Taking a break
Photo illustration by E. Joseph Zurga/KANSAN
Photo editors offer expertise for taking superior pictures
by Janine Swiatkowski
and Laura Husar
Kansan associate photo editor
Spring Break. A time to relax, party, go crazy and take lots of pictures.
Of course, don't forget that camera,
because you don't want to forget those
precious moments from the bikini contest,
muscleman contest, hot dog ski contest or
the unforgettable party that you managed to
forget about.
Although you might not be in any shape to operate a camera, there are a few things you should try to keep in mind. The first one is the type of camera you use. Keep it simple. You don't need your father's Nikon D300 or a Super Break photos. A simple point-and-shoot camera would be fine. Prices range anywhere from $100 to $500.
If you don't have much money and only want a few pictures, buy a disposable camera with film already loaded into it. Once you have your camera, you are almost
The photographers on the Kansan staff want to provide you, the students of KU, with the fruits of our collective knowledge from working on the Kansan, so here are some DO's and DONT's to remember during Spring Break.
1. DO find out what kind of camera battery your camera takes and buy an extra one before you leave for break.
2. DO buy film before leaving, because the Spring Break hideaways will probably charge an arm and a leg for film. Also, Spring Break lasts a little more than a week, so buy plenty of film. You'll regret it if you run out.
3. DO be sure to get film that fits your type of camera. Not all cameras take 35mm film. If you have a disc camera or a camera that uses 110 cartridge film, then buy that kind. If you buy 35mm film, remember that the ASA number is the film speed number. An ASA of 400 is a good speed to use if you will be shooting indoors and an ASA of 100 is perfect for shooting outdoors on a sunny day. If you want to spend extra money and have pictures with exceptional clarity, slide film is probably your best bet. We recommend Fujichrome film. Kodak's Ekaterkham 100 or 400 ASA are other stands.
They tend to have a slightly blue tint. If you are not sure what film size to purchase, take your camera with you to the store.
4. DO take a flash with you, unless your camera has one built into it. Remember, if you are making a picture of someone with the sun behind him, USE SNAP ASIS. The flash will show the shadows and you will avoid making a silhouette of your subject.
mode. DO protect your camera. If you are going to the beach or ski slopes, take some plastic zip-lock bags to protect your camera when you aren't using it. This may sound funny, but it will keep sand and snow from getting into the camera and ruining it.
6. DO HAVE FUN!! Be different. Try new angles. Get on your stomach and shoot from below or climb a tree and shoot from above. Try not to take a picture of something because everyone else is taking one. And also, try not to shot just party pics. Everyone loves to shoot sunsets, but they usually look the same in pictures. A different angle or position can often make a more exciting picture.
7. DO be careful when traveling by air.
Airport metal detectors can ruin your film.
Put all your film in some sort of a container
and give it to the attendant to hand check.
This takes about two minutes longer, but it
will be worth it when you get your pictures
back from the photo store, and you actually
have images on them.
1. DON'T be afraid to focus on your subject. It may sound crazy to you, but many people have trouble with focusing. Try to focus on the main subject in your
2. DON'T put a subject in front of a pole or railing, etc., because more often than not, the image will look like a pole is coming out of his head. Make sure the background does not have any lines leading through your subject's head.
■ 3. DON'T place a subject with the sun at his back, unless you use your flash or are trying for a silhouette effect. Using flash in the shade will fill in the shadows.
■ 4. DON'T take a picture facing directly into the sun, because your picture will have flares on it from the rays.
5. DON'T drop your camera, get it wet,
lend it to you who doesn't know how to
use it. It would be a shame to ruin something
so valuable.
SPRING BREAK '89
Eat Right, Stay Light
On the corner of 9th and Indiana phone in orders: 749-1397
Special!
Chicken Breast Sandwich,
Side Salad, Small Diet Pepsi
$4.19
offer good through 3/11/89 with coupon
8 KANSAN Taking a break/March 1. 1989