Photography Class Blog

So… You know how I thought that I would be an awesome teacher and made you all vote twice because the voting was too close between three categories? Yeah, well, not such a good move. Because after all the counting was done, we have a tie!  (Both Phobias and Emotions had the same number of votes.)  So… Here’s the deal. After a couple of hours of thinking about it, I’ve decided to let you chose between the top 3:

1. Phobias & Fears
2. Emotions & Color
3. Stereotypes/Personalities via Clothing/Fashion

I think all three of these are pretty strong, so I’m going to let you go with it, and we’ll see what happens.  So, now you need to decide on one, do a little research, come up with a concept, and write a 2 paragraph proposal on your idea and bring it to class tomorrow.  Remember, this is for a grand finale of FOUR photographs.  The paragraphs/proposals are due at the beginning of class!

I hope everyone is happy, and hope you all have a good afternoon!

Submitting your project is going to be a little different this time because you’re working in Adobe InDesign. You will need to Package the project, AND you will need to export it as a high-resolution JPEG:

I spoke of this today, but if you want to see your photos in high-quality mode, here is how to change that:

Here is a demonstration about how you should start putting your photos together using Adobe InDesign.  And remember, to add an image, use the “frame” tool, draw a box, select the box, and the go to “File” menu and chose “Place”.  You also need to remember that InDesign does not see Camera Raw files, so you will need to make sure that your final files are Photoshop files.  (Which they should be anyway, because you know that you are supposed to be editing using Adjustment Layers anyway!)

Today and tomorrow you have been instructed to do some visual reasearch, and find an AWESOME pinhole image online and write about it. Then you need to copy the inage into a Word document and write about the following general ideas:

• Composition:  How did the photographer compose the image in a way that draws your attention to the focal point?  How is this different than you might see in a photograph that is NOT created with a pinhole camera?
• Design:  How did the photographer use the elements and principles, especially value, line, and shape, to create an interesting photograph?
• Content:  Why is the image interesting?  What is different about the story that is in the image?  How is this changed/enhanced by the fact that it is created witha  pinhole camera?

These papers will be printed out using the color printer when we come back from break.  It should be a good 3-5 paragraphs long.

Happy Thanksgiving!

As you are photographing your Digital Pinhole assignment, please keep in mind the following things that we talked about in class:

• Composition is VERY import in this project.  Maybe even MORE important than it ever has been
• Frame your image well – use Line and Space to create Emphasis and clearly lead the viewer’s eyo to your Focal Point
• Use contrast well:  Contrast will ehance the sense of Line and Space, and will also help Emphasize your Focal Point
• Be aware (or beware?) of your exposure times – they will be long.  Make sure your camera is set down on a stable object.  Use the 2-second self-timer!  If the camera moves during the exposure, it’ll show, so make sure there aren’t any vibrations or anything that could cause a bad image.  Roadways (cars passing by) and high-wind are things that are often overlooked and can really vibrate your camera and ruin your images!
• Review each photo after it is done.  Critically review each one and identify what you can do better for the next shot.  Look at composition, exposure (time), and contrast very specifically to help you make each photograph better than the previous one.
• Always be aware of your surroundings:  Do not place yourself or your camera in a position that could cause you or it damage.  If your camera is sitting on an object, make sure that it cannot fall off or get caught on something.  Camera straps are neccessary, but ofiten times a camera can take a tumble because a camera strap caught on someone’s hand as they passed by.  Be MINDFUL!
• Have fun.  Experimentation is  the key to learning.   Be aware of what you have and haven’t tried.  Don’t give up in frustration, but rather keep in mind everything that you are doing so that you can identify the techniques that work and the ones that don’t.

And, finally, here are a few examples from the students last year:

Here is the handout I gave out in class today, and below are a few examples of previous student work for this project.

• Expressive Portrait Assignment

You have a new assignment! It’s a scavenger hunt, and the focus is on composition – How to show certain very important design elements that will help you communicate your photographs better.  We use the Elements and Principles of Art and Design to make our photos better.  Below are the handouts I gave in class, and below those are some examples (from the interwebs as well as from previous students) that I found that I think might help you start to think about how you’re going to photograph this project.  And remember, photography is NOT a passive art.  If you just sit there and wait for a good photo to walk in front of you, you’ll be waiting a loooooong time!

• Elements – Principles of Art (PDF)
• Elements and Principles Scavenger Hunt (PDF)

Tomorrow you need to hand in your first projects for grading. You need to hand in two final images, by copying them to the Hand-In Folder on the MediaShared server. In addition you need to complete the following evaluation and put that in the hand-in box by the end of the day tomorrow.

• Ordinary to Extraordinary Evaluation (PDF)