📷News Photography Unit 6 – Camera Settings for News Photography

What's This Unit About?

• Covers the essential camera settings and techniques for capturing high-quality news photographs
• Explores the key components of a camera and how they impact the final image
• Breaks down the exposure triangle and how to balance aperture, shutter speed, and ISO for optimal results
• Discusses various shooting modes and when to use them in news photography scenarios
• Explains focus techniques to ensure sharp, clear images in fast-paced environments
• Introduces composition basics to create visually compelling and storytelling photographs
• Recommends appropriate gear for different news photography situations
• Highlights common mistakes to avoid when shooting news events

Key Camera Parts

• Lens determines the angle of view, magnification, and depth of field (wide-angle, telephoto)
• Aperture is the adjustable opening in the lens that controls the amount of light entering the camera
  • Measured in f-stops (f/2.8, f/5.6)
  • Larger apertures (lower f-numbers) allow more light and create a shallower depth of field
• Shutter is a mechanical or electronic device that opens and closes to expose the camera sensor to light
  • Shutter speed is the duration the shutter remains open, measured in fractions of a second (1/250, 1/1000)
• Camera sensor is the light-sensitive surface that captures the image when exposed to light
  • Sensor size affects image quality, low-light performance, and depth of field (full-frame, APS-C)
• ISO setting determines the sensor's sensitivity to light
  • Higher ISO values (1600, 3200) increase sensitivity but may introduce noise
• Viewfinder is the optical or electronic device used to frame and compose the shot
• Memory card stores the captured digital images (SD, CF)

Exposure Triangle Explained

• The exposure triangle refers to the interplay between aperture, shutter speed, and ISO
• Balancing these three settings is crucial for achieving proper exposure and desired creative effects
• Aperture affects depth of field and the amount of light entering the camera
  • Smaller apertures (higher f-numbers) increase depth of field, keeping more of the scene in focus
• Shutter speed controls motion blur and the duration of light exposure
  • Faster shutter speeds freeze motion, while slower speeds create motion blur
• ISO impacts the sensor's sensitivity to light and the presence of noise in the image
  • Lower ISO values produce cleaner images but may require more light or slower shutter speeds
• Adjusting one setting often requires compensating with the others to maintain proper exposure
• Understanding the exposure triangle allows photographers to make informed decisions based on the scene and desired outcome

Shooting Modes for News

• Manual mode gives the photographer full control over aperture, shutter speed, and ISO
  • Ideal for consistent lighting conditions and when precise control is needed
• Aperture Priority (A or Av) mode allows the photographer to set the aperture while the camera automatically selects the shutter speed
  • Useful for controlling depth of field in changing light conditions
• Shutter Priority (S or Tv) mode enables the photographer to choose the shutter speed while the camera sets the aperture
  • Helpful for capturing fast action or creating intentional motion blur
• Program (P) mode is a semi-automatic mode where the camera sets both aperture and shutter speed based on the metered exposure
  • Provides a balance between manual control and automatic settings
• Auto mode lets the camera make all exposure decisions
  • Not recommended for most news photography situations due to lack of creative control

Focus Techniques

• Autofocus (AF) uses the camera's built-in focusing system to automatically adjust the lens to achieve sharp focus
  • Single AF (AF-S) locks focus when the shutter button is half-pressed, ideal for stationary subjects
  • Continuous AF (AF-C) continuously adjusts focus as the subject moves, suitable for action and sports
• Manual focus (MF) requires the photographer to adjust the focus ring on the lens to achieve sharpness
  • Useful in low-light situations or when the autofocus system struggles
• Focus modes determine how the camera selects the focus point(s)
  • Single-point AF allows the photographer to choose a specific focus point
  • Dynamic-area AF tracks the subject across multiple focus points
  • Auto-area AF lets the camera automatically select the focus point(s) based on the scene
• Back-button focus assigns the focusing function to a button on the back of the camera, separating it from the shutter release
  • Enables the photographer to maintain focus while shooting multiple frames

Composition Basics

• Rule of thirds divides the frame into a 3x3 grid, placing key elements along the lines or at their intersections
  • Creates a balanced and visually appealing composition
• Leading lines are visual elements that guide the viewer's eye through the image
  • Can be roads, fences, or other linear structures
• Framing uses foreground elements to create a natural border around the main subject
  • Draws attention to the subject and adds depth to the image
• Symmetry and patterns create visual interest and a sense of order
  • Can be found in architecture, nature, or human-made objects
• Depth and layering add dimension to the photograph by including foreground, middle ground, and background elements
• Fill the frame with the subject to emphasize its importance and eliminate distractions
• Simplify the composition by removing unnecessary elements and focusing on the essentials

Gear for Different Scenarios

• Breaking news requires a versatile kit that can handle various lighting and subject distances
  • Fast, wide-aperture lenses (24-70mm f/2.8) for low-light performance and shallow depth of field
  • Telephoto lenses (70-200mm f/2.8) for capturing distant subjects
• Press conferences and indoor events benefit from fast, wide-angle lenses (35mm f/1.4) for capturing the scene in limited space
  • External flash units provide additional light when needed
• Outdoor events and sports often require long telephoto lenses (300mm f/2.8) for reach and subject isolation
  • Monopods offer support and stability for heavy lenses
• Environmental portraits call for a mix of wide and standard focal lengths (35mm, 50mm, 85mm) to showcase the subject and their surroundings
• Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras capture unique aerial perspectives for storytelling and context
• Protective gear (rain covers, lens hoods) shields equipment from the elements and minimizes lens flare

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not checking camera settings before shooting can lead to incorrect exposure or focus
• Relying solely on automatic modes limits creative control and may result in suboptimal images
• Failing to anticipate the action can cause missed shots or poor composition
• Neglecting to change lenses when necessary may hinder the ability to capture the best perspective or magnification
• Overlooking the background can result in distracting elements or cluttered compositions
• Not interacting with subjects or building rapport can lead to stiff, unnatural poses in portraits
• Forgetting to charge batteries or bring spare memory cards can cut a shoot short
• Ignoring the power of editing and post-processing to enhance and refine the final images