Black, White and Gray are the building blocks of all photographs.

Our eyes and the camera capture a scene by processing the light reflected from objects that pass through a lens to the retina or film. Our eyes automatically compensate for variations in lighting, the camera needs to be controlled. Some cameras can work automatically, others need manual adjustment. We use a light meter to determine the proper settings. The camera  is designed to work with "average" subjects and sometimes is fooled by subjects t hat are predominately light or dark.  

 

This is a simple five frame exercise that can help determine if your camera is working correctly and also demonstrates the way your meter reacts to non average subjects. You must complete this successfully- if it doesn’t work the first time - check your camera and repeat the exercise on your next roll.

This is just to get you started, we will cover exposures in more detail later in the class.

Load the camera and make sure the meter is set to the correct film speed (ISO Number) Move in close to the targets to fill the frame with only the appropriate color for each shot. Focus carefully, use a tripod to eliminate any camera movement.
Record your exposures; the lens opening (f stop) and the shutter speed.

1) With first white  target, adjust your camera settings to match the reading your meter indicates. Compose the frame to  include the number 1 and the word White. Make one exposure.  f ______ 1/_____ sec.

2) With the black target, change the settings to match your meter readings. It should be different  from the white target. Compose the frame including the number 2 and the word black. Make the second exposure.
f ______ 1/_____ sec.
3) With the gray target, change your settings to match the meter reading. This should be different from the Black & White exposures. Make your third exposure including the number 3 and the work Gray. f ______ 1/_____ sec.
4) DO NOT CHANGE your settings from the Gray #3 target.  Move to the White #4 target and expose frame 4 including the word White and the number 4. Your meter tells  you that you are over exposing. f ______ 1/_____ sec.

5) DO NOT CHANGE your settings from the Gray #3 target. Move back to the Black target and expose frame 5 including the word Black and the number 5. Your meter tells you that  you are under exposing. f ______ 1/_____ sec.

Process your film and make a proper proof contact sheet.  your results should look like this