Photography Guide http://photographyguide.org/atom/feed 2007-03-04T18:57:30+00:00 Michael Langford's 35mm Handbook http://photographyguide.org/books/35mm-handbook-michael-langford 2007-05-02T16:39:34+01:00 2007-05-02T16:47:11+01:00 stellar Michael Langford's 35mm Handbook is an excellent photography book for anyone who wants to learn photography.

It explains fundamental photographic techniques in plain english and uses real life examples. Michael Langford's 35mm Handbook is required reading with many photography courses, and there is no doubt why.

If you are beginning photography or an intermediate, you will find this book a useful and often indepensible resource. It is small enough to take on location, so you are sure to always have it to hand.

]]> Michael Langford's 35mm Handbook is an excellent photography book for anyone who wants to learn photography.

It explains fundamental photographic techniques in plain english and uses real life examples. Michael Langford's 35mm Handbook is required reading with many photography courses, and there is no doubt why.

If you are beginning photography or an intermediate, you will find this book a useful and often indepensible resource. It is small enough to take on location, so you are sure to always have it to hand.

I thoroughly recommend Michael Langford's 35mm Handbook.

]]> Theory of Light & Colour http://photographyguide.org/light-colour-theory 2007-03-04T20:04:23+00:00 2007-03-04T20:04:23+00:00 stellar Sir Isaac Newton discovered colour in light in 1666 by passing light through a prism and creating a rainbow on his wall. Then in 1802, a physician called Thomas Young proved that these colours all have a specific frequency and wavelength. His theory proposed that light is made up of three primary colours: red, blue and green, and that all other colours are formed by a combination of these three. This is the fundamental principle for colour photography.
 

]]> Sir Isaac Newton discovered colour in light in 1666 by passing light through a prism and creating a rainbow on his wall. Then in 1802, a physician called Thomas Young proved that these colours all have a specific frequency and wavelength. His theory proposed that light is made up of three primary colours: red, blue and green, and that all other colours are formed by a combination of these three. This is the fundamental principle for colour photography.
 

The eye perceives light by the reflection and absorption of light by all objects. For example, a blue object will reflect blue light and absorb red and green light. Furthermore, a white piece of paper will reflect all colours of light and a black piece of paper would do the converse and absorb all frequencies of light.
The complimentary colours of the three primary colours red, blue and green in the visible spectrum of light are cyan, yellow and magenta respectively. The diagram on the following page illustrates the colour wheel for visible light. The colours next to each other in the colour wheel are considered to be colours in contrast such as blue and violet. Two colours that appear opposite to each other in the wheel are referred to as colours in discord e.g. red and cyan.

]]> Colour Temperature http://photographyguide.org/colour-temperature 2007-03-04T19:54:55+00:00 2007-03-04T20:06:15+00:00 stellar Colour temperature is a measure of the amount of various colours in a continuous spectrum of light. It is expressed in the Kelvin scale of temperature where 0°C is equivalent to 273 K.

]]> Colour temperature is a measure of the amount of various colours in a continuous spectrum of light. It is expressed in the Kelvin scale of temperature where 0°C is equivalent to 273 K.

Daylight is commonly perceived as being white although it actually always has a predominant colour present depending on the time of the day or the weather. In addition, artificial light is never white even though it may appear to be as the retinas in our eyes are highly capable of correcting for colour casts. Photographic film is unable to make this adjustment and therefore will only record what is visible hence suitable film must be selected for the particular light available.

If daylight balanced film is used in an environment that is lit by the common household bulb (tungsten light) then an orange colour cast will be recorded by the film. But if tungsten film was used in that same environment then the colours of the photograph would be as the naked eye sees it. For further details on daylight and tungsten balanced film and their suited applications, refer to the Colour Balance section in Film Characteristics.

]]> Terms related with Colour http://photographyguide.org/colour-terms 2007-03-04T19:53:17+00:00 2007-03-04T20:06:02+00:00 stellar Hue - By definition, hue is the term used to describe the shade of a colour. It is also the characteristic that gives a particular colour its place in the spectrum.

Saturation - The term saturation is used to describe the degree or intensity or richness of a colour. Therefore the less saturated a colour appears then the duller it is.

Lightness - Lightness is the indication of how light or dark a colour is.

]]> Hue - By definition, hue is the term used to describe the shade of a colour. It is also the characteristic that gives a particular colour its place in the spectrum.

Saturation - The term saturation is used to describe the degree or intensity or richness of a colour. Therefore the less saturated a colour appears then the duller it is.

Lightness - Lightness is the indication of how light or dark a colour is.

]]> The Essence of Colour http://photographyguide.org/essence-colour 2007-03-04T19:51:38+00:00 2007-03-04T20:05:48+00:00 stellar Colour is present in our lives due to a range of wavelengths in the visible spectrum of light and the intensity of light determines the saturation and contrast of the colours that we see.

]]> Colour is present in our lives due to a range of wavelengths in the visible spectrum of light and the intensity of light determines the saturation and contrast of the colours that we see.

The scientific theory of light explains why we have colour but there are many more theories on the power of colour and the emotions that they evoke. There is no absolute theory that defines the psychological influence of colour, but there are commonly known associations of colour with emotions and varying theories have proposed that colour can have an affect on the body and the psychological state.

Colour is frequently used to convey a certain message, for example a red sign is often connected with warning or danger signs, white generally symbolises peace, pink and blue are respectively associated with newly born baby girls and boys. Even in daily conversations, colour can be used to conjure up images such as green with envy, as white as a sheet, to feel blue.

]]> Primary Colours http://photographyguide.org/primary-colours 2007-03-04T19:49:28+00:00 2007-03-04T20:05:33+00:00 stellar Red

Red is regarded as an intense colour and happens to have the longest wavelength in the visible spectrum and as a colour it generally catches our attention. Red objects often appear to be nearer than they are and have proved very effective in traffic light signals. Red is commonly associated with energy, warmth, vitality, love and aggression. It is reputed to generate a physical strong reaction.

Blue

]]> Red

Red is regarded as an intense colour and happens to have the longest wavelength in the visible spectrum and as a colour it generally catches our attention. Red objects often appear to be nearer than they are and have proved very effective in traffic light signals. Red is commonly associated with energy, warmth, vitality, love and aggression. It is reputed to generate a physical strong reaction.

Blue

Blue is the most predominant colour on Earth in the sky and the sea. It has often been proved to be the favourite colour for the world’s population. The colour blue is supposed to affect us mentally as opposed to red, which affects us physically. It is a colour that is frequently associated with intelligence, serenity, coolness, aloofness and calm.

Green

Green is the most common colour of vegetation and is a predominant colour in landscape photography. It is in the centre of the spectrum and strikes the eye in such a manner that no adjustment is required. Hence it is a colour that is signifies balance. Its other associations include harmony, peace and nature.

]]> Secondary Colours http://photographyguide.org/secondary-colours 2007-03-04T19:47:11+00:00 2007-03-04T22:56:01+00:00 stellar  

Yellow

The colour yellow has a relatively long wavelength. It is considered to be the colour that has the greatest effect on the psychological state as it is highly stimulating. It is often associated with cowardliness. Yellow can also signify optimism, happiness, friendliness and creativity but has negative associations with fear, depression and anxiety.

]]>  

Yellow

The colour yellow has a relatively long wavelength. It is considered to be the colour that has the greatest effect on the psychological state as it is highly stimulating. It is often associated with cowardliness. Yellow can also signify optimism, happiness, friendliness and creativity but has negative associations with fear, depression and anxiety.

Orange

Orange is a combination of red and yellow and is therefore quite a powerful colour. It is often related with issues of physical comfort such as food, shelter, warmth, etc. It is a warm colour that signifies security, sensuality and fun. It can also be associated with deprivation, frustration and immaturity.

Violet

This colour has the shortest wavelength and is also described as purple. At one time, violet or purple dye was the most expensive colour dye and therefore only wealthy people or royalty could afford to have purple coloured clothing. Still today, the colour purple is associated with luxury and decadence. It is the last colour in the visible spectrum and seems to be related with time, space and the cosmos and is also considered to be a spiritual colour.

Pink

Pink is actually a tint of red and is the only tint colour that has its own name. All other tints are generally called a darker version or lighter version of their respective colour such as light and dark blue. Pink often represents femininity, love and sexuality and is also considered to be a nurturing and physically soothing colour. It can also be associated with emasculation and physical weakness.

]]> White, Black and Grey http://photographyguide.org/white-black-grey 2007-03-04T19:44:32+00:00 2007-03-04T19:44:32+00:00 stellar For the purposes of this module, white, black and grey have not been included. White and black are often not considered to be colours. In accordance with the theory of light, white is actually a combination of all colours, black is the absence of all colours and grey is considered to be a tint of black. This does not prevent these colours having significant meanings:

White – Positive associations: purity, simplicity and sterility
    Negative associations: coldness, elitism, unfriendliness and sterility

]]> For the purposes of this module, white, black and grey have not been included. White and black are often not considered to be colours. In accordance with the theory of light, white is actually a combination of all colours, black is the absence of all colours and grey is considered to be a tint of black. This does not prevent these colours having significant meanings:

White – Positive associations: purity, simplicity and sterility
    Negative associations: coldness, elitism, unfriendliness and sterility
Black – Positive associations: glamour, sophistication and substance
    Negative associations: oppression, coldness and menace
Grey –     Positive associations: psychological neutrality
    Negative associations: depression, hibernation and lack of confidence

]]> Film Format http://photographyguide.org/film-format 2007-03-04T19:42:56+00:00 2007-03-04T19:42:56+00:00 stellar Generally, film has three main formats (or sizes) and these are small, medium and large. The most common small format film size is 35mm and is also known as 135, where the diagonal length of the image is 35mm. All small format film is roll film, which means that it is a long strip of film rolled onto a spool and housed in a light tight cylinder. Other types of small format film include 110 (18mm) and APX films (28mm). The standard number of negatives to each roll is 12, 24 or 36.

]]> Generally, film has three main formats (or sizes) and these are small, medium and large. The most common small format film size is 35mm and is also known as 135, where the diagonal length of the image is 35mm. All small format film is roll film, which means that it is a long strip of film rolled onto a spool and housed in a light tight cylinder. Other types of small format film include 110 (18mm) and APX films (28mm). The standard number of negatives to each roll is 12, 24 or 36.

Medium format films all use 120 /220 roll film. The standard 2 ¼ film is a 2 ¼ square image area, alternatively known as 6 x 6 format. 120 film gives 12 exposures and 220 film gives 24 exposures. 120 / 220 film also comes in formats of 6 x 4.5 and 7 x 7.

Large format film is referred to as sheet film as each image is on a separate negative. All large format films are measured in inches where the smallest format is 4 x 5 film. The sizes then increase to 5 x 7, 8 x 10, 11 x 14 and 16 x 20. These films obviously can only be used in cameras that can accommodate the film.

]]> Types of Film http://photographyguide.org/types-film 2007-03-04T19:40:14+00:00 2007-03-04T19:41:28+00:00 stellar Generally there are two types of film: negative and positive. Negative films record a negative image of the scene or subject that is photographed. Therefore light areas of the scene appear dark on the film and the colours themselves are seen as the opposite colour on the colour wheel. In order to produce a positive image it has to be transferred to photographic paper via contact or enlargement.

]]> Generally there are two types of film: negative and positive. Negative films record a negative image of the scene or subject that is photographed. Therefore light areas of the scene appear dark on the film and the colours themselves are seen as the opposite colour on the colour wheel. In order to produce a positive image it has to be transferred to photographic paper via contact or enlargement.

Similarly, positive film records a positive image of the scene. The colours and the areas of varying light are recorded as the scene appears itself. The resulting images are called slides or transparencies and in order to view the image it is necessary to project them on to a screen.

]]> colour-negative-film http://photographyguide.org/colour-negative-film 2007-03-04T19:03:15+00:00 2007-03-04T19:03:15+00:00 stellar On the surface of colour negative film there is a chromogenic colour emulsion, which is made up of three basic layers that are each sensitive to one of the three additive primary colours. When exposed to light, the silver halide crystals on each of the different layers form a latent image of their respective colour similar to black and white film. See diagram below:

]]> On the surface of colour negative film there is a chromogenic colour emulsion, which is made up of three basic layers that are each sensitive to one of the three additive primary colours. When exposed to light, the silver halide crystals on each of the different layers form a latent image of their respective colour similar to black and white film. See diagram below:

Dyes of the complimentary colour are coupled to the silver halide crystals in the emulsion. Rudolph Fisher patented this dye coupler process in 1912. The combination of the silver crystals and the coupled dyes results in two images: black (silver) and colour (dye). An orange colour in the film base is used to reduce contrast of the negative and to improve the green and red sensitive layers of the film. Common manufacturers of colour negative film are Kodak, Fuji and Agfa. Throughout the course I have used Fujicolor Superia films at varying speeds of ISO 100 to 800 and I have experimented with a Kodak Portra film for studio photography.

]]> Colour Slide Film http://photographyguide.org/colour-slide-film 2007-03-04T19:01:42+00:00 2007-03-04T19:01:42+00:00 stellar The emulsion on the slide film is similar to the colour negative film. As the latent image is positive, a few more steps are required during processing. The chemistry is slightly different as the silver halide crystals create a negative image in all three layers during the standard chromogenic development process.

Slide or transparency film is intended for projection onto a screen or wall and is therefore not made into prints. As the final image on a slide film is positive, the orange mask that is used for negative film is not required.

]]> The emulsion on the slide film is similar to the colour negative film. As the latent image is positive, a few more steps are required during processing. The chemistry is slightly different as the silver halide crystals create a negative image in all three layers during the standard chromogenic development process.

Slide or transparency film is intended for projection onto a screen or wall and is therefore not made into prints. As the final image on a slide film is positive, the orange mask that is used for negative film is not required.

Slide film produces images of a higher quality in comparison with negative film due to greater colour saturation and finer grain and as a result slide film also generates sharper resolution reprints. But slide film is less forgiving than negative film for errors and is not so user-friendly for the beginner at photography due to the precision required for correct exposure. The bracketing technique may be used in these circumstances to render a correctly exposed image.

The term bracketing is used for making different exposures above and below the indicated exposure to ensure that one of the frames will be a well-exposed image. In particular when shooting slide film the brackets should be made so that the stops are one half or one third as opposed to a full stop. This is necessary due to the narrow exposure latitude allowed by slide film. A full stop or greater could be used for negative film.

Common slide film manufacturers again are Kodak, Fuji and Agfa. In this module I have used Kodak Ektachrome ISO 100 in 120 format and Kodak Elite Chrome Extra Colour ISO 100 in 135 format.

]]> Film Speed http://photographyguide.org/film-speed 2007-03-04T18:59:57+00:00 2007-03-04T18:59:57+00:00 stellar Photographic film is categorised by its speed, which is determined by its sensitivity to light and is expressed as an ASA / ISO number. The larger the number of the film then the ‘faster’ it is. This means that the film requires less light to form an image as the film itself is more sensitive to light.

]]> Photographic film is categorised by its speed, which is determined by its sensitivity to light and is expressed as an ASA / ISO number. The larger the number of the film then the ‘faster’ it is. This means that the film requires less light to form an image as the film itself is more sensitive to light.

Faster films are suited to images with quickly moving objects and maintaining sharpness or dimly lit scenes where additional illumination is not desired. A slow speed film is suited to portrait photography where the subject is stationary and the lighting can be controlled. The finer silver halide grains in the slower films result in sharper detail in these circumstances.

]]> Colour Balance http://photographyguide.org/colour-balance 2007-03-04T18:58:45+00:00 2007-03-04T18:58:45+00:00 stellar There is a difference in colour between natural and artificial light and therefore each colour film must be balanced to yield correct colours for those particular light conditions such as daylight or tungsten bulb light. If the correct film is not used then this will result in a colour cast on the final image caused by a shift in colour balance due to the lighting being out of balance with the film type.

]]> There is a difference in colour between natural and artificial light and therefore each colour film must be balanced to yield correct colours for those particular light conditions such as daylight or tungsten bulb light. If the correct film is not used then this will result in a colour cast on the final image caused by a shift in colour balance due to the lighting being out of balance with the film type.

Daylight balanced film is the most commonly used as it is designed to produce an accurate representation of a daylight scene and is balanced for light in the 5200 K to 5800 K temperature range. It is highly suited to outdoors but can also be used indoors when using flash or full- spectrum bulbs. Daylight is considered to be blue therefore using this film in other lighting conditions will generally render a warmer tone of the image. If the daylight film is used in a scene lit by a household bulb light (tungsten), following developing the image will have a yellow-orange cast. The use of 80 A / B colour filters will eliminate this cast.

Tungsten balanced film is to be used when indoors with normal (tungsten) and fluorescent lighting as it is balanced for light at a temperature of 3200 K. If tungsten film is used in daylight conditions then the final image will have a blue cast. This cast can be eliminated by using 85A / B filters that will warm-up the available light. Refer to Colour Filters section for details on other filters.

]]> Colour Contrast http://photographyguide.org/colour-contrast 2007-03-04T18:57:30+00:00 2007-03-04T18:57:30+00:00 stellar Film contrast is a characteristic that is inherent to the type of film or paper and refers to the range of tonal values that the film or paper is sensitive to and therefore records during exposure. A low contrast film can record a greater range of values than a higher contrast film. The tonal value range can also be known as the brightness range and for normal contrast brightness would range over 5 stops.

After printing and developing, image contrast is relevant to the range of tonal values of the final image.

Higher contrast can be achieved with:

]]> Film contrast is a characteristic that is inherent to the type of film or paper and refers to the range of tonal values that the film or paper is sensitive to and therefore records during exposure. A low contrast film can record a greater range of values than a higher contrast film. The tonal value range can also be known as the brightness range and for normal contrast brightness would range over 5 stops.

After printing and developing, image contrast is relevant to the range of tonal values of the final image.

Higher contrast can be achieved with:
·    normal speed film
·    low subject brightness range
·    underdevelopment of film
·    slow developer
·    low developing temperature
·    too much agitation

Lower contrast occurs with:
·    high speed film
·    high subject brightness range
·    overdevelopment of film
·    fast-acting developer
·    high developing temperature
·    too little agitation

]]>