Burnham on Sea U3A
Photography for Fun
This group re-opened in April, 2008.
Emphasis is on photography for fun because it is an absorbing and challenging hobby. The learning element
comes from continually trying to improve one's ability and thus produce ever better and consequently more rewarding
photographs.
The leader tries to target the group's activities according to the needs of its members although one
has to accept that at times there will be a wide spread of ability.
Ken says, "I was not a professional photographer but have been a keen snapper from an early age; neither am I a computer buff
but for those who require it, we will attempt some digital manipulation to enhance the quality of our pictures.
This is NOT a course in graphic art though and I will not be demonstrating major manipulation, rather the sort of
subtle changes we used to make in the dark room.
Do not be put off if you still use a film camera. I will try to embrace both genre.
You will need to be prepared to take some photographs every month and to bring them to the next meeting for
discussion. Don't be put off by this. This is how we learn. Remember everyone will feel nervous about showing
their pictures to others but we will keep critisism positive; ie the emphasis will be on "how could this be
improved" rather than identifying failings."
Anyone interested in joining the group should ring Ken Henton on 01278 641278.
Record of the group's activities.
June '08 Meeting number 3
As we had several new members at this meeting the first half hour was spent in re-capping what we had done in
the first two meetings.
This was quite a good exercise for both new members and those who had attended previously as they were
encouraged to recall what they had learned. We then went on to look at our "homework" and to discuss how
members were able to put theory into practice. Next we looked at the way in which light meters within cameras
work and, having taken pictures of white paper, black card and an 18% grey card, why each photograph looked a
similar shades of grey.
We then tried, after discussion and explanation, to apply this experience to anticipate when some degree
of exposure compensation may be needed.
Our task for this month is to produce a set of six pictures which epitomise "summer". We will, of course, try to
put into practice the theory of the first three lessons!
Photographs courtesy of Judy Allen.
May '08 Meeting number 2
At our May meeting, after reviewing the photographs we brought along from last month's tasks, we looked in some
detail at the reciprocity between shutter and aperture settings and then considered how aperture size affects the
depth of field of acceptable focus. We also considered how ISO rating in digital cameras acts as a third
variable in this equasion. We carried out a practical exercise to prove our theoretical considerations.
Finally the following tasks were set for the month ahead:
Keep in mind what we have already learned and practised regarding keeping camera stability throughout these tasks.
Also remember how we have learned to look carefully at how our picture is framed. Now, remind yourself of the
issues which affect exposure and focal depth of field by re-reading "Some Exposure Issues" (a handout sheet).
Be sure to set your camera to “aperture priority”.
Task 1 Choose a subject in a fairly “busy” context e.g. a single flower in an herbaceous border, a
particular tree trunk in a wood, one face in a group of people or a particular car on a car-park. Focus directly
on the subject and without changing your camera position, take a series of photographs starting at your widest
aperture and finishing at your smallest. If you are set to aperture priority your camera will take care of the
shutter speed for you. Note the changes that occur in your photographs. Repeat this until you are sure of what
is happening and can predict your results.
Task 2 When you are sure of what is happening to your pictures take a series of pictures of your choice,
deciding on each one whether a small or large aperture is appropriate to the subject.
Bring your results along and be ready to discuss your findings. If you have a camera that does not allow aperture
priority, try using different scene modes e.g. close up, portrait, landscape etc.
April '08 Meeting number 1
At our inaugral meeting we looked at what members might hopefully achieve in the long term and then
considered a list of possible aims for the group. Our practical work looked at how to achieve camera stability
especially when hand holding the camera. Ken then showed some examples of pairs of photographs and the group
considered what effecs the frame had on the composition with particular regard to portrait and landscape formats.
Lastly the following tasks were set:
Tasks Month One 17.04.08
1 In all the following consider what we learned about stability of the camera and try to get into the habit
of MAXIMUM STABILITY for evezy photograph you take.
2 Choose a subject of your own interest and take photographs under the following conditions:
A) in a landscape format; near and some distance away
B) in a portrait format; near and some distance away
C) with a “busy” background
D) with a non-cluttered background
E) in any other way you feel will make an interesting picture.
3 Repeat this task on a number of subjects until you feel you are getting to know what pleases you and what
leaves you recognising what, to you, are deficiencies.
4 Bring along some results and be prepared to talk about what you like or don’t like and why. Can you
identify what you have learned from this exercise?
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