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The Basics of Basic Photography

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 Toluwani and Onwuekwe
CHAPTER EIGHT

The Basics of Basic Photography

David T. Toluwani and Chidiebere Onwuekwe

Introduction

P hotography is the science, art, application and

practice of creating durable images by recording
light or other electromagnetic radiation, either
electronically utilizing an image sensor, or chemically
through a light-sensitive material such as photographic
film. Cox (2022) defines Photography as “the art of
capturing light with a camera, usually via a digital sensor or
film, to create an image.” Photography can serve many
purposes and have many facets. Photography can tell a
story, it can capture a moment in time, can document,
and can be art. There are many technical uses for
photography as well as social and creative ones. How
we use and interact with photography is highly
personal and will differ from one person to the next.
Photography can be an art form, but not all
photographs are created to be artworks or forms of
artistic expression. It took time for photography to be
truly recognized as a valid art form. However, in the
present day, many art museums and art galleries now
exhibit photographic artworks (Eden Gallery, 2021)
Typically, a lens is used to focus the light reflected or
emitted from objects into a real image on the light-
sensitive surface inside a camera during a timed exposure.

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An electronic image sensor produces an electrical charge
at each pixel, which is electronically processed and stored
in a digital image file for subsequent display or processing.
The result with photographic emulsion is an invisible
latent image, which is later chemically "developed" into a
visible image, either negative or positive depending on the
purpose of the photographic material and the method of
processing. A negative image on film is traditionally used
to photographically create a positive image on a paper
base, known as a print, either by using an enlarger or by
contact printing.
Colour photography started to become popular and
accessible with the release of Eastman Kodak's
"Kodachrome" film in the 1930s. Before that, almost all
photos were monochromatic – although a handful of
photographers, toeing the line between chemists and
alchemists, had been using specialized techniques to
capture colour images for decades before. You’ll find
some fascinating galleries of photos from the 1800s or
early 1900s captured in full colour, worth exploring if you
have not seen them already.
Over the years, photography has grown to become
one of the creative careers that cut across many other
disciplines, there has been debate over who a professional
photographer is, the ideal tricks for practice (great shots),
and who should be addressed as a professional
photographer. With the ease of accessing a camera device
and the sophistication of technological mobile phone-
enabled cameras, many seem to have acquired the label.

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However, either joining the field as an amateur,
intermediate or professional, there exists basic entry
knowledge that every practitioner or hobbyist of the trade
who loves to shoot on camera modes other than auto
mode must possess. This is because being partly a
scientific device as much as an art tool, the mechanism of
the camera is structured in such a way that its exposures
and outputs are determined by the mastery of its internal
components and settings that govern the Exposure
Triangle (Shutterspeed, Aperture and ISO). (Toluwani,
2021)
The Camera
A camera is an optical instrument for recording or
capturing images, which may be stored locally, transmitted
to another location, or both. ... The word camera comes
from camera obscura, which means "dark chamber" and is
the Latin name of the original device for projecting an
image of external reality onto a flat surface. The camera is
also a remote sensing device as it senses subjects without
any contact. The modern photographic camera evolved
from the camera obscura. The functioning of the camera
is very similar to the functioning of the human eye. The
first permanent photograph of a camera image was made
in 1826 by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce.

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Parts of a Camera (Front)

Plate 1: The parts of a camera. Source: google.com

1. Shutter Button: Press this button to release the
shutter. The shutter button press has two stages:
Half-pressing the button activates the AF function
while pressing it down fully releases the shutter.
2. Red-eye reduction: If the red-eye reduction is
enabled on your camera, half-pressing the shutter
button will light up this lamp when you use the
built-in flash.
3. Self-timer: When you set the self-timer, this lamp
will blink for the duration of the timer until the
picture is taken.
4. Lens Mount: This is the section that connects the
interchangeable lens to the camera body. To attach
the lens, you line up the lens mount index (see F3)
on the lens with the corresponding one on the lens
mount and turn the lens clockwise until you hear a
click.

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5. Red Index: Align the mark on the lens with this
mark when you are attaching or detaching a lens.
6. Lens Release Button: Press this button when you
want to detach the lens. The lens lock pin retracts
when the button is pressed, enabling you to turn
the lens freely. Before shooting, lock the lens into
place by turning it until you hear a click.
7. Mirror: The mirror is unique to DSLR cameras. It
reflects light from the lens into the viewfinder,
which lets the photographer see the shot through
the viewfinder in real time. The mirror flips up
immediately right before the shutter release (the
shot is taken).
8. Mike: This is a built-in microphone for capturing
the audio sound during movie recording. The
microphone used may be monaural or stereo
depending on the camera model.
9. Built-in Flash: When needed, you can fire the
flash to capture a shot in a dimly lit scene. The flash
may be automatically fired in some modes
Parts of a Camera (Rear)
It is important to note that the camera has several
functions, just like the knobs and buttons seem to be
many, even from the simplest to most complex cameras.
In recent times High definition cameras bear multiversal
functions, a sequel to their dynamic abilities during usage.

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Plate 2: The parts of a camera. Source: google.com

1. The eyecup prevents external light from entering
when your eye is in contact with the eyepiece. A
soft material is used to reduce the burden on the
eye and the forehead.
2. The viewfinder eyepiece is a small window on the
camera which you look through to compose your
photo and establish a focus on a subject. When
shooting using a viewfinder, external light is
reduced. This allows you to put full attention on the
subject right before your eyes, which in turn makes
it easier to track moving subjects.
3. LCD Monitor: the captured image as well as text
information such as the menu can also be displayed
on the LCD monitor. Also, you can magnify the
display image to check the details. Some camera
models have a vari-angle LCD monitor, which
allows you to alter the angle of the monitor during

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Live View shooting, making it easier to capture low-
angle or high-angle shots.
4. Menu Button: Use this button to display the menu
for adjusting the different camera functions. After
selecting a menu item, you can adjust the camera
settings in greater detail.
5. Playback Button: This is the button for playing
back images you have captured. Pressing the button
once displays the last image you captured or
showed on the LCD monitor.
6. Wi-Fi Lamp: This lamp indicates the wireless
connection status.
7. Access Lamp: The lamp appears blinking when
there is data transmission between the camera and
the memory card. Do not open the card slot or
battery compartment cover while the light is
blinking. Doing so may cause the camera to
malfunction.
8. SET Button/Multi-controller: The Multi-
controller keys are directional buttons that allow
you to: Move between menu items, move a
magnified display to a different point during image
playback, and move the AF point during AF point
selection

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9. ISO Speed Setting Button: Press this button to
adjust the sensitivity of the camera toward the light.
ISO speed is an international standard that is
determined based on the sensitivity of negative
films
10. Quick Control Button: Pressing this button
displays the Quick Control screen (further
explained in the section "Settings on the Quick
Control Screen"), which allows you to confirm
various camera settings at one glance and adjust
them.
11. Display Button: By pressing the DISP button, you
can turn the display on/off, toggle between
different information displays in Image/Movie
Playback mode and during Live View shooting, and
display the camera’s major function settings when
the menu is displayed
12. Erase Button: Use this button to erase unwanted
images
13. Focus Point Selection Button: Use this button to
go into AF point (autofocus) selection mode during
AF shooting. You can then select any of the AF
points manually using the Multi-controller keys.
14. Live View Shooting/ Movie Shooting Switch:
Use this button to turn on or turn off the Live

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View function. Pressing the button once displays
the Live View image on the LCD monitor, and the
camera is ready for Live View shooting.
15. Dioptric Adjustment Knob: Use this knob to
adjust the clarity of the viewfinder image according
to your eyesight. To do so, turn the knob while
looking through the viewfinder. (Takahashi, 2018)
Types of Camera
Kevin (2021) enumerated various types of cameras still in
existence today. They are as follows:

Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera

Plate 3: DSLR. Source: Kevin (2021)

DSLR stands for “Digital Single Lens Reflex”. If
you’re looking to take your photography to a more
professional level, consider getting a DSLR camera. They
have been the go-to camera for many professionals in the
digital age. When you look through the viewfinder of a
DSLR you’re seeing through the lens with the help of a

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mirror and prism. These are inside the camera body and
allow you to view images the right way up. When you take
a photo, the mirror flips up so light enter through the
shutter and reaches the sensor.

Compact Cameras
Compact cameras are small and designed for easy
use. This type of camera is often called a point-and-shoot
camera because they are so quick and easy to take photos
with. Everything is automated so you do not have to pay
much attention to capturing an image. If you want
something of an upgrade from your phone, but do not
want to carry a larger camera, this is the type of camera for
you. Most cameras use focus-free lenses or autofocus for
focusing, automatic systems for setting the exposure
options, and have flash units built in (Wikipedia, 2022)

Film Cameras
The film is not dead. Many beginner photographers
are using film cameras to develop their style and skills.
Many experience photographers prefer the look and feel
of photos taken with film.
The main difference for digital photographers who
pick a film camera is the lack of a screen. Using film you
have to learn to be patient. You also need to be sure of
your settings because you would not know if you get
something wrong until your film comes back from the lab.
This can certainly help hone your skills. Taking time to
understand what you are doing while using film is a good
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challenge. Most film cameras work the same way DSLR
cameras do. Range finder film cameras are like mirrorless
cameras but without an electronic viewfinder or screen.
They all have a lens and a shutter to control the light. The
film you load determines the ISO.

Action Cameras
For adventure seekers and adrenaline junkies, action
cameras are a no-brainer. Action cameras are perfect for
the outdoors. They can withstand rough weather
conditions, they are shockproof, lightweight, and highly
durable. This type of small action camera includes 4K
video, screens, and high FPS rates. Choosing the right
action camera will depend on what you're planning to use
it for. But most of the action cameras available have
similar features.

Plate 4: Phone camera. Source: Kevin (2021)

Smartphone Cameras
There is no doubt that the smartphone camera has
been the widespread choice of photography for everyone,
The smartphone camera is the most popular choice of

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camera for everyone, everywhere. The main reasons are
because they are so easy to use and they are always with
us. Mobile photography may get a bad rep, but when it is
the only camera you have on you, it can get the job done
surprisingly well.
Storing all your photos on your device and having
the option to upload them immediately also appeals to
many people. You can capture all the candid moments,
landscapes, and portraits without much effort. With new
iPhones and Androids coming out every year, the quality
of smartphone cameras has improved dramatically.

Instant Cameras
Compact instant cameras are back and they are a
fun option. Instant cameras are not only fun and easy to
use, but there are different types available when it comes
to "instant" photography.
They cover a wide spectrum of photography styles.
These range from toyish point-and-shoots to advanced
instant cameras, Polaroids, and more. Instant cameras are
like a hybrid of vintage analogue and digital photography.
So you are getting the best of both worlds when you use
them (Kevin, 2021)

The Mirrorless Camera

Today, with the advent and advancement of
technology, camera types have evolved from the DSLR
Camera which revolutionalized photography to Morden
Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Cameras (MILC) or what

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is also known as the Digital Single-Lens Mirrorless
(DSLM) camera. Unlike DSLR cameras, the mirrorless
camera works without a reflex mirror and allows Light to
pass through the digital sensor directly which enables the
displayed image on the LCD screen to be adjusted in
settings before it is shot. According to (MasterClass,
2020), this provides a straightforward approach to
capturing images by trapping light onto the viewfinder and
the camera sensor directly and allowing for a more stable
captured image. Examples of Mirrorless cameras include
the Nikon Z 9, Sony Alpha 1, FUJIFILM GFX 100S,
Canon EOS R3, Sony Alpha a7 IV, FUJIFILM GFX 50S
II, Nikon Z FC, Sigma FPL and Panasonic Lumix GH6

Advantages of a Mirrorless Camera

Better shooting speed: The mirrorless camera allows
photographers to shoot at a higher shutter speed rate and
with better-focusing aptitudes.

Lightweight and compact size: The mirrorless camera

comes with a smaller sensor and is lightweight hence is
easier to be carried around than the DSLR camera.

Electronic viewfinder (EVF): A unique feature of the

mirrorless camera is its ability to display captured images
on the LCD directly as a live view through the image
sensor, allowing for easy image adjustments and re-setting
before snapping them. Settings like exposure, brightness,

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saturation, and contrast can be adjusted before snapping
your photo.
Image stabilization: Unlike DSLR Cameras, the absence
of a mirror reflex mechanism makes the Mirrorless camera
less prone to camera shake and improves image quality.
Silent mechanism: A mirrorless is best for discreet and
quiet shots.
Irrespective of the type of digital camera being used
(Compact, Waterproofed, Bridged DSLR or Mirrorless), a
good knowledge of how the camera works is essential for
every camera handler.
Genres of Photography
Genres of photography entail different aspects and
subcategories of photography. Depending on the need and
uses, they are Black and White Photography, Experimental
Photography, Travel Photography, Landscape
Photography, Advertising Photography, Wedding
Photography, HDR Photography, Fashion Photography,
Aerial Photography, Street Photography, Sports
Photography, Portrait Photography, Still Life
Photography, Abstract Photography, and Photojournalism
(Markus, 2021)

Portrait Photography
This aspect of photography covers the recording of
the human head and bust. Portraiture is arguably one of

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the most popular types of photography. Today, virtually
anybody can practice this genre of photography with their
smartphone (Adorama, 2020). Portrait photography can
be useful in a variety of projects, be they commercial or
political. Portrait photography gives viewers the chance to
connect with the subject of a photo. Unlike advertising
photography, the subject of a portrait may or may not be
made to look flawless. Portraits can include headshots or
full-body shots, and they can encompass several emotions
and imagery

Plate 5: Portrait Photography. Photo Credit: Emeka Obi, (2021)

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Still Life Photography

Plate 6: Still life photography. Source:

https://www.adorama.com/alc/17-types-of-photography-which-
niche-is-right-for-you/

Like portrait photography, still, lives can be used

for both artistic and commercial purposes. Still lives often
tell a story through inanimate objects. These types of
photographs are unique, as they typically work well for
stock photos (depending on the content) and art galleries
alike. The impersonal nature of viewing objects makes
still-life photography a "safe" medium in many ways.

Travel Photography
In defining travel photography, it comes down to
the story; the photographer captures new places and
experiences and we get to view it from their perspective.

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They try to capture the feelings that they're having at that
strange place. They also learn landscape photography as
they have to capture different beautiful landscapes.

Landscape Photography
Landscape photography is perhaps one of the most
traditional photography styles, and it’s no mystery as to
why; our world has fantastic views. Capturing landscapes
through photography is a powerful skill, as it often allows
honest documentation of nature. Landscape photography
is capturing an image that embodies the spirit of the
outdoors. It carries a sense of being there to see something
incredible. When viewers look at your work, their hearts
should jump. You want them to feel the
same emotions that you felt, standing in the middle of
nature and bringing back something amazing.

Advertising Photography
As you may have guessed, advertising photography
falls on the commercial end of the photography spectrum.
Advertising imagery sojourns in the cultural space of
making meaning to the target audience, often relying on
photography for the delivery of its message, while at the
same time shaping the destiny of photographic
representation (Langmead, 2005). This style is used by
brands, freelancers, businesses (small and large), and many
others to market products and services.

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Plate 7: Hair repair oil shot with a camera and used to design an
advert. Source: https://rusaliniliev.com/en/ product-photography

Advertising photography can be utilized across several

platforms, especially as social media and product design
continue to develop.

Fashion Photography
Fashion photography is a high-end genre focused
on showcasing clothing and products. This style of
photography is commonly associated with magazines like
Elle, Vogue, Vanity Fair, and other lifestyle features. This

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popular genre is growing fast across university campuses,
as many young people utilize this style in their
fashion/beauty blogs. The DIY appeal of blogging has
arguably begun a fashion photography revolution,
specifically in females 16-25.

Aerial Photography
Aerial photography, or high-angled photography,
became a reality through the invention of flight. Aerial
photography was utilized during World War II, as a way to
document enemy landings.

At the peak of World War II, British planes managed to

complete one-hundred flights a day, capturing over 50,000
images to interpret daily.
Drones are now the best devices used in capturing
aerial photographs. Drone photography is the capture of
still images and video by a remotely-operated or
autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), also known
as an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) or, more
commonly, as a drone. ... A recent high-end camera
designed for drone use, the 80mp iXU 180. Drone
cameras are helpful, especially by law enforcement,
in surveillance, monitoring crowds, and even identifying
threats. This kind of surveillance is also vital in monitoring
borders to prevent any criminal activities and alert
authorities.

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Street Photography
Street photography can feature the presence of
people, animals, objects, and events. Whether artistic,
political or simply a tool for mapping, street photography
captures its setting uniquely. Street photography continues
to resonate with artistic photographers as well as lifestyle
photographers, due in part to the blog ability of such
images. Even Google Maps has done a great deal to
provide accessible street imagery; Google Street (an
extension of Google Maps) allows a full, 360-degree view
of various roads.

Sports Photography
When it comes to art, sports photography can often
be overlooked. Athletics bring to mind coordination,
business, and entertainment, but are not often affiliated
with creative expression.

Plate 8: Photograph of an athlete. Source: google.com

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However, sports are emotionally charged, and
games and athletes can change course unexpectedly. Art is
famously difficult to define, but art (photography,
specifically) is often used to capture the truth. By shooting
an athlete, coach, or even a fan at the right moment,
photographers can take a genuine moment and make it
permanent

Photojournalism
Photojournalism’s core purpose is, to tell the truth
objectively and without bias. This mission has become
deeply controversial in some circles, with famous accounts
of photojournalists shooting tragedies, such as the photos
of famished children suffering and dying in Kwashiokor in
Biafra.

Plate 9: Children ravaged by kwashiorkor. Source:

https://guardiannewsusa.com/nigeria-millions-commemorate-
biafran-war-anniversary/

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Experimental Photography
Photo manipulation involves the transforming or
alteration of a photograph using various methods and
techniques to achieve desired results. Some photograph
manipulations are considered to be skilful artwork, while
others are considered to be unethical practices, especially
when used to deceive the public. Other examples include
being used for political propaganda, to improve the
appearance of a product or person, or simply as
entertainment or practical joke (wikipedia.org)

Plate 14: Manipulation is done by assembling two or more photos.

Source: Johnny Montage, 2020

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This aspect of photography, experimental
photography uses photo manipulation to alter our
perceptions as well as our expectations. Photographers
often use this type of art to tell a story or create art
specific to their cause (e.g. cover art, fantastical
photographs, and even adverts).

The Darkroom
A darkroom is a workshop used by photographers
working with photographic film to make prints and carry
out other associated tasks. It is a room that can be made
completely dark to allow the processing of light-sensitive
photographic materials, including film and photographic
paper. Various equipment is used in the darkroom,
including an enlarger, baths containing chemicals, and
running water. Darkrooms have been created and used
since the inception of photography in the early 19th
century. Darkrooms have many various manifestations,
from the elaborate space used by Ansel Adams to a
retooled ambulance wagon used by Timothy H.
O'Sullivan. From the initial development to the creation of
prints, the darkroom process allows complete control over
the medium.

Lighting in Photography
The essence of photography is light. "The very
word photography is derived from two ancient Greek
words; Photos, meaning ‘light’ and Graphos, meaning
‘writing'. Literally, photography means writing with light"
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( Northon 1993: 21). Basically, light illuminates the given
subject that will be recorded in the camera. Without lights,
there will be nothing for the camera to expose. Simply put,
light is the medium which the camera uses to record
images. Grundberg (2009) in his article on Photography,
submits that "light is the visible portion of a broad range
of energy called electromagnetic radiation which also
includes invisible energy in the form of radio waves,
gamma ray, X rays, infrared and ultraviolet radiation".
Both the eye and the lens of a camera detect the narrow
band of electromagnetic waves as colours.
Studio Photography came into existence with the
inception of commercial photography in the early
twentieth century. Advertisers paid expensive fees to run
advertisements and they in turn demanded high-quality
photographs to communicate their ideas. In a photo
studio, ambient light, ultraviolet or daylight is usually
minimal space is limited as well. To consolidate such
shortcomings, controllable lights and sets are put up in a
PhotoStudio. Therefore, it is in the interest of the
photographer to control and manipulate studio lights to
spur interest in his photos. Light has various
characteristics and should be understood by a neophyte
and a professional photographer. Light can be absorbed,
scattered (reflected) or refracted. Pegram (2009;32) in his
book titled “Lighting Techniques”, explains the
phenomena of refraction and reflection thus:

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When light waves move from air to glass, the light
slows down. If it strikes the glass at an angle, it will
also change direction. This is known as
refraction...when light is not reflected or transmitted,
it is absorbed. Consequently, black velvet backdrops,
which absorb virtually all of the light that strikes them
are often used in photography.
These two characteristics are observed as a behaviour
of light in photography. Pegram also situates that
reflection also entails when light hits a flat, reflective
surface like a mirror, the reflected waves will always come
off the flat surface at the equal and opposite angle at
which the incoming wave of light struck the surface. Some
equipment is used in achieving reflection. The Umbrella
reflector is an example of such equipment. The light
attached faces the umbrella, when lit, its beam bounces off
the interior of the umbrella, providing soft, diffused light
for the subject. Many Umbrella units are sensitive to flash
units and trigger their light once an exposure is made to
highlight the subject. Like the camera, light can focus on
the subject from many directions, creating beautiful effects
on the subjects. They are front lights, sidelights, backlights
and overcast lights. Pegram (2009: 35) believed that "front
light comes directly in anterior of the subject". Norton
(1993:30) enunciated that " sidelight gives dimensions to
the subject". This means that side lighting defines the
texture and form of the subject, giving it a sharp contrast
between the highlights, mid-tones and shadows. On

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backlight, Pegram affirmed that it occurs when the light
source is directly behind the subject.

The situation of light in a photo studio

A photo studio is an enclosure owned by a creative
entrepreneur, who employs photographers for commercial
photography. Onwuekwe (2017: 4) explains the perfect
arrangement of lights and subjects in a photo studio with
the diagram above. He explained the various lights and
their positions, including their functions in the studio,
thus;

The key light is usually situated in front of the subject.

Depending on the position and angle, when placed in
front of the subject, it creates a sharp contrast, casting
a shadow on the opposite side where it illuminates.
The fill light is the subordinate light located opposite
the key lamp. It usually eliminates shadows cast on the
subject by the key light. A hair light is a small light
placed above the subject. The hair light illuminates the
hair and separates the subject from the background.
Background light eliminates shadows on the
background and lightens it such that the subject stands
out from the background, thereby creating a sharp
contrast between the subject and the background. The
backlight is placed directly behind the subject. It
creates a beautiful outline of the subject.

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Fig 1: an illustration portraying the placement of lights, camera and

set in a photo studio. Source: Onwuekwe (2017)

Sidelight, for example, evokes feelings of romance

and nostalgia, whereas light from below creates a sense of
terror. Hard shadows create more of a sense of drama
than soft shadows, and cool colour tones convey more
negative emotions than warm light (Taylor, 2019)

Camera modes
The Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Program
mode and other camera modes are effective modes to
engage while shooting as they help to provide a
combination of both auto and manual mode settings for
effective shots. From the above-mentioned camera modes
(Aperture priority, Shutter priority), the photographer sets

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his desired parameter while the camera automatically
adjusts its end to compensate. For instance, while using
the Aperture priority mode (Av/A), the photographer sets
his aperture while the camera automatically provides the
appropriate shutter speed for the object or scenery in
focus, conversely, the Shutter priority (Tv/V) provides an
automated aperture setting for the already selected shutter
speed. The Program mode which also belongs to the
creative zone is auto-driven and sets its shutter speed and
aperture automatically and independently when exposed to
any given sensitive light. Other camera modes are:

Landscape mode: It sets the aperture to a maximum

depth of field and switches off the in-built flash.

Portrait mode: Sets a wide aperture to blur the

background of the image and overrides all other settings.

Night portrait mode: This setting fixes other settings and

combines the in-built flash with a slow shutter speed.

Sport mode: Sets a high shutter speed to freeze motion.

Closeup mode/Macro mode: Allows centralized focus

on subjects that are only a few inches away.

The above-mentioned modes are great auto-driven

parameters that aid good shots and could be explored by
photographers when on deadlines.

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Exposure
In photography, exposure refers to the control of
light in the camera and how this affects image output. It is
the amount of light that hits the digital sensor at a given
time and measures how light or dark a photographic image
is (Carroll, 2016). The context of overexposure and
underexposure of images in photography (ie. The
phenomenon of being too bright and too dark) is
determined by the regulation of the aperture, shutter speed
and iso or their effective combinations either in manual
mode or automated in the aperture priority (Av/A) mode,
Shutter priority (Tv/S) mode or Programme camera (P)
mode (Toluwani, 2021). Carroll asserts that a ‘perfect’
exposure does not exist, He submits that the movement of
the exposure by a step or two upward or downwards is all
that is needed to adjust an underexposed or overexposed
shot. The histogram graph in a camera device according to
Carroll is used to monitor the ‘clipped’ and ‘blown out
proportion (distribution of light) of the captured image
where the clipped shadows represent the areas that are
pure black and without details and ‘blown out’ highlights
represents areas that are pure white and without details.
(Carroll, 2016).

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Figure 2. An illustration of a digital camera histogram guide. Source:

Carroll, 2016) https://petapixel.com/aperture-shutter-speed-iso-
beginners-guide-photography/

A properly exposed photograph will have a

balanced histogram graph with a balanced spread of light,
dark and shadow spikes while an underexposed or
overexposed photo will not.

Plate 16. Example of a correctly exposed photograph. Source:

(Carroll,2016) https://petapixel.com/aperture-shutter-speed-iso-
beginners-guide-photography/

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Plate 17. Example of an underexposed photograph. Source: (Carroll,2016)

https://petapixel.com/aperture-shutter-speed-iso-beginners-guide-
photography/

Plate 18. Example of an overexposed photograph. Source: (Carroll,2016)

https://petapixel.com/aperture-shutter-speed-iso-beginners-guide-
photography/

To cover the best dynamic range, photographers

take multiple shots with slightly different exposure settings
which leads to the creation of a series of photographs that
are correctly exposed, underexposed and overexposed.
this technique is called Exposure Bracketing

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Exposure Compensation
While using the automated dial modes from the
creative zones of the camera (Tv/Av/P), exposures might
turn out not properly exposed as expected because of the
locked-in auto-parameters, hence exposure compensation
dial is used to alter the overexposure or underexposure of
the image captured by the camera, this allows
photographers to adjust the brightness or darkness of the
exposure as desired. Exposure compensation parameters
range from -2 to +2, -3 to +3 or -5 to +5 depending on
the camera device and make

Figure 3. Illustration of exposure compensation belt. Source:

(Carroll,2016) https://petapixel.com/aperture-shutter-speed-iso-
beginners-guide-photography/

Shutter and the Aperture

Aside from the auto mode in the DSLR (Digital
Single-lens Reflex) camera, the MILC (Mirrorless
Interchangeable-Lens Camera) or the Bridge camera, the
Manual mode allows photographers to adjust the aperture
and shutter speed independently of each other like old
Single Reflex-lens (SLR) camera versions. As creative
controls, both the aperture and shutter settings aid the

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exposure of accurately exposed photographs and hence
are fundamental to the operation of any camera and the
creation of creative photographs.
Aperture setting
The aperture is the degree of opening in the camera
lens for light to come in. (Ryan, 2013) likens it to the
opening of the human pupil (eyes), which adapts to high
and low lights, ( ie. the larger the opening, the more light
is allowed in and the smaller the opening the less light is
let in). The aperture opening is equally adaptable in size
and calculates the intensity of light hitting the image
sensor, it is measured in 'f-stops. Changing the f-stop
value means changing the aperture size to either larger or
smaller, but unlike the human eyes the aperture measures
in reverse, “the larger the opening, the less light is allowed
in and the smaller the opening the more light is let in”
(Carroll, 2016; Ryan, 2013).

Figure 4: Illustration of aperture openings at different f-stops. Source:

https://capturetheatlas.com/what-is-aperture-in-photography/

Often, f-stops numbers become confusing and

difficult to interpret but Ryan, (2013) explains thus;

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“These aperture numbers are simply based on a measured
opening at the front of the lens. This measurement is
relative to the focal length of the lens. For example, A 100
mm lens with an effective opening of 50 mm at the front
of the lens would make this an f:2 lens. (2 x 50 = 100)” as
illustrated below.
Consequently, the choice of aperture affects the
Depth of Field of a photographed image. Depth of Field
is the amount of the image that is in focus (sharp). A wide
aperture will produce a shallow depth of field. The
illustration below graphically explains how aperture size
affects depth of field.

Figure 5: descriptive illustration of the relationship between Depth of

Field and aperture. Source: https://capturetheatlas.com/what-is-aperture-
in-photography/

Shutter speed
Shutter speed is the length of time the image sensor
is exposed to the light that reaches the opening of a
camera lens (aperture), it controls how motion is
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represented in an image. A fast shutter speed freezes
motion in a photographed image while a slow shutter
speed blurs motion in a photographed image, shutter
speed is measured in fractions of a second and is often
referred to as exposure time, the shutter speed can be as
fast as 1/10,000 of a second or as slow as several minutes
(Carroll, 2016). Knowledge of both fast and slow shutter
speed fractions can be adopted for various creative shots;
from freezing waterfalls to blurring candid movements in
sceneries.

Plate 19. Depiction of a slow (1/2 second) shutter speed on a waterfall

using a tripod. Source: (Carroll,2016) https://petapixel.com/aperture-
shutter-speed-iso-beginners-guide-photography/

In plate 21, Rakesh Rocky (n.d) on Flickr used an

ISO of 1250 and a large aperture (f/2) with a high shutter
speed of 1/4000s to achieve the exposure. The shutter
speed setting is therefore an ideal way of experimenting

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with capturing motion in landscape and sports
photography.

Figure 6: Illustration of the effect of different shutter speeds on the sense

of motion. Source: (Carroll,2016) petapixel.com/aperture-shutter-speed-
iso-beginners-guide-photography/

ISO
ISO deals with light sensitivity in photography and
refers to how sensitive the camera's digital sensor is to
light, ISO numbers can range from 50 to over 14000. A
high ISO allows a photographer with a handheld camera
to shoot at a higher shutter speed, say at an 800 ISO
setting, despite the advancement in technology and the
fact that most contemporary cameras are developed to

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handle ISO well, caution must be taken not to excessively
increase the ISO parameter as it often leads to image noise
(graininess).

Composition in photography
Every visual artist is guided by the elements and
principles of design and rules that guide their visual
metaphors, the Rule of Thirds is one of such universal
guidelines that creatives use for segmenting the plane of
their art artboard, another is the golden ratio which
stipulates 1.618 to1 for subject placement. In
photography, the Rule of Thirds remains a significant
guideline, it places the subject (point of interest or the
appeal point) of an image in the right or left a third of the
frame, leaving the other two-thirds more open (Adobe,
2022).

“That means the corners of the central square are

the intersection points in your grid where you want
to place the focal point of your shot. It’s called the
rule of thirds, but you can think of it as giving you
four crosshairs with which to target a shot’s
important elements. This will help you balance your
main subject with negative space in your shot to nail
an effective photographic composition that will draw
the viewer’s eye.” (Adobe, 2022)

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Plate 21. Rule of thirds in photography Source: Adobe.

adobe.com/creativecloud/photography/discover/rule-of-
thirds.html#:~:text=What%20is%20the%20rule%20of,compelling%20an
d%20well%2Dcomposed%20shots.

Plate 22. Rule of thirds in photography. Source: Adobe.

adobe.com/creativecloud/photography/discover/rule-of-
thirds.html#:~:text=What%20is%20the%20rule%20of,compelling%20an
d%20well%2Dcomposed%20shots.

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How to use the Rule of Thirds
1. Practice and Apply the rules: Turn on the Rule of
Thirds grid in your camera and practice with it. Explore
the rules by taking several pictures of parks, locations and
events
2. Keep your eye on the frame: Be clear about where
your focus point will be before taking your shot.
3. Be creative: Alternate sceneries and subjects to see
their spread on the grid, be experimental.
4. Break the rule: This might appear daunting for
beginners, but professionals believe that the best way to
improve your creative skill, is to “push beyond borders”.
This can be achieved by filling the frames especially when
the scene is interesting, zooming in and out from your
subjects to see how it alters the rule; using a different
composition and reversing the rule by alternating the open
space with your subject. As noted by photographer and
designer Shawn Ingersoll in Adobe, (2022) “the rule of
thirds, is not a rule. It’s more of a guideline or best
practice.”
In conclusion, photography is the creative process
of capturing images or drawing with light through a device
called the camera, it is both a science and an art. Amidst
growing technology and increasing ready-to-use
automated camera types including mobile phones, today's
photographers must continue to hone their skills by

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understanding the rudiment of the art and acquiring
updated information on global best practices to remain
practically relevant and well-grounded in its theory. The
creative zone and basic zones of the camera must also be
explored and understood extensively by practitioners if we
must transfer its knowledge to the next generation.
This book chapter, therefore, provides a standpoint
for would-be photographers and design students who
offer photography as a module in their field of study.

Questions
1. Name 6 parts of a camera you know
2. Mention 5 types of Camera you know
3. What are the Genres of Photography
4. Briefly explain lighting in the Photography studio
5. Explain the basic camera modes. (b)discuss
exposure
6. Explain ISO, Composition. (b). Demonstrate
Depth of field effect with any available HD camera

References
Adobe, (2022) How to use and break the rule of
thirds.www.adobe.com/creativecloud/photography/dis
cover/rule-of-thirds.html#:~:text=
What%20is%20the%20rule%20of,compelling%20and%
20well%2Dcomposed%20shots.
Carroll, O.B. (2016 June 25). A Beginner’s Guide to Aperture,
Shutter Speed, and ISO in Photography.

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 Toluwani and Onwuekwe
https://petapixel.com/aperture-shutter-speed-iso-
beginners-guide-photography/
Kevin, H. (2021). 10 Different Types of Cameras.
https://photographycourse.net/different-types-of-
cameras/

Langmead, P. A. (2005). Picturing Things: Advertising, Objects

and Meaning. MA Thesis, Department of
Communications and Multimedia Edith Cowan
University. http://www.paullangmead.com/
downloads/PALangmeadThesis.pdf

Markus, J. (2021). The 15 Most Popular Types of Photography You

Need to Master. https://www.vandelaydesign.com/types-
of-photography/

MasterClass, (2021, September 28). Design & Style: What Is a

DSLR Camera? DSLR vs. Mirrorless Cameras
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-a-dslr-
camera#what-are-the-benefits-of-using-a-dslr-camera
Master Class, (2021, September 28). Design & Style: What Is a
Mirrorless Camera and How Does It Compare to a DSLR?
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-a-
mirrorless-camera#mirrorless-cameras-versus-dslrs-
whats-the-difference
Onwuekwe, C. (2017), Construction of Spot Lights for Studio
Photography Using Scrap and Improvised Materials.
Malaysian Journal of Creative Media, Design and Technology.
Vol. 1 No.1 2017

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Ryan, M (2013). Three Little Wishes Photograph: ISO, Shutter
Speed and Aperture.
https://www.threelittlewishes.co.nz/site/threelittlewish
es/files/ISO_Shutter%20Speed_%20Aperture_.pdf

Takahashi, R. (2018). Lesson 2: Knowing the Different Parts of the

Camera. https://snapshot.canon-asia.com/article/eng
/lesson-2-knowing-the-different-parts-of-the-camera

Taylor, K. (2019). The importance of understanding light in

photography. https://karltayloreducation.com/
photography-course/understanding-light/

Toluwani, D. (2021). Introduction to photography [Class Handout].

Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, FAA 340
What Is Photography? (2021). What is Photography?
https://www.eden-gallery.com/news/what-is-
photography

What is Photography? (2022). Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia.

www.wikipedia.org/photography. Assessed, 3/3/2022

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