What is Photography? What do they teach in photography courses in Kenya?

What is Photography?

Photography is the art, science, and practice of creating images by capturing light with a camera. It involves various techniques, equipment, and skills to produce visual representations of subjects ranging from people and landscapes to objects and events.

Here are the key topics that you will learn in photography in Kenya at Visualdo Institute:

1. Fundamental Concepts

Light

• Natural Light: Sunlight, moonlight, and other sources of natural illumination.
• Artificial Light: Light sources such as studio lights, flash, and LED lights.

Camera

• Types of Cameras: DSLR, mirrorless, point-and-shoot, film cameras, and smartphone cameras.
• Lenses: Various lenses such as wide-angle, telephoto, macro, prime, and zoom lenses impact the perspective and field of view.

2. Technical Elements

Exposure

• Aperture: The opening in a lens that controls the amount of light entering the camera, affecting depth of field.
• Shutter Speed: The amount of time the camera’s sensor is exposed to light, influencing motion blur and freezing action.
• ISO: The camera sensor’s sensitivity to light, affecting the brightness and noise levels in an image.

Focus

• Autofocus: The camera’s ability to automatically adjust focus on a subject.
• Manual Focus: Manually adjusting the focus ring on a lens to achieve the desired sharpness.

3. Composition techniques

• Rule of Thirds: Dividing the frame into a 3×3 grid and placing key elements along the lines or intersections.
• Leading Lines: Lines that guide the viewer’s eye through the image.
• Framing: Using natural or artificial frames within the scene to focus attention on the subject.
• Symmetry and Patterns: Creating balance and visual interest through repetition and symmetry.

4. Types of Photography

• Portrait: Capturing the likeness and personality of a person or group.
• Landscape: Depicting natural scenery and environments.
• Street: Documenting everyday life and candid moments in public spaces.
• Macro: Close-up shots of small subjects, revealing fine details.
• Wildlife: Photographing animals in their natural habitats.
• Event: Capturing moments at events such as weddings, concerts, and sports.
• Commercial: Creating images for advertising, products, and business use.
• Fine Art: Expressive and conceptual images created for artistic purposes.

5. Post-Processing

• Editing Software: Programs like Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom and Capture One.
• Basic Adjustments: Cropping, straightening, exposure correction, contrast, and saturation.
• Advanced Techniques: Retouching, color grading, using layers and masks, compositing.

6. Historical and Cultural Significance

• Documentation: A photographer serves as a means to document and preserve moments, events, and history.
• Art Form: A photographer is recognized as a significant and influential form of visual art.
• Communication: Photos convey messages, tell stories, and evoke emotions, making them powerful tools for communication and expression.

Conclusion

Been a photographer is a multifaceted discipline that blends artistic vision with technical proficiency. It offers endless possibilities for creative expression, documentation, and communication, making it a valuable skill and form of modern art in modern society.