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. Written reflections (.5 weight)
7.Portfolio (2x normal weight grade)
ALL ASSIGNMENT GRADES WILL BE REDUCED BY 10% FOR EACH DAY THEY ARE LATE.
You can redo your projects to improve their grades (not tests and quizzes).
This is how your projects are graded:
1.You
will be given a proof/research 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.To get those points you need to have me
initial the proof section on your evaluation sheet the day
the proofs are due. If you looe the sheet, you lose the points.
2. You fill out the top portion of the evaluation
sheet and turn it in on the
day of the critique (week 2 last day ).
3. You show your images to the class/advanced group (last
day week 2 ).
4. I will give it an "as is" grade based
on 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.
Information for parents and students
About cameras: Any digital camera will be fine (except cell phone cameras). I have designed the assignments so the most basic point and shoot digital camera will work.
Camera problems: I see 5 or 6 cameras get broken or lost every semester.
Some common causes:
No camera case: Dirt seems to get in around the lens. The lens won't come out or go in anymore.
Solution: Use some kind of a case. When I take my point and shoot with me I put it in an old sock. Don't just the throw the camera in your book bag or purse unprotected. Don't use your camera on a windy beach. Keep it out of the rain.
Dropped camera: The camera gets dropped and broken.
Solution: Use the neck, wrist strap, or case. Also be careful not to leave your camera near the edge of a table or counter.
Lost or stolen camera: The camera disappears.
Solution: Don't let your camera out of your sight - ever, even for a minute. Have your name on your camera. Even on a piece of tape under the camera. There are some people who turn them in if they know where they go. Students leave cameras in class every week.
Helping your student be successful: The biggest challenge in class is having the students shoot the pictures and bring them to school on the due date. Anything you can do to help with that would be great.
Information for students:
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.
You need to have your own digital camera.
No phones or ipods or listening to music on the computer. The first offence is a reminder, the second time I'll have an administrator take it.
From the Student Manual:
CELL PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES - Cell phones and other electronic devises are allowed on campus but cell phone and other electronic devise usage during school hours is NOT ALLOWED and the expectation is that all cell phones and other electronic devises will be OFF during school hours (7:30-2:00pm). This includes cell phones with text messaging, music and video capabilities. Students ignoring this policy will lose their cell phone or other electronic devise privileges. Student phones are available in the counseling and main office for any student needing to use a phone before and afterschool, during their lunch, or with a teacher note.
No movies or games on the computer (except for the photography videos you will be watching.
File management/backing up - Make a folder in your student account 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, it's 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.
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.That means no games, no online video or anything else that isn't related to the photo class. When in doubt, check with me first.
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.
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.
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.
Before you do anything else you must complete the Photoshop portion of the competency sheet.
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 before you begin the intermediate projects.
Let me know if you want the tutorial videos on your computer.
Here are the camera instructions. They are mostly 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.
There are 2 different models of cameras. There will be some differences,but they are basically the same.
Get one from me and watch it a couple of times. Bring some headphones so you can listen to it.
Complete the Photoshop and camera competencies. This might take a day or it might take a week. Bring the videos home if you need to.When you feel ready let me know and I'll visually check you off. Don't worry about the portion that covers the studio. We will do that later.You can help each other as you are practicing, but not during the final sign-off. I am signing off that you can do these things, not the person next to you.
Photoshop Competencies: tool pallet, cropping, layers, adjustment layers, color correcting, layer masks, sharpening, size, resolution, resizing, feathering selections, black and white conversions (desaturate, B&W adjustment layer), filters, file formats, retouching (patch tool, clone stamp tool, lighten layer blend technique,dust and scratches filter), hand coloring, history pallet, vignettes (dark and soft), selecting using quickmask, saving selections, straightening, duotones/tritones, dodging and burning (not with dodging and burning tools), adjusting contrast (s curve, levels adjustments), cool edges, brushes (download, making your own), threshold command, picture package, photoshop web photo gallery, photomerge, notes tool, actions, batch commands.
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. There is no easy way to do this. Some things are difficult to learn, It will take work. It will be worth it.
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
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.
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.
Write 3 (one for each video) 50 word or more reflections about what you learned in each video below (Camera Exposure and Camera Modes). Name them: Exposure, Modes. Print them and turn them in by the last day of next week.
Exposure video
Anything she says about film is also correct for digital.
Exposure modes.You really need to know the difference between, AV, TV, and Manual.
In the studio always use manual. Out of the studio if the aperture is most important use AV, if shutterspeed is most important use TV.
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.
If this doesn't seem to make sense, shoot them again, and again, and...the goal is to learn how to use these modes creatively, not just try them.
Check out some of these photographers. Write a 100 or more word reflection about your favorite. Name it favorite photographer. Print it and turn it in by the end of next week.
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
Last day of the week:
First day of the week:
Everyone will be entering the Washington State Photo Contest this year. Click here to see some of the past winners.
1. Practice what you have learned in Photoshop until you can do the procedures from memory or with your notes.
Intro to Photoshop notes
Everything you wanted to know about image size (and then some : )
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 the video he is adjusting the camera to the lights, but I want you to adjust the lights to the camera. So if the meter says something other than the camera f-stop you want, adjust the light and remeter until they match. Remember all of his videos are also sales pitches for products. The products he recommends aren't necessarily the best, he's just trying to make a buck. The info he presents is generally correct.
Write a 100 word reflection that summarizes the next 6 videos.Name it STUDIO and turn it in.
General studio info
Annie Leibovitz videos.
Write 2 (one for each video) 50 word or more reflections about what you learned in each video. Name them: Annie 1 and Annie 2. Print them and turn them in (no digital files).
GHHS room 205
