Composing with Light

For assignment 1C, we were required to shoot on film. This experience was very different from those in my other film classes, for in previous shoots, we used video cameras and everything was digital. With digital equipment, it is easier to manipulate the amount of light, the white balance, the focus, and depth of field, but using an old school camera is another monster. One thing I had to learn was how to use a light meter. Basically, light meters are used to determine the appropriate shutter speed and f-stop based on the amount of light entering the camera. The light meter takes into account natural light, adjusting the levels as light fluctuates. This helps us determine where to set our camera's f-stop. Another thing we had to learn when doing this project was the importance of bracketing. With digital cameras, it is not necessary to take photos at different exposure levels, because we can quickly adjust the settings. With cameras that use film, it is uncertain whether the photo will turn out like planned after it is developed, therefore we must take three different photos: one underexposed, one overexposed, and one normal. This ensures that at least one of the photos will look like we intended it to look. Although we live in a digital age, I enjoyed using older equipment. It gave me a new appreciation for photography, showing that a lot of thought and time goes into lighting and camera placement.