Lesson #6: Self-Timer--due September 20th

3, 2, 1, Snap!

• Use the self-timer to capture self-portraits.
• When using the self-timer, first depress the shutter button halfway to lock focus and exposure. Then fully depress the shutter-release button to trigger the timer.
• When the shutter-button is pressed, the photo-taker must hurry into position…hopefully before the shutter goes off.
• Many digital cameras let you select the time it takes for the self-timer to release the shutter, usually between two and 10 seconds.
• A tripod comes in very handy when using the self-timer. If you don't have a tripod, you will need to find a level surface to rest your camera.

Examples:

From ethanbeute.

From Yet Another Dave.

From ¿Ty?

Resources:

• "How to Take a Self Portrait (with a Digital Camera)" by Pristine Ann Gee.
• "How to use the Self-Timer" from Photo Answers Online.
• "Getting in on the Act - Using Your Camera's Self Timer" from EPhotoZine.
• "Camera Self Timer Tips" by Nicole Sanchez.
• "Running from Camera" by muggezifter.

Let us know that you're playing along. In the comments, tell us which actor/actress you would choose to portray your character in a movie about your life.

Lesson #4: Leading Lines--due August 2

Following the Leader

• Use leading lines to draw the viewer's eye through the photograph.
• Lines can be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, or even curved.
• Use leading lines to draw the viewer's attention to the focal point.

Examples:

From hubertk.

From Alex Guerra.

From arturodonate.

Resources:

• "Better Photo Tips: Lines in your Photos" by Tedric Garrison.
• "Leading Lines" from photoinf.com.
• "Assignment 8: Leading Lines" by Kelly Hoffart.
• "Photography Tip: Use Leading Lines to Enhance the Shot" by Rich Legg.
• "Tips and Tricks- Leading Lines" by Coastline Studios.

This is our last composition lesson for awhile. For this week's lesson, take a few shots using lines to lead our eyes to the center of attention. Lines can be actual objects, such as a fence, or could even be shadows on the ground. Post your favorite photos on our Flickr site.

Let us know that you're playing along. In the comments, tell us about a road that you are looking forward to traveling down.

Share the Shutter School love!

Want to add a Shutter School button to your own blog?

Here's how in Blogger:

• While logged in to your Blogger account and looking at the "Dashboard," click on the "Layout" link.
• Choose "Add a Gadget" and then choose "HTML/Javascript."
• Copy the following HTML code: <a href='http://shutterschoollessons.blogspot.com/'><img alt='Shutter School' height='220' id='Image1_img' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBiZ1kS8ZYLYtH-1cCM0hhFImfydu5Uj8oNLXXzvwOz2bvtU66NSDgdPaKpc5F8K-SkQl1QenXph0kl2__uC8mNP5gIyF6nfvsPDOm_mD3OPJ3ZkxojAX4jAPE-EKFR7zNWo4XmO81I9Z/s220/ShutterSchoolBlogIcon.jpg' width='175'/>a>
• Make sure to click "SAVE" on the "Configure HTML" page and the "Add and Arrange Page Elements" page.

You should be able to use the same code in Typepad or other hosts, but the process might be a little different.

Welcome to Shutter School

• If you drool over professional photographer blogs, but are too embarrassed to post your own photos...
• If you dream of capturing bright blue skies and vivid green grass, but have never switched out of automatic mode...
• If your scrapbooks are cleverly designed, but the quality of the photos distracts from the pages...
• If you wish you had captured that spontaneous moment earlier, but forgot to bring your camera along...
  

Then welcome to Shutter School!
Shutter School is an online photo challenge which hopes to inspire you to pull out your digital camera and learn to love your lens.

How it works:

1. Every 10 days (or so!) a new lesson will be posted on this blog, as well as our personal blogs, Dancing Commas and Mommy's Treasures. The lesson will focus on a single photography skill (either a camera mode, a style of photography, or a hint about composition). Along with a list of tips about that skill, a directory of other photography resources will be listed for you to gain an even better understanding of the concept.
2. We'll ask you to comment on the post to take attendance. (We want to know who is playing along with us!) Also, please feel free to share your own hints or other resources that you find. Let's learn from each other!
3. Your homework is to spend the next 10 days practicing that skill. Carry your camera with you. Pull out your manual to figure out how the skill applies to your particular camera. . . and snap away!
4. At the end of the two weeks (or as you go along), you will want to post your best images to our Flickr group: "Shutter School" and if you have one, to your own personal blog.
5. To complete the lesson, we'll post some of the photos that best employ the lesson's technique.

Gather your supplies and join our Flickr group, so that you'll be all ready when the first lesson is posted on June 10!

Be sure to leave us a comment below or on our individual blogs so that we'll know you want to learn with us---I think it will be fun!

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What do I need to do to play along with a lesson?
A: A camera, digital photos, a Flickr account, and willingness to share your creativity! A personal blog and photo editing software are helpful, but not necessary.

Q: How do I get a Flickr account? Is it free?
A: You can create a basic Flickr account for free by visiting Flickr.com and clicking on the "Create Your Account" link. You will need to sign up for a Yahoo! id, if you don't already have one. When you have a free Flickr account, you can upload 2 videos and 100MB worth of photos each calendar month. For just $24.95 a year, you can upgrade to a Pro account which allows unlimited uploads and unlimited storage. You can do that here.

Q: How do I join the "Shutter School" Flickr group?
A: Once you have created your Flickr account, go to http://www.flickr.com/groups/shutterschool/, and click the "Join?" link. Send the group administrator a message asking for an invitation, and we will accept your request shortly!

Q: How do I add my photos to the "Shutter School" Flickr group pool?
A: Once you have uploaded photos to your account, the easiest way add a photo to a group pool is to go to the photo's page and click the "Send to Group" button between the photo title and the photo. Then choose the group you want to send it to, and you're done!

Q: How can I get my hands on some photo editing software?
A: Many printers and digital cameras come with some basic photo editing tools. If you are interested in getting something more professional, let us know and we'll be able to point you in the right direction. Many colleges and universities offer these kinds of software at greatly reduced rates, so if you're enrolled, this might be the time to take advantage of that discount.

Q: Do the photos I post have to be ones I have taken myself?
A: Yes, please only use photos you have taken.

Q: Do I have to be invited to play?
A: Nope. Jump in, sign up and have fun!

Q. What if none of my pictures are turning out very well. Should I go ahead and post them?
A. You bet! Chances are, someone else is having or has had the same problem and they may be able to give you some hints. Plus, this is supposed to be fun--no grades assigned, no failing!

Q: Must I participate in every lesson?
A: Nope. Join us for any lessons that you want to be a part of. Feel free also to look back at Archives to gain further photo insight. The point is to learn about your camera, not to be a stickler for the rules!

Q: Are there prizes?
A: The prize is learning to love your lens.

Note: If you have any questions regarding Shutter School, please leave a comment on this blog or on either Dancing Commas or Mommy's Treasures.