HDR image
over exposed
under exposed

this image is an HDR of the following 3 images:

HDR

You will be turning in 7 HDR images... one to print and 6 others on a contact sheet, all merged with HDR.

Step-By-Step HDR Instruction

Here

In the instructions above they suggest you change your shutter speed instead of aperture. I will recommend you do both. I have created HDR picsusing aperture only adjustments and have had good results.

HDR MERGE ASSIGNMENT

You will take a total of five sets of HDR pictures between today and Thursday/Friday. Each HDR Merege should have at least three different pictures.

You will have class time on Tuesday/Wednesday so please bring your cameras. The rest of the pictures will be taken on your own time. I would like everyone to get at least one sunset or sun rise picture.
I recommend adjusting the shutter speed only or using full manual mode when using my cameras.

When you use your own cameras to get HDR pictures please adjust the different pre-selected settings to change light. For example, you could select snow, beach, cloudy, and sunny to get four different amounts of light into your camera. (These pre-selected settings adjust the aperture and shutter speed for you automatically).

7 Deadly Sins...

The 7 deadly sins, also known as the cardinal sins and the capital vices, are a list of immoral tendencies mankind is said to fall victim to. Originally founded by Gregory the Great the list is not made up of actions but rather of dispositions or sentiments. Another peculiarity is that thoroughly nasty traits such as cruelty, malevolence, hypocrisy or ingratitude are left out. A third is that some of the sins are arguably connected with virtue: for example, proper pride is allied to the self-esteem that derives from doing something well, and a central motivation to virtue; proper anger is allied to the indignation that immoral actions warrant, and lust is nature's way of ensuring procreation. Regardless of interpretation and opinion the following list conger up infinite visual representations;

• Pride (vanity)
• Envy (jealousy)
• Wrath (anger)
• Gluttony (over-indulgence)
• Greed (covetousness)
• Lust (wantonness)
• Sloth (laziness)

wikipedia has far more information on the topic.

The above list has numerous interpretations and definitions, far more than my synonyms list aside the sin. Regardless, each should spawn some thought. How can you represent this with your camera, keeping in mind that all images need to be classroom appropriate, not overtly sexual in nature, and not objectifying any person or group.

Before you start shooting, take the following survey to find "your" deadly sin for inspiration:

http://www.4degreez.com/misc/seven_deadly_sins.html

ASSIGNMENT:

You will need to shoot 40 images (good images!!!) surrounding 2, or more, sins of your choice. Be creative, think outside of the box and figure out how you can use all you have learned in this class to represent your chosen topics in various ways, compositionally, technically, etc. Consider lighting, framing, angles, etc. Images do not have to be portraits, they can be abstract, still life, panoramic, or any other image style you think can represent your chosen topic(s).

• 40 images will be due on Tue/Wed December 9-10.

• Will will be editing and submitting your best 3 images.

If you are familiar with Americas next top model, there was a 7 deadly sins shoot on the show:

MOP Due Tue/Wed

Please turn in your written portion (printed or to the classes folder) as well as a Contact Sheet with 2 images (one of yours and one of your MOP's). Make sure you name all your doc's so you get credit and put everything into the classes folder on the staff server.

more photographers here

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_photographers

Masters of Photo Shooting Assignment

Once you have selected the photographer of your choice from the list, please determine an image(s) or technique of theirs you would like to try and emulate. Your task is to mimic their photographic style and aesthetic principles with your own photograph. Imitation is the best form of flattery, and this is your task.

Example:

Herman Leonard: known for photographing jazz legends both in portraits and in jazz clubs. Images were black and white with stark contrast and vivid lighting. To mimic his style you could shoot images of an indie band at a show with similar conditions (intense lighting, black and white, high contrast, etc.)

You will be printing out one image of your photographer and one of your own creation in line with their style and technique...

Masters of Photo Written Portion

In no LESS than one page please explain:

• Who you selected and who they are (i.e. when, where, what etc)

• Describe their photography (what is unique about her/his style and technique), what do the photograph, how, why?

• Explain how he/she (or something they did, used, invented or created) has impacted or changed the world of photography.

• Why did you choose this photographer? What do you like about their work/style?

MASTERS OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Today we will be selecting a photographer which you would like to study and emulate. Here is a list of potential photographers, but please feel free to branch out and find someone not on the list, the only requirement is that they have impacted the world of photography in some form...

• Abbott, Berenice
• Adams, Ansel
• Adams, Robert
• Alvarez Bravo
• Arbus, Diane
• Atget, Eugene
• Bellocq, E.J.
• Blossfeldt, Karl
• Brandt, Bill
• Brassai
• Callahan, Harry
• Cameron, Julia M.
• Coburn, Alvin L.
• Cunningham,Imogen
• DeCarava, Roy
• Doisneau, Robert
• Eggleston, William
• Evans, Walker
• Friedlander, Lee
• Gutmann, John
• Hine, Lewis
• Kertesz, Andre
• Klein, William
• Koudelka, Josef
• Lange, Dorothea
• Lartigue,Jacques H.
• Laughlin,Clarence J.
• Levitt, Helen
• Mapplethorpe,Robert
• Modotti, Tina
• Muybridge,Eadweard
• Nadar, Felix
• O'Sullivan, Timothy
• Outerbridge, Paul
• Porter,Eliot
• Riis, Jacob
• Rodchenko,Alexander
• Salgado,Sebastio
• Sherman, Cindy
• Smith, W. Eugene
• Sommer, Frederick
• Steichen, Edward
• Stieglitz, Alfred
• Strand, Paul
• Talbot,William H. Fox
• Uelsmann, Jerry
• Weegeehttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif
• Weston, Edward
• White, Minor
• Winogrand, Garry
Guy Bourdin
Cartier Bresson
Andreas Gursky
Annie Leibowitz

Click here to view some of these photographers images

And here for even more

Make sure you like the images of whomever you select, we will have two assignments around the topic of your MOP.

Tuesday / Wednesday

Shoot a lot of interesting, unique and fun portraits using the studio lights in the room today. You must have a minimum of 24 amazing and creative studio shot photos. Select one to edit in photoshop, make a contact sheet with the remainder... See the examples below and read the instructions:

Studio Lighting

Studio Lighting!!! Your task today (Tue/Wed) is to shoot some interesting , creative and unique portraits using the studio lights. Remember the different lighting techniques demonstrated in class. Use the lights to add emotion, feeling, or interesting shadows to your images. Try to think out of the box, manipulate the image with Manual settings on the camera, blur motion, stop action, take tons of pics, and have FUN! Shoot for 1/2 the period in groups of 5 or 6 per light station. Everyone should shoot their own photo session. Take turns as each others subjects. Shoot a minimum of 24 pictures. Then edit them and make one fantastic using your photoshop skills.

DUE FRIDAY...

CANDIDS:

• Contact sheet with 35 images
• 2 best edited candid images

PORTRAITS

• 6 edited images (see parameters below)
• 1 image to print (best, most amazing portrait)

Portrait Guidelines

Between now and the end of the week you will adjust your portraits.
Here is a list of the different types of portraits photos you will turn in:

A Vignette Photo
A Grayscale Method Photo
A One Item Kept in Color Photo
A selective Focus Photo
A minimally adjusted photo
One WHACKY anything goes portrait (change the colors, use the liquefy tool, and make this as unique and interesting as you can)

Finally, you will turn in your best picture as well.

PORTRAITS

1. Find an interesting human subject. The person you choose should WANT to be in the picture and they should be willing to cooperate.

2. Talk to your subject. You are the director of this adventure, make it what you want. Use colors or lighting to create a concept for your portrait. Costumes or uniforms work great. Imaginary ideas are OK. Choose an interesting setting based on your concept.

3. Change angles between shots. Shoot at least 25 pictures of your ONE subject.

5. Change your lighting; Use filters, flashlights, lamps, or multiple lights to enhance your picture.

6. Remember you are the boss, make them change their expression. Pretend it is high fashion and they have to create the next great "look" like blue steel (Zoolander).

7. Most importantly for this assignment don't forget your composition rules. Use framing, leading lines, rule of thirds, color contrast etc. to enhance your photo. Fill the frame!!!!

HAVE FUN & BE CREATIVE!!!! try to think out of the norm to come up with a creative setting, pose, expression, outfit, etc to make an amazing portrait!!!!

Candid Assignment

Candids: Shoot at least 35 GOOD candids before Monday 11-3-2008, we will be editing them in class on Monday.







Your task is to shoot pics, immersing yourself and your camera into the scene. Capture a moment on your camera. Be creative, shoot from unique angles, try and find people doing interesting things, with interesting expressions.

Candid images...

Candid photography is photography that focuses on spontaneity rather than technique, on the immersion of a camera within events rather than focusing on setting up a staged situation or on preparing a lengthy camera setup.

Candid photography is best described as un-posed and unplanned, immediate and unobtrusive. This is in contrast to classic photography, which includes aspects such as carefully staged portrait photography, landscape photography or object photography. Candid photography catches moments of life from immersion in it.

Henri Cartier-Bresson

Weegee

René Burri

11 tips for shooting great candids...
more tips...

Photomerges due!

Please turn in 7 photomerges on a contact sheet, as well as full size versions of your 2 best PMs and label which one you would like printed. Make sure all images and contact sheets are .jpeg files

WOW! 2008 Reflections

WOW!

Each student will be entering an image into the 2008-2009 PTSA reflections contest. The content of this image is up to you, so long as it meets the criteria and theme.

What has recently caused you to have a reaction like WOW? This year’s theme for the PTSA Reflections Program is short and simple, but has an infinite number of ways, with a little time and effort, you could put your ideas into a creative entry using photography that’s extraordinary.

Your process could be as simple or elaborate as you want, as long as it’s done within the time frame and rules of the National PTSA Reflections Program. How you depict what you think of as “WOW!” is totally your choice. Find out more about the Reflections Program and be sure to get your Entry packet with all the instructions in the Main office by the end of Sept. Check out the past programs at WA State Reflections website including last year’s gallery of National finalists at http://www.wastatepta.org/programs/Reflections/reflect.htm.

• entries can be color or black and white, a single image or a collage, photomerge, montage, multiple exposure, etc.
  
• All images should demonstrate understanding of depth of field, composition, proper exposure, etc.
  

PHOTOMERGE!

For our next assignment we will be using 'photomerge' to blend images together. This technique can create panoramic images


Today (Tue/Wed) we will learn the basic PM skills and you will have the long 4 day weekend to shoot on your own. Monday you will need to come to class with 5 good PM (with a minimum of 4 images each).

Show us where you went or what you did. these can be amazing landscapes, cityscapes, scenic shots, interior images, perspective pictures, whatever you see that is intriguing!

• Each photomerge should be made up of 4 or more images.
• remember to overlap your images, but not by more than 20%.
  
• photomerges are much more successful if you can MANUALLY white balance your camera and even more successful if you can shoot images with your camera in MANUAL EXPOSURE mode thus setting an aperture and shutter setting that is the same for each image. Difficulties arise when exposures change from image to image.

Student examples from semesters past:

Turn in B&W

Please turn in one contact sheet with 24 amazing B&W images on it. Also turn in your one very best image. Save both as .jpeg files and place them in the staff server, classes folder.

Weekend Homework!!!

Shoot pictures of whatever your adventures are this weekend. Monday we will edit these and submit your best to the Seattle Times "Weekend Photo" section.

click here for examples

Shadows and Light in B&W

This assignment will focus on shadow and light, both natural and man made. We will further emphasize this by manipulating our images in photoshop into black and white.

• Your task is to look for shadows and contrast. Find scenes or images that have great contrast and use shadows to add interest to your photos
  
• you will need 24 GOOD pictures for your contact sheet. Of these 24 here should be a minimum of 9 shadows/contrast that you create yourself and 9 shadows/contrast that are naturally occurring.
• Remember to consider the brightness/contrast relationship. What colors and will be vibrant against one another in black and white?
  

You need 24 GOOD pictures. You will probably shoot 100 pictures over the next five days.

Landscapes Due

Thurs/Fri - Your landscapes are due half way through the period, edited and amazing.

• You will submit your 4 best landscapes as well as a contact sheet containing your 24 best landscapes, saved as .jpeg files.
  
• Be sure to name/label your favorite to be printed.
  
• All images should be placed into a folder named YourName_Landscape and placed into the appropriate Classes folder on the server.

Weekend Landscape Homework!!!

Your task is simple... get out and shoot!!! Get as far from Shorecrest as possible and try to find interesting landscapes following the rule of 1/3 and including for/mid/background. You will need a total of 24 GOOD landscapes for Monday when we begin editing in PhotoShop. Be creative, have fun, and shoot lots!!!

Shutter Speeds and Aperture

http://www.labnol.org/software/tutorials/camera-shutter-speed-and-aperture-explained-in-simple-english/1715/

http://www.photonhead.com/simcam/shutteraperture.php

http://www.xs4all.nl/~wiskerke/artikelen/tap.html

http://www.ephotozine.com/article/Camera-Shutter-Speeds-explained

http://www.pbase.com/wlhuber/the_basics

Landscapes

Photography has a couple of compositional rules we will work with this semester. First and most notable is the rule of 1/3. This states that an image can be divided into nine equal parts by two equally-spaced horizontal lines and two equally-spaced vertical lines. The four points formed by the intersections of these lines can be used to align features in the photograph. Additionally the horizon line should be placed on either the upper or lower deviding line.

For landscapes there should also be 3 prominant areas in the photograph, for/mid/background. This will add depth to your images and lead the viewer deeper into the photograph.

Your task is to shoot landscapes... lots and lots of interesting landscapes. Consider changing camera andgles, get closer, farther away, squat down, stand on something tall, and follow the rules above to find great success.

Hamlin Park Adventure and Contact Sheet

DUE 9/10-11 @ the beginning of the period

Today you are going to have a majority of the period to shoot pictures in Hamlin Park. Our goal is to use the basics we have learned to take interesting and unique images.

• what to shoot: you will be shooting 3 images of 7 different subjects/objects. Each image should be from a unique angle and all should follow the rule of thirds
• what to do with your images: you will be importing your images and then creating a contact sheet in PhotoShop ( File > Automate >contact sheet II).
• Things to remember:

1. The rule of thirds: an image can be divided into nine equal parts by two equally-spaced horizontal lines and two equally-spaced vertical lines. The four points formed by the intersections of these lines can be used to align features in the image. aligning a photograph with these points creates more tension, energy and interest in the photo than simply centering the feature would.
   

   This photograph of a sunset taken in the Thousand Islands region demonstrates the principles of the rule of thirds
2. Shooting from unique angles: none of your 21+ images should be taken from 5'8" - 6'2". That is, squat down, stand on top of something, crouch behind something, move around to find a different and unique perspective at your subject. Anyone can stand there and take a snap shot, show us your perspective by thinking outside of that box.

• Please turn in a contact sheet saved as YourLastName_Hamlin.jpg (using save as in Photoshop) and turn it into the classes folder on the staff server.

The Photo Essay (Final Project)

Special Note: Seniors have one less class period to complete this assignment.


Assignment Requirements:

• First pick a general theme. For example, you might pick America, Democracy, or Responsibility. You will shoot photographs centered on this central theme. This may include camera experimentation like shutter speeds, HDR, aperture adjustments, or photomerges.

• Use what you've learned about photographic composition, lighting, color, lines, texture and use your camera to make a statement. Each individual photo will be graded accordingly. It is imperative you showcase your ability to shoot many angles of shots with many levels of camera composition (Review composition elements and types of shots if necessary).

• Your photographs should make both a visual and emotional/political/critical/intellectual statement. Your photo essay should contain at least 9 photographs. Below each picture you will also describe the composition elements used on each photo, what you did to adjust the picture, and where you took the picture.

• Your photo essay should be something unique, new, and your own view of your selected theme.

A one-page reflection is also required. In this paper you need describe what you learned during your project. What did you learn about your subject, Photoshop, and photography in general. What was easy and difficult about your project? What would you do differently if you did it again? Finally, how far along do you think you have come as a photographer this semester?

• You can shoot B & W, Color, or both. It’s your artistic choice.

• You may digitally alter your photos as necessary in Photoshop.

• Your pictures should be printed out either 3*5 or 4*6, two to three pictures per page with the exception of one photo that will be printed at 8.5 *11.

• Projects should be turned in on poster board with written with the written reflection attached. Look at examples at the front of the room.

• You will also be dropping this assignment in my drop box so that we may view each project in front of the class.

Self Portrait Assignment

The Art of Constructing a Self-Portrait

A self-portrait comes from within. Injecting 'those we love' into the portrait steers one away from the harder task to trying to reveal self without adornment.

If you eat, sleep, and live for speed then your self-portrait should reflect motion and movement as one of its cornerstones.

If you are a reflective type, then reflections and patterns and their intersections should occupy a primary space.

If overall you feel more flawed then whole, then you wouldn't want to go about photographing the most pristine parts of yourself; you would want, instead, to capture your essence in a manner that describes and defines you without complaining. I say that because the essence of self-discovery requires you to be a benign observer of self so as not to hone in too closely on this or that part.

A sense of 'wholeness' is difficult to capture at best. Indeed, wholeness is almost impossible for some people to even understand -- let alone capture in themselves -- because their persons and their lives are so fragmented, so disorganized in general.

But that is what self-portraiture is all about, capturing the whole -- the whole of who you are as a person.

Try to be unforgiving in a benign and neutral way. Study yourself in the mirror and photograph what you see there. Then go inside yourself and photograph what you see there.

You will shoot four different good self-portraits (it will take LOTS of images to achieve 4 good photos). You need to pick four photo types from the following five categories.

1. A self-portrait where color is emphasized. Color may include wardrobe, location, props, or natural objects. Think of your picture as a one or two color concept picture.

2. A picture that emphasizes lighting and shadows. This will be a grayscale self-portrait.

3. A self-portrait that showcases your interests and hobbies. In this picture we learn what you like to do away from school. Think about what interests you and transfer that into a photo.

4. A fantasy self-portrait. Dress up and use costumes. In this self-portrait you can use Photoshop to enhance your picture in any way, shape, or form. Transfer yourself to Hawaii or become a Viking like you have always wanted.

5. The Supermodel self-portrait. Dress up like a GQ or Cosmopolitan magazine model. This can be a grayscale or color picture. You will use Photoshop to airbrush and enhance this photo.

6. An abstract self portrait that focuses on textures, shapes, and interesting lines and patterns. You must be the subject of this image, but represent yourself in a creative, abstract and unique way where you are only partially recognizable...

First of all, I want you to look at the photos on the following websites for self-portrait ideas and then answer the following questions. Please use text edit, Abi Word, or Word and drop the answers into the proper class folder.

• http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/dynoGall2.asp?catID=441

• http://www.teachingphoto.com/school_work.html

• 
  

Also, go to Getty Images and do a portraits search (self-portraits on getty show people taking pictures of themselves. We do not need to see the camera)

What four categories do you think you will pick? Why?

What are your interests and hobbies that you can showcase in your self-portrait?

What colors will be the best for you to work with for self-portrait where color is emphasized? What are your favorite colors?

Do you have any costumes or props you can use for the self-portraits?

Hints for self-portraits:

Use colors or lighting to create a concept.

Costumes or uniforms work great.

Change angles.

Use props.

Vary the lighting.

Try different emotional looks.

Pose in action.

Most importantly for this assignment don't forget your composition rules. Use framing, leading lines, rule of thirds, color contrast etc. to enhance your photo. Fill the frame.

ABSTRACT Photos!

Some Student Examples of Abstract Photos:


Definition: Abstract Art is defined as: any art in which real objects in nature are represented in a way that wholly or partially neglects their true appearance and expresses it in a form of sometimes unrecognizable patterns of lines, colors and shapes.


here are some links to online galleries:

Googled

Earth Photography

Photo.net

123rf.com

a gallery of recognizable but interesting abstracts

abstract images from Cambodia

abstract in nature

For Monday 5/5 you should have 20 GOOD images of abstract, unique and creative composition. Abstract images are not representing or imitating external reality or the objects of nature; they are unique, thought provoking, and interesting.

My America Written Portion

OK, now you have pondered what the term "America" means to you and how you can represent it on film.  The next step is to explain that to me.  Please answer the following questions about your photograph(s).

• What is your "America"?
• How does your image(s) depict this?
• Please explain the message you are trying to show in your image.
• Do you feel your message is clear?  (i.e. would someone unfamiliar with the assignment get or understand your image/message?)  why or why not.
• How do you think a United States civil servant would react to your imagery and explanation?

My America

Ponder what the term America means to you, what emotions, thoughts, ideas, etc does it stir up? Take these and put them on film. For this assignment catch 'Your America' on your camera. Show what you like, hate, love, feel, and think about America. You need to shoot a minimum of 30 pictures by the end of the day Friday that exemplify your America. Try and think outside of the box and be creative!!!







For today please generate a list of 10 words or phrases that correlate to America for you. Then please search for these terms on Getty Images to gather ideas.