InfoCentral

Every week the library publishes an article in the Westland Observer on a new subject. Below is this week's article.

Photography

InfoCentral, June 19 - 25, 2008

Photos are a great way to remember and share moments and memories of people, landscapes, and events, reminding us of details, action, and beauty that might otherwise have been lost from our memories. But capturing that great group photo or landscape or even a picture of your pet can be difficult if you don’t have the some basic photo fundamentals under your belt.

Trying to keep track of all the ways to take a good picture can be nauseating. Among other things, some basic questions include: When should I use the flash? What should I focus on? When should I use high speed film? What angle should I shoot? Is it OK to move when I take an action shot? Why does the time of day matter?

These days most “point and shoot” digital cameras have a lot of the fundamentals built into their systems. Things like the lighting, lens setting, aperture, and shutter speed can all be automatically used without having to think about how to use them- until you wonder why you can never see Aunt Mabel’s smile or why your child is always blurred when you try to capture them running down the soccer field.

To create one of those exquisite Ansel Adams photos, you are likely going to need a college degree. But if you just want to take photos that family and friends will appreciate, you can check out some of the following books from the library to help hone your craft. We have great starter titles like The Question and Answer Guide to Photo Techniques and Get the Most from your Digital Camera, in addition to more advanced titles like The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Photography like a Pro and How to Photograph Absolutely Everything.

In addition, as part of our Summer Reading Program, we are hosting a “How to Take Better Photos” program on Wednesday, June 25 from 7-8 p.m. (Washtenaw Community College instructor Kate Barker will be leading the program). If you have any questions locating photography books or online resources, please feel free to call the Public Library of Westland.