Expectations: To experience what it is like to view the world from the powerful point of the camera. How you can capture a moment in time and evoke an emotion, a feeling, a story by the square canvas you produce.
Apprentice
Read & Study:
1. Read Chapters 19-23 of Orbiting the Giant Hairball
2. Come to class knowing these four terms and be prepared to explain what they are and do as you shoot with a camera:
- Aperture/F-stop
- Exposure
- Shutter speed
- ISO
Know & Understand:
• Take lots of photos (switch your camera to manual settings to play with shutter speeds, exposure, aperture etc.). Experiment, have fun, and choose 4 that best represent 4 of the photography elements below. Print an 8x10 print of each photo on photo paper (yes you will need to get them done at WalMart, Costco, or a photo studio). Using spray adhesive, mount each photo separately to a presentation board, matte board or foam core so they are presented professionally. Research how to present a photo if needed.
Here are the 12 elements along with examples. Try to select images that speak to us by grabbing our attention through these methods. Be prepared to present and speak about each one.
1. Impact
The image should make an impact to the viewer upon seeing it the first time. It has to evoke an intense emotion that is compelling. They have an odd quality about them, such that they adhere to your psyche and refuse to let go. You tend to stare long because the photo sticks to you in some way.
(Credit: Buddhist Monk, Thailand by Stephen Shaver.)
2. Composition
Bring out the idea of the image thru visual elements in your composition. Create a visual focal points to isolate your subject. Be original. Avoid cliches. Think about what it is you are trying to say and how you can best convey this in your composition. Effective composition can be pleasing or disturbing, depending on your intention. The viewer’s eye should be drawn to the center of attention naturally.
(Credit: Rooftop Golf, New York Photo by Landon Nordeman.)
3. Lighting
Getting a perfect exposure is very important when it comes to creating detail and dimension which defines an image. Lighting is the key to creating images that stands out. Proper use of lighting can enhance your photo. Knowing about the various qualities of light can help you arrange your shots to best advantage. High temperature light sources lean towards the blue spectrum and low temperature sources are extra reddish in color. Too much light will get you a washed out picture. Too little light will make your photo too dark and has too many shadows. When the light gives up more contrast, your photo will have more detail, shape and texture.
(Credit: Tokay Gecko by Erin Yard.)
4. Technique
What was the method used to create the image? Let the judges see your artistic eye. Try to capture the exceptional and the unusual and make the most of it. Be aware of the right moment, unique colors, and quality of light as well as its graphic elements when taking the shot.
(Credit: Staccato by King Douglas.)
5. Print Presentation
A high quality print starts with a good negative or digital file. It must be correctly exposed prior to printing it. Glossy photo prints are shiny and vibrant in colors but hard to view when reflected by intense light. Matte finish is best suited for black & white images but the texture can make a photo look grainy.
(Credit: Death Valley National Park by Michael Melford.)
6. Creativity
How did you express your imagination through the concept you want to convey on your photo? The image should show the original idea, message or thought that you did more than just copy some other photographer’s style.
(Credit: Picador by Joseba Ibarra.)
7. Center of Interest
The viewer’s eye should be drawn naturally to the center of attention. Any leading lines should direct to that point without making the viewer’s eye jump to and fro around the image.
(Credit: Cavern Explorer, Tennessee by Stephen Alvarez.)
8. Color Balance
The tones and color should work together in harmony or be used in contrast to stir up a mixture of feelings. The color has to be realistic and does not clash on each other. A good mixture of color can produce dramatic effects.
(Credit: Montgolfieres by Armel Couette.)
9. Style
Various fields of photography require a different style and perspective. The techniques used may vary based on the subject, the situation and the theme.
(Credit: Whirling Dervish by Nour Elrefai.)
10. Subject Matter
Try to look for a subject that is truly extraordinary and that stands out among the popular subject matter.
(Credit: Feast of the Sacrifice by James Nachtwey.)
11. Technical Excellence
The printing, sharpness, exposure, retouching, correct color and mounting are some points that shows the quality of the physical print.
(Credit: Boom Boom Christophe Kiciak.)
12. Story Telling
As Ansel Adams used to say, “There is nothing worse than a brilliant image of a fuzzy concept.” A photo can convey emotion, mood, narrative, ideas and messages. These are the elements that make a statement and tell a story.
Circumcision Ritual, South Africa by James Nachtwey.)
Journeyman:
Read & Study:
• Read Chapters 3 & 7 of The Element
• Watch "Ansel Adams Documentary Film 2002" (Write four quotes or facts on what Ansel felt about photography, what it was to him, why he did it)
Know & Understand:
• A Day in the Life of… So often, we never really take a good look at those who are around us in society. Document a particular occupation. If you can take the photos outside of your normal surroundings that would be great. For example, you could take photographs of a nurse at work to show all the various aspects of his or her job. It may take you more than one day of shooting to capture a representative set of image. When shooting try to get candid shots of them to capture their emotions, their real self. Pick the best 10 photos, print and bring to class, these only need to be 4"x6" or 5"x7"
Master:
Know & Understand:
• Research the history of photography. What was the first image capturing devices, how did they work, how did photography evolve, who invented each evolution. Write a 2 page paper or draw an info graphic to easily show it.
• Choose 1 historical photo that you think is powerful to present to the class. Research briefly about the background behind the photo. Why do you think it is powerful? How do you think photography has changed the way we look at history today vs. how people looked at history prior to photography?
Now go get creative!
