Photography Merit Badge Requirements

Requirements

1. # Copy link to requirement 1
   Safety. Do the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 1.a
      Explain to your counselor the most likely hazards you may encounter while working with photography and what you should do to anticipate, mitigate, prevent, and respond to these hazards. Explain how you would prepare for exposure to environmental situations such as weather, sun, and water.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 1.b
      View the Personal Safety Awareness “Digital Safety” video (with your parent or guardian’s permission).
      Resources:

      • Personal Safety Awareness "Digital Safety" video
2. # Copy link to requirement 2
   Explain how the following elements and terms can affect the quality of a picture:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 2.a
      Light—natural light (ambient/existing), low light (such as at night), and artificial light (such as from a flash)
   2. # Copy link to requirement 2.b
      Exposure—aperture (f-stops), shutter speed, ISO
   3. # Copy link to requirement 2.c
      Depth of field
   4. # Copy link to requirement 2.d
      Composition—rule of thirds, leading lines, framing, depth
   5. # Copy link to requirement 2.e
      Angle of view
   6. # Copy link to requirement 2.f
      Stop action and blur motion
   7. # Copy link to requirement 2.g
      Decisive moment (action or expression captured by the photographer).
3. # Copy link to requirement 3
   Explain the basic parts and operation of a camera. Explain how an exposure is made when you take a picture.
4. # Copy link to requirement 4
   Do TWO of the following, then share your work with your counselor.
   1. # Copy link to requirement 4.a
      Photograph one subject from two different angles or perspectives.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 4.b
      Photograph one subject from two different light sources - artificial and natural.
   3. # Copy link to requirement 4.c
      Photograph one subject with two different depth of fields.
   4. # Copy link to requirement 4.d
      Photograph one subject with two different compositional techniques.
5. # Copy link to requirement 5
   Photograph THREE of the following, then share your work with your counselor.
   1. # Copy link to requirement 5.a
      Close-up of a person
   2. # Copy link to requirement 5.b
      Two to three people interacting
   3. # Copy link to requirement 5.c
      Action shot
   4. # Copy link to requirement 5.d
      Animal shot
   5. # Copy link to requirement 5.e
      Nature shot
   6. # Copy link to requirement 5.f
      Picture of a person - candid, posed, or camera aware.
6. # Copy link to requirement 6
   Describe how software allows you to enhance your photograph after it is taken. Select a photo you have taken, then do ONE of the following, and share what you have done with your counselor.
   1. # Copy link to requirement 6.a
      Crop your photograph
   2. # Copy link to requirement 6.b
      Adjust the exposure or make a color correction
   3. # Copy link to requirement 6.c
      Show another way you could improve your picture for impact.
7. # Copy link to requirement 7
   Using images other than those created for requirements 4, 5, or 6, produce a visual story to document an event to photograph OR choose a topic that interests you to photograph. Do the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 7.a
      Plan the images you need to photograph for your photo story.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 7.b
      Share your plan with your counselor, and get your counselor’s input and approval before you proceed.
   3. # Copy link to requirement 7.c
      Select eight to 12 images that best tell your story. Arrange your images in order and mount the prints on a poster board, OR create an electronic presentation. Share your visual story with your counselor.
8. # Copy link to requirement 8
   Identify three career opportunities in photography. Pick one and explain to your counselor how to prepare for such a career. Discuss what education and training are required, and why this profession might interest you.