Drogheda Photographic Society DPS Logo

Digital Camera

  • A Digital Camera is a body of parts activated/powered by battery.
  • The term “Digital Camera” is derived from the code (0/1) used to transmit/store information relative to light.

Camera Image Sensor

  • The Digital Camera Image Sensor is a plate of light sensory receptors fixed permanently behind the camera lens.

Ec Method

Essential elements that must be addressed (either by the camera or the user) prior to taking a photograph:

  • Mode
  • ISO
  • Camera Shutter Speed
  • Camera Lens Aperture Value
  • Camera Lens Focus Mode (AF/MF)

Addressing these elements is non-negotiable.

The DPS.BH-Education Administration refers to these five elements collectively as the Essential Camera Elements Criteria (Ec Method).
To place each element in order, use your thumb and four fingers of one hand.

Mode

  • An excerpt from the English Oxford Dictionary defines “Mode” as “a way of operating a system.”
  • The modern Digital Camera offers a selection of Camera Modes:
    • Automatic Mode (▬)
    • Automatic Modes identified by icons
    • Aperture Mode (A/Av)
    • Program Mode (P)
    • Shutter Mode (S/Tv) – recommended by DPS.BH-Education Administration for beginners and early learners

ISO

  • ISO regulates the response of the Camera Image Sensor to light.
  • Typical values: ISO 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
  • Recommended for beginners: ISO 400 (versatile and reliable)

Camera Shutter Speed

  • The term “Camera Shutter” originated with film cameras.
  • It measures the time a Digital Camera Image Sensor is exposed to light through the lens.

Camera Lens Aperture

  • Introduced with the earliest lenses, it regulates light intensity.
  • Typical aperture values: f/4, f/5.6, f/8, f/11, f/16, f/22
  • Also known as “f-number,” “Aperture,” or “f/Stop.”

Camera Lens Focus

  • Defined as “clear definition” by the English Oxford Dictionary.
  • Focus Modes available:
    • Automatic Focus Mode (AF)
    • Manual Focus Mode (MF)

Advisable Notes

  • Never allow another person to handle your camera without ensuring safe keeping (e.g. using a Camera Strap).
  • If a camera is damaged while in possession of another person, responsibility and cost for repair or replacement must be considered.

Understanding ISO in Photography

Understanding ISO in Photography: A Beginner’s Guide

Understanding ISO in Photography: When diving into photography, terms like ISO, aperture, and shutter speed can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry—today, we’re breaking down ISO, one of the three pillars of exposure, in a way that’s easy to grasp. By the end of this post, you’ll understand what ISO does, how it affects your photos, and how to use it creatively. Plus, we’ll include some visual examples to make it crystal clear!

What is ISO?

ISO measures your camera sensor’s sensitivity to light. Think of it like your camera’s “eyes” adjusting to see better in different lighting conditions. A low ISO (e.g., 100 or 200) makes the sensor less sensitive, ideal for bright environments like sunny days. A high ISO (e.g., 1600 or 32000) increases sensitivity, perfect for low-light situations like indoor events or night photography.

ISO is part of the exposure triangle (along with aperture and shutter speed), which controls how bright or dark your image is. Adjusting ISO lets you capture photos in various lighting conditions without changing your creative settings too much.

 

How ISO Affects Your Photos

ISO has a direct impact on two things: exposure (brightness) and image quality. Let’s break it down:

1. Exposure (Brightness)

  • Low ISO (e.g., 100, 200): Less sensitive to light, resulting in darker images unless you have plenty of natural light or a slow shutter speed/wide aperture. Perfect for well-lit scenes.

  • High ISO (e.g., 800, 1600, 6400): Boosts sensitivity, making images brighter even in dim conditions. Great for indoors or nighttime.

2. Image Quality (Noise)

The trade-off for higher ISO is noise (graininess). Higher ISO settings amplify the sensor’s signal, which can introduce speckles or grain, especially in darker areas of the image. Modern cameras handle high ISO better, but noise is still a factor.

When to Use Different ISO Settings

Choosing the right ISO depends on your environment and creative goals. Here are some practical scenarios:

  • ISO 100-200: Bright sunlight, landscapes, or studio setups with strong lighting. Keeps images clean and sharp.

  • ISO 400-800: Overcast days, shaded areas, or indoor settings with decent light. A good middle ground for flexibility.

  • ISO 1600+: Low-light situations like concerts, night photography, or candlelit scenes. Be mindful of noise, especially with older cameras.

Pro tip: If you’re shooting in Auto ISO mode, your camera picks the ISO based on light conditions. It’s handy for beginners but limits creative control.

Creative Uses of ISO

ISO isn’t just about getting the right exposure—it’s a creative tool! Here are two ways to use ISO creatively:

  1. Freeze Motion in Low Light: Pair a high ISO with a fast shutter speed to capture sharp images in dim conditions, like a dancer performing under stage lights.

  2. Embrace Noise for Effect: High ISO noise can add a gritty, artistic vibe to black-and-white photos or moody night shots.

 

Tips for Mastering ISO

  1. Start Low: Use the lowest ISO possible for your lighting conditions to maximise image quality.

  2. Test Your Camera: Experiment with high ISO settings to see how much noise your camera produces. Newer models often handle high ISOs better.

  3. Balance the Exposure Triangle: If you increase ISO, you may need to adjust aperture or shutter speed to avoid overexposure.

  4. Use Post-Processing: Software like Adobe Lightroom can reduce noise from high-ISO shots, but don’t rely on it too heavily.

Conclusion

ISO is a powerful tool that lets you adapt to any lighting situation while unleashing your creative potential. By understanding how ISO affects exposure and image quality, you can make informed decisions to capture stunning photos. So, grab your camera, experiment with different ISO settings, and see how they transform your shots!

Have questions about ISO or want to share your favourite high-ISO shots? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear from you!

Mountain

Welcome to Photography

Welcome to Photography: Framing Your World One Click at a Time

By Paul Murray

Welcome to the Drogheda Photographic Society’s corner of inspiration, curiosity, and visual storytelling. Whether you’ve just unboxed your first camera or you’re a seasoned hobbyist curious to explore new creative directions, you’re in the right place.

What Is Photography, Really?

Photography is more than pressing a button—it’s a visual language, a way to freeze a fleeting moment, to reveal beauty, to tell stories without words. At its core, photography invites you to observe the world differently: to see the light, the shadow, the textures, and emotions that often go unnoticed.

Why Start Your Photography Journey Here?

  • Beginner-Friendly: Even if your camera is new to you, you’ll be surprised at how soon you’ll feel at home behind the lens.

  • Guided Growth: With clear explanations and hands-on practice, you’ll gain confidence in composition, exposure, and camera techniques.

  • Creative Vision: Beyond learning the “how,” you’ll learn the “why”—how to shape your vision and convey emotion through imagery.

  • Community Energy: Sharing, learning, and being inspired by fellow members enriches every step of your photography journey.

Meet Your Tutor: Paul Murray

You’re guided by Paul Murray—a celebrated street photographer and visual artist based in Dublin. He infuses his teaching with:

  • Artistic Insight: With roots in Fine Art and Graphic Design, Paul views the world through a unique creative lens. PAUL MURRAY

  • Recognized Excellence: A recipient of the Arts Council of Ireland’s Emerging Artist Bursary, Paul has also earned honors in international competitions—and his dynamic street photography has opened doors across festivals and galleries worldwide. Photo Museum IrelandPAUL MURRAY

  • Educational Dedication: Known for engaging, thoughtful instruction—from short digital camera courses in Drogheda to full-day street photography workshops in Dublin—Paul tailors learning to elevate both technical skill and creative expression. InstagramPhoto Museum Ireland

What You Can Expect in This Space

  • Skill-Building Basics: Learn essentials—from camera settings to composition—so your technical fluency supports your vision.
  • Creative Challenges & Themes: Stretch your artistry with prompts and mini-projects that inspire experimentation.
  • Inspiration & Stories: Explore Paul’s work and the diverse perspectives of fellow photographers in our community.
  • Supportive Environment: This blog is your space to ask questions, share your progress, and learn from others—no matter your level.

A Few Tips to Get You Started Today

  • Get comfortable with your camera. Learn the basics—ISO, shutter speed, aperture—and what they do.

  • Shoot regularly. Practice is everything. Look for interesting subjects around the house, outside your window, or even your morning coffee.

  • Play with light. Observe how natural light, reflections, and shadows change during the day—it’s your constant creative companion.

  • Share and reflect. Post your work, read others’ feedback, and grow both your eye and your confidence.

Final Thoughts

Photography is a journey where every snapshot nudges you closer to seeing the world in a new light. Whether you’re aiming to capture everyday moments or craft artistic compositions, you’ll find guidance, inspiration, and welcome company here—with Paul Murray and the Drogheda Photographic Society by your side.

When the site revives, expect more posts, tutorials, community features, and invitations to connect, create, and celebrate visual storytelling together.

Welcome to this journey. Let’s frame the world—one click at a time.