By Thomas Yulianto.          

Everyone wants to keep their special moments properly through photos. However, taking photos at an event or moment cannot be simple, but it requires technique so that the photos will be more attractive with good quality, and also meaningful. Sometimes someone takes a photo, and due to limited knowledge and experience, he ignores important elements in photography, so the results are not good enough.

Along with technology development, the need for photo or selfie documentation grow stronger, and everyone, including students, needs to know the technique in photography and its ethics. Stube HEMAT Yogyakarta equipped students with skills in photography with the theme ‘Smart in taking photos: How to Make Photos Talk More” with Wisnu Aji Satria, a professional photographer (17/6/2022).

In the early part of the training, the participants submitted photos and showed them. Asa, the familiar name of Wisnu Aji Satria, gave inputs regarding the photos, from the position of the light, the angle of the picture, the position of the camera, and the blurry photo. He revealed that the cases were common because photography is both an art and a practice, meaning it takes time to become well-trained.

He continued that basically in photography, one must recognize the camera he used, generally, there are two types of cameras, namely DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) and mirrorless, recognizing the camera parts and its features. A photographer prepares camera equipment properly, from batteries, memory cards, lens mounts, and lens cleanliness. Next, adjusting the camera settings according to the theme of the photos that will be produced, whether indoor or outdoor, static or motion, camera ISO, diaphragm, shutter speed, and set the focus point. Even considering other accessories that support photo shoots.

Regarding the types of photos, there are several types, namely (1) Establishing Shot: which shows the whole subject or environment, using a long shot or wide lens, (2) People at Work: which focuses on one activity, using a medium shot, (3) Detail: showing detail as strength, using close up, (4) Portrait: showing the character's face of the subject, (5) Relationship: showing interaction, having a conversation or working: negotiating, debating, and preferably human interaction (6) Closing: as a closing photo that becomes the conclusion.

A photographer needs to be careful in anticipating moments, such as moving or static objects, the timing when taking photos, and gestures that strengthen the photo. Despite the skills, photographers should be aware of their position and location, for example asking permission from parties related to the location for shooting, taking turns taking photos, and avoiding taking photo objects when eating, speaking, and other inappropriate expressions. As a practice stage, the participants took pictures of the surrounding environment using the methods learned. Some photos showed progress in taking pictures, while others still needed ‘flying hours’ in taking pictures.

Photography is both an art and a skill, so the more you take pictures and learn it, the more you will be skillful to operate the camera and to produce the best quality photos. ***