 Robert A. Walpole |
Help with Black and white Photography I have two questions: 1.) I am a student taking an intro to black and white photography here at Millersville university, and my professor has a nasty temper, and makes you fear asking questions. I have an assignment to take some still shots of people eating at my house, and of some food...what should my camera settings be? The light is standard inside home light...a small chandelier over the table, I am using T-Max 100 black and white film. I believe my settings should be ASA 100, F/Stop 16, at 125,60 seconds. Does that sound Ok? My second question: I have to do a second project with artificial light. I have a watch, and I want to take a picture of it with one spotlight around 4-5 o'clock. The light is pretty bright and I will be using T-Max 100 film, can anybody tell me the standard film settings for these shots...I need a good wide variety of working shots. Thanks for any help you guys can provide... desperate student, Robert Walpole
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Wes Kroninger |
You need to meter the scene. The only way to know how much light your getting is to meter. And if after that your not sure bracket, bracket, bracket!
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Rick Rohlfing |
Looking at the date of posting, this poor guy is probably long since through with his class. I'll try to respond for the benefit of others that may be in a similar situation. For many of this Photo 001 type classes, students are not allowed to use a light meter - built-in or otherwise. The students are required to commit to memory the Sunny 16 rule. The Sunny 16 Rule, however, isn't inclusive enough to really address this particular students indoor challenge. The Basic Daylight Exposure (BDE) rule is an extension of the Sunny 16 Rule that should more closely address this situation. Check out, print, and put in your camera bag the info at: http://www.bookhamcc.org.uk/Articles/bde.htm Good luck.
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Wes Kroninger |
Hey Rick I don't know how long it's been since you took a photo class but, "no meter"? Why would anyone make you take a photo class and not use a meter? Those would be some pretty bad neg's plus that would only teach you how to take pictures in broad daylight because even in the shade the sunny 16 rule doesnt work. In this day and age there shouldnt be a photo class that doesnt encourage the use of a meter!
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Rick Rohlfing |
I don't disagree with you at all, Wes. However, I took a class a couple years ago that required that you NOT use an exposure meter. The only film allowed was ISO 100 B&W. It was all shot outdoors. Nothing indoors and no flash. I think that one of the basic premises of the class was to better understand the fundamental relationship of aperture, shutter speed and the Law of Reciprocity. The students in fact did an outstanding job. Understand also that the Sunny 16 rule is merely a starting point from which you adapt based on actual conditions. The variations published along with the Sunny 16 usually only includes 4 or 5 OUTDOOR situations. The Basic Daylight Exposure rule extends that to about 30 or 40 situations. Granted, it isn't the most scientific crutch created, but it does provide a starting point. Finally, in defense of the "no meters" class, I believe it creates better photographers. These people aren't so dependent on auto-exposure or meter reading that when their batteries die they become helpless. I believe they have a stronger foundation and a deeper understanding of what's going on when they're creating an image. Hey, I love all the metering options available in my EOS 1v. And my Sekonic L-508 is an absolute marvel. But I'm not lost without 'em.
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Patrick J. Whalen |
Hi Robert, I don't know if your still in that class but as far as I am concerned I would do something about that Professor. How can a person with a nasty temper, that makes you fear asking questions, TEACH YOU ANYTHING??? It was your money that paid for the course and part of his salary. Report the Professor to the Dean. I have been involved in photography for about 30 years and not only took the classes like Wes and Rick, I taught both beginning and advanced classes,for 7 years.I taught the students how to use meters but more importantly how to get the camera to capture what you saw in the 1st place. I think you are on the right track now, by asking your questions on this site. There are a lot of amazing photographers on this site, with a world of experience and knowledge, that they are willing to share. KEEP ASKING QUESTIONS! Good luck to you.
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