The Digital Sketchbook Project!

The Sketchbook

I have been keeping a sketchbook as part of my studio, art process, and all around capturing tool for as long as I can remember.  When I don’t have my sketchbook, I use a napkin, a receipt, a ticket stub...whatever is available to remember my thoughts, sketches, ideas I have in the middle of whatever I am doing.  I often have several at one time and go back to older ones to see where I’ve been and where I need or want to go.  Your digital sketchbook will allow several things to happen:  it creates a safe place in which to create, you will be able to watch your own creative process develop - ideas that work well along with those that could use more, and most importantly I will be able to watch you problem-solve.  You have a list of prompts to work with and "capture" - think of this as a record of REGULAR creative thinking outside the classroom. Sketchbook work is due every OTHER week, uploaded to your blog by the end of day Sundays.  Lightroom and Photoshop may be used and manipulation is encouraged!Sketchbook Assignments:

•  The list of prompts is posted, lower right.  They are to be done in order.  Due dates are also posted.
•  Label your photograph with the prompt and your name.
•  Subject matter is your choice based on each assignment.
•  Sketchbook work is to be done outside of class.

Sketchbook 1 is due August 30

Assignment #1: Photography as Art vs. Photography as Snap Shot: What makes a photograph art or not art?

 

I like to take photographs...lots of photographs.  I look around and watch everyone using their cell phones, digital cameras, "old fashioned" film cameras and I have to wonder - what makes an "art" photograph different than a snap shot?

Now you have a chance to think about this and visually show your opinion.  Be prepared to explain your choices.

The Assignment:  Bring in two images - one you believe to be "art" and one you believe is not.

Due date:  August 19

How many ways can you change Color to Black and White in Photoshop?

I know, I know...simply click the button on your camera to "discard" the color...but wait!  What if you could have a number of ways to change your images to black and white with complete control over the value and end result you really want  - just like the professionals?  Try the 6 ways here and know that much more!

Desaturate

1)    Image – Desaturate

2)    Image – Mode – Grayscale

a.    Click “Discard”

Hue/Saturation Tool

1)    Layer – New Adjustment Layer – Hue Saturation

a.    Move Saturation slider all the way to the left

Lab Color

1)    Image – Mode – Lab Color

a.    Go to Channels (this is in your layer bar)

b.    Select “Lightness” Channel

c.     Image – Mode – Grayscale

d.    Click “OK”

Gradient Map

1)    Make sure your Foreground/Background are Black and White

a.    Layer – New Adjustment Layer – Gradient Map

b.    Click “OK”

Channel Mixer

1)    Image – Adjustment – Channel Mixer

a.    Check “Monochrome”

b.    Manipulate Red, Green and Blue (but numbers must add to 100%)

                                              i.     If under 100%, image will go dark, if over 100%, image will lighten

•Red – 100% Red

•Yellow – 50% Red, 50% Green

•Orange – 75% Red, 25% Green

•Cyan – 50% Blue, 50% Green

Dual Hue/Saturation

1)    Layer – New Adjustment Layer – Hue/Saturation

a.    Move the Saturation all the way left, click “OK”

b.    Click on the Background

c.     Layer – New Adjustment Layer – Hue/Saturation

d.    Click “OK”

e.    Change Layer Blending Mode to Color

f.      Double-Click on Hue/Saturation, manipulate Hue.

How does adding lens color filters change your black and white image?

Filter – Noise – Despeckle

Image – Adjustments - Curves