Photographic Techniques

What this unit covers

The unit is mostly mind maps, and they work through photographic ideas one technique at a time. The Distortion map links in-camera effects, such as cellophane wraps over the lens, with Photoshop tools like Polar Coordinates, Content Aware Fill and the Spot-healing tool. Solarisation explains how an image can be partly or fully reversed in tone, so dark areas look light and light areas look dark.

Time, light and movement

Several maps deal with how a camera records time. Time and Movement covers a fast shutter for people in motion, plus long exposure, star trails, light trails and image slicing. Related maps include Light Painting, Freezing Motion, Movement Photography and Long Exposure. Together they make a useful run of reading on shutter choices.

Ideas, styles and projects

Other maps are closer to project planning. Hidden looks at silhouette, blurs, over exposing and multiple exposures. Experimental Photography names photographers and defines the approach. Photographic Styles lists motion blur, black and white, night, macro, panoramic, architectural and portrait work. The Liverpool map pairs locations with techniques such as long exposure, which shows how research turns into a shoot.

Where to start

1. Read Photographic Styles for an overview.
2. Pick one technique map, such as Solarisation or Long Exposure.
3. Take the Lessons 1&2 Quiz, which begins with why you should use a tripod, then try Lesson 2 and 3.
4. Finish with the flashcard decks, which have titles like Photo Techniques and 18 photo techniques.

Maps give you the picture, the quizzes show what stuck, and the flashcards help you recall terms. Teachers can set a map as a starting point for a practical task.

Where it sits

This unit belongs to the Photography Foundations strand in Photography and film. Everything here was made by GoConqr users, so styles and detail vary. Choose a map that suits your current project and see where it leads.