Innovative online Flash tool teaches basic photography concepts
Teaching and Learning with Technology’s (TLT) Zac Zidik has developed an online tool for teaching students some basic principles of photography that enable them to learn photography even when they do not have access to a camera.
Using Flash, Zidik, a multimedia developer with TLT, has created a way for students in John Beale’s Communication 269 Photojournalism course to learn about the basics of photography such as focal length, depth of field, white balance, shutter speed, exposure, and ISO. “(Beale) wanted us to create something that conveyed basic concepts of photography,” Zidik said. “He was looking for something that enabled him to show what happens when you change camera settings to the photo you are taking by using actual images.”
For example, say you want to see what happens when you adjust focal length, or the zoom part of a telephoto lens. By turning the lens on an actual model of a digital SLR camera onscreen from 14 mm up to 400 mm, you can “zoom in” on a photograph right next to the camera image that demonstrates what the photo would look like at that focal length. In addition, you can also click on arrows to adjust the focal length.
“It simulates how you would make the adjustments on a real camera, then you see what would happen to the photograph if you take one using that setting,” Zidik said.
Along with adjusting the focal length by turning the virtual lens, the other settings can be altered using controls that mimic a real camera. Other examples include ISO buttons for the ISO setting, the shutter speed dial at the top of a camera for shutter speed, real aperture settings for exposure, etc.
By clicking on the shutter speed dial on the left, users can alter the appearance of the photo to match what it would look like at that particular setting.
Zidik said the images in the tutorial came from Beale, who took them using the settings that would be included in the tutorial. Along with demonstrating what will actually happen via the image, there is text below the image that further explains what the setting does. “I think it helps students understand course concepts when you have a hands-on tool that lets the students see for themselves what happens,” he said. “Plus, includes some text that explains why it happened. It’s a great way to combine hands-on learning and written instruction.”
To see the photography tool and try it out, please go to http://photo.comm.psu.edu.
