Photography Merit Badge Pamphlet Photography Merit Badge

Photography

Requirements were REVISED effective January 1, 2013.

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  1. Explain how the following elements and terms affect the quality of a picture:
    1. Light-natural light/ambient, flash
    2. Exposure-aperture (f-stops), shutter speed, depth of field
    3. Composition-rule of thirds, leading lines, framing, depth
    4. Angle of view
    5. Stopping action
  2. Explain the basic parts and operation of a film camera or digital camera. Explain how an exposure is made when you take a picture.
  3. Discuss with your counselor the differences between a film camera and a digital camera. List at least five advantages and five disadvantages of using a digital camera versus using a film camera. Describe how computer software allows you to make adjustments to a digital photograph after it is taken.
  4. Do ONE of the following:
    1. Produce a picture story using the photojournalistic technique of documenting an event. Share your plan with your counselor and get your counselor's input and approval before you proceed. Then, using either a film camera or a digital camera, produce your approved picture story. Process your images and select eight to 12 images that best tell your story. Arrange your images in order, then mount the prints on a poster board. If you are using digital images, you may create a slide show on your computer or produce printouts for your poster board. Share your picture story with your counselor.
    2. Choose a topic that interests you to photograph for an exhibit or display. Get your counselor's approval, then photograph (digital or film) your topic. Process your images. Choose 20 of your favorite images and mount them on poster board. Share your display with your counselor. If you are using digital images, you may create a slide show on your computer or produce printouts for your poster board.
  5. Discuss with your counselor the career opportunities in photography. Pick one that interests you and explain how to prepare for such a career. Discuss with your counselor the education and training such a career would require.

BSA Advancement ID#: 83
Requirements last updated in: 2013
Pamphlet Publication Number: 35930
Pamphlet Stock (SKU) Number: 616954
Pamphlet Revision Date: 2013

Worksheets for use in working on these requirements: Format
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Page updated on: November 18, 2021

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