Digital imagery and photography

Digital Imagery and Photography

Fundamentals of Digital Imagery

  • Understand the basics, including pixels, resolution, colour depth, and image modes.
  • Explore the types of digital images such as raster (bitmap) and vector images.
  • Learn the difference between lossy and lossless compression and when each should be used.
  • Gain knowledge about the importance of file formats such as JPEG, PNG, GIF, BMP, and TIFF.
  • Understand the importance of DPI (dots per inch) in both on-screen imagery and print.

Digital Editing Techniques

  • Explore features of image editing software like Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, and Lightroom.
  • Master selection tools for isolating and editing specific areas of an image.
  • Understand the function of layers and layer masks in non-destructive editing.
  • Learn to adjust contrast, brightness, saturation, and colour balance to enhance the image.
  • Practice retouching techniques, including clone stamp, healing brush, and patch tools.

Fundamentals of Photography

  • Learn about the function of the camera’s key parts, including the lens, shutter, aperture, and image sensor.
  • Understand the Exposure Triangle, which comprises shutter speed, aperture, and ISO.
  • Develop skills to effectively use composition techniques like rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing.
  • Discover the use of different camera modes including automatic, manual, aperture priority, and shutter priority.
  • Experiment with different types of photography, such as portraiture, landscape, still life, and action photography.

Digital Camera Tools and Techniques

  • Learn the benefits and drawbacks of various camera types such as DSLR, mirrorless, and compact cameras.
  • Get familiar with different lens types, understanding how factors such as focal length and aperture affect images.
  • Understand the role of filters, including UV, polarizing, and neutral density filters.
  • Discover the use of tripods and image stabilization for improving image sharpness.
  • Gain knowledge about lighting, learning to use both natural light and artificial light sources effectively.

The Photography Process

  • Start by composing the shot, considering factors like lighting, angle, and subject positioning.
  • Set the appropriate camera settings, including focus, aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.
  • Capture the shot, paying attention to timing and camera stability.
  • Perform post-processing using digital image editing software to refine and enhance the image.
  • Critically evaluate the final image, considering its effectiveness in achieving the initial concept or message.