Reading

For Monday, 10/12

Read chapters 2, 5 and 6

Write up a summary of five main take-away points (for you) from each chapter.

Photoshop practicum

Please be able to accomplish the following:

RAW files, in camera RAW module:

• Workflow options to set as smart object
• Global adjustments (all appropriate adjustments in "basic" menu, plus tone curve)
• Local Adjustments

JPEG files, in Photoshop:

• White Point / Black Point
• Curve Adjustment Layer for brightness
• Curve Adjustment Layer for contrast
• Basic dodge and burn layer

Both RAW (smart object) and JPEG derived images in Photoshop

• Sharpen with High Pass layer
• Blending mode curve adjustment layers (multiply, overlay, screen, etc.)
• Local adjustments with blending mode curves (advanced dodge and burn, with initial lasso selection, layer mask, etc.)

All:

• File correctly saved as PSD files, with layers
• Layers clearly labelled

Project 1

Based on discussions about your assignment 6 images (meaningful subject matter), develop a group of images around a concise theme or idea. It can be within person/places/things (choose 1), but developed further into a more ambitious and sophisticated project. It will be helpful to be as specific as possible about your subject or idea. A collection of haphazard images does not make for a strong project. Intention is important, as well as follow-through.

Work will be evaluated on:

• Clarity of idea/main subject/theme/concept
• Strength of images (framing, composition, etc.)
• Technical camera skills (sharp focus, solid exposures)
• Photoshop /image editing skills
• Whether project is adequately realized (follow-through)
• Print quality

Due Dates:

Prelim critique: 9/30 (Wednesday)

Final critique: 10/7 (Wednesday)

Portfolio of 7-10 images, 5 of these should be printed.

Assignment 6: Approaching subject and meaning.

(Student: Craft)

Merely capturing a subject does not automatically convey meaning or content.

For example, a photographer who says "I like to photograph people," is saying very little about what they are really trying to communicate. Yes they may show the presence of someone, but what do they want to say about that person... who they are, what they represent or what they stand for?

Look at the image above. The subject(s) are clear enough... half of a woman's face, a blurry green background. But what else is going on?

• Why are we seeing just half the face...that's kind of mysterious.
• What expressions are being expressed through that single, penetrating, eye?
• Why do I keep looking back and forth between the green eye and the green background?
• Why does this picture make me feel a tad...uneasy, nervous?
• Who is this person anyway? 
• What the heck is going on?
• What is the photographer trying to communicate?

Very quickly, this picture leads to interesting questions. The best art is about interesting questions.

For this assignment, I invite you to ponder questions about the subject you choose. So, if you "like photographing people" please ask yourself the following questions before/during/after you shoot. Be as specific as you can.

• What people?
• Who are these people?
• What are they doing?
• Where are they?
• Why?
• What do they really look like...hair, eyes, nose, head, arm, body, posture, texture, color...
• What visual story do I want to share about them? 

Similar questions can be asked about objects or places. Answer the questions with your camera...share with us.

Assignment:

1. Select a subject that you are commonly drawn to. Person, place, thing. Choose one. No animals or pets, for now. 
2. Apply the above questions, adjusting them to person, place or thing.
3. Answer the questions with pictures, not words
4. Be prepared to discuss your driving questions in class and share the images that resulted

For Monday, 9/14.