Well last time we learned about the history of the camera and how it developed and evolved over time. Today we are going to look at the Single Lens Reflex camera specifically and how it works.

Most of the prosumer to professional grade cameras are SLRs these days, digital cameras included. So the basic principles of the original camera still apply to these modern cameras. All cameras are a light proof box with some method of allowing a small amount of light. In today’s SLRs, this light enters your camera and either causes a chemical reaction on photographic film or energizes a photo cell in your digital camera.

Let’s say you are taking a picture of some handsome little man…. Like this guy:

Okay, now let’s look at the diagram below so that I can explain what’s happening…

When you are taking a picture, light is bouncing off your subject – in this case, a handsome little ring bearer. As the light is bouncing off him, it passes into the camera, through a set of lenses, and onto a mirror. From this mirror it bounces up and around the pentaprism you see above. The pentaprism is actually a five sided shape that carries the light around it and through the eyepiece and into your eye.

You wait for the perfect moment to take a picture of this cutie! When you see the opportune moment, you push the button and take a picture. When you press the button – you are causing that hinged mirror to flip up out of the way seconds before your shutter opens, thus exposing your film or light-sensitive cells to the light creating a picture.

So that’s one of the two most important things to taking a great picture… LIGHT! If you can understand how the light is working in your camera it can help you take better pictures. You’ll start to see that pretty scenery isn’t as important as getting the right kind of lighting, and you’ll figure out what creates great light and how to let light in your camera for the best quality image from practicing in different environments.

Next time, I’ll explain the different functions of your camera and how they can effect your images if you know how to use them.

Have an awesome weekend!

Contact Me | Visit My Website | Join the Facebook Fan Page | Follow Me on Twitter