what serve to focus the configurations within the lens barrel.
Internal workings of a camera

PRISM
VIEWING SYSTEM
11
FRONT LENS LENS

ELEMENT GROUP GROUP
2 3 APERTURE 5
4
12 VIEWFINDER
10 FOCUSING
SCREEN
1
LIGHT 9 SENSOR
Mirrorless cameras do
not have a mirror, and
therefore do not use a
prism viewing system.
Instead, an electronic
viewfinder (EVF)
8 creates a preview of
6 7
the image.
REAR MIRROR SHUTTER
ELEMENT © Karl Taylor Education

Camera lenses
Lenses come in a variety of different shapes, lenses come in a variety of focal lengths, from
sizes and focal lengths. Each one of these fish-eye to super telephoto. The focal length
can be used to create very particular looking is one of the key characteristics of a lens as
results, depending on their particular it determines the angle of view as well as the
characteristics. Quite simply, lenses can be magnification of an image.
categorised into two main groups — prime
or zoom lenses, both of which come in
different focal lengths. Prime (or fixed) lenses
feature a fixed focal length and are known
for delivering high quality images. They
also generally offer much wider apertures
compared to zoom lenses. Zoom lenses,
on the other hand, provide a variety of focal
lengths in one lens. This makes them very
versatile and also reduces the need for
multiple lenses. Within these two groups, A frame from video chapter 7
lens types

CHOosing a LENS
Lenses play an important part in photography — focal length, in which case a zoom lens will be
some may even argue that they’re equally, if not better than a prime lens. Do you often work in
more important, than the choice of camera, so low light conditions where a large aperture will
choosing the right lens is critical. Selecting which come in handy? If so, you’ll need a lens with
lens to use depends on a variety of factors. a larger aperture. Do you like photographing
Once you reach the point of buying your next landscapes more, or people? These points
lens, think about what you’ll be using the lens will help you determine which lens will be best
for. Do you need the ability to quickly change suited for what you want to photograph.
understand the descriptions on your lenS

Looking at a lens, there is a
variety of numbers, letters
and symbols that, at first,
can look quite confusing.
Each of these numbers and
letters tell you essential
information like focal length,
maximum aperture, lens
version and focusing motor.
Other features specified
include stabilisation and
filter diameter (this is
usually found on the front
of the lens and indicated by
the symbol ø).
Macro Lenses
You’ve possibly already heard the term
‘macro photography’. If not, macro
photography is extreme-close up
photography, usually of small objects.
This type of photography often requires
using specially designed macro lenses.
These are lenses that are designed for
photographing small subjects at very close
distances - they have lower minimum
focus distances and 1:1 magnification (this
means that the size of the image in real life
is the same size as it’s reproduced on the
sensor). Macro lenses can also be used for
other types of photography.
© Nick Després

focal length and
field of view
Focal length is one of the defining wide variety of focal lengths to choose from,
characteristics of a lens, as this determines each of which are better suited to different
the angle of view as well as the magnification. genres of photography. Lenses with shorter
How focal length is determined requires an focal lengths provide a much wider angle
understanding of the physics of light and of of view and are better suited to landscapes
concave or convex lenses; but very simply, than product photography, for example. The
when light enters a lens, glass elements opposite is also true for longer focal lengths,
within the lens serve to converge the light to which may be better suited to sport or wildlife
a single point, known as ‘focus’. The focal photography than architectural photography.
length is determined by the position of this Lenses with shorter focal lengths also provide
focus point in relation to certain lens elements. less magnification than those with larger focal
This is usually indicated on the side of the lengths. This is illustrated in the image below
lens barrel and sometimes on the front of the and explained in the video in this chapter,
lens, along with the lens diameter. Ranging where you can also see examples shot using
anywhere from 8mm to 2000mm, there is a different focal length lenses for comparison.
focal lengths and field of view

lenses and aperture
Although not specifically a type of lens, used to be fairly common, usually feature a
aperture is another important feature of lenses. longer focal length, such as 500mm at a fixed
As you’ll already know from the previous aperture of f6.3. As an example, most (but not
chapters, aperture refers to the opening in the all) telescopes are catadioptric.
lens that controls how much light reaches the
sensor. This is indicated in the format 1:2.8,
for example, with the second set of numbers
indicating the maximum aperture. Some lenses
will feature two maximum apertures (shown
as 1:4-5.6). What this means is that as you
zoom, the aperture capability changes. So at
the shortest focal length, you may be able to
shoot at f4, but once you zoom to the longest
focal length, the widest aperture you’ll be able
to shoot at will be f5.6. Generally lenses with
wider apertures are favourable due to their
increased light capturing capabilities. There is
also a category of lenses that feature a fixed
aperture. Catadioptric, or mirror lenses, which
SUMMARY OF LENSEs
FishEye Lens Super Wide angLE LENS
Fisheye lenses produce a unique While a super wide angle lens also offers
perspective due to an ultra-wide 180 a very wide angle of view, it does not
degree field of view. Most notably, they distort in the same way fisheye lenses do.
produce strong distortion and a large depth This lens also has the advantage of being
of field. These lenses are usually only used able to offer greater depth of field than
when a very wide angle of view is required. larger focal length lenses.

WIDE ANglE LENS standard lens
Wide angle lenses are those that have As the name suggests, a standard lens
greater focal distances compared to fisheye offers a standard focal length and a
and ultra-wide angle lenses, but not as standard field of view. These are good
great as standard and other lenses. These lenses to start with as they offer great
lenses are commonly used by landscape versatility and can be used for a variety of
and architectural photographers. different types of photography.
short telephoto lens super telephoto lens

As you can see in the image below, short Super telephoto lenses offer extremely long
telephoto lenses allow you to photograph focal lengths and are typically associated
objects that are slightly further away as with wildlife or sports photography, where
they offer larger focal lengths. As a result, it is not always possible to get close to the
their field of view is less compared to the subject. However, they have a very limited
lenses mentioned previously. field of view.

7. Optics and lenses
WHAT
Check Your YOUyour
SHOULD
Knowledge
check KNOW NOW
knowledge
Once
Once youyoucancan answer
answer the following
the following questions,
questions, you’re you’re
ready toready
movetoonto
the next chapter. You can also refer back the the video tutorial
move on to the next chapter. You can also refer back to the video here to
learn more
tutorial here to learn moreor orrefresh
refreshyour memory.
your memory.
Q1 What is the
Shutter purpose
speeds can of a lens? exposure. What else will they
determine
determine?
Q2 Which lens would magnify the image the most: 24mm or
200mm?
What is the technique called when you track your subject
Q3 with aofrelatively
Which these focal
slowlengths
shuttercould be a fisheye lens: 15mm
speed?
or 30mm?
Which shutter speeds ‘freeze’ action?
Q4 Which of the following lenses would usually be best for
Approximately
portraits: 35mm what shutter speed will be good for
or 85mm?
capturing ‘silky’ wave motion?
Q5 What is the ‘angle of view’?

“
I was always fascinated
by lenses and optics
when I was a kid, and to
be honest I still am. I was
always amazed at how
lenses could magnify
things that were far
away and bring them
right up into view.
KARL TAYLOR ”
Watch related class

CHAPTER
UNDERSTANDING LIGHT
8
Understanding
light
Once you understand light, you will

types of light have a far better idea of how to use it to
achieve creative results. In this chapter
There are countless ways photographers can explanations and examples are given
utilise light in their images and it’s important on the following: common lighting terms,
to start recognising these in the world around simple combinations of light, colour
you (and in other photographer’s images) temperature, white balance and the Kelvin
in order to develop an understanding of scale. You’ll also see examples of how to
the effect of light in your own photography. combine light to achieve creative results.
Hard Light soft light

Hard light comes from a small, or ‘point’, light Soft light is the opposite of hard light and
source. The sun on a clear day is a perfect is produced by any light source that is very
example, which may, at first, seem confusing large (remember, this is from the subject’s
as it is obviously very large. However, when it perspective). This results in even light with
comes to lighting in photography, the size of little to no shadows. An example of soft
the light source is relative to the subject. The lighting would be the sky on a cloudy day as
distance of the sun therefore makes it small the clouds act to diffuse the sun, turning it
in relation to the subject. into a very large light source.
Discover this course: Two light harsh lighting Discover this course: Soft side lighting and fill

Natural Light Ambient Light
Natural light refers to any light emitted Ambient light refers to any light that is
from the sun and is an essential tool for already present in a scene, or, in other
many photographers. Best of all, it’s free words, it is the available light that could
and all around us! For the most pleasing already be seen in the environment. This
natural light, photographers typically prefer is also commonly known as ‘general
to shoot in what is called the ‘magic hour’. lighting’ and could be anything from light
This is usually around an hour before and from street lamps to light reflected off of a
after sunset or sunrise. building or sunlight entering a room.
Discover this course: Natural light portraiture Discover this course: Office space portrait
ReFLECted lIGHT Transmitted light

Reflected light occurs when light reflects off Transmitted light is light that you can
the surface of an object. Variations in the see emitted from its source. This means
surface and texture of objects causes light that we can see the light source directly
to reflect differently. For example, light will in the picture. Examples of this could be
reflect more evenly off a mirror compared candlelight or even the sun. It is also light
to sand. Very few objects completely that has passed through something before
absorb light, which means almost all of the reaching the subject. This could be glass,
photos we take capture reflected light. water or even the atmosphere.
Discover this course: Get creative in manual Discover this course: Sunset seascape

colour temperature
To understand colour temperature, let’s first looks white; the same way a white t-shirt
look at light and the colour of light. Light in shade also looks white. This is because
consists of three primary colours: red, green our brains automatically correct this for
and blue. Light in these colours can be added us. This is essentially what the Auto White
together to make secondary colours or, if all Balance function on our cameras does too.
three three primary colours are combined, As photographers, we can use this feature
white light. Different light sources will all have to correct the colour temperature, or by
their own colour temperature. Candlelight, for using other white balance settings or the
example, is a warmer colour with more red Kelvin scale. White balance refers to the
and orange tones than the cool, bluer light process of correcting inaccurate colour
seen on a cloudy day. This light is registered cast caused by different light sources. Most
by our eyes and by our cameras, but the way cameras feature presets such as Tungsten,
these two systems perceive light is different. Fluorescent, Daylight, Flash, Cloudy,
So why do the scenes we see in front of us Shade or Custom White Balance settings,
often look very different to what we capture each of which will apply the appropriate
with our camera? When we see a white colour correction to the image, based on
object (like paper) in tungsten lighting, it the colour temperature of the scene.

the kelvin scale
Colour temperature is measured according day, the colour temperature would be around
to the Kelvin scale, which, when used in 5600K. The Kelvin scale can be used to fix
photography, ranges from 1000K to 10000K, incorrect colour cast manually by selecting
with 1000K being the warmest tones and the current / matching colour temperature. To
10000K being the coolest. For example, if neutralise candlelight, it would therefore be
you were sat in a room lit by candlelight, the necessary to adjust the Kelvin value to the
colour temperature would be around 1500K. same approximate temperature as the light
If you were sat in the sun on a clear, sunny source to make the image more neutral.
Correct white balance Incorrect white balance

In this chapter we see how using the right Here we can immediately see the difference
white balance settings on your camera can between this example and the image on
have a big impact on the final shot. Here the left. This image appears much warmer,
we can see that by using the appropriate with a much more orange tone to the
white balance setting on the camera (in this image. This is because the incorrect colour
case Tungsten) it has resulted in a far more balance was used to take the image. In
natural looking image. This is because the this case using the Daylight white balance
Tungsten setting has shifted the Kelvin setting did not correct the warm colour cast
scale to compensate and therefore correct from the tungsten lighting, resulting in a
the colour. By doing this, the overly orange distinct orange tint to the final image. This
tones in the image to the right have been is why it’s important to understand colour
cancelled out. balance and how it can affect your images.

Combining light
Take the time to identify types of light. This this section different two-light combinations
will help you understand how light works, are identified and explained to give you an
how it interacts with different surfaces and idea of how light works, but it’s important to
mixes with other types of light. Once you’ve note that many images, including some of
got your head around this, you can start those below, will actually have more than two
thinking about how you can combine light. In types of light present in them.
Combination:
hard AND soft light
When hard light and soft light are combined,
the result is dynamic lighting that has a little
less contrast than a photograph featuring
exclusively hard light. This is because the
image contains both harsher shadows and/
or strong highlights from the hard light and
also has areas of softness from the soft light.
In the image across, the hard lighting can be
identified on both sides of the model, in the
effect of rim lighting, where strong highlights
can be seen. The soft lighting can be
identified as the light that is hitting the model
from a frontal perspective which is casting
soft shadows and softer highlights.
Discover this course: High key fashion
Combination:
transmitted and reflected light
Another example, this time of a different
combination of light, can be seen in this
image of the historic Louvre museum in
Paris. In this example, both transmitted and
reflected light can be seen. The transmitted
light (a light source that is visible in the
image and has travelled through an object) is
the setting sun that is visible shining through
the glass of the Louvre. The image also
features reflected light (light that reflects off
the surface of an object). This is clearest on
the floor of the structure. Here we see the
sun reflecting in the shiny surface of the floor,
and there is also light reflecting off the floor
between the camera and the structure. Discover this course: Sunset photography

Combination:
Natural light and artificial light
Once you become more confident with
identifying and controlling light, one of the
next steps is combining natural light and
artificial light - this could be either studio lights
or speedlites. This combination of light can
produce very creative effects, as you can see
here. In this example the subject is clearly
lit from the front while also being backlit by
the sun. Backlighting can be a creative way
to use natural light, but it does require extra
light to achieve the right exposure. A balance
was achieved in this image by also using
artificial light, in this case speedlites. Without
the addition of artificial light, the subject would
have been silhouetted. Discover this course: Speedlite fashion shoot
CHAPtER SUMMARY
The importance of light in photography have also covered how the magic hour is
cannot be overstated. It is light that we use usually the best time of day to photograph
to create images (without it, photography as it produces a mixture of hard and soft
would not be possible) and it is also light light, but it’s not the only time of day to
that establishes the mood and feel of an photograph in. Also shown are ways that
image (and therefore a connection with the we can control light to get the best results,
viewer). Once you understand light, you will be it using accessories such as reflectors,
have the key to photography. Throughout or even studio lights. The colour of the light
this chapter you would have seen a number and the colour temperature also have an
of examples of different types of light impact on the mood and feel of an image
(including hard light, soft light, transmitted and we can control this using the different
light and reflected light) and how they can white balance settings on the camera and by
be used to invoke certain emotions. We understanding the Kelvin scale.

8. UNDERSTANDing LIGHT
WHAT
Check Your
WHAT YOUyour
SHOULD
Knowledge
check
YOU KNOWNOW
NOW
knowledge
SHOULD KNOW
Onceyou
Once you can
can answer
ready to movetoonto
move
the nextonchapter.
to the next chapter.
You can You back
also refer can also refer
the the back
video to thehere
tutorial video
to
Shutter
Q1 What doesspeeds can determine
the terminology ‘hardexposure.
light’ andWhat else will
‘soft light’ they
mean?
determine?
Q2 What different results would you get if you used hard light or
soft light?
What is the technique called when you track your subject
with adoes
Q3 Where relatively slow shutter
light come from? speed?
Which
Q4 What shutter
natural speeds
weather ‘freeze’ action?
conditions give us ‘soft light’?
Approximately
Q5 What what shutter speed will be good for
is colour temperature?
Can you
capturing ‘silky’ tick this
wave box & PRO-
motion?
Q6 What typeaof
If using units
very slowareshutter
used to measure
speed, whatcolour temperature?
aperture size will

“
Light is the magical stuff
that we use to create our
pictures. Without light,
photography would be
impossible.
KARL TAYLOR ”
Watch related class

CHAPTER
The recorDing medium
9
Recording
medium
What is the recording

medium?
In its most simple terms, the recording briefly mentioned in chapter one and are
medium is what is used to record an image. further explained later in this chapter.
Once the light has passed through the optics However, in principle, they all function in the
of the camera, the aperture and shutter, same way. An image is created from millions
an image is recorded. Traditionally in the of pixels (tiny dots of colour, essentially).
days of film an image would be recorded These pixels are recorded by an array of
through a chemical reaction triggered by millions of tiny light sensitive photosites on
the light when exposed to the photographic the camera’s sensor. During the exposure,
film. In today’s cameras photographic film photons (which are the fundamental
has been replaced by digital sensors. There particles of light) strike these photosites and
are two types of sensors (CMOS and CCD) this interaction is recorded as an electrical
and a variety of sensor sizes: crop-sensor, signal, which is then recorded in a binary
full-frame and medium format. These were format that describes the image.
The Camera Obscura

The camera obscura, in Latin, means “dark back wall of the camera obscura has been
chamber” and was used in the 16th century replaced by the camera sensor to record
as a visual aid for artists. The light enters the image.
the dark space through a tiny hole and is
projected as an inverted image onto the
back wall of the camera obscura. By the
19th century, it became possible to record
the projected image using photosensitive
materials, such as film. In the most simplistic
terms, similar mechanics are replicated
today in modern cameras. The small hole
has been replaced by the aperture and the

tYPES OF RECORDING MEDIUMS
Depending on your camera, there are smaller sensors provide a more economic
different types of sensors. The two main option, but still deliver great results. Image
types of sensors are CCD (Charge-Coupled quality is partly determined by factors such
Device) and CMOS (Complementary as sensor type (and size), the resolution
Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) sensors. CCD (number of megapixels) and ISO. To
sensors, until recently, used to be the most understand the effect of these, this chapter
commonly used type of sensor due to their shows a number of comparisons to illustrate
superior image quality, dynamic range how these factors influence image quality,
and noise control at the time. However, as as well as the differences between sensor
technology has progressed, CMOS sensors sizes, the megapixel capabilities of various
have now taken over. Generally speaking, cameras, the variations in ISO settings and
larger sensors offer the highest quality while JPEG and RAW file types.
camera sensors
Camera sensors also come in a few different Most commonly, you’re likely to have heard
sizes (also referred to as ‘formats’), with smaller of full-frame, crop sensor and medium format
sensor sizes generally offering lower image cameras, with the smallest of these being crop-
quality compared to that of larger sensors. sensor cameras (shown below).

SENSOR SIZES
Crop sensor cameras, also referred to as better image quality and enhanced performance
APS-C, are the smallest of the sensor sizes, in low light. Medium format cameras offer
measuring approximately 23.5mm x 15.6mm the largest sensor of the three. The larger
compared to the 36mm x 24mm full-frame 53.4mm x 40mm sensor allows for much higher
sensor. This makes them smaller, lighter resolution and greater tonal range and colour
and more affordable than their full-frame accuracy. Mostly used by professionals, this
counterparts. Full-frame sensors, due to their quality does come with a much higher price tag
larger sensor size, are bigger and generally offer than crop sensor or full-frame cameras.
Film A frame from video chapter 9
Digital camera sensors are not the only way to

record an image: film cameras remain an option to
photographers today. Just as sensor size varies, so
does film size; from 35mm (which is what today’s
35mm cameras were based on) to larger 6x4.5
medium format and even 10x8 large format film.

Megapixels and resolution
Although used interchangeably, the terms size and image quality. Resolution, on the
megapixels and resolution actually mean other hand, refers to the camera’s ability
two very different things, and it is important to capture and record detail in images.
to understand the difference if you want Resolution, although related to the number
to get the most out of your images. The of megapixels, is not solely dependent on
number of megapixels vary from camera this, but rather on how well the camera
to camera, which results in varying pixel and the lens can resolve detail.
Pixels
One megapixel is made up of a million are measured in microns (µm), and their
pixels, which means that a 24 megapixel size is largely determined by the sensor
camera will record an image that is made size. Cameras with smaller photosites
up of 24 million pixels, while a 16 megapixel may perform worse in low light conditions
camera will record an image with only 16 and also feature more diffraction when
million pixels. Each of these individual pixels shooting at small apertures, whereas larger
contain information that makes up the final photosites allow for a larger transitional tonal
image. When determining image quality, value, greater tonal accuracy and better
it’s not only the number of megapixels that colour accuracy. A comparison of images
matters, but also the size of the photosites taken on a 12, 22 and 100 megapixel
(these are what record pixels). Photosites camera can be seen in the video.

Comparing 12, 22 & 100 megapixel cameras
As explained in this chapter, different camera. Shot using the same settings,
cameras have different numbers of the results initially all looked very similar.
megapixels, and depending on the size of It was only upon further inspection that
the sensor and how many megapixels there the differences started to become more
are, the size of the pixels can vary. This has apparent. Having zoomed in to closely
great bearing on the level of detail captured inspect each image, the differences were
in an image, and to better demonstrate this, much more obvious and the variations in
this video shows a comparison between the level of detail were immediately clear.
three cameras: a 12 megapixel camera, a These are clearly shown and discussed in
22 megapixel camera and a 100 megapixel the video chapter.
RESOLUTION
Often used interchangeably with megapixels, resolution. By simply using two different
resolution does not only refer to the number versions of the same lens on the same
of pixels within an image. It refers to how camera, we could change the resolution. For
clearly the medium can capture and record example, an image shot with an older model
detail - this is determined by the sensor type lens will have a lower resolution than the
and quality of the lens. Although megapixels same image shot with a newer model lens
relate to resolution, they are not the defining with better optical design. The same number
characteristic. This means that while images of megapixels will be recorded (because it’s
with more megapixels will generally have the same camera), but the newer lens will
a higher resolution, images with the same produce better contrast, colour fidelity and
number of megapixels can have different overall sharpness.

ISo
ISO measures how sensitive the recording light. While increased sensitivity may sound
medium is to light. We can adjust our good in theory, the main drawback is that
cameras to be more or less sensitive to light higher ISOs result in a degradation of image
by simply adjusting the ISO. Higher ISO quality, which often appears in the form of
numbers are more sensitive to light, whereas ‘noise’, especially in the shadow tones (as
lower ISO numbers will be less sensitive to you would have seen in the video).
ISO 200
ISO 6400
ISO 51000

JPEG VS RAW
Another factor that relates to image quality is
the type of file format you shoot in. This is most
raw file commonly either JPEG or RAW (some camera
brands have their own file formats). Although
both file types contain the same number of
pixels, RAW images store far more information
within those pixels than JPEG images do. This
means we have far more control in the post
production stage with a RAW image file, which
can be very useful if you want to make changes
to your pictures after shooting. Shooting in
RAW file formats is particularly beneficial if
there is a need to adjust the colour (either the
colour temperature or tint) in the editing stages
later. This is because, with RAW files, you have
complete control over the colour. As explained
in the video, one of the main drawbacks of
JPEG files is that the file compression can
sometimes result in what is known as ‘pixel
clumping’. This is when pixels of a similar tone
JPEG FILE are grouped together. Although this may not
initially seem apparent, it does become more
obvious when we start to adjust colours and
exposure in post production. On the left are two
exact same images, the top being a RAW file,
the bottom being a JPEG. Immediately you can
see instances of pixel clumping in the JPEG
file, but not the RAW image. Although JPEGs
may not allow us to extract as much tonal
information, especially in highlight or shadow
areas, they are still a common file type for
those who shoot high volumes of images (such
as wedding or sport photographers) because,
due to their compression, JPEGs produce
much smaller file sizes.
chapter Summary
Each of these factors contribute to image camera. Most of the cameras on the market
quality, but it’s not to say that you have today are of exceptionally high quality, far
to shoot with the camera with the largest greater than those from the days of film -
sensor, with the most megapixels and at the and those film cameras produced some of
lowest ISO. The points above will help you the most iconic images of our time! If you
understand image quality, but you shouldn’t in have the right knowledge, you can create
any way be put off if you don’t have a top end amazing quality images with any camera.

9. tHE RECORDING MEDIUM
WHAT
Check Your YOUyour
SHOULD
Knowledge
check KNOW NOW
knowledge
Onceyou
Once youcan
can answer
answer thethe following
ready to movetoonto
the
move on to the next chapter. You can also refer back to thehere
next chapter. You can also refer back the the video tutorial to
video
learnmore
tutorial here to learn more oror refresh
refresh your
yourmemory.
memory.
Q1Q1 What is the difference between resolution and megapixels?
Q2 How many pixels are in a 22 megapixel image?

Q3Q2 What is medium format?
Q4 Name two advantages of 35mm cameras over medium

Q3 format cameras.
Q5Q4 Name two advantages of medium format cameras over
35mm cameras.
Q6Q5 Why would you avoid increasing ISO?

“
Never forget that all
the great photographs
in history were made
with more primitive
camera equipment than
you currently own.
Brooks Jensen ”
Watch related class

CHAPTER
composition
10
Composition
what makes a good of the rules and guidelines relating to

composition are not as decisive as many
would have you believe. What works in
composition? some images, doesn’t always work in others.
That is why these points should always be
It is clear when an image is well composed, considered as more of a guide than as rules.
but it is not always understood why this This chapter will explore visual examples
is the case. There are many elements that work compositionally and how elements
that make up a strong composition and like leading lines, framing and symmetry
it can take years of study and practice to (typically used to guide the eye to the main
master the complexities, through a deeper focus point of the image) can be used
understanding of human visual perception. to enhance composition. The benefits of
Nevertheless, there are some simple guides particular colour combinations are examined
that you can follow to help start you on as well as common ‘rules’ of composition
your journey of understanding composition. - the rule of thirds and the golden spiral -
However, it is important to note that many which are demonstrated and explained.

Guidlines to consider
The implementation of the compositional subject of focus is. For example, in its most
guidelines explored in this chapter outlive simple form, in portrait photography this is
the practice of photography. They were in typically the eyes of the subject; in seascape
fact initially explored in more detail by the photography it is typically the sun as it rises
French Impressionist painters from the or sets; in architectural photography it is
19th century. They explored compositional the building; in fashion photography it is the
techniques - such as lines, shapes, tones model and outfit; in reportage photography it
and colours - in order to arrange a painting is the narrative and in product photography it
in such a way that would lead the eye to the is the product. Secondly, as a photographer,
focal point of the painting. So how does this it is then your job to consider the perspective
apply to photography? Firstly, when taking of the shot that is going to best make the
an image, it is important to identify what the subject the main focus point of the picture.
Leading Lines
Leading lines are lines (or curves) that guide
the viewer’s eye to the subject. Anything
from fence posts to winding roads, leading
lines can be straight, curved, diagonal or
converging. These lines help keep our eye in
the frame and draw attention to the subject.
Here are just a few examples of where
Discover this course: Coastal sunset shoot
leading lines have been implemented (you
can see further examples in the video). In
the top image the model, standing just off
centre, is the focal point. Our eye is guided
into the image from both the left, right and
centre by different leading lines. Leading
lines in the image are created by the edges
of the road, the mountains in the background
and by the white, painted line down the
middle of the road.
Alternatively, in the image below of the

model in a yellow dress, the steps that she
is stood on serve to draw your eye towards
the subject. Coming in from the left of the
image, the lines guide you through the
picture (this also relates to left-to-right bias,
which links to the science of human visual
perception). This photo also makes use of
other compositional elements, namely colour
(colour theory is something that is discussed
more in the video in this chapter). Discover this course: Simple fashion on location

framing
As the name suggests, framing is when you but you could use almost anything to frame your
use other elements within the image to frame subject. This compositional technique is often
the subject. As shown below, examples of used as it can help add additional elements of
framing can be anything from the shape of the interest and it can also enhance perspective
light, to a thoughtfully constructed backdrop, and a sense of scale to your photographs.
Discover this course: Fantasy fatale shoot Discover this course: Perfume advertising shoot
symmetry
Symmetry can be observed all around us in each other, then the image is understood to be
nature and is commonly associated with beauty. symmetrical. Symmetry can be very effective
Symmetry - or the line of symmetry - refers to a when used correctly. Often quite striking, it can
line that splits an image in half either vertically help remove or minimise additional distractions
or horizontally. If both sides of the line mirror and focus the eye on the subject of the image.
Discover this course: Moody two light control Discover this course: Paint sports shoot

colour The rule of thirds
Colour is an important part of photography One of the most well known compositional
and we can use this to even greater effect rules, the rule of thirds divides the image into
with some careful thought. Colours can three rows of three, splitting the image into
be used to change or influence the mood nine equal blocks. The idea is to position
and feel of an image or to draw attention important elements on the dividing lines or
to particular elements. Using juxtaposing points of intersection. This helps to place
colours (or other colour schemes) can be objects at strategic points in the frame,
an effective way of catching the viewer’s creating more interesting composition than if
attention, as shown in the video. the subject was centralised.
Discover this course: Hasselblad H6 launch Discover this course: Coastal sunset shoot
Discover this course: Star trails shoot
Discover this course: Shooting car trails Discover this course: Lingerie shoot

the golden spiral
The golden spiral is another compositional rule,
deriving from the golden ratio. The golden ratio
is a mathematical formula that relates to Phi
(1.6180339…). Two quantities (a and b) fit the
golden ratio if b is to a what a is to the sum of
a + b. In this ratio, a is 1.6180339 times bigger
than b. This formula forms the basis for other
compositional rules, such as the golden spiral
and to some extent the rule of thirds.
The golden spiral, developed by Fibonacci, is,

contrary to its’ name, composed out of a series
of Phi Grids (formed using the principle outlined
above). These grids determine the path of a
snail-shaped spiral (known as the Fibonacci
Spiral), which guides your eye around the
image to the focal point. You can see exactly
how this works in the accompanying image.
While it’s important to keep these

compositional rules in mind, these ‘rules’ are
not the be-all-and-end-all of good composition.
Discover this course: Color paint sports shoot
The most important thing is to maintain your
viewer’s attention and keep their eye within
the frame. This can be done using other
techniques that relate to the human visual
system. By understanding the science of
human visual perception and concepts such as
left to right bias, contrast, colour, juxtaposition,
narrative etc we can keep the viewer’s
attention with subtle, yet highly effective
application of the science.
concepts discussed to guide you, but don’t

chapter summary take them as gospel. There is more to good
imagery than the rule of thirds or golden
As photographers, our goal is to keep the spiral. It’s therefore important to make sure
viewer connected with our images, and you understand the concepts covered in this
while it can be beneficial to try and follow course: how cameras work, how time and
compositional guidelines, good photography aperture can be used together for creative
comes down to far more than just good imagery, optics and their differences, the
composition. Many photographers get caught importance of light for conveying emotion,
up and fixate on composition, but there are the subject and what you want to say with
other methods that can be used to ensure your photographs, and the different types of
strong, creative imagery. Use the rules and recording mediums.

10. the cOMPOSITION
Check Your
WHATKnowledge
YOU SHOULD KNOW NOW
Once you can answer the following questions, you’re ready
to move on to the next chapter. You can also refer back to the
video tutorial here to learn more or refresh your memory.
Q1 Which of the six essentials to recording an image relate

directly to composition?
Q2 Name two types of compositional theory.

Q3 What is the most important compositional concept?
Q4 How else can the viewer of your images be kept interested

in your photos?
Q5 What are complementary colors?

“
The most important
objective is to
keep your viewer
connected
through emotion,
anticipation,
curiosity and
narrative. These
are often elements I
deliberately include
in my work to
further enhance the
viewer’s experience.
KARL TAYLOR ”
Watch related class

CHAPTER
PRINTABLE INFOGRAPHICS
11
11. Printable infographics
Karl Taylor Education

This e-book has been created by Karl Taylor
Education as an additional resource along with
our free ‘Introduction to Photography’ course.
Karl Taylor is a professional photographer and
a leading educational figure in the industry, with
Karl Taylor Education becoming the benchmark
for effective, entertaining and inspirational
training. Offering a wide variety of photography
classes for all levels, Karl Taylor Education is
also the only site to offer monthly live shows,
where you can watch real-time photo shoots and
guests interviews and ask your questions live.
A frame from a video on Karl Taylor Education website introducing Karl Taylor
DISCOVER OUR OTHER COURSES...

Below are just some of the popular courses we have to offer on our platform. Members also enjoy
online support, regular competitions and discounts on partner brands. To find out more, click here.
LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY NATURAL LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY
KarlTaylorEducation.com
printable infographics
We have put together everything you might need to refer to while out shooting in the last pages
of this guide, so you can print a copy of the key concepts to take along with you. Good luck with
your continuing photography education, and we look forward to offering you further support and
guidance over on karltayloreducation.com.
Note: A one
stop downwards
change indicates
double the
amount of light
and a one stop
upwards change
indicates half the
amount of light.



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What are the six essentials of photography?

What are the six essentials of photography?

What are the three main concepts covered in Chapter 1?

What are the three main concepts covered in Chapter 1?

An introduction to photography

A comprehensive guide to the online course

An Introduction To The Six Essentials of Photography

2 All rights reserved © Karl Taylor Education

This ‘Introduction To Photography’ course

As you progress, you’ll learn how cameras

3 All rights reserved © Karl Taylor Education

2 What is Exposure in Photography? p. 10

5 Aperture & Depth of Field p. 35

6 Get Creative in Manual Mode p. 42

7 Optics and Lenses p. 50

9 The Recording Medium p. 68

4 All rights reserved © Karl Taylor Education

An Introduction To The Six Essentials of Photography

A frame from video chapter 1

The Six Essentials process and how we create images. To start,

How cameras work 1 LIGHT

2 SUBJECT 5 TIME / SHUTTER

© Karl Taylor Education

6 All rights reserved © Karl Taylor Education

A frame from video chapter 1 A frame from video chapter 1

3 - Camera Optics 4 - Aperture

A frame from video chapter 1 A frame from video chapter 1

5 - Time 6 - Recording Medium

A frame from video chapter 1 A frame from video chapter 1

7 All rights reserved © Karl Taylor Education

Check YourWHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW NOW

A frame from video chapter 1

8 All rights reserved © Karl Taylor Education

Watch related class

All rights reserved © Karl Taylor Education

An Introduction To The Six Essentials of Photography

A frame from video chapter 2

SHUTTER SPEED and

11 All rights reserved © Karl Taylor Education

Controlling exposure One-Stop Changes

12 All rights reserved © Karl Taylor Education

13 All rights reserved © Karl Taylor Education

Aperture Focus Lock

14 All rights reserved © Karl Taylor Education

15 All rights reserved © Karl Taylor Education

A frame from video chapter 2

16 All rights reserved © Karl Taylor Education

A frame from video chapter 2

In this second example we

17 All rights reserved © Karl Taylor Education

In this example we can see

18 All rights reserved © Karl Taylor Education

Q1 What does underexposure actually mean?

A frame from video chapter 2

19 All rights reserved © Karl Taylor Education

Watch related class

20 All rights reserved © Karl Taylor Education

A frame from video chapter 3

1/8000 and 30”. When using faster shutter