Beginning Photography Fundamentals: Composition, Lighting & Camera Settings

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10 years ago Chelsea & I made a 7-hour photography training DVD/BluRay series. A lot has changed in photography since then (you'll see a lot of HDR in this video haha), but the fundamentals have stayed the same, and these lessons are still valid.

I think the timing is good because YouTube and TikTok have degraded the study of the art of photography down to clickbait and 30-second “tips”. This is a structured and thorough lesson. Bookmark it, put your phone down and pay attention. Your time will pay off.

If you think others should learn the fundamentals of photography, please share this video.

0:00:00 INTRODUCTION
0:01:19 PART 1 - QUICK TIPS
0:18:31 PART 2 INTRODUCTION - COMPOSITION
0:19:22 Have a Focal Point
0:20:30 Simplifying Photographic Compositions
0:24:05 Travel Photography Tips
0:25:56 Rule of Thirds
0:28:57 Rule of Space
0:31:03 Angle of View (Focal Length)
0:33:44 Controlling the Background
0:37:43 Showing Scale
0:39:15 Using Lines as Compositional Elements
0:43:18 Patterns in Photography
0:49:38 Symmetry in Composition
0:52:57 Showing Depth
0:56:57 Creating Panoramas
1:01:29 Abstract Photography
1:03:55 Black & White Photography
1:20:24 Photography Composition Practices
1:22:27 PART 3 INTRODUCTION - LIGHTING & FLASH
1:23:27 Hard & Soft Light
1:28:47 Reflected Light & Color Casts
1:32:30 Direction Light (Front lighting, side lighting, back lighting)
1:46:09 Lighting Quiz
1:50:38 Golden Hour
1:56:05 Using the Photographer’s Ephemeris
2:07:23 Using Flash for Photography
2:09:51 Using Fill Flash
2:13:12 Using Bounce Flash
2:15:13 Flash Modifiers
2:20:04 Using High Speed Sync (HSS)
2:24:06 White Balance
2:34:49 Taking Pictures in Full Sunlight
2:37:55 Using Flash Exposure Compensation
2:40:30 Flash & Lighting Practices
2:45:10 PART 4 INTRODUCTION - CAMERA SETTINGS
2:45:17 Parts of your Camera
3:10:53 Focusing Types: Manual Focus, Autofocus, Continuous AF
3:21:44 Back-button Autofocus
3:25:18 Precise Focusing
3:27:50 Shutter Modes (Single Shot, Continuous Shutter, Delayed Shutter)
3:31:36 Understanding Shutter Speed & Shutter Priority Mode
3:40:03 Avoiding Camera Shake
3:47:39 Handheld Long Exposures & Reciprocal Rule
3:52:35 Aperture, f/stops and Depth-of-Field
4:09:51 ISO
4:14:25 Auto Exposure & Exposure Compensation
4:24:51 Exposure Compensation and Histograms
4:34:36 Exposure Triangle (Aperture, Shutter Speed & ISO)
4:48:10 Raw vs JPEG for image quality
4:59:43 Practices for Understand Camera Settings
5:18:29 PART 5 INTRODUCTION - TROUBLESHOOTING PHOTOGRAPHY PROBLEMS
5:18:48 Troubleshooting Blurry Pictures
5:32:41 Testing your Camera’s Autofocus System
5:50:18 Removing Stuck Lens Filters
5:51:58 Troubleshooting Motion Blur
5:59:17 Diffraction
6:01:34 Checking Lens Sharpness
6:08:21 Noisy Images
6:14:17 Color Problems
6:18:52 Washed-out Pictures
6:21:44 Chromatic Aberration (Fringing)
6:23:01 Dust Spots on Lenses and Sensors
6:34:44 Crooked Horizons
6:36:44 Poor Battery Life
6:40:00 Running out of memory card space
6:40:49 Troubleshooting Flash Battery Life
6:45:00 Troubleshooting Flash Sync Problems
6:49:02 Troubleshooting Lens Flare
6:50:05 Summary

By: Tony & Chelsea Northrup
Title: Beginning Photography Fundamentals: Composition, Lighting & Camera Settings
Sourced From: www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHcA7pPwYZY

Here are the 3 most popular drones on Amazon Today!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money do drone photographers make?

A photographer can make more than $10k per gig, depending on how much time he/she travels and where he/she photographs. If you shoot in remote areas such as national parks or forests, you could earn upwards of $20-30 an hour.

An average person is paid $15-$25 an hr in retail. That means you could fly drones for $50-$75 if that's what you desire. There are other opportunities to make more. Most drone pilots fly for companies that require them travel throughout the country, or internationally.

You can charge anywhere from $100 to $300 per flight, depending on the time you spend flying and the distance you cover. This can add up quickly, but if you enjoy flying and love photography, it may be worth it for you.

How do I get started drone photography?

There are many ways you can start taking photos with a drone. The first option is to buy a ready-made drone kit. You will get everything you need to get started. They cost $200 to $500, depending upon which model you choose.

Another option is to build your own drone. Although this is not an easy task, it is possible to still create a drone capable of taking decent photos and videos.

Quadcopters are the best option for those looking to build their drone. A quadcopter, like conventional helicopters has four propellers or rotors instead of the usual two.

A quadcopter can be assembled and maintained in a much shorter time than a helicopter. It is also easier to transport and purchase.

You'll first need to select the right parts. You will need props, motors, batteries controllers and controllers. Be sure to select the right size and weight.

Next, you will need to choose which type of controller you want. There are many types of controllers available. You can attach your drone to the camera with the built-in camera.

Once you've chosen the right parts, you're ready to assemble your drone. Preassembled kits make life easier. You can build your drone on your own by following these steps.

Step 1 Attach the battery pack

For your quadcopter to be built, you'll need the battery pack connected to the motor. First, remove cover plate from bottom of battery pack. Then, slide the battery into place.

Step2: Connect the motors

Next, you will need to place the motors within the proper slots. Each motor should be installed in its own slot. Install the motors facing forward, perpendicular and in the designated slot.

Step3: Installing the propeller

Last, attach the propellers and frame. Remember to position them at equal distances apart.

Now you are ready to test your drone. If the drone doesn't move when you turn it on, make sure the propellers face forward. Make sure there aren't any obstructions between the propellers.

Which drone is best for photography

Drones are an exciting technology that can be used for many purposes. These include aerial photography, filming movies, and even delivery of packages. But what makes drones such useful tool? Drones have two main advantages. Drones are extremely versatile. There are many uses for drones. You can use them for almost every task that you would normally use a camera to accomplish. They are easy to use. It is very easy to fly a quadcopter if you have ever flown one.

Drones can also capture incredible images. You can take stunning photos from places you wouldn’t normally go with a drone. These include remote areas in which you could be put in danger.

Drones have a simple operation, so anyone can fly them. After you have mastered the basics, your drone can be used to take amazing photos no matter where you are. Take a look at our drone selection if your goal is to capture better photographs.

What laws should I be aware of regarding drone photography?

Drone flights are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Local laws might also apply to drone flight operations. For details on drone flight regulations, please contact your state's transportation agency.

The FAA requires drone owners to obtain a license in almost all cases. The FAA has published guidelines regarding licensing. These guidelines can be found here.

Some states require drone operators to register their drones with the government. Learn more about drone registration in our Guide to Drone Registration.

Is a photography drone worth it?

If you're serious about starting your own business, you'll eventually realize there's nothing more important than having a great product. You must have a great product if you want to be seen.

Most photographers aren't selling their work. Instead of selling their products, they are trying to persuade others to buy them.

When you own your company, however, you can't wait for permission from someone else. You will have the ability to find customers today.

That means you'll need to create a compelling story that helps them figure out why they should buy your products instead of somebody else's.

You'll also need to come up with an effective strategy for marketing those products. But even after you've done all that, you still might fail because you haven't figured out how to price your products correctly.

You might decide to charge too little. You could decide to charge too low. You're likely to make a mistake regardless of which way you go.

To avoid these errors, think like a businessman to avoid them. You don't have to become a billionaire. It means that you need to learn how value your time, money and effort.

You must also develop strategies to measure the success of your company.

Once you have a good understanding of pricing, you can now focus on creating the best product possible. A product that's both profitable and creative.

A product that solves your problems and gives you real benefits.

One that stands out from the rest.

Once you have built the product, it's ready for launch. Your brand will be built.

So whether or not you want to take pictures with a drone, you'll want to consider getting one. It will enable you to become a professional photographer. It will improve your skills. It will also help you to grow your business.

Which drone can hold a DSLR camera?

Drones can be used for everyday tasks. Drones already have cameras that allow for aerial photography.

Drones aren't something that people use very often, even though they've been around for years. Drones are often too expensive, noisy and difficult to control.

Drone-A1 was born. It's the world's first fully autonomous quadcopter designed specifically for photographers.

The Drone-A1 has an HD camera which can capture stunning photos and video. Thanks to its powerful onboard processor, the Drone-A1 is able to follow a subject with no human intervention.

You can now focus on taking great photos while the Drone-A1 will take care of hovering, flying and following your subject.

You'll love how easy it is to capture amazing shots with the Drone-A1, thanks to our exclusive Smart Follow feature. Point the Drone-A1 towards your subject, and it will automatically track him or her and keep the distance between the two of you constantly.

The Drone-A1 allows you to shoot anywhere and at any time. It's no longer necessary to worry about holding the camera steady or knowing exactly where your subject will be.

You can also share your photos with loved ones using the built-in GPS on the Drone- A1. You can view all of your photos anywhere you are in the world.

The Drone-A 1 is a great choice for anyone who loves to take photos for fun or as a professional photographer.

Statistics

• A grey card is just a piece of thick paper that is a specific shade of grey (18%), which will be the foundation on which we choose our color temperature. (dronegenuity.com)
• Regional & Super Regional Centers pricing per center (400,000+ sq ft) PLACE ORDER (dronebase.com)
• Greater than 50% throttle stick position generates positive thrust, but less than 50% throttle stick position reverses the direction of the motors, allowing upside-down flying! (photographypro.com)
• Here's proof: according to an analysis of FAA drone registration numbers by drone market research and data group Drone Industry Insights, DJI had a 76.8% market share in the U.S. (thedronegirl.com)
• Though the Mavic 3 is about 50% heavier than the Mavic Air 2, it's still conveniently sized. (nytimes.com)

External Links

blog.dronebase.com

• Is aerial drone photography right for my commercial building?


• 4 Ways Drone Photography Can Make New Home Buyers More Comfortable

dji.com

• Geo Zone Map Fly Safe DJI


• DJI FPV Redefine Flying DJI

How To

What is a good distance for a drone?

When a drone becomes part of you, it is considered a good distance. When you become aware of the drone as a separate entity, you lose sight of its physical boundaries.

You can immerse yourself in your surroundings without worrying about the drone's next move.

Flying close to the ground has a psychological advantage. Flying close to the ground gives you a greater sense of control and makes it easier to feel connected to nature.

However, there are also some drawbacks. We can damage drones by flying near the ground. So how far away do you fly?

The answer depends on the type of drone you are flying. You should aim to fly at least 500 feet above the ground if you're trying to capture aerial footage or film landscapes.

You might limit the height of a cityscape to 1,000 feet. You can avoid trees and buildings that could block your view.

This is because drones tend to struggle with low-light conditions. You can decrease the time spent hovering if you fly in darkness by lowering your altitude.

Also, ensure the area you are flying in is clear of any obstacles such as power lines, traffic signs, or tall buildings.

Consider flying during daylight hours instead of at night. This prevents reflections from streetlights and shadows.

Another thing to think about is the size of the drone itself. The further it is from the ground the bigger the drone. A large quadcopter, for example, requires a minimum height requirement of 300 feet.

If you want some great drone footage, you should always look out for the golden hour.

This is when you have maximum visibility between 3pm-6pm. This is the time when you have maximum visibility because of direct overhead sunlight.

It's also known as the "magic hour,' and it's ideal for capturing beautiful images.

However, you should avoid flying your drone at sunset and sunrise. These times are known to cause poor-quality footage.

Once you have these tips, it is time to begin creating incredible drone videos.

Did you miss our previous article...
https://busybeefilms.com/aerial-photography/rover-20-cam-spacex-starbase-starship-launch-complex