Guidelines 3

Good lighting is a critical element in all good photography. Take pictures as much as possible in early morning, late evening, open shade, on slightly overcast days (unless you need to show the sky) or when a cloud passes over.

Avoid photography on heavily overcast days or in very bright situations, such as full midday sun. If there are large areas of shadow and bright light, a good photograph is nearly impossible without the use of flash or other fill lighting.

When necessary, a flash can be used to fill in shadows that have too much contrast. Use a zoom lens to place yourself at the right distance from the subject where the flash reading is no more than 1 stop less than the camera meter reading on the sunny part of the subject.

If a picture must be taken in a relatively high-contrast situation, position the camera or subject in a manner that strongly emphasizes only the lit area or the dark area, and shoot for the dominant lighting. It is perfectly acceptable to have strong highlights and shadows as long as they take up only very small "rim" areas of the picture that help to separate the subject from the background.

Good lighting can help create three-dimensionality. Areas of light and dark (within contrast limits) in the foreground or behind the subject can be very pleasing.

Camera light meters can break or stop working without your noticing. Be sure you have spare batteries, and occasionally check the meter. To check, aim the camera at clear blue sky (not hazy) with it set on ASA 64, 1/125th speed, lens at infinity, and take a reading. The reading should be very close to f/11.

In this Fall, 1995, feature in BATS, student Ya Fu Lee captures Mexican free-tailed bats as they emerge from the mouth of a cave. The shot has action, as well as good light/dark contrast. A second flash would have better illuminated the bats (not visible in this photocopy) and greatly enhanced the photo. Note that there is no distracting clutter such as cola cans, vehicles, etc., and that the photographer has used the Rule of Thirds, positioning the subject in the left third of the frame. The handle of the net creates a pleasing diagonal line. Photo by Karen Marks

Depth of Field. In general, you should focus toward the front of the picture, because there is twice as much depth-of-field behind your point of focus as in front.

Tripod. Try never to take a hand-held picture at less than 1/125th and then only if the camera is very steady. When possible, 1/250th or faster is best. The longer a telephoto is, the steadier the camera must be to avoid blur from shaking hands. Never use even a 100 mm lens without at least 1/250th and very steady hands. A tripod or high shutter speed should be used with all longer lenses.

Insurance. Remember to bracket key shots (take a series of shots at plus and minus 1 stop). If you are shooting multiple people, take several frames to ensure you have at least one shot where everyone looks their best.

Film Protection. Keep your film out of intense heat, especially after exposure, and keep your exposed rolls separate from your camera case. If your equipment is lost or stolen, youll be able to replace the gear. You may never be able to replace some of the shots on your rolls.

Increased airport security also means that x-ray machines are set to a higher sensitivity. DO NOT ALLOW YOUR FILM TO BE SCANNED. Carry your film in a clear, Ziplock bag, hand the bag to the attendant by the walk-through security station, and state that the film must be hand-checked. Allow extra time at the airport to complete this process.

One final way to protect your film is to have it processed at a quality photo lab. After youve invested hours of time and valuable grant or scholarship money in your images, do not entrust the film to drugstore or quickie labs. Mass production equipment and personnel can easily damage once-in-a-lifetime shots.

Every photographer, whether amateur or professional, can benefit from a regular review of their equipment manual and a good, basic photography book. The National Geographic Photography Field Guide by Peter K. Burian and Robert Caputo, offers a review of the elements of good photography, as well as suggestions for more advanced approaches.