Camera and Lens

The Centre for Contemporary Photography (Melbourne)
09-10 March 2013
22-23 June 2013
28-29 September 2013

PhotoAccess (Canberra)
02-03 March 2013

This intermediate weekend course presents an in-depth opportunity to refine  and expand your digital camera craft in the field and studio.  It is intended for those who are already familiar with DSLR cameras and basic digital capture and want to significantly extend their understanding and practice.  A ‘hands on’ approach emphasises learning through experimentation where the aim is to promote the informed engagement of camera and lens in the service of creative expression.  Topics covered include:

Understanding Digital Capture
•  Dynamic range: Subject versus camera
•  Bit depth: 8-bit, 16-bit, and 32-bit processes
•  Sensors, Bayer filter arrays, and image resolution
•  Metadata corrections and distortions
•  Managing and reducing dark current noise

Calibrating Digital Capture
•  Creative exposure and pre visualisation
•  Determining and evaluating correct exposure
•  Calibrating cameras for repeatable results
•  Profiling cameras for accurate colour
•  A Digital Negative (DNG) Workflow

Lenses for Digital Capture
•  Drawing the world – focal length and perspective
•  Lens resolution and diffraction limits
•  Lens distortion and chromatic aberration
•  Depth of field calculations and applications
•  The subjective properties of lenses

Special Purpose Equipment and Techniques
•  HDR: High Dynamic Range tools and techniques
•  Extending depth of focus and depth of field
•  Hyperfocal distance and zone focusing
•  Perspective controls: Shift, tilt and swing lenses
•  Tripods, gyros, panoramas and stitching solutions

The course is based around a series of practical exercises and demonstrations integrated with analytical and reflective sessions.  While it is not essential for each participant to own a digital SLR camera, those who do are encouraged to bring it to the course.  The course includes custom camera calibration for everyone who attends, and medium and small formats are catered for. The course will also inform the selection, evaluation, and acquisition of new equipment.  Detailed course notes are provided.