Tutorials - Generalities and basic notions in photography.

These simple tutorials explain the basic principles of photography with an SLR camera. They are useful for all types of photography: landscapes, portraits, still life, street photography, etc. You can consult them in any order if you are looking for specific information, but they are presented below in the most logical order.

Tutorial - How a reflex (SLR) camera works?

All cameras classified as "SLR" have one characteristic in common: they offer a direct view through the lens for framing. In other words, when the photographer composes the image, he sees exactly what the sensor or film sees, without any parallax error. This visualisation takes into account the angle of view of the lens, and all the accessories fitted at the time: filters, lens hoods, etc.

Tutorial - How a curtain shutter works.

The curtain shutter, also known as the focal plane shutter, is located in front of the camera sensor (or film). Its main role is to reveal the sensor or the film during a precise time interval, for example 1/125th of a second. This type of shutter is found on all reflex cameras.

Tutorial - Standard diaphragm apertures.

Cameras are equipped with a diaphragm, i.e. a device made up of hinged blades, designed to regulate the size of the hole through which the light will enter. By regulating the amount of light that can reach the sensor, the diaphragm is an accessory used to adjust the exposure of the photo. This tutorial will help you to understand the 'coding' used to notify the diaphragm setting.

Tutorial - Setting the exposure.

In photography, exposure refers to the amount of light that reaches the camera sensor when the picture is taken (or the film, in the case of film photography). Appropriate exposure is essential for obtaining a well-balanced image, with visible detail in both the light and dark areas of the photo. This tutorial includes a simulator, so you can practise adjusting exposure time, aperture and sensitivity.

Tutorial - Depth of field - DOF.

Depth of field is the range of distances that will appear sharp, both in front of and behind the exact focusing distance. Several parameters influence the size of this range: it can be large (all planes will be sharp) or very small (only the plane in focus). Used correctly, PDC is a creative tool.

Tutorial - Resolution and definition of a digital image.

This tutorial clarifies the distinction between two terms that are often confused, even though they represent different concepts in digital photography. Resolution refers to the amount of detail an image can contain per unit area, often expressed in pixels per inch (PPI) or dots per inch (DPI). Definition, on the other hand, refers to the total number of pixels present in an image.

Tutorial - Flash photography.

In photography, a flash is a lighting device that generates a brief, intense light. It is often used when lighting is insufficient, for example indoors, or when shooting at night. However, it can also be very useful as a complement to ambient light, even when the latter is sufficient. This tutorial explains the concepts involved in flash triggering, such as first curtain, second curtain, flash sync speed, etc.