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CHAPTER EIGHT 
 

The Basics of Basic Photography 
David T. Toluwani and Chidiebere Onwuekwe 

 
Introduction 

hotography is the science, art, application and 
practice of creating durable images by recording 
light or other electromagnetic radiation, either 

electronically utilizing an image sensor, or chemically 
through a light-sensitive material such as photographic 
film. Cox (2022) defines Photography as “the art of 
capturing light with a camera, usually via a digital sensor or 
film, to create an image.” Photography can serve many 
purposes and have many facets. Photography can tell a 
story, it can capture a moment in time, can document, 
and can be art. There are many technical uses for 
photography as well as social and creative ones. How 
we use and interact with photography is highly 
personal and will differ from one person to the next.  
Photography can be an art form, but not all 
photographs are created to be artworks or forms of 
artistic expression. It took time for photography to be 
truly recognized as a valid art form. However, in the 
present day, many art museums and art galleries now 
exhibit photographic artworks (Eden Gallery, 2021) 
Typically, a lens is used to focus the light reflected or 
emitted from objects into a real image on the light-
sensitive surface inside a camera during a timed exposure. 

P 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_radiation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image_sensor
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photographic_film
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photographic_film
https://www.eden-gallery.com/news/art-galleries-vs-museums/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lens_%28optics%29
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Focus_%28optics%29
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Real_image
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camera
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exposure_%28photography%29


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An electronic image sensor produces an electrical charge 
at each pixel, which is electronically processed and stored 
in a digital image file for subsequent display or processing. 
The result with photographic emulsion is an invisible 
latent image, which is later chemically "developed" into a 
visible image, either negative or positive depending on the 
purpose of the photographic material and the method of 
processing. A negative image on film is traditionally used 
to photographically create a positive image on a paper 
base, known as a print, either by using an enlarger or by 
contact printing.  

Colour photography started to become popular and 
accessible with the release of Eastman Kodak's 
"Kodachrome" film in the 1930s. Before that, almost all 
photos were monochromatic – although a handful of 
photographers, toeing the line between chemists and 
alchemists, had been using specialized techniques to 
capture colour images for decades before. You’ll find 
some fascinating galleries of photos from the 1800s or 
early 1900s captured in full colour, worth exploring if you 
have not seen them already. 

Over the years, photography has grown to become 
one of the creative careers that cut across many other 
disciplines, there has been debate over who a professional 
photographer is, the ideal tricks for practice (great shots), 
and who should be addressed as a professional 
photographer. With the ease of accessing a camera device 
and the sophistication of technological mobile phone-
enabled cameras, many seem to have acquired the label. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charge-coupled_device
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pixel
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image_processing
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image_file_formats
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photographic_emulsion
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latent_image
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photographic_developer
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Negative_%28photography%29
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Positive_%28photography%29
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photographic_processing
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photographic_print
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enlarger
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contact_print
https://timeline.com/photos-earliest-color-images-f48ea4ae8e9f


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However, either joining the field as an amateur, 
intermediate or professional, there exists basic entry 
knowledge that every practitioner or hobbyist of the trade 
who loves to shoot on camera modes other than auto 
mode must possess. This is because being partly a 
scientific device as much as an art tool, the mechanism of 
the camera is structured in such a way that its exposures 
and outputs are determined by the mastery of its internal 
components and settings that govern the Exposure 
Triangle (Shutterspeed, Aperture and ISO). (Toluwani, 
2021) 

The Camera 
A camera is an optical instrument for recording or 

capturing images, which may be stored locally, transmitted 
to another location, or both. ... The word camera comes 
from camera obscura, which means "dark chamber" and is 
the Latin name of the original device for projecting an 
image of external reality onto a flat surface. The camera is 
also a remote sensing device as it senses subjects without 
any contact.  The modern photographic camera evolved 
from the camera obscura. The functioning of the camera 
is very similar to the functioning of the human eye. The 
first permanent photograph of a camera image was made 
in 1826 by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce. 
 
 

 

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remote_sensing
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_eye
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photograph
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Nic%C3%A9phore_Ni%C3%A9pce


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Parts of a Camera (Front) 

 

Plate 1: The parts of a camera. Source: google.com 

1. Shutter Button: Press this button to release the 
shutter. The shutter button press has two stages: 
Half-pressing the button activates the AF function 
while pressing it down fully releases the shutter. 

2. Red-eye reduction: If the red-eye reduction is 
enabled on your camera, half-pressing the shutter 
button will light up this lamp when you use the 
built-in flash.  

3. Self-timer: When you set the self-timer, this lamp 
will blink for the duration of the timer until the 
picture is taken. 

4. Lens Mount: This is the section that connects the 
interchangeable lens to the camera body. To attach 
the lens, you line up the lens mount index (see F3) 
on the lens with the corresponding one on the lens 
mount and turn the lens clockwise until you hear a 
click. 

https://snapshot.canon-asia.com/article/en/3-speedlite-features-you-might-not-know


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5. Red Index: Align the mark on the lens with this 
mark when you are attaching or detaching a lens. 

6. Lens Release Button: Press this button when you 
want to detach the lens. The lens lock pin retracts 
when the button is pressed, enabling you to turn 
the lens freely. Before shooting, lock the lens into 
place by turning it until you hear a click. 

7. Mirror: The mirror is unique to DSLR cameras. It 
reflects light from the lens into the viewfinder, 
which lets the photographer see the shot through 
the viewfinder in real time. The mirror flips up 
immediately right before the shutter release (the 
shot is taken). 

8. Mike: This is a built-in microphone for capturing 
the audio sound during movie recording. The 
microphone used may be monaural or stereo 
depending on the camera model. 

9. Built-in Flash: When needed, you can fire the 
flash to capture a shot in a dimly lit scene. The flash 
may be automatically fired in some modes 

Parts of a Camera (Rear) 

It is important to note that the camera has several 
functions, just like the knobs and buttons seem to be 
many, even from the simplest to most complex cameras. 
In recent times High definition cameras bear multiversal 
functions, a sequel to their dynamic abilities during usage. 



The Basics of Basic Photography 

100 
 

 

Plate 2: The parts of a camera. Source: google.com 

1. The eyecup prevents external light from entering 
when your eye is in contact with the eyepiece. A 
soft material is used to reduce the burden on the 
eye and the forehead. 

2. The viewfinder eyepiece is a small window on the 
camera which you look through to compose your 
photo and establish a focus on a subject. When 
shooting using a viewfinder, external light is 
reduced. This allows you to put full attention on the 
subject right before your eyes, which in turn makes 
it easier to track moving subjects. 

3. LCD Monitor: the captured image as well as text 
information such as the menu can also be displayed 
on the LCD monitor. Also, you can magnify the 
display image to check the details. Some camera 
models have a vari-angle LCD monitor, which 
allows you to alter the angle of the monitor during 



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Live View shooting, making it easier to capture low-
angle or high-angle shots. 

4. Menu Button: Use this button to display the menu 
for adjusting the different camera functions. After 
selecting a menu item, you can adjust the camera 
settings in greater detail. 

5. Playback Button: This is the button for playing 
back images you have captured. Pressing the button 
once displays the last image you captured or 
showed on the LCD monitor. 

6. Wi-Fi Lamp: This lamp indicates the wireless 
connection status. 

7. Access Lamp: The lamp appears blinking when 
there is data transmission between the camera and 
the memory card. Do not open the card slot or 
battery compartment cover while the light is 
blinking. Doing so may cause the camera to 
malfunction. 

8. SET Button/Multi-controller: The Multi-
controller keys are directional buttons that allow 
you to: Move between menu items, move a 
magnified display to a different point during image 
playback, and move the AF point during AF point 
selection 



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102 
 

9. ISO Speed Setting Button: Press this button to 
adjust the sensitivity of the camera toward the light. 
ISO speed is an international standard that is 
determined based on the sensitivity of negative 
films 

10. Quick Control Button: Pressing this button 
displays the Quick Control screen (further 
explained in the section "Settings on the Quick 
Control Screen"), which allows you to confirm 
various camera settings at one glance and adjust 
them. 

11. Display Button: By pressing the DISP button, you 
can turn the display on/off, toggle between 
different information displays in Image/Movie 
Playback mode and during Live View shooting, and 
display the camera’s major function settings when 
the menu is displayed 

12. Erase Button: Use this button to erase unwanted 
images 

13. Focus Point Selection Button: Use this button to 
go into AF point (autofocus) selection mode during 
AF shooting. You can then select any of the AF 
points manually using the Multi-controller keys. 

14. Live View Shooting/ Movie Shooting Switch: 
Use this button to turn on or turn off the Live 



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View function. Pressing the button once displays 
the Live View image on the LCD monitor, and the 
camera is ready for Live View shooting.  

15. Dioptric Adjustment Knob: Use this knob to 
adjust the clarity of the viewfinder image according 
to your eyesight. To do so, turn the knob while 
looking through the viewfinder. (Takahashi, 2018) 

Types of Camera  
Kevin (2021) enumerated various types of cameras still in 
existence today. They are as follows:  
 
Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera 

 

 Plate 3: DSLR. Source: Kevin (2021) 

DSLR stands for “Digital Single Lens Reflex”. If 
you’re looking to take your photography to a more 
professional level, consider getting a DSLR camera. They 
have been the go-to camera for many professionals in the 
digital age. When you look through the viewfinder of a 
DSLR you’re seeing through the lens with the help of a 

https://photographycourse.net/what-is-a-dslr-camera/


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mirror and prism. These are inside the camera body and 
allow you to view images the right way up. When you take 
a photo, the mirror flips up so light enter through the 
shutter and reaches the sensor. 
 
Compact Cameras 

Compact cameras are small and designed for easy 
use. This type of camera is often called a point-and-shoot 
camera because they are so quick and easy to take photos 
with. Everything is automated so you do not have to pay 
much attention to capturing an image. If you want 
something of an upgrade from your phone, but do not 
want to carry a larger camera, this is the type of camera for 
you.  Most cameras use focus-free lenses or autofocus for 
focusing, automatic systems for setting the exposure 
options, and have flash units built in (Wikipedia, 2022) 

Film Cameras 
The film is not dead. Many beginner photographers 

are using film cameras to develop their style and skills. 
Many experience photographers prefer the look and feel 
of photos taken with film. 

The main difference for digital photographers who 
pick a film camera is the lack of a screen. Using film you 
have to learn to be patient. You also need to be sure of 
your settings because you would not know if you get 
something wrong until your film comes back from the lab. 
This can certainly help hone your skills. Taking time to 
understand what you are doing while using film is a good 

https://amzn.to/2Dk5hjc


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challenge. Most film cameras work the same way DSLR 
cameras do. Range finder film cameras are like mirrorless 
cameras but without an electronic viewfinder or screen. 
They all have a lens and a shutter to control the light. The 
film you load determines the ISO. 

Action Cameras 
For adventure seekers and adrenaline junkies, action 

cameras are a no-brainer. Action cameras are perfect for 
the outdoors. They can withstand rough weather 
conditions, they are shockproof, lightweight, and highly 
durable. This type of small action camera includes 4K 
video, screens, and high FPS rates. Choosing the right 
action camera will depend on what you're planning to use 
it for. But most of the action cameras available have 
similar features.  

 

 

 

Plate 4: Phone camera. Source: Kevin (2021) 

Smartphone Cameras 
There is no doubt that the smartphone camera has 

been the widespread choice of photography for everyone, 
The smartphone camera is the most popular choice of 

https://photographycourse.net/smartphone-cameras-vs-dslr/


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camera for everyone, everywhere. The main reasons are 
because they are so easy to use and they are always with 
us. Mobile photography may get a bad rep, but when it is 
the only camera you have on you, it can get the job done 
surprisingly well. 

Storing all your photos on your device and having 
the option to upload them immediately also appeals to 
many people. You can capture all the candid moments, 
landscapes, and portraits without much effort. With new 
iPhones and Androids coming out every year, the quality 
of smartphone cameras has improved dramatically. 
 
Instant Cameras 

Compact instant cameras are back and they are a 
fun option. Instant cameras are not only fun and easy to 
use, but there are different types available when it comes 
to "instant" photography. 

They cover a wide spectrum of photography styles. 
These range from toyish point-and-shoots to advanced 
instant cameras, Polaroids, and more. Instant cameras are 
like a hybrid of vintage analogue and digital photography. 
So you are getting the best of both worlds when you use 
them (Kevin, 2021) 
 
The Mirrorless Camera 

Today, with the advent and advancement of 
technology, camera types have evolved from the DSLR 
Camera which revolutionalized photography to Morden 
Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Cameras (MILC) or what 



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is also known as the Digital Single-Lens Mirrorless 
(DSLM) camera. Unlike DSLR cameras, the mirrorless 
camera works without a reflex mirror and allows Light to 
pass through the digital sensor directly which enables the 
displayed image on the LCD screen to be adjusted in 
settings before it is shot. According to (MasterClass, 
2020), this provides a straightforward approach to 
capturing images by trapping light onto the viewfinder and 
the camera sensor directly and allowing for a more stable 
captured image. Examples of Mirrorless cameras include 
the Nikon Z 9, Sony Alpha 1, FUJIFILM GFX 100S, 
Canon EOS R3, Sony Alpha a7 IV, FUJIFILM GFX 50S 
II, Nikon Z FC, Sigma FPL and Panasonic Lumix GH6 
 
Advantages of a Mirrorless Camera  
Better shooting speed: The mirrorless camera allows 

photographers to shoot at a higher shutter speed rate and 

with better-focusing aptitudes. 

 

Lightweight and compact size: The mirrorless camera 

comes with a smaller sensor and is lightweight hence is 

easier to be carried around than the DSLR camera.  

 

Electronic viewfinder (EVF): A unique feature of the 

mirrorless camera is its ability to display captured images 

on the LCD directly as a live view through the image 

sensor, allowing for easy image adjustments and re-setting 

before snapping them. Settings like exposure, brightness, 



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108 
 

saturation, and contrast can be adjusted before snapping 

your photo. 

Image stabilization: Unlike DSLR Cameras, the absence 

of a mirror reflex mechanism makes the Mirrorless camera 

less prone to camera shake and improves image quality.  

Silent mechanism: A mirrorless is best for discreet and 

quiet shots. 

Irrespective of the type of digital camera being used 

(Compact, Waterproofed, Bridged DSLR or Mirrorless), a 

good knowledge of how the camera works is essential for 

every camera handler. 

Genres of Photography 
Genres of photography entail different aspects and 
subcategories of photography. Depending on the need and 
uses, they are Black and White Photography, Experimental 
Photography, Travel Photography, Landscape 
Photography, Advertising Photography, Wedding 
Photography, HDR Photography, Fashion Photography, 
Aerial Photography, Street Photography, Sports 
Photography, Portrait Photography, Still Life 
Photography, Abstract Photography, and Photojournalism 
(Markus, 2021)  
 
Portrait Photography 

This aspect of photography covers the recording of 
the human head and bust. Portraiture is arguably one of 



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the most popular types of photography. Today, virtually 
anybody can practice this genre of photography with their 
smartphone (Adorama, 2020). Portrait photography can 
be useful in a variety of projects, be they commercial or 
political. Portrait photography gives viewers the chance to 
connect with the subject of a photo. Unlike advertising 
photography, the subject of a portrait may or may not be 
made to look flawless. Portraits can include headshots or 
full-body shots, and they can encompass several emotions 
and imagery 

 

Plate 5: Portrait Photography. Photo Credit: Emeka Obi, (2021) 

 
 
 
 



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110 
 

Still Life Photography 

 

Plate 6: Still life photography. Source: 
https://www.adorama.com/alc/17-types-of-photography-which-

niche-is-right-for-you/ 
 

Like portrait photography, still, lives can be used 
for both artistic and commercial purposes. Still lives often 
tell a story through inanimate objects. These types of 
photographs are unique, as they typically work well for 
stock photos (depending on the content) and art galleries 
alike. The impersonal nature of viewing objects makes 
still-life photography a "safe" medium in many ways. 
 
Travel Photography 

In defining travel photography, it comes down to 
the story; the photographer captures new places and 
experiences and we get to view it from their perspective. 



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They try to capture the feelings that they're having at that 
strange place. They also learn landscape photography as 
they have to capture different beautiful landscapes. 
 
Landscape Photography 

Landscape photography is perhaps one of the most 
traditional photography styles, and it’s no mystery as to 
why; our world has fantastic views. Capturing landscapes 
through photography is a powerful skill, as it often allows 
honest documentation of nature. Landscape photography 
is capturing an image that embodies the spirit of the 
outdoors. It carries a sense of being there to see something 
incredible. When viewers look at your work, their hearts 
should jump. You want them to feel the 
same emotions that you felt, standing in the middle of 
nature and bringing back something amazing. 
 
Advertising Photography  

As you may have guessed, advertising photography 
falls on the commercial end of the photography spectrum. 
Advertising imagery sojourns in the cultural space of 
making meaning to the target audience, often relying on 
photography for the delivery of its message, while at the 
same time shaping the destiny of photographic 
representation (Langmead, 2005). This style is used by 
brands, freelancers, businesses (small and large), and many 
others to market products and services. 

https://photographylife.com/landscapes/how-light-creates-emotion-in-photography


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Plate 7: Hair repair oil shot with a camera and used to design an 

advert. Source: https://rusaliniliev.com/en/ product-photography 

 
Advertising photography can be utilized across several 
platforms, especially as social media and product design 
continue to develop. 
 
Fashion Photography 

Fashion photography is a high-end genre focused 
on showcasing clothing and products. This style of 
photography is commonly associated with magazines like 
Elle, Vogue, Vanity Fair, and other lifestyle features. This 



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popular genre is growing fast across university campuses, 
as many young people utilize this style in their 
fashion/beauty blogs. The DIY appeal of blogging has 
arguably begun a fashion photography revolution, 
specifically in females 16-25.  
 
Aerial Photography  

Aerial photography, or high-angled photography, 
became a reality through the invention of flight. Aerial 
photography was utilized during World War II, as a way to 
document enemy landings. 
 
At the peak of World War II, British planes managed to 
complete one-hundred flights a day, capturing over 50,000 
images to interpret daily. 

Drones are now the best devices used in capturing 
aerial photographs. Drone photography is the capture of 
still images and video by a remotely-operated or 
autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), also known 
as an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) or, more 
commonly, as a drone. ... A recent high-end camera 
designed for drone use, the 80mp iXU 180. Drone 
cameras are helpful, especially by law enforcement, 
in surveillance, monitoring crowds, and even identifying 
threats. This kind of surveillance is also vital in monitoring 
borders to prevent any criminal activities and alert 
authorities. 
 
 



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Street Photography 
Street photography can feature the presence of 

people, animals, objects, and events. Whether artistic, 
political or simply a tool for mapping, street photography 
captures its setting uniquely. Street photography continues 
to resonate with artistic photographers as well as lifestyle 
photographers, due in part to the blog ability of such 
images. Even Google Maps has done a great deal to 
provide accessible street imagery; Google Street (an 
extension of Google Maps) allows a full, 360-degree view 
of various roads. 
 
Sports Photography 

When it comes to art, sports photography can often 
be overlooked. Athletics bring to mind coordination, 
business, and entertainment, but are not often affiliated 
with creative expression. 

 

Plate 8: Photograph of an athlete. Source: google.com 



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However, sports are emotionally charged, and 
games and athletes can change course unexpectedly. Art is 
famously difficult to define, but art (photography, 
specifically) is often used to capture the truth. By shooting 
an athlete, coach, or even a fan at the right moment, 
photographers can take a genuine moment and make it 
permanent 

Photojournalism 
Photojournalism’s core purpose is, to tell the truth 

objectively and without bias. This mission has become 
deeply controversial in some circles, with famous accounts 
of photojournalists shooting tragedies, such as the photos 
of famished children suffering and dying in Kwashiokor in 
Biafra. 

 
 

 

 

 

 

Plate 9: Children ravaged by kwashiorkor. Source: 
https://guardiannewsusa.com/nigeria-millions-commemorate-

biafran-war-anniversary/ 

https://www.creativenonfiction.org/online-reading/girl-surf


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Experimental Photography 
Photo manipulation involves the transforming or 

alteration of a photograph using various methods and 
techniques to achieve desired results. Some photograph 
manipulations are considered to be skilful artwork, while 
others are considered to be unethical practices, especially 
when used to deceive the public. Other examples include 
being used for political propaganda, to improve the 
appearance of a product or person, or simply as 
entertainment or practical joke (wikipedia.org) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Plate 14: Manipulation is done by assembling two or more photos. 

Source: Johnny Montage, 2020 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image_editing
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image_editing
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photograph
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propaganda


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This aspect of photography, experimental 
photography uses photo manipulation to alter our 
perceptions as well as our expectations. Photographers 
often use this type of art to tell a story or create art 
specific to their cause (e.g. cover art, fantastical 
photographs, and even adverts).  

 
The Darkroom 

A darkroom is a workshop used by photographers 
working with photographic film to make prints and carry 
out other associated tasks. It is a room that can be made 
completely dark to allow the processing of light-sensitive 
photographic materials, including film and photographic 
paper. Various equipment is used in the darkroom, 
including an enlarger, baths containing chemicals, and 
running water. Darkrooms have been created and used 
since the inception of photography in the early 19th 
century. Darkrooms have many various manifestations, 
from the elaborate space used by Ansel Adams to a 
retooled ambulance wagon used by Timothy H. 
O'Sullivan. From the initial development to the creation of 
prints, the darkroom process allows complete control over 
the medium. 
 
Lighting in Photography 

The essence of photography is light. "The very 
word photography is derived from two ancient Greek 
words; Photos, meaning ‘light’ and Graphos, meaning 
‘writing'. Literally, photography means writing with light" 

https://www.vandelaydesign.com/ultimate-list-of-photoshop-manipulation-tutorials/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photographic_film
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photographic_paper
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photographic_paper
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enlarger
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ansel_Adams
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timothy_H._O%27Sullivan
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timothy_H._O%27Sullivan


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( Northon 1993: 21). Basically, light illuminates the given 
subject that will be recorded in the camera. Without lights, 
there will be nothing for the camera to expose. Simply put, 
light is the medium which the camera uses to record 
images. Grundberg (2009) in his article on Photography, 
submits that "light is the visible portion of a broad range 
of energy called electromagnetic radiation which also 
includes invisible energy in the form of radio waves, 
gamma ray, X rays, infrared and ultraviolet radiation". 
Both the eye and the lens of a camera detect the narrow 
band of electromagnetic waves as colours. 

Studio Photography came into existence with the 
inception of commercial photography in the early 
twentieth century. Advertisers paid expensive fees to run 
advertisements and they in turn demanded high-quality 
photographs to communicate their ideas. In a photo 
studio, ambient light, ultraviolet or daylight is usually 
minimal space is limited as well. To consolidate such 
shortcomings, controllable lights and sets are put up in a 
PhotoStudio. Therefore, it is in the interest of the 
photographer to control and manipulate studio lights to 
spur interest in his photos. Light has various 
characteristics and should be understood by a neophyte 
and a professional photographer. Light can be absorbed, 
scattered (reflected) or refracted. Pegram (2009;32) in his 
book titled “Lighting Techniques”, explains the 
phenomena of refraction and reflection thus: 

 



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When light waves move from air to glass, the light 
slows down. If it strikes the glass at an angle, it will 
also change direction. This is known as 
refraction...when light is not reflected or transmitted, 
it is absorbed. Consequently, black velvet backdrops, 
which absorb virtually all of the light that strikes them 
are often used in photography.  

These two characteristics are observed as a behaviour 
of light in photography. Pegram also situates that 
reflection also entails when light hits a flat, reflective 
surface like a mirror, the reflected waves will always come 
off the flat surface at the equal and opposite angle at 
which the incoming wave of light struck the surface. Some 
equipment is used in achieving reflection. The Umbrella 
reflector is an example of such equipment. The light 
attached faces the umbrella, when lit, its beam bounces off 
the interior of the umbrella, providing soft, diffused light 
for the subject. Many Umbrella units are sensitive to flash 
units and trigger their light once an exposure is made to 
highlight the subject. Like the camera, light can focus on 
the subject from many directions, creating beautiful effects 
on the subjects. They are front lights, sidelights, backlights 
and overcast lights. Pegram (2009: 35) believed that "front 
light comes directly in anterior of the subject". Norton 
(1993:30) enunciated that " sidelight gives dimensions to 
the subject". This means that side lighting defines the 
texture and form of the subject, giving it a sharp contrast 
between the highlights, mid-tones and shadows. On 



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backlight, Pegram affirmed that it occurs when the light 
source is directly behind the subject. 
 
The situation of light in a photo studio  

A photo studio is an enclosure owned by a creative 
entrepreneur, who employs photographers for commercial 
photography. Onwuekwe (2017: 4) explains the perfect 
arrangement of lights and subjects in a photo studio with 
the diagram above. He explained the various lights and 
their positions, including their functions in the studio, 
thus;  
 

The key light is usually situated in front of the subject. 
Depending on the position and angle, when placed in 
front of the subject, it creates a sharp contrast, casting 
a shadow on the opposite side where it illuminates. 
The fill light is the subordinate light located opposite 
the key lamp. It usually eliminates shadows cast on the 
subject by the key light. A hair light is a small light 
placed above the subject. The hair light illuminates the 
hair and separates the subject from the background. 
Background light eliminates shadows on the 
background and lightens it such that the subject stands 
out from the background, thereby creating a sharp 
contrast between the subject and the background. The 
backlight is placed directly behind the subject. It 
creates a beautiful outline of the subject.  
 
 



Toluwani and Onwuekwe 

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Fig 1: an illustration portraying the placement of lights, camera and 
set in a photo studio. Source: Onwuekwe (2017) 

 
Sidelight, for example, evokes feelings of romance 

and nostalgia, whereas light from below creates a sense of 
terror. Hard shadows create more of a sense of drama 
than soft shadows, and cool colour tones convey more 
negative emotions than warm light (Taylor, 2019) 
 

Camera modes 
The Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Program 

mode and other camera modes are effective modes to 
engage while shooting as they help to provide a 
combination of both auto and manual mode settings for 
effective shots. From the above-mentioned camera modes 
(Aperture priority, Shutter priority), the photographer sets 



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his desired parameter while the camera automatically 
adjusts its end to compensate. For instance, while using 
the Aperture priority mode (Av/A), the photographer sets 
his aperture while the camera automatically provides the 
appropriate shutter speed for the object or scenery in 
focus, conversely, the Shutter priority (Tv/V) provides an 
automated aperture setting for the already selected shutter 
speed. The Program mode which also belongs to the 
creative zone is auto-driven and sets its shutter speed and 
aperture automatically and independently when exposed to 
any given sensitive light. Other camera modes are: 
 
Landscape mode: It sets the aperture to a maximum 
depth of field and switches off the in-built flash. 
 
Portrait mode: Sets a wide aperture to blur the 
background of the image and overrides all other settings. 
 
Night portrait mode: This setting fixes other settings and 
combines the in-built flash with a slow shutter speed. 
 
Sport mode: Sets a high shutter speed to freeze motion. 
 
Closeup mode/Macro mode: Allows centralized focus 
on subjects that are only a few inches away. 
 

The above-mentioned modes are great auto-driven 
parameters that aid good shots and could be explored by 
photographers when on deadlines. 



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Exposure 
In photography, exposure refers to the control of 

light in the camera and how this affects image output. It is 
the amount of light that hits the digital sensor at a given 
time and measures how light or dark a photographic image 
is (Carroll, 2016). The context of overexposure and 
underexposure of images in photography (ie. The 
phenomenon of being too bright and too dark) is 
determined by the regulation of the aperture, shutter speed 
and iso or their effective combinations either in manual 
mode or automated in the aperture priority (Av/A) mode, 
Shutter priority (Tv/S) mode or Programme camera (P) 
mode (Toluwani, 2021). Carroll asserts that a ‘perfect’ 
exposure does not exist, He submits that the movement of 
the exposure by a step or two upward or downwards is all 
that is needed to adjust an underexposed or overexposed 
shot. The histogram graph in a camera device according to 
Carroll is used to monitor the ‘clipped’ and ‘blown out 
proportion (distribution of light) of the captured image 
where the clipped shadows represent the areas that are 
pure black and without details and ‘blown out’ highlights 
represents areas that are pure white and without details. 
(Carroll, 2016). 



The Basics of Basic Photography 

124 
 

 

Figure 2. An illustration of a digital camera histogram guide. Source: 
Carroll, 2016)  https://petapixel.com/aperture-shutter-speed-iso-
beginners-guide-photography/ 
 

A properly exposed photograph will have a 
balanced histogram graph with a balanced spread of light, 
dark and shadow spikes while an underexposed or 
overexposed photo will not. 
 

 
Plate 16. Example of a correctly exposed photograph. Source: 
(Carroll,2016) https://petapixel.com/aperture-shutter-speed-iso-
beginners-guide-photography/ 
 



Toluwani and Onwuekwe 

125 
 

 
Plate 17. Example of an underexposed photograph. Source: (Carroll,2016) 
https://petapixel.com/aperture-shutter-speed-iso-beginners-guide-
photography/ 
 

 
 
Plate 18. Example of an overexposed photograph. Source: (Carroll,2016) 
https://petapixel.com/aperture-shutter-speed-iso-beginners-guide-
photography/ 

 
To cover the best dynamic range, photographers 

take multiple shots with slightly different exposure settings 
which leads to the creation of a series of photographs that 
are correctly exposed, underexposed and overexposed. 
this technique is called Exposure Bracketing  



The Basics of Basic Photography 

126 
 

Exposure Compensation 
While using the automated dial modes from the 

creative zones of the camera (Tv/Av/P), exposures might 
turn out not properly exposed as expected because of the 
locked-in auto-parameters, hence exposure compensation 
dial is used to alter the overexposure or underexposure of 
the image captured by the camera, this allows 
photographers to adjust the brightness or darkness of the 
exposure as desired. Exposure compensation parameters 
range from -2 to +2,  -3 to +3 or -5 to +5 depending on 
the camera device and make 
  

Figure 3. Illustration of exposure compensation belt. Source: 
(Carroll,2016) https://petapixel.com/aperture-shutter-speed-iso-
beginners-guide-photography/ 

 
Shutter and the Aperture 

Aside from the auto mode in the DSLR (Digital 
Single-lens Reflex) camera, the MILC (Mirrorless 
Interchangeable-Lens Camera) or the Bridge camera, the 
Manual mode allows photographers to adjust the aperture 
and shutter speed independently of each other like old 
Single Reflex-lens (SLR) camera versions. As creative 
controls, both the aperture and shutter settings aid the 



Toluwani and Onwuekwe 

127 
 

exposure of accurately exposed photographs and hence 
are fundamental to the operation of any camera and the 
creation of creative photographs. 

Aperture setting 
The aperture is the degree of opening in the camera 

lens for light to come in. (Ryan, 2013) likens it to the 
opening of the human pupil (eyes), which adapts to high 
and low lights, ( ie. the larger the opening, the more light 
is allowed in and the smaller the opening the less light is 
let in). The aperture opening is equally adaptable in size 
and calculates the intensity of light hitting the image 
sensor, it is measured in 'f-stops. Changing the f-stop 
value means changing the aperture size to either larger or 
smaller, but unlike the human eyes the aperture measures 
in reverse, “the larger the opening, the less light is allowed 
in and the smaller the opening the more light is let in” 
(Carroll, 2016; Ryan, 2013). 

 

 
Figure 4: Illustration of aperture openings at different f-stops. Source: 
https://capturetheatlas.com/what-is-aperture-in-photography/ 
 

Often, f-stops numbers become confusing and 
difficult to interpret but Ryan, (2013) explains thus; 



The Basics of Basic Photography 

128 
 

“These aperture numbers are simply based on a measured 

opening at the front of the lens. This measurement is 

relative to the focal length of the lens. For example, A 100 

mm lens with an effective opening of 50 mm at the front 

of the lens would make this an f:2 lens. (2 x 50 = 100)” as 

illustrated below. 

Consequently, the choice of aperture affects the 
Depth of Field of a photographed image. Depth of Field 
is the amount of the image that is in focus (sharp). A wide 
aperture will produce a shallow depth of field. The 
illustration below graphically explains how aperture size 
affects depth of field. 

 

Figure 5: descriptive illustration of the relationship between Depth of 

Field and aperture. Source: https://capturetheatlas.com/what-is-aperture-

in-photography/ 

 
Shutter speed 

Shutter speed is the length of time the image sensor 
is exposed to the light that reaches the opening of a 
camera lens (aperture), it controls how motion is 



Toluwani and Onwuekwe 

129 
 

represented in an image. A fast shutter speed freezes 
motion in a photographed image while a slow shutter 
speed blurs motion in a photographed image, shutter 
speed is measured in fractions of a second and is often 
referred to as exposure time, the shutter speed can be as 
fast as 1/10,000 of a second or as slow as several minutes 
(Carroll, 2016). Knowledge of both fast and slow shutter 
speed fractions can be adopted for various creative shots; 
from freezing waterfalls to blurring candid movements in 
sceneries.  

 

Plate 19. Depiction of a slow (1/2 second) shutter speed on a waterfall 
using a tripod. Source: (Carroll,2016) https://petapixel.com/aperture-
shutter-speed-iso-beginners-guide-photography/ 

In plate 21, Rakesh Rocky (n.d) on Flickr used an 

ISO of 1250 and a large aperture (f/2) with a high shutter 

speed of 1/4000s to achieve the exposure. The shutter 

speed setting is therefore an ideal way of experimenting 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/22905496@N07/


The Basics of Basic Photography 

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with capturing motion in landscape and sports 

photography.  

 

Figure 6: Illustration of the effect of different shutter speeds on the sense 
of motion. Source: (Carroll,2016) petapixel.com/aperture-shutter-speed-
iso-beginners-guide-photography/ 

ISO 
ISO deals with light sensitivity in photography and 

refers to how sensitive the camera's digital sensor is to 
light, ISO numbers can range from 50 to over 14000. A 
high ISO allows a photographer with a handheld camera 
to shoot at a higher shutter speed, say at an 800 ISO 
setting, despite the advancement in technology and the 
fact that most contemporary cameras are developed to 



Toluwani and Onwuekwe 

131 
 

handle ISO well, caution must be taken not to excessively 
increase the ISO parameter as it often leads to image noise 
(graininess). 
 
Composition in photography 

Every visual artist is guided by the elements and 
principles of design and rules that guide their visual 
metaphors, the Rule of Thirds is one of such universal 
guidelines that creatives use for segmenting the plane of 
their art artboard, another is the golden ratio which 
stipulates 1.618 to1 for subject placement. In 
photography, the Rule of Thirds remains a significant 
guideline, it places the subject (point of interest or the 
appeal point) of an image in the right or left a third of the 
frame, leaving the other two-thirds more open (Adobe, 
2022). 

 
“That means the corners of the central square are 
the intersection points in your grid where you want 
to place the focal point of your shot. It’s called the 
rule of thirds, but you can think of it as giving you 
four crosshairs with which to target a shot’s 
important elements. This will help you balance your 
main subject with negative space in your shot to nail 
an effective photographic composition that will draw 
the viewer’s eye.” (Adobe, 2022) 

 



The Basics of Basic Photography 

132 
 

 
 

Plate 21. Rule of thirds in photography Source: Adobe. 
adobe.com/creativecloud/photography/discover/rule-of-
thirds.html#:~:text=What%20is%20the%20rule%20of,compelling%20an
d%20well%2Dcomposed%20shots. 

 

 

Plate 22. Rule of thirds in photography. Source: Adobe. 
adobe.com/creativecloud/photography/discover/rule-of-
thirds.html#:~:text=What%20is%20the%20rule%20of,compelling%20an
d%20well%2Dcomposed%20shots. 



Toluwani and Onwuekwe 

133 
 

How to use the Rule of Thirds  
1. Practice and Apply the rules: Turn on the Rule of 

Thirds grid in your camera and practice with it. Explore 

the rules by taking several pictures of parks, locations and 

events 

2. Keep your eye on the frame: Be clear about where 

your focus point will be before taking your shot. 

3. Be creative: Alternate sceneries and subjects to see 

their spread on the grid, be experimental. 

4. Break the rule: This might appear daunting for 

beginners, but professionals believe that the best way to 

improve your creative skill, is to “push beyond borders”.  

This can be achieved by filling the frames especially when 

the scene is interesting, zooming in and out from your 

subjects to see how it alters the rule; using a different 

composition and reversing the rule by alternating the open 

space with your subject. As noted by photographer and 

designer Shawn Ingersoll  in Adobe, (2022) “the rule of 

thirds, is not a rule. It’s more of a guideline or best 

practice.”  

In conclusion, photography is the creative process 
of capturing images or drawing with light through a device 
called the camera, it is both a science and an art. Amidst 
growing technology and increasing ready-to-use 
automated camera types including mobile phones, today's 
photographers must continue to hone their skills by 



The Basics of Basic Photography 

134 
 

understanding the rudiment of the art and acquiring 
updated information on global best practices to remain 
practically relevant and well-grounded in its theory. The 
creative zone and basic zones of the camera must also be 
explored and understood extensively by practitioners if we 
must transfer its knowledge to the next generation.  

This book chapter, therefore, provides a standpoint 
for would-be photographers and design students who 
offer photography as a module in their field of study. 
 
Questions 

1. Name 6 parts of a camera you know 
2. Mention 5 types of Camera you know 
3. What are the Genres of Photography 
4. Briefly explain lighting in the Photography studio 
5. Explain the basic camera modes. (b)discuss 

exposure 
6. Explain ISO, Composition. (b). Demonstrate 

Depth of field effect with any available HD camera 
 
References 
Adobe, (2022) How to use and break the rule of 

thirds.www.adobe.com/creativecloud/photography/dis
cover/rule-of-thirds.html#:~:text= 
What%20is%20the%20rule%20of,compelling%20and%
20well%2Dcomposed%20shots. 

Carroll, O.B. (2016 June 25). A Beginner’s Guide to Aperture, 

Shutter Speed, and ISO in Photography. 



Toluwani and Onwuekwe 

135 
 

https://petapixel.com/aperture-shutter-speed-iso-

beginners-guide-photography/ 

Kevin, H. (2021). 10 Different Types of Cameras. 
https://photographycourse.net/different-types-of-
cameras/ 

Langmead, P. A. (2005). Picturing Things: Advertising, Objects 

and Meaning. MA Thesis, Department of 

Communications and Multimedia Edith Cowan 

University. http://www.paullangmead.com/ 

downloads/PALangmeadThesis.pdf 

Markus, J. (2021). The 15 Most Popular Types of Photography You 
Need to Master. https://www.vandelaydesign.com/types-
of-photography/ 

MasterClass, (2021, September 28). Design & Style: What Is a 

DSLR Camera? DSLR vs. Mirrorless Cameras 

https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-a-dslr-

camera#what-are-the-benefits-of-using-a-dslr-camera 

Master Class, (2021, September 28). Design & Style: What Is a 

Mirrorless Camera and How Does It Compare to a DSLR? 

https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-a-

mirrorless-camera#mirrorless-cameras-versus-dslrs-

whats-the-difference 

Onwuekwe, C. (2017), Construction of Spot Lights for Studio 
Photography Using Scrap and Improvised Materials. 
Malaysian Journal of Creative Media, Design and Technology. 
Vol. 1 No.1 2017 

https://petapixel.com/aperture-shutter-speed-iso-beginners-guide-photography/
https://petapixel.com/aperture-shutter-speed-iso-beginners-guide-photography/


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Ryan, M (2013). Three Little Wishes Photograph: ISO, Shutter 
Speed and Aperture. 
https://www.threelittlewishes.co.nz/site/threelittlewish
es/files/ISO_Shutter%20Speed_%20Aperture_.pdf 
 

Takahashi, R. (2018). Lesson 2: Knowing the Different Parts of the 
Camera. https://snapshot.canon-asia.com/article/eng 
/lesson-2-knowing-the-different-parts-of-the-camera 

Taylor, K. (2019). The importance of understanding light in 
photography. https://karltayloreducation.com/ 
photography-course/understanding-light/ 

Toluwani, D. (2021). Introduction to photography [Class Handout]. 

Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, FAA 340 

What Is Photography? (2021). What is Photography? 
https://www.eden-gallery.com/news/what-is-
photography 

What is Photography? (2022). Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. 

www.wikipedia.org/photography. Assessed, 3/3/2022 

 


