This is an intermediate course in photography. You will review functions of the camera; including shutter speed, f-stop, and how these work together. You will learn the process of exposure and image processing. You will review the technical aspects of printing black and white and color files. You will be introduced to more advanced compositional skills and aesthetics of both shooting and printing photographs. You will also be learning to use the studio lights for portrait and product photography.You will participate in class critiques where your assignments will be discussed both technically and aesthetically. I expect your work to be more advanced than when you were in beginning photography.
At the end of this course you should be able to:
1.
Identify and implement sound design elements and principles in your
photography.
2. Recognize current trends in photography.
3. Successfully operate a camera (understand exposure and creatively use aperture/shutter
speed/ISO).
4. Manipulate images in Photoshop (color correct, resize, retouch, sharpen).
5. Make color and black and white digital prints.
6. Create a web photo gallery.
7.
Be able to intelligently discuss photography using the correct vocabulary.
8.
Create a portfolio of your work.
9. Identify and research a variety of photographic careers.
Identify and emulate the styles of a variety of photographers.
Evaluation
is based on the following requirements:
1. Attendance - This isn't an online class. A lot happens in the classroom.
2. Project evaluation
3. Quizzes (normal weight grade)
4. Written and performance test(s) over book(s), readings, and lectures, etc.
(normal weight grade)
5.Portfolio (2x normal weight grade)
Late assignments will be accepted for one week after their due date (the grade will be reduced one full letter). If assignments are more than one week late they will receive no credit.
You can redo your projects to improve their grades (not tests and quizzes).
1.You
will be given a proof grade on the first day of the week after the
assignment is given (you get the assignment on the first day of
week 1, the proofs are due the first day of week 2). If you don't have
proofs,
no proof points.
These
can't be made up.
2. You fill out a self evaluation/ group evaluation rubric and turn
it in on the day of the critique (week 2 last day ).
3. You show your image to the class using the projector (last day week
2 ).
4. I will give it an "as is" grade based on your evaluation and my
evaluation .
5. If you make corrections I will re grade it and you will receive
the new grade. The goal is to help you create great looking work.
6. You will make a print of your best image for your portfolio (also part of the grade).
What letter grades mean to me:
A
- Your assignment is great. Much better than average-above and beyond
the call of duty.
B - Your assignment is above average. More than the minimum. Really looks good.
C - An average grade. Your assignment possesses the minimum requirements. No
errors or omissions.It is in focus, not blurry, and has good exposure.
D - Below average grade. Your assignment does not possess the minimum requirements
(bad focus, bad exposure, inappropriate subject).There are errors or omissions.
F
- You didn't do the assignment or it was really, really, bad
I follow the school tardy policy.
You will be doing most of your photography at home with your digital camera. You will have a new assignment the first day of each week.The pictures need to be taken by the first day of the next week. That way you will have a week to shoot that includes a weekend.
If you check out a camera for an in class exercise or to use in the studio you are responsible for it until it returns to my hands.
No music devices during class.The first offence is a reminder, the second time I'll take it and one of your parents will have to pick it up from school.
File management/backing up (make a folder on your server space named -Photo. In that folder make a folder for each assignment. Name the assignment folders the first 3 or 4 letters of the assignment name and your last name example: compwilson (for the composition assignment). In the assignment folder should be the finished high rez jpegs-nothing else. Name the finished files what the online assignment sheet indicates. You will need all of your assignment files at the end of the semester for your portfolio.
Back-up your Photo folder every week or two. Servers go down. You would lose all of your work for the semester. You can back up to:
1. Flash drive if you have one, then move the files to your home computer.
2. Burn them to a CD in class (don't lose the CD, I'll store it for you if you like).
3. Save them to your iPod or music player.
Unless your files are in 2 different places, they are not secure. It's not if you will lose them, its when. As a teacher I have seen it happen dozens of times. If your files vanish you will need to redo them - not fun : ( It is not the computers fault, it is your fault for not backing them up). When you tell me you don't have your assignment done because the computer messed-up I will refer you to this paragraph.
I had a hard drive go bad this summer that had 50 thousand pictures on it. Did I have a back-up? Yep : ) But if I didn't I would have been cryin' : (
Exercises/Mini Lecture -You will be doing a photography related exercise or listening to a mini lecture at the beginning of each period. It will be a real world application of a technique you learn in class or additional info to improve your photography. The topic will be determined by the needs observed in class. If there is something that you would like covered, let me know.
Leaving the classroom
1.
If you need to go to the bathroom sign out and in on the sign out
sheet and bring the pass with you.
2. If you want to go anywhere else, check with me first, then sign in and out
(bring the pass with you).
The photo classroom is never a study hall. All activities must be photo related.
It is not OK to go to vending machines during class time.
The computers are only to be used for photo class projects or research for photo class projects.
If you can't use the computer responsibly you will not be allowed to use the computer.
First offence: you will be locked out of the computer for the day (and given book assignments).
Second offense: locked out for the week (and given book assignments).
Third offence: locked out for the semester. You will work on assignments in the photo book and receive a "D" for the semester.
Please respect school and student materials.
All assignments need to be shot and processed by you after the assignment is given. Don't use your old photos for our assignments. Don't use pictures from old assignments for new assignments. You must shoot and process your own work.
Turning in another student or persons work as you own is plagiarism . It will be dealt with as outlined in the student manual.
As the semester progresses I will be changing things in the weekly schedule.
Learning
This
is how things work in the Photography Lab.
1.
Instructional Input-Class lecture, info to read etc. The theory for
what you are about to learn.
2. Modeling-Showing you how to do something, things I show you in the classroom.
3. Guided Practice-Helping you with projects, assignments, etc.
4. Independent Practice-This is where the actual learning occurs. It is you
doing it by yourself. If someone is helping you it isn't independent practice.
No independent practice, no learning. YOU need to do the independent practice.
If you feel like you aren't learning it may be because you aren't doing enough
independent practice.
CLASS CULTURE
All classes and teachers are different. These are some things that are "really" important to me.
I expect the room to be silent when I am speaking or demonstrating.
I expect the room to be silent when you are speaking or presenting.
I want you to create exceptional photographs, not average photographs. Digital imaging has created a wonderful opportunity for fast and easy revision. Redoing things is part of the process. Don't expect to get it right the first time. Leave time for revising.
Read the web site daily. I will be making updates weekly. The web site is an integral part of the class. I use it instead of a text or handouts. Don't print out the web site at the beginning of the semester, it will be out of date by week 2.
NOTE:
As
you know I teach three different levels of photography each period:
Beginning,
Intermediate, and Advanced. The only way this can work is if you follow
the web site. Do whatever the web site tells you to do. If after
reading the web site you have questions - ask me, I'm more than happy
to help. I need to spend the majority of my time with the beginning
students. If
you
follow
the
web site everything will be fine. If you don't, and wait for me to
tell you what to do, you will get left behind.
The shooting room is for shooting. Your classroom is the same as the beginning students.
The Intermediate and advanced students will be doing the same assignments the first few weeks of the semester.This should ensure that you all have the skills you need to do the more advanced assignments. You all come to these classes with different skills and abilities (different teachers, different classes, different schools, changes I make from year to year as we get new equipment) this should put you all on the same playing field.
Our photo program is articulated with Clover Park Voc Tech. Even if you don't plan on going to Clover Park, those college credits can usually transfer to other colleges. See me for more details.
A video overview of what you will be doing this semester:
OK, maybe not exactly, but it's interesting to see how things have changed in 50 years. I will be putting up some tutorial and lecture videos as we go along. I'd like you to see if this video works at home.
The photo programs at GHHS and PHS are based on the state guidelines for commercial photography. By the end of this semester you should know everything that is outlined (read through pages 8 -10) in this document.
You have all arrived at this class by different paths. You aren't all starting with the same abilities and skills. The first thing we need to do is assess where you are and what you need to do to before you begin the intermediate projects.
1. Pass the intermediate PS test. This might take a day or it might take a week. Bring the videos home if you need to.
There should be tutorial videos on the C-drives of all the computers.If not, let me know.
2. Here are the
camera instructions. Mostly they are from the class camera manual.
Find the answers to any questions you didn't know. If you can't figure
it out from reading about it, and experimenting with the camera,
ask me to help you. When you think you can answer all 20 questions
without help I will test you to be sure. I will pull up the web page
and ask you to show me how to do everthing that is there.
Read through this info at home if you need to.
There are 2 different models of cameras. There will be some differences,but they are basically the same.
I made a DVD explaining all of the controls on the digital SLR cameras (full screen video).
Get one from me and watch it a couple of times. Bring some headphones so you can listen to it.
Here is a 2 part web size version. It will be easier to watch the DVD but the web version is OK for review.
Part 1
Part 2
Camera safety tips:
1. Always use the camera strap.
2. Ask your teacher for a camera. The camera cabinets are off limits to students. When you check out a camera write your name and the last 2 numbers of the serial number on the check-out list.
3. Return the camera and card to your teacher at the end of the period. The teacher needs to sign you off. Don't leave the camera unattended.
4. Turn off the camera before inserting or removing the memory card. Be careful when inserting the memory card. If it doesn't go in easily, take it out and try again. Ask for help if you have trouble.
5.If you check out a camera for the period, don't give it to someone else to use until you check it back in.
6. Don't place the camera on the edge of the table (so people don't bump into it and knock the camera off the table). Keep the camera strap from draping over the edge of a table.
7. Don't let the camera get wet.
Read this stuff. Be sure you understand everything. If not ask me for help.
Aperture: One of the components of exposure.The aperture is an opening in the lens. The opening is controlled by a diaphragm that is made up of a variety of adjustable metal blades on modern lenses. The early apertures were a series of small holes that increased in size and ran around the outside of a circular piece of metal. The aperture controls the depth of field and how much light enters the camera.
For the purpose of this class we will consider the aperture options or settings as being: 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16, 22. In the real world there may be more numbers at each end as well as intermediate settings between the numbers listed.The numbers listed are considered full "stops".
Some depth of field examples: examples 1 examples 2
Depth of field video
Shutter Speed: One of the components of exposure. The shutter speed determines the length of time light enters the camera--the longer the time, the more light enters. It also controls how sharp or blurry your photograph is. It is controlled by either an electronic or mechanical shutter. It is usually in the camera directly behind the lens but is also sometimes housed in the lens itself. On early cameras the shutter was a lens cap that was placed over the lens.For our pinhole cameras the shutter will be a piece of electrical tape.
For the purpose of this class we will consider the shutter speed options or settings as being: 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000, 1/2000, 1/4000, of a second. Like the aperture setting in the real world there are more numbers at each end of the scale as well as intermediate shutter speed settings. The numbers listed are considered full "stops".
Read and understand the following five links.I want to discuss each of them individually or as a group after you read them. Find me when you are ready
Read this about shutter speed and aperture
Read this about exposure controls
Exposure: It is controlled by two things: shutter speed (how long the light is contacting the imager), aperture (how wide the opening is in the lens the light is coming through). It is the amount of light coming into the camera -- usually measured by either an internal light meter, or a hand-held light meter.The film (or imaging sensor on a digital camera) needs a particular amount of light to be properly exposed. Too much light and it will be over exposed, too little light and it will be under exposed. If you go back to our ever expand water analogy it goes something like this: the aperture is like the size of the opening in a faucet. A larger faucet will release more water than a smaller faucet in a given amount of time. The shutter speed is like the amount of time you leave the faucet on--the longer it is on the more water will come out given the same size opening. The ISO is like a bucket under the faucet. The higher the ISO the smaller the bucket. The smaller the bucket the less water is needed to fill it up. Confusion arises when you are changing more than one variable at a time.
Some shutter speed examples: examples 1
ISO: On a film camera it is also referred to as film speed. It indicates the speed or light sensitivity of the film or imager. Larger numbers indicate faster film or a more sensitive imager. The larger the number, the less light is needed for proper exposure. Faster film usually has larger grain (the little dots-film grain- that make up the photograph). On a digital camera higher ISO settings turn up the gain - like electrical volume-on the sensor creating more noise (also looks like small colored dots). Some common setting are: 50, 100, 125, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200. The larger the number, the more sensitive the imager is to light--meaning it needs less light to be properly exposed.
Additional exposure info: short courses
If some of the photo vocabulary is unfamiliar to you , look up the words here: vocabulary
Be sure you can answer these questions.
Exposure video
Exposure modes.You really need to know the difference between, AV, TV, and Manual.
Shutter speed and action examples
Shutter speed aperture exercise - After you watch the camera control video and read everything about using the camera, aperture, shutter speed, iso, and exposure, try these (they don't need to be good art, you are just working on getting the exposure correct).
1. Set the camera to TV mode.Take 50 pictures that are not blurry and are properly exposed (if the camera is unable to let in enough light through the aperture (aperture number blinks in the viewfinder), try turning up the ISO. If it still blinks, turn down the shutter speed. If the camera sets the speed too slow you will have a blurry picture.
2. Set the camera to AV mode.Take 50 pictures that are not blurry and are properly exposed (if the camera is unable to let in enough light through the shutter (aperture number blinks in the viewfinder), try turning up the ISO. If it still blinks, open up (smaller number) the aperture. Even if the shutter speed isn't blinking you need to be aware of what it is. If the camera sets the speed too slow you will have a blurry picture.
3. Set the camera to M mode.Take 50 pictures that are not blurry and are properly exposed in M mode. You have to look in the viewfinder and make sure the line is lined up with the center pointer. See illustration below.
Shutter/Aperture Assignment - Due last day week 3.
Check out this documentary about Steve McCurry. Go to the chapter area, bottom right to look around. Notice how he uses light is his pictures.
Cool quote: It starts with an idea,... but never with just reality. My photography has always been fueled by what I see when I close my eyes. Each new morning I am thankful when I pause to realize that very few other earthly endeavors could be so continuously magical.
Mastrianni
Intro to Photoshop notes
Listen
to the "Is Art Important?" Podcast. We will discuss
it the next time I see you. If you don't want to discuss it you
can always write about it : )
Discussion topic: Studio lighting /camera meter.
Studio exercise: Take some pictures in the studio of each other. I want each of you to have at least 5 good head shots with different poses using at least 2 different backgrounds. Each person needs to light, meter, and shoot their own shots. Like everything you do, they should be your very best. Work with the andavced students if there are any.
This isn't a graded assignment, but I still want to see the finished pictures. We will discuss what worked well and what didn't work well.
These 4 guys do nice work. Steal some ideas from them. Try to make your pictures look like theirs. Be sure the eyes (near eye if the face is at an angle) are in focus, and the highlights aren't burned out. Shoot for an 8x10 aspect ratio. Ask me why.
Head Shot Assignment - Due by the end of week 5.
Flash meter video
The person is using the same meter we have in class. He is using a second light for a fill instead of a reflector, but everything works the same way.
In case you don't know, the camera should be turned off before you remove or inset the memory card, if you don't the camera or card could be damaged.
Keep working on headshots.
Try using Rick's top ten tips
Last day of the week: text goes here
Intro to Photoshop notes
First day of the week: Keep working on the headshots. Let me know when you are done. I want everybody to be done with them this week so we can move on.
Read this, try this about getting rid of red in skin (really common problem).
Last day of the week: Headshot critique.
Intro to Photoshop notes
First day of the week: Pete Turner Assignment or Duane Michals Assignment - You should be doing this outside of class with your own camera - due last day week 8.
Last day of the week: work on current assignments.
First day of the week: work on current and old assignments
Last day of the week: work on current assignments.
First day of the week: Ghost Assignment - Due last day week 9.
Be sure I have your aperture and headshot assignments in the gradebook.
If you have any spare class time the yearbook needs pictures of teachers and classrooms. See me for more info.
I found the digital SLR and the light meter in the shooting room after school. This was the second time in a week it haappened. No more class camera use until further notice.
Last day of the week: Pete Turner Assignment or Duane Michaels Assignment due.
First day of the week: Decisive Moment Assignment - Due last day week 10. You should be doing this outside of class with your own camera.
The yearbook needs pictures of teachers and classrooms. See me for more info. Could be used for the decisive moment assignment.
Last day of the week: Ghost Assignment due.
First day of the week: Self Portrait Assignment - Due last day week 11. You should be doing this outside of class with your own camera or in the studio.
The yearbook needs pictures of teachers and classrooms. See me for more info. Could be used for the decisive moment assignment.
Last day of the week: Decisive Moment Assignment due.
First day of the week: Documentary Assignment - Due last day week 13. Include DVD slideshow with of the pictures with music. iDVD tutorial HERE- You should be doing this outside of class with your own camera.
Grading info: You should be turning in your assignments the same way you did in beginning photo:
1. Create a Photo folder in your student locker (icon on the desktop with your student number).
2. All assignment folders should be in the Photo folder. Name them what the assignment sheet says to name them (usually your last name and a shortened assignment name - example: smithcolor).
3. All files need to be named the way the assignment sheet says to name them.
4. All assignments are due when the Web site says they are do, irregardless of whether we have a critique or not or if I allowed you to turn in a previous assignment late (usually because something unexpected came up).
5. We will have a group critique in the shooting room at the beginning of the period the assignment is due. This is an opportunity to share your work with your classmates. This isn't when I grade your projects. If I can't participate (something comes up with the beginning students), still have the critique.
6.The only way your projects get in the gradebook is: you come up to my desk, we look at the projects together (in your student locker), I give you feedback, I put the grade in the computer. This is different than what we did in beginning photo. I want to be able to give you private feedback.
Hope this clears up any confusion.
Last day of the week: Self portrait due.
First day of the week: Work on documentary assignment.
Last day of the week: Work on documentary assignment.
First day of the week: Work on documentary assignment.
Last day of the week: Documentart Assignment due.
First day of the week:
Song/Poem Illustration - Due last day week 15. You should be doing this outside of class with your own camera.
Last day of the week:
Cool quote:
Most photographers are still trying to find out what to do for a living and luck has little to do with success in this, or any other business.
There is pleanty of room for an honest, talented and hard working photographer and little room for one that doesn't posses these qualities, regardless of some popular perceptions. Sometimes who you know helps, but usually, especially long term, success comes from tenacity, talent and knowledge. You know, all the things your dad told you.
The most imporant ingredient for success is not to limit yourself. Don't sit in Little Rock and dream of being the next great fashion maven, just hopping someone from Conde Nast drops by and discovers you. Go to where the business is, or develop a business plan that gets the business to you.
Do the hard thing. Think like your clients think, find a way to give them what they want in an honest, straightforward manner. Offer more than your competition. Most of all, become good. Become real good. Work so you can compelte whatever assignment is given to you. I like most of my clients, but if I didn't it really would not effect my performance as my standards are my standards, not some arbitrary level of quality that depends on the moment.
If I have a situation or client I don't enjoy, I try to step back and think how they view me and the process. Why they hired me, who they have to please after my work is done. Usually it makes for a more understanding and positive production.
The best advice I
can give anyone is to do it your way. Be unique, not what everyone
else is. Listen to others, but take everything with a grain of salt.
The most successful people in any field, usually make thier own paths.
You can be anything you want to be.
Best,
James Russell
First day of the week:
Light Drawing Assignment - Due last day week 16. You should be doing part this outside of class with your own camera.
Nothing to do? Work on the Intermediate competencies - Due last day of week 20.
I will print and keep the list for you.
Last day of the week: Song/Poem Assignment due.
First day of the week:
Picture Based on a famous painting or sculpture - Due last day week 19. You should be doing this outside of class with your own camera
Last day of the week: Light Drawing Assignment due.
First day of the week: Happy Holiday
Last day of the week: Happy Holiday
First day of the week: Happy Holiday
Last day of the week: Happy Holiday
First day of the week: Selectively Blurred Assignment - Due last day week 20. You should be doing this outside of class with your own camera.
Start working on your portfolio.
Middle of the week: Work on current assignment(s).
Last day of the week: Picture Based on a famous painting or sculpture due/Light Drawing Assignment due.First day of the week: text goes here
Middle of the week: text goes here
Last day of the week: Intermediate competencies dueFirst day of the week: text goes here
Middle of the week: text goes here
Last day of the week: text goes hereFirst day of the week: text goes here
Middle of the week: text goes here
Last day of the week: text goes here
GHHS room 205
