Assignment #6 - How do you see Polar Opposites?

Earth and sky.

In photography, a diptych is a pair of photographs placed side by side to form one single artistic statement or comparison. The images can be identical or similar in composition, they can show different angles of the same scene, or they can demonstrate polar opposites such as morning and night, old and new, or before and after.

The Assignment:

Photograph two subjects which you consider to be polar opposites.

Create your diptych using Photoshop by cropping each image to 5 x 7" (or 7 x 5") with a 180 resolution.

Place both images together in one document sized accordingly (11 x 15") and 180 resolution and post to your blog.

This time include a 300 word reflection that discusses your original concept and how well you executed it.

Due Date:  September 22, end of class

Assignment #5: How can you feel TEXTURE when it's in a photograph?

What?  Feel texture in a photograph?  I can SEE the texture, and it looks so DIMENSIONAL…but how can I make the viewer actually FEEL it?

So that’s the challenge in this next assignment.  You now have proven you can compose like a pro – so what about the other areas you need to really think about in taking the leap from snap shot to art?  Here goes:

1.     Capture 5 images that show texture – make them DIFFERENT – not 5 in the same location.

2.     Make sure you are shooting on the manual mode (M) on your camera metering dial.  If you can’t get the settings right, what should you do  (hint…it involves your MANUAL – the instruction book…).

3.     Make a folder on the computer desktop and upload your images.  Label the folder “Texture 101”.

4.     Edit your images in Photoshop – this is the time to play around with the image adjustments drop down menu:  levels, curves, color balance, hue/saturation, brightness/contrast.  See what each of them actually does.  Remember to use Command J before you edit and save!

5.     Save each image as a jpeg and rename them so you know what they are.

6.     Post your two BEST captures on your blog and make sure you include your technical information (ISO, f-stop and shutter speed, camera mode).  This post is to be called Texture 101.

7.     Along with your images, find a capture that you think shows incredible texture and under your images post this.  Explain why you selected this image, what makes it texture-perfect and who the photographer is.

Dues date:  Friday, September 15, end of class

Assignment #4: How DOES a great photographer create great composition?

Can you match these images with the list of compositional tips below?

How does a photographer arrange the elements in a photo to make it eye catching to the viewer?  Contrast, balance, rule of thirds, leading lines, diagonals, alternative camera angles, clear subject of interest, texture, patterns and lines, geometric shapes, framing...to name a few.

1. Read this link (and refer to it in your own reflection) about composition before you begin: 
http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2012/04/12/10-rules-of-photo-composition-and-why-they-work/

2. Capture 5 images that show strong composition using the list above.

3. Edit in Photoshop using adjustments or the cropping tool to make the best composition possible.

 

3. Post the 5 images to your blog and select the 3 you feel are the best composition.  Include the technical information (ISO, f-stop and shutter speed, and camera mode) in the caption of each photo. 

4. Under each of the 3 "best", write 3 sentences reflecting on why you feel the photo has strong composition and why it is eye catching to the viewer making sure to label what elements you used from the link.

Due Date:  Thursday/Friday, September 7/8, end of block.

Assignment #3 - ISO, f-stop, Shutter Speed? ...more mysterious than the Bermuda Triangle...

Camera in Manual Mode.  

Check.

Know how to change the ISO.

Check.

Know how to change the f-stop.

Check.

Know how to change the shutter speed.

Check.

Know how to change all three in 4 different lighting situations.

Uh...check?

Assignment #3 asks you to begin to understand your camera in it's most basic form...manual mode.  You will be working with a partner to capture what's called a "bracket" in 4 different locations on campus.  Using the "cheat sheet" hand out, find the 4 locations (bright sun, shade, interior near a window, and interior- no window), and shoot using the optimum setting for ISO, f-stop, and shutter speed, then bracket using higher and lower settings.

The outcome:

You will become familiar with your camera, see the outcome of adjusting your camera's setting up and down, and be one step closer to mastering your camera and its light settings.

Photoshop:

The second part of the assignment is to create a new art board in Photoshop - approximately 8.5 x 11 - and place your RESIZED 12 images in order with technical information under each one.

I promise the next assignment will be a fun one.

Due Wednesday, August 30, end of class.

Welcome to Digital Photography 2017-2018!

Welcome to the Digital Photography site!  This will be an interactive space where we will be showing our work, critiquing and commenting on peer work, and taking risks with Lightroom and Photoshop.  I will be posting images, interesting articles and sites to look at, along with Lightroom and Photoshop tips.  A calendar of "events" and deadlines will also be posted, along with digital "sketchbook" assignments.

I look forward to meeting and working with all of you!

No Self Self Portrait

A few ground rules:
1.  Bring your camera to every class, battery charged, and memory card with space on it.
2.  Know where to find your camera's manual, either physically or virtually.
3.  No cell phones unless I want you to use them.  Ever.
4.  No food or liquids in the photo/computer lab.

Assignment #1: If you could be a professional, what would your site look like?

First things first...you will be creating an online site you will use for the year.  Decide what you want your site (...and your personality and "work" image) to look like.  This is where you will post everything from ideas to completed assignments.  I will have access to the site so I can follow your progress, your concepts, work you would like to reconsider, and ultimately this is where I will be able to follow your journey as a photographer.

A few things to consider when creating the design.  Your site is for your use only, but keep in mind, you will be visible not only me, but to NDB and anyone you share the site with.  Keep what you create and what you post professional at all times.

You are welcome to post images you capture other than assignments but please label every assignment with its name and assignment number.

Use the following link to start your new site: https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g#welcome

Once you have completed your site, email me the link so I can add it to the class blog.

Have fun!  Welcome to Photography 2017-18!

Assignment #2: What's a "Selfie" without an image of the "Self"?

Who are you, without you in it?

Your first "real" assignment is to take a Selfie...but not an ordinary one.  I want to be able to see who you are without actually seeing you.  Using your camera and any props you want, capture who you really are (or who you think you really are).

Think about good lighting and the location - where so you spend a lot of time?  What do you like to do?  What "props" can you show that will depict who you are?

If you would like to use Photoshop or Lightroom, you will have time in class to tweak your images.

Due date:  August 21, end of class