Every child and most adults I know have been fascinated by treasure hunts. I remember birthday parties, youth groups and school camps where a treasure hunt was the feature of the day. So, why not a photo treasure hunt? There is just so much out there to be photographed and it's a fun way to learn digital photography.
When a newcomer to photography first encounters their digital camera, there can be much to learn - and lots of buttons and other features that can seem confusing. In this digital photography for beginners article, we are going to provide a basic explanation of what the key features, and their functions, are.
Lenses - Depending on your camera type you will have a fixed or zoom lens. A digital SLR (or DSLR) will provide the option of interchangeable lenses, which gives you much more control and the ability to vary the lens for the type of situation you are shooting (such as a macro lens for specific close ups of plants or small insects). Compact cameras have fixed lenses, but usually with a zoom option to allow you to take various types of pictures with the one lens.
We were given a list of things and all got into cars and off we went in search of our treasure. What it does is push you to the limits of your creativity depending of course on the list of treasure you need to find.
1. Decide on a list
If it's too easy the fun element diminishes and if it's too difficult then it becomes a task and no longer fun. So agree upon the items you need to photograph and make sure they suit the level of your groups.
2. Decide on the group
Its function is to record the taken image, which it does as a series of tiny square dots called pixels (i.e. picture element). The software within the camera converts this data and stores it on the camera's memory card.
Are you going to do this as individuals or as teams. Should each member of the team shoot each item on the list or can you collect the items as a team? Remember that the stronger photographers will get more than the weaker and if it's too difficult interest will be lost.
3. Choose a location
Shutter Release - This button sits on the top right of the camera and is used to take your picture. A gentle press of the button halfway down will focus your lens, the full press will complete your shot.
Mode Dial - This usually appears on the top left of the camera and will provide choices for the control you have over your photograph. Automatic Modes will give you the option to just point and shoot (e.g. use Portrait Mode for shots of people, Landscape Mode for views, Sports Mode for speeding cars etc.). Semi Automatic Modes allow you control over aspects of shutter speed or aperture and Manual Mode allows you to set both shutter and aperture, for ultimate control. Generally, digital photography for beginners means using Automatic Modes at first, then moving to Semi Automatic after some experience has been gained.
If you loved this paper then you would likely also love knowing about Consumer Report Digital Camera as well as Best Digital Camera For Kids.
