Course: Geography and Environment, Topic: Unit 2: TYPES OF PHOTOGRAPHS (2024)

Study the following photograph carefully.

a) List down all the things you can see.

b) State the activity taking place in the photograph.

c) Estimate the time of the day when the photograph was taken.

From Activity 2.1, you will realise that the photograph above has images of people and objects. The photograph also shows in great detail other features in the area.

A photograph is an image of an object or person taken with a camera and printed on a special paper.

Study the following photographs carefully.

Course: Geography and Environment, Topic: Unit 2: TYPES OF PHOTOGRAPHS (1)

a)Identify the main images each photograph is showing.

b)List all the other things the photographs are showing other than the main images.

c)With a reason, state the position where the person who took each of the photo was.

d)Suggest where these photographs might have been taken in Rwanda.

Photographs can be categorised according to the viewpoint, that is, the point from which they were taken. From this, the following types of photographs can be identified:

•Those taken while on the ground

•Those taken from above the ground

There are two types of photographs. These are classified on the basis of the position and location of the camera at the time the photograph was taken.

The two types of photographs are:

a) Ground photographs

b) Aerial photographs

Photographs can be categorised according to the viewpoint, that is, the point from which they were taken. From this, the following types of photographs can be identified:

•Those taken while on the ground

•Those taken from above the ground

There are two types of photographs. These are classified on the basis of the position and location of the camera at the time the photograph was taken.

The two types of photographs are:

a) Ground photographs

b) Aerial photographs

Activity 2.3

Classify Photo A and B shown in Activity 2.2 as either a ground photograph or an aerial photograph.

a) Ground photographs

Ground photographs are further divided into three:

(i) Ground general view

(ii) Ground close-ups

(iii) Ground oblique

Activity 2.4

The following photographs show the three types of ground photographs:

Course: Geography and Environment, Topic: Unit 2: TYPES OF PHOTOGRAPHS (2)

Read the definition of each the three types of ground photographs then classify the above photographs accordingly:

(i) Ground general view: These types of photographs are produced when the camera is held horizontally to the ground facing the area or landscape focused on. Objects in such photographs become smaller the further they are from the camera.

(ii) Ground close-ups: In such photographs, the camera is focused on one major object such as a person, an animal or a house. The object may block out the other things behind it.

(iii) Ground oblique: The photographer in this type of photos stands on a higher (or lower) ground than the object. The camera is then tilted or slanted towards the object or area of focused an angle less than 900 .

b) Aerial photographs

There are two types of aerial photographs. These are aerial oblique photographs and vertical aerial photographs.

(i) Aerial oblique photographs

These are photographs that are usually taken at an angle, typically 45 degrees. These photographs can cover a large area. The objects nearer the camera are usually larger than those far away.

(ii) Vertical aerial photographs

These are aerial photographs that are taken vertically above the land. In such photographs, only the top part of the features or objects can be seen. These photographs can be use for making maps.

Activity 2.5

In groups, study the following photographs. Classify them as either aerial oblique photograph or vertical aerial photograph respectively. Give reasons for your answer.

Course: Geography and Environment, Topic: Unit 2: TYPES OF PHOTOGRAPHS (3)

Course: Geography and Environment, Topic: Unit 2: TYPES OF PHOTOGRAPHS (4)

Parts of a photograph

Understanding the parts of a photograph helps us to describe it well.

Photographs have three main areas or parts. These are:

- Foreground

- Middle ground

- Back ground

The following diagram shows how the sub-divisions can be done on a photograph.

Course: Geography and Environment, Topic: Unit 2: TYPES OF PHOTOGRAPHS (5)

Activity 2.6

Study the following photograph and identify what is found in the foreground, middle ground and background

Course: Geography and Environment, Topic: Unit 2: TYPES OF PHOTOGRAPHS (6)

Foreground

The foreground is the area that is nearest to the camera. Objects in this area are always bigger and clearer than those in background.

Middle ground

This is the part in the centre of the photograph. Objects or features in this part are visible but not as clear as those in the foreground.

Background

This is the part that is furthest from the camera. Objects in the background are very small and may be unclear to the observer.

2.3 Importance of photographs

Activity 2.7

In groups of four, discuss the importance of photographs. Summarise the findings and make a class presentation. Use the following points to guide you.

1. Photographs are important sources of history and information when periodically taken and safely stored.

2. They show physical features such as appearance of a landscape or economic activities taking place in a given area.

3. Changes occurring in a place, person or object are recorded better in a series of photographs taken over a period of time.

4. Photographs are easy to take. One does not require special skills to take a photograph. This makes photographs an easy way of storing information.

5. They are easy to share because they are less bulky. Many copies can also be reproduced, making them an easy source to store and share information.

6.Aerial photographs are used for making maps.

END OF UNIT REVISION EXERCISE

1.Define a photograph.

2.In pairs, draw the parts of a photograph.

3.Discuss the importance of photographs.

4.Differentiate between the three parts of a photograph.

Course: Geography and Environment, Topic: Unit 2: TYPES OF PHOTOGRAPHS (2024)

FAQs

What are the types of photographs in geography? ›

A video outlining the different types of photographs commonly used in geography including ground, oblique air, aerial and satellite. This video outlines the different types of photographs geographers use to observe the environment and changes to the environment over time.

What is the definition of photograph in geography? ›

In geography, photographs are essential tools for visualizing and understanding spatial phenomena, landscapes, and human-environment interactions. Different types of photographs used in geography include: Aerial Photographs: Taken from an elevated position, usually from an aircraft.

What is a ground level photograph? ›

Ground level photographs show an area as if we were standing there and looking at it from ground level. The camera becomes our eyes and records what we see. Features in the foreground usually appear larger; features further away appear smaller. 1 There are good and not-so-good aspects of ground level photographs.

What is ground close up photography? ›

(ii) Ground close-ups: In such photographs, the camera is focused on one major object such as a person, an animal or a house. The object may block out the other things behind it. (iii) Ground oblique: The photographer in this type of photos stands on a higher (or lower) ground than the object.

What are the 3 main types of photographs? ›

The most popular types of photography are portrait, landscape, long exposure, and macro photography.

What are the three main parts of a photograph? ›

Photography is a blend of art and science, and understanding its basic components is essential for creating impactful images. As a beginner, it's crucial to familiarise yourself with the three main elements that make up a photograph: subject, light, and composition.

What is the purpose of photographs in geography? ›

Ever since the invention of photography in the 1830s, it has been assumed that photographs are perfectly suited to helping us answer that eminently geographical question, 'what is this place like? '. Photographs can convey a great deal of information about the appearance of a place far more succinctly than words.

What is a photograph of the environment? ›

An environmental photograph is one that depicts an environment, its events, and scenes in and around it. Environmental photography, to put it simply, is the practice of taking pictures of the environment.

What is a photograph in simple terms? ›

an image of a person, object, or view that is produced by using a camera and film: color/black-and-white photographs.

What is a horizontal photograph? ›

Horizontal photographs are photographs that are wider than they are tall. Vertical photographs are photographs that are taller than they are wide. Cameras are designed to take one type of photograph -- horizontal. This follows the way that human beings see the world.

What is the difference between aerial and ground photography? ›

Unlike ground photography, where views can be blocked by buildings, trees, or other obstacles, aerial photography provides clear, unrestricted views of the subject.

What is landscape vs vertical photo? ›

Portrait: Vertical alignment, taller than it is wide. Often termed as vertical photos. Landscape: Horizontal alignment, wider than it is tall. Frequently referred to as horizontal photos.

What is foreground in photography examples? ›

A photo's foreground is the part/section of the frame closest to the camera's lens. Normally, this section might include the subject or draw attention to the main subject, partly or further away in a frame. A perfect example is using leading lines or framing your main object/character.

What are the characteristics of an aerial photograph? ›

  • ∎ Synoptic viewpoint: Aerial photographs give a bird's eye view of.
  • ∎ Time freezing ability: They are virtually permanent records of the.
  • ∎ Capability to stop action: They provides a stop action view of.
  • ∎ Three dimensional perspective: It provides a stereoscopic view.
  • ∎ Spectral and spatial resolution: Aerial photographs.

What are two factors used to interpret aerial photographs? ›

Elements to interpret
  • Size.
  • Shape.
  • Shadow.
  • Tone and color.
  • Texture.
  • Pattern.
  • Height and depth.

What are the four types of photos? ›

The four types of photography. Definition of photography.
  • Photography is the art, science, and practice of creating and capturing images using light and a camera. ...
  • Portrait Photography: ...
  • Landscape Photography: ...
  • Documentary Photography: ...
  • Macro photography:
Mar 20, 2023

What type of photography is National geographic? ›

The National Geographic has been in circulation since 1888 and has become the worldwide symbol of dramatic and story photography. The profound images that come out in the magazine leave lasting imprints in the minds of its readers.

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