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INTRODUCTION
TO PHOTOGRAPHY |
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The
SLR
At best, you should be using a Single Lens Reflex (SLR) 35mm camera which allows you to manually focus your lens and set your exposure (shutter speed, ASA, and aperture size). It's often possible to borrow a camera like this from your parents, relatives, or family friends, because the 35mm SLR is the type of camera that has been used for most college and HS photography courses for the last 60 years. If they are in good condition and can use contemporary batteries, older SLRs are appropriate for this class. At the very least, any camera which uses a 35 mm film size may be used. We do, however, highly recommend the use of a SLR camera for this course, because as a beginner, focusing and setting your film exposure manually will best help you understand the technical essentials of good camera practice.
* In stock at Bel Air Camera. ** Bel Air Camera's special price for HW students. The Nikon FM10 and the Promaster 2500 PK (All-Manual), and the Cannon EOS Rebel K2 or T2 pictured above are the specific cameras we recommend to our students, with the Promaster 2500 PK, and the Nikon FM10 receiving our "best camera for your $" appraisal. Intro Photo students may fulfill their assignments without needing to use Auto-Focus controls, tripods, or flash attachments, and the all-manual Nikon FM 10 and the Promaster 2500 PK are economical quality cameras designed for the beginner. Their main advantage is that their camera controls and light meters are easy to read and understand. The Promaster is equipped with a Macro zoom lens feature that makes close-up still-lifes a good option. The Nikon FM is lighter, however, and easier to handle. Both of these contemporary cameras emulate the classic SLR design.
There may be a good camera store near your home which is convenient to work with, and it's helpful to get to know the people at your local store. Most sales people at photo stores are photographers themselves, and you can learn allot from them. 
The closest professional camera store to our Middle School campus is Bel Air Camera in Westwood, and they have been working with Westlake and Harvard-Westlake students and faculty since the 1960's. Today, these three student-friendly BAC sales representatives are available to assist Harvard-Westlake students and parents: Francisco
Jimenez Francisco,
Rika, and Victor are specially
trained to work with HWMS Intro Photo students
and they also work closely with Mr. LauGel
and Ms. Miller in providing materials
and professional advice for this course.
Intro
Photo For a
downloadable copy of "Camera Selection Tips"
NYI
of Photography: Old
Timer Cameras .com:
To
summarize, it's best 1.
Lens filter (Haze or Skylight) 3.
Camera strap (mandatory)
Yes, the Financial Aid office has a number of cameras which it loans to qualified students for the duration of their enrollment in MS and/or US photography courses. It may also assist with the cost of lab materials.
Intro
Photo For
a downloadable copy
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TIP: Checking Your Camera Batteries SLR
cameras use lenses that have moving parts.
They need electric current to open and close. Until you find out where
the battery check button is on your camera ... or how to check your
light meter (which also uses electric current) ... you can check your
camera's batteries in two steps: 2.
Take your lens cap off and press the shutter button all the way down.
This will "trip" the shutter (you don't need film in your
camera for this).
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GETTING
STARTED :
some helpful reminders We want to get off to a fast
start each semester, so please Keep
your camera
locked in
your locker
when it's not in use. Be sure to put fresh batteries in your camera! Also:
You don't need to put film in your camera because supplies for this
course are distributed in class.
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Updated: August 23, 2006