Introduction to Student Photograpphy
Over the past 9 years of teaching photography, I have taught many students and have seen many different cameras. Photographers will usually be partial to a certain brand of camera, and most of the time will be loyal to that brand of camera for most of their lives. I had always used Minolta’s and every camera I ever owned was a Minolta. With that being said, teaching over the years has taught me that you have to expand your horizons. The following is a brief instruction and opinion piece only to aid you with the purchase or selection of the camera needed for my class. This opinion is based solely on my experience as a teacher in this field.
The only requirement for taking my class is that the students have to have their own 35 mm SLR (Single Lens Reflex) camera. Automatic “point and shoot” cameras cannot be used for this class. They may borrow a camera from a relative as long as it is in good working order and they must have access to it for the entire semester. All other supplies will be provided in class. (ie, chemicals, film, paper etc.)
- 35 mm Single-Lens-Reflex (SLR) Camera
A camera in which you view the scene through the same lens that takes the picture. Be sure the camera comes with a lens (usually 50 mm recommended) - The camera must have completely manual exposure capabilities. This means that the students should be able to control both the aperture (Lens opening. The opening in a camera lens through which light passes to expose the film) and the shutter speed (the speed at which the shutter opens and closes)
- The camera should also have Manual focus capabilities, but I would accept an auto focus camera if it allows you to switch to manual focus.
- Camera bag or case. All students are required to have their camera in some form of a case or bag. It can be an old pocketbook, lunchbox or an actual camera case, but it should be small enough to fit in their lockers, as I do not have storage space for their cameras in my classroom and as my classroom is open for most of the day, I am not responsible for lost or stolen items.
- The Owners Manual for the make and model of camera they will be using. If it is an older camera, the manual can be downloaded by going to the brand name site. (see below) Sometimes it is free, other times there is a nominal fee, but it is important to have for class. I have also had luck finding them on ebay.
- All items must be labeled with the student’s name.
- All cameras are due in class by September 17. Any student who has their camera prior to that date should bring it to class. (I will give each student a brief individual tutorial about their specific camera.)
Continue to Choosing A Camera