Key Points from Photography Lecture

Introduction

• Photography has a lot of aspects to learn: resources, opinions, etc.
• This lecture covers foundational tips for the first few years of learning photography.
• Emphasis on growing into the tips over time.

Conceptual and Art-Based Aspects

Photography Breakdown

• 70% What's in the photo
• 20% How you take the photo
• 10% How you edit it
• Importance of starting with a strong foundational image
• Focus on subject, layout, composition, color, lighting, and space

Vision in Photography

• Visual language and imagination are crucial
• Expose yourself to good photography to understand standards
• Dunning-Kruger Effect: Overestimating one's skills initially
• Comparative learning by detaching emotionally from own work

Inspiration from Other Visual Arts

• Look at painting, movies, video, illustration, architecture, etc.
• Fusion of interests creates uniqueness
• Avoid worrying about style at the beginning

Craft and Execution

Exposure Triangle

• Key elements: Shutter speed, aperture, ISO
• Learn to adjust exposure quickly without looking
• Prioritize: Shutter speed > Aperture > ISO

Photography Rules as Visual Patterns

• Rules include the rule of thirds, symmetry, leading lines, frames
• Understand and use visual patterns to improve composition
• Avoid lazy teaching – learn patterns deeply

Practice and Habit Formation

• Take many shots, make mistakes, and learn
• Break down skills and practice them weekly

Light Consideration

• Optimal light conditions: an hour before/after sunset or sunrise
• Understanding light quality and its impact on photos

Deliberate Composition

• Every element in the photo should have a purpose
• Avoid distractions in the composition

Focus on Subject

• Every photo needs a strong, clear subject
• Communicate the subject's importance to the viewer

Movement and Experimentation

• Move around and experiment with compositions
• Digital photography allows for numerous attempts with minimal cost

Importance of Editing

• Shoot in RAW and edit the images
• Learning post-processing is crucial

Collaborative Learning

• Go on photo walks with other photographers and compare results
• Learn from others' approaches

Gear and Technical Tips

Using Auto-Settings

• Auto white balance and auto ISO are acceptable
• Manual settings are not always necessary

Planning and Scouting

• Plan shoots ahead of time using tools like Google Earth and PhotoPills
• Imagination and forethought save time and effort

Investment in Gear

• Invest in lenses over camera bodies
• Stick to one camera brand and mount for a long-term lens collection

Learning Gear-Specific Skills

• Different photography categories require different gear and skills

Understanding Focal Lengths

• Each focal length has unique characteristics and uses
• Learn strengths and weaknesses of different focal lengths

Conclusion

• 20 foundational tips for photography learning
• Encouragement to join the community on social media platforms