The photographer as a development worker

                                                                   By Titiloye Omobolanle

 I started a three day photography training at Bread of Life today to enhance my reporting skills. Led byy an Ace photographer- Francis Bisi. Mr. Bisi, the training introduced me to the essential components of the camera: aperture, speed, and ISO, and through clear theoretical definitions and practical demonstrations, I  gained an understanding of each component.

Learning how to capture images in both landscape and portrait modes while maintaining the right balance of light was a significant part of the training. Mastering camera speed adjustments, aperture control for depth management, and ISO settings for optimal lighting were key skills I acquired. During the training, I also mastered the art of handling the camera professionally.

Some of the photographical concepts taught in the training are:

• #Aperture: It is like the eye of the camera, controlling how much light enters. A wider aperture lets in more light, great for indoor shots, while a smaller aperture is better for bright outdoor scenes.
• #Speed (Shutter Speed):This is how long the camera’s shutter stays open. A faster speed freezes motion indoors, while a slower speed captures motion blur in outdoor scenes.
• #ISO: It is the camera’s sensitivity to light. A higher ISO brightens images indoors, while a lower ISO preserves quality in well-lit outdoor conditions.
• Focus: Adjusting the lens to make the subject sharp.
• Exposure: Controlling the amount of light that reaches the camera sensor.
• Composition: Arranging elements within the frame for a visually pleasing image.
• White Balance: Setting the color temperature to ensure accurate colors.
• Depth of Field: Managing the range of sharpness in the image.
• Shutter Speed: Determining how long the shutter stays open to capture motion.

Other skills I acquired during the hands on training are:

• Adjust the focus ring on the lens until the subject appears sharp in the viewfinder.
• Half-press the shutter button to lock in the focus.
• Ensure proper lighting for clear image capture.
• Keep the camera steady to avoid blurriness.
• Fully press the shutter button to take the focused image.

Mr. Francis Bisi provided us with diagrams illustrating the three camera components, aiding our comprehension. He also educated us on the various types of lenses available, such as wide-angle, and zoom lenses. Furthermore, Mr. Bisi delved into the principles of photography, highlighting the importance of lighting, background selection, and object positioning to create impactful visual stories which helped me capture images effectively.

I practiced shooting both indoors and outdoors to master adjusting the camera settings for the best results. Inside, I finetuned the aperture, speed, and ISO to control light, depth, and exposure. When shooting outside, I applied these skills to capture well-balanced images with the right lighting and focus.

As Project Officer, one of my main deliverables in Bread of Life is writing reports on various projects we are implementing for development partners. Good quality photos have to be a key feature of these reports.

This training has therefore improved my technical abilities but also sharpened my artistic vision, empowering me to capture compelling images that enhance my reporting endeavors at @Bread of Life Development Foundation. The training was delightful, and I am looking forward to the remaining days to complete the 3-day program.