The camera

Abstract

Everyone is familiar with cameras of one sort or another; from our early childhood we have cameras pointed at us to record our birth, first steps and other important events throughout our lives. At some stage we will want to try taking photographs for ourselves and this usually comes about by using the family camera. The first contact is likely to be a simple compact where we just point and shoot. No thought will be given to composition or the moment of exposure. The end result will be less than pleasing and we may just start asking why the picture does not come up to our expectations. The first step in improving your photography is to have an understanding of the equipment being used. In essence all cameras are simply a light tight box with a lens to focus the image, an iris diaphragm to control the amount of light and a shutter to expose the film at the required time.