In the first part you will find all the detailed instructions that are useful to obtain a defined image with a sufficient depth of field and the right contrast. Moreover, it teaches you how to reproduce exactly the subjects in motion with the suitable exposure. This way, we introduce the use of artificial light sources and we move to the exposure room where, on the basis of the experience gained during the first stage, you will improve the technique obtained. We also suggest the students a series of themes of photographic study to carry out in their own town and we start giving the first elements of image criticism and the results obtained through the collective projection of slides.

Theoretical section

1. How to take a photograph.
2. How to take defined photographs, explanation of the definition.
3. Incisiveness of the lenses, resolving power of films, precision of the focus, jarring and microjarring.
4. Depth of field, how to get it and when you need to diaphragm according to the situation.
5. Oblique views and depth of field.
6. Why depth of field increases when you close the diaphragm.
7. How to use "Optical white" cameras.
8. How to calculate the exposure coefficient when you use bellows.
9. How to calculate the hyperfocal length.
10. Lenses focal.
11. Definition of wide-angle lens.
12. Definition of normal lens and how to use it.
13. Definition of "Telephoto lens" and its functional characteristics.
14. How to use the "right focal length" according to every situation of view.
15. Different perspective representations according to the focal used.
16. Special glasses used to make lenses and particular optical schemes.
17. How to stop the movement:
    • "Immobilization of the image" of the subject in motion.
    • Limitation of the movement of the image on the film.
    • Table showing the exposure time to use according to every situation of view.
18. How to expose correctly:
    • Elements that affect the exposure.
    • Sensitiveness of the film.
    • Depth of the subject.
    • Contrast and colours of the subject.
    • Distance of the subject.
    • Screen coefficient.
    • Optical additives and focal doublers.
    • How light creates volumes and shapes.
19. How to light a photograph:
    • Preparations.
    • Main light.
    • Auxiliary light.
    • Effect light.
    • Background light.
    • Practical advice to use correctly electric energy.
    • Advice to prepare an exposure room.

Practical section

At the end of this session, our students will produce both portrait and Still Life views, using in the second case the "Optical White" camera. We will also analyze the most widespread views, dwelling above all upon industrial, furnishings and architectural photography in general, as well as upon every situation of view considered as particularly complex, such as mixed light, the use of flash outdoor for clear-up flashes, the use of filtering and thermocolorimeter. Moreover, we will use a digital camera and we will study the problems linked to its use according to different light and subject conditions.