Studio Journal

Medium Format

Medium format has traditionally referred to a film format in still photography and the related cameras and equipment that use that film. Generally, the term applies to film and digital cameras that record images on media larger than 24 by 36 mm (full-frame) (used in 35 mm photography), but smaller than 4 by 5 inches (which is considered to be large-format photography).

Medium Format Cameras

Medium-format cameras have a film size between the large-format cameras and smaller 35mm cameras. Typically these systems use 120 or 220 rollfilm. The most common image sizes are 6×4.5 cm, 6×6 cm and 6×7 cm. The designs of this kind of camera show greater variation than their larger brethren, ranging from monorail systems through the classic Hasselblad model with separate backs, to smaller rangefinder cameras. There are even compact amateur cameras available in this format.

Depth of Field

In optics, particularly as it relates to film and photography, depth of field (DOF) is the distance between the nearest and farthest objects in a scene that appear acceptably sharp in an image. Although a lens can precisely focus at only one distance at a time, the decrease in sharpness is gradual on each side of the focused distance, so that within the DOF, the unsharpness is imperceptible under normal viewing conditions.
In some cases, it may be desirable to have the entire image sharp, and a large DOF is appropriate. In other cases, a small DOF may be more effective, emphasizing the subject while de-emphasizing the foreground and background. In cinematography, a large DOF is often called deep focus, and a small DOF is often called shallow focus.

Shutter Speed

In photography, shutter speed or exposure time is the effective length of time a camera's shutter is open.The total exposure is proportional to this exposure time, or duration of light reaching the film or image sensor.

ISO


In traditional (film) photography ISO (or ASA) was the indication of how sensitive a film was to light. It was measured in numbers (you’ve probably seen them on films – 100, 200, 400, 800 etc). The lower the number the lower the sensitivity of the film and the finer the grain in the shots you’re taking.

Rule Of Thirds (composition)

The rule of thirds is a "rule of thumb" or guideline which applies to the process of composing visual images such as paintings, photographs and designs.The guideline proposes that an image should be imagined as divided into nine equal parts by two equally-spaced horizontal lines and two equally-spaced vertical lines, and that important compositional elements should be placed along these lines or their intersections. Proponents of the technique claim that aligning a subject with these points creates more tension, energy and interest in the composition than simply centring the subject would.

Lenses

Zoom Lens

Fisheye Lens

Curves the image around the centre.

Wide Angle Lens

Captures more width in the image.

Macro Lens

Telephoto Lens

Light Meter

A light meter is a device used to measure the amount of light. In photography, a light meter is often used to determine the proper exposure for a photograph. Typically a light meter will include a computer, either digital or analog, which allows the photographer to determine which shutter speed and f-number should be selected for an optimum exposure, given a certain lighting situation and film speed.

AWB

This function provides a way of dealing with mixed lighting by having the camera take one shot and process the raw sensor data several times for slightly different white point settings, with both higher and lower color temperatures (bluer and redder) compared to the current setting on the camera.

Health and Safety

• Tripping: - Camera Stand, Props, Tri-pods. Ensure the lights/fittings are secure on the stands and that there is sufficent space for everyone to move around without a tripping/collision hazard.
• Bumps: Hanging Lights, Soft Boxes/Wafers.
• Electricity: Most of the cables are wired upwards and do not cause risk of tripping.
• Light: Flashlight is very strong and can damage the eyes, photographers, helpers & models should avoid unnecessary exposure to flash photography.
• Covers need to be removed before switching on the flash lamps and fittings should be attached prior to the lamps heating up.
• When closing down never lay cables or anything else over hot lamps (allow them to cool first).
• Turn the lights down to there lowest setting and then discharge the power before switching off.
• Darkness: The low light in the studio presents a hazard in itself. Various props, wires, camera stands are less evident in the dark. When using the studio users should not rely on their usual senses. Extra attention needs to be paid, taking an extra look around before making movements, taking notice of where things are.
• Heat: The flashlights become incredibly hot and could cause severe burns. They should never be handled.
• Cables should always be laid where they do not create a hazard. Where this cannot be done gaffer tape should be used to secure them to the floors/walls.
• At the end of a session all equipment should be safely removed to the edges of the studio.
• Never leave the studio unattended.