Page 117 - Jostens Yearbook_Adviser Guide

CELLPHONE CAMERAS SMARTPHONE PHOTOGRAPHY ■ Adjust the exposure in difficult light. Do not
TIPS AND TRICKS: settle for a poorly exposed subject. Many camera
Getting students to think like photojournalists means apps have a slider or symbol next to the autofocus
getting them to realize that photo moments happen, ■ Use both hands to hold the phone Lightweight point that adjusts the automatic exposure. Press
.
regardless of whether photo assignments have been cell phones require a steady grip to prevent blurry and hold a finger next to the autofocus point and
given. Even in the best programs, students may be images, especially in low light when slow shutter slide up or down to brighten or darken the image.
reluctant to bring bulky DSLR camera bags with them speeds are required.
to school every day. Which means, when something ■
unexpected and noteworthy happens, student Take control of the focus. Compose the
journalists may need to make do with the equipment image and tap the screen where you want to
they have in order to capture the moment. focus. Be sure to reset the autofocus point if the
subject moves.
While cellphones cannot match most advanced ■ Look for good light. Lack of full camera control
cameras in terms of lens selection, image quality or means finding good light is even more important
camera control, they do have some advantages over with cellphone cameras. The on-camera flash
traditional cameras. Cellphones are much easier to is weak and should not be relied upon to make
carry at all times, meaning more opportunities to good photos. Pay attention to both the light on the
capture unexpected moments with less gear to lug subject and the background.
around. Cellphones are also less conspicuous and
intimidating than a bulky DSLR camera, and may be
allowed in areas or events where a traditional camera
would be forbidden or distracting.

■ Avoid digital zoom. Most cell phone cameras ■ Take multiple pictures. To increase the odds of
use digital zoom, which means the camera capturing the best moment or expression, don’t
increases the size of the pixels rather than actually stop at one image. Be patient, wait for the right
zooming the lens. This exaggerates digital noise moment and take several pictures. With larger
and reduces image quality. Instead, “zoom with group shots, take multiple images to make sure
your feet” by moving closer to the subject. everyone’s eyes are open.
■ Avoid over-editing. Many camera apps provide ■ Composition is king. Pay attention to leading
a suite of tools for editing and manipulating lines, the rule of thirds, framing and strong points
images. Adding frames, filters, fake blur and too of visual interest. Be patient and wait for key
much saturation can make images look over- moments of emotion, expression and interaction
manipulated, and retouching or removing anything to tell a story. Even the most basic camera can
in a photo breaks the rules of photojournalism. take great images following these guidelines.
Stick with simple exposure adjustments instead
and let the images speak for themselves. ■ Clean the lens. Cellphone camera lenses are
magnets for fingerprints and dust. Clean the
■ Try different angles. Without the ability to camera lens with a microfiber cloth to improve
change focal length, cellphone photography can image quality.
easily become repetitive. Get close to the subject,
find low or high angles, and avoid distracting
backgrounds by moving the camera.

116 SECTION 5.3 EXPOSURE AND EQUIPMENT PHOTOGRAPHY 117