0) Project: Getting to know your camera - page 14.

I know this part isn't technically an exercise, but I feel it is important nevertheless to understand this section and I am sure over the next few weeks, months, years even, it will be paramount to my photography, so it seems appropriate placing it at the start of my blog.

(Aperture) f-stop numbers and light reaching the sensor/film.

Light reaches the cameras sensor through the lens and the amount of light getting through can be controlled by adjusting the size of the hole (aperture).

Aperture is measured in f-stop numbers, sequencing as follows:
f/1.4 - f/2 - f/2.8 - f/4  - f/5.6 - f/8 - f/11 - f/16 - f/32 - f/45.

Each step to a lower number doubles the amount of light passing through the lens, each step to a higher number halves the amount of light passing through.  (range of apertures are subject to what the lens is capable of).

For example, a small f-stop/aperture number (e.g. f/2.8) is a large aperture.  A large number (e.g. f/32) is a small aperture.

Changing the aperture affects shutter speed, which in turn affects motion blur and is key to controlling depth of field.

Big number = big depth of field (DOF).
Small number = small depth of field (DOF).

How shutter speed controls the light.

This is another way (as well as aperture) to control the amount of light reaching the cameras sensor/film.  Aperture allows you to control and adjust how much light is coming through the lens but to correctly expose the shot, you must also adjust the amount of time the sensor/lens is exposed to the light.  This is what the shutter speed controls.

So for this to be correct and to have correct exposure of the shot, or to control the exposure to under or over expose a subject to whats required, the shutter speed must be adjusted to suit the aperture.

A wide aperture will require a faster shutter speed for correct exposure.
A small aperture will require a slower shutter speed for correct exposure.

Now to place this into practice with the relevant exercises!

Welcome to my blog.

So, I embark on my journey and start my studies with the OCA, my first course being The Art of Photography.

After working in business for 13 years, I left to have my children and I now have the opportunity and a wonderful support network, allowing me to follow my heart and fulfil my dreams by learning about a big passion of mine, with the ambition and determination to become a professional photographer.

To date I have self taught most of the skills I know, however I have recently completed an adult educational class on Creative Camera Controls and I am currently working towards completion of a course named Principles of Good Photography.

My camera of choice (and because of financial constraint!) is currently a Canon D500, with a Canon 430EX II flashgun.  I am currently taking pictures of all subjects covering all genre, however I am finding that I love the challenge of portraits and I have enjoyed working landscapes (subject to good light!!!)

I know very little about the course, however I anticipate that it will open my eyes to the 'Art' in Photography, rather than the technical side of using a camera.  I hope to learn many things and hopefully have my creative eyes opened somewhat to what the world has to offer in all its glory to be captured by me.

So onwards and upwards or should I say eyes down into the coursework...wish me luck!