07 June 2017

PHOTO ESSAY CRITIQUE & QUESTIONS

DIRECTIONS.

PART ONE: Writing about THEIR photo essay.
1. Spend 15-20 min looking and reading through each of the photo essays in the class (on blogs).
2. Choose one of the photo essays to critique.
3. Look at their photographs and read their captions/statement(s) again.
4. Go to the "Reading Photographs" questions (CLICK HERE). When you choose your questions, adapt them to/for viewing the photo essays. The subject/verb agreement might be off a bit because you are viewing groups of photos rather than single images. 
5. Choose two/three questions from each section that you will use as the basis of your inquiry/examination of their photo essay.

6. Address an email to me (TuHSHohman@gmail.com)
7. Put YOUR FULL name in the subject line.
8. In the body of the email, copy and paste the link to the photo essay you are critiquing. write to me the inquiry/examination that you conduct based on the questions you have chosen.

9. This inquiry/examination is the time for you to be discerning and questioning. Your writing to me should be of a length that shows you have critically viewed the photo essay. You should pose questions, offer solutions, and determine ways with which the photographer could improve on their story/idea. The photographer you critique will NOT be made aware of your inquiry/examination.


PART TWO: Writing about YOUR photo essay. 
1. Go to your own photo essay.

2. Examine your work with a critical eye, and explain what you would now do to improve your final story/idea if you were to do the same thing again. What is missing? What could be edited out? What part of your story did you NOT tell? Etc. Be self-examining and critical without being cutting and derogatory. This is not a moment for you to beat yourself up, but rather to take your ego out of the mix and look for areas of improvement.

30 May 2017

PROJECT #12: PHOTOGS' CHOICE

DIRECTIONS
Choose a project from one of links below (or from an idea that you find), and photograph the idea by next class. Choose an idea will challenge you.

Bring the photos to next class.

Email me your idea (and the link to the idea) by 3pm.

*Note: your project idea needs to be one where actual photographs are made - photographs that will require you take time & care creating and developing the images.


Student Art Guide: 100+ Creative Photography Ideas. CLICK HERE.
101 Photo Ideas. CLICK HERE.
52 Weeks. CLICK HERE.
16 Projects. CLICK HERE.

24 May 2017

EDITING PHOTOS & CAPTIONS/ARTIST'S STATEMENT

The photo essay and related captions/statement are due to your blog by the end of the day Friday, June 2.

For your captions/statement follow these guidelines:

EDITING THE INDIVIDUAL PHOTOS:
CHOOSE the two best photos for each category by asking the questions:
1. Does the photo add essential “information” to the overall story?
2. Is the photo a natural segue/transition from the previous photo…and to the next one?
3. Can the photo – with the caption you write for it - stand on its own as a strong image with essential information?

You need to have TWO photos posted for each of the categories listed on the original post (CLICK HERE for the post).

RECOMPOSING in RULE OF THIRDS – or – CENTERED? :
CROPPING – If the photos you took need to be recomposed, do one of the following in Photoshop:

1. CENTERED


2. RULE OF THIRDS


THE CAPTIONS -and/or- STATEMENT.
Depending on your topic, one of the following will be appropriate:
Captions are to be placed under each photo.
The statement is to be placed at the beginning of your post before the photographs.
Based on your topic, you still may be placing text of some sort under each photo of the essay.

CAPTIONS…are a two-to-three sentence mini-story.In most photo captions the first sentence identifies the people and place in the photograph and supply the date and location where it was taken. The second and third sentence should provide contextual information to help readers understand what they are looking at.

· Include the WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, HOW…and maybe WHY.
· Use a variety of adjectives and adverbs
· Use descriptive language.
· Use strong, visually specific nouns
· Consider the action before and during the photo, and reaction to the ‘event’
· Use colorful, lively, visual action verbs
· Write in present tense, active voice (unless changing tenses to make it logical)
· Be factual
· Use a variety of sentence patterns
· Identify people in the photo
· Use complete sentences
· Use first and last names

STATEMENT – Written in first person.
A. . Write an overall statement of purpose/intent/motivation/etc. that explains your photo essay

B. ABOUT THE TOPIC:
i. What is the topic?
ii. How does the topic address something about the human condition?
iii. How is the topic relevant to life in 2017?
iv. In what ways might people/society feel about the topic?
v. What are the pros and cons of the topic?

C. ABOUT YOUR REASON FOR CHOOSING THE TOPIC:
i. What are your observations about the topic?
ii. What are your feelings about the topic?
iii. What is the significance of the topic to you?
iv. How has the topic affected you?
v. Specifically, what are you trying to convey through your photos?
vi. What do you want the viewer to think, feel, or infer from your project?

D. The statement should be two/three robust and weighty paragraphs that leave little to
the viewer's imagination about your purpose/intent/motivation, and what you want the
viewer to see/notice/glean from your work.

22 May 2017

Monday, May 22

Good morning.

Today, please do the following:

1. If you have not done so, please put your photo essay images in your folder on the server.
2. Post your 2-3 images for each category to your blog.
*On Wednesday, we will begin writing the captions or an artist's statement about topic/images -whichever is more appropriate for your topic. We will talk about this on Wednesday. 

Once that is done, develop & post the GOLDEN HOUR photos you made over the last few days. If you need more, do those by Wednesday. We will be printing an image, so be ready on Wednesday to submit your best image.

I will be on campus by noon today, so if you have any questions stop by to see me.

Thank you for your work.

18 May 2017

PROJECT #11: Golden Hour Portraits(+)

OUR FORECAST (Apparently, the sun still exists):  

Sunrise & sunset times are HERE. (CLICK HERE).

BLUE HOUR: The hour* before sunrise and after sunset.
GOLDEN HOUR: The hour* after sunrise and before sunset.

*Depending on where you are on Earth, the hour will be longer or shorter than an actual 'hour.' 



10 REASONS to shoot portraits during golden hour. CLICK HERE.
Golden hour photography explained. CLICK HERE.


DIRECTIONS
For next class, bring back FIFTEEN+ images that you make during the magic hour over the next few days.

PARAMETERS:
- 1/2 of the photographs need to be portraits.
- The other 1/2 can be subject of your own choosing.
- In addition, compose your photographs in the rule of thirds.

The rationale and objective for this set of photographs is to have you observe and record the type of light that occurs during the "magic hour." 


Extra credit earned for morning magic hour photographs (for obvious reasons :)

CLICK HERE for a link to portraits using natural light (perfect for golden hour).
A bit more about times and light. CLICK HERE.







EXTRA TIPS, ETC. 


There are apps to find the hour(s) in your location:



Link. CLICK HERE.
Wiki definition. CLICK HERE.
A few tips. CLICK HERE.
Golden hour tips. CLICK HERE.
A good link. CLICK HERE.

16 May 2017

DARKROOM & PHOTO ESSAY PREP - Wed, May 17

TO-DO by FRIDAY (end of class):

1. Photograph, edit, and post the paper PHOTOGRAM prints. Title the post "Photograms."
2. Photograph, edit and post the paper 35mm PRINTS.  Title the post "35mm PRINTS."
3. Make one or two 8x10in prints in the darkroom.
4. Make one or two double exposure prints in the darkroom (sandwich negatives).

5. Photo essay prep:

a. Put all your images in your folder (within the "Photo Essay-1" folder) on the server.
b. Go to the ongoing link - types of images for photo essay.  Review the types of images needed for your essay.
c. Peruse your photos for two/three images for each of the categories.
d. Create a post titled "Editing Essay Images."
e. In the post, put two/three images for each category. Post them in the order they are in the list, and clearly label each type with a "heading" font.
f. Publish post. 

*Review the TOPIC RUBRIC here. 

Next up: Captions for each photo. 

10 May 2017

FILM ROLLS #1 & #2

Film Roll #1: Your choice of subject matter.
Film Roll #2: Faces

DIRECTIONS: 
1. Photograph/develop/print your images from each roll as taught in class.
2. Once the prints are dry, carefully photograph each print to create a digital version to be opened in Photoshop.
3. Adjust the exposure/bright/contrast as necessary for each image.
4. Crop and/or transform if necessary.
5. Post to ONE blog post titled "Film/Darkroom Prints." 
6. Post 4+ images. 









18 April 2017

WEEKEND PHOTOS (Photogs choice)

Develop (curves+exposure+ ?)
All 8 are posted.

10 April 2017

LOOK: Stephanie Gonot

Stephanie Gonot. CLICK HERE.

READING A PHOTO #4

The Atlantic. CLICK HERE.

DIRECTIONS.
1. Go to the link above.
2. First, look through the photos without reading the captions.
3. Choose three "Reading a Photo" questions.
4. Grab your most moving/interesting photo & post the image to your blog.
5. Caption the photo with appropriate accreditation.
6. Write your responses under the photo in your post.
7. Title the post "READING A PHOTO #4" & publish.

*This is worth 4 points, and will be combined with your "March Classwork" score in Synergy.

06 April 2017

Skills.

Baby.

PHOTO ESSAY IDEAS & RESOURCES (Due Friday, June 2)

*Post first published February 2017.


 


NEW TODAY:
Day in the life of a fashion model. CLICK HERE.
Portraits of Tokyo’s Rockabilly Subculture Roller-Zoku Gangs. CLICK HERE

SEEN:
Greek neighborhood. CLICK HERE.
Ruth Prieto. Safe Haven. CLICK HERE.
Reindeer Races Above the Arctic Circle. CLICK HERE.
Weeknight dinner. CLICK HERE.
Timbers Army. CLICK HERE.
Yes! Magazine. CLICK HERE.

RESOURCES:
Photo Essays with a PURPOSE. CLICK HERE.
Asking questions of your subject. CLICK HERE.


Types of Photos You Must Make.
(Do a variety of each. We will edit to a final group that includes a couple of each of the following types.)

By including a variety of types of photos in your essay, you will ensure that it is both interesting and informative. The following types of photos, presented together, can create a successful photo essay. Not only is it important to choose powerful photos, but also to present them in an effective order. While the order of some photos (e.g. the lead photo, and the clincher) is set, the order of most types of photos in your essay is your preference.

The Lead Photo: Similar to the first two sentences of a newspaper article, your lead photo should effectively draw in your audience. This is usually the most difficult photo to choose and should follow the theme of your essay. It could be an emotional portrait or an action shot, but ultimately it should provoke the curiosity of the viewer.
The Scene: Your second photo should set the stage and describe the scene of your story. An overarching photo taken with a wide angle lens is often effective.
The Portraits: Your photo essay should include at least one portrait. Capturing an emotional expression or telling action shot can effectively humanize your story. These photos often evoke strong emotions and empathy in the viewer (whether it is a positive and enthusiastic emotion, or a sympathetic and concerned emotion.)
The Detail Photos: Detail photos focus in on one element, be it a building, a face, or a relevant object. These photos are your best opportunity to capture specific objects. The captions of these photos should be informative and educational.
The Close-up Photos: Similarly, close-up photos provide an opportunity to focus in on specific objects. These photos are tightly cropped, simple shots that present a specific element of your story. Again, this is an excellent opportunity to present information in the caption.
The Signature Photo: The signature photo summarizes the situation and captures the key elements of your story in a telling moment.
The Clincher Photo: The final photo, the clincher, should evoke the emotion you want the viewer to walk away with, be it a feeling of hope, inspiration, or sadness. Decide on this mood before you select this photo.


Remember, these suggestions are only guidelines. Photo essays are a form of art, and like any artistic creation, breaking the rules can sometimes create the most powerful result. Don't be afraid to try something different.


Following are ten photo essays ideas to consider…

Photo Essay #1: Document a Local Event. The town I live in has an annual bicycle classic. To turn this into a photo essay, one could arrive early to catch the cyclists and sponsors as they are preparing, then photograph the cyclists riding throughout the day, and finish with some shots of tents coming down and everyone heading home.

Photo Essay #2: Exhibition. Find an exhibition going on at a nearby gallery or museum. Not only photograph the pieces themselves but also those in attendance—how they are interacting with the pieces and among themselves. If you can, attend the reception so you can also capture the artist or artists whose work is on display or the curators of the exhibit.

Photo Essay #3: Transformation (Short-term). For this photo essay, find a subject that is undergoing a short-term transformation. This could include a group of men growing mustaches to celebrate Movember or a stray dog brought in to a shelter that is groomed and adopted. This sort of essay should take no longer than a month or so to tell its story.

Photo Essay #4: Transformation (Long-term). Think pregnancy, from the baby bump through to birth and maybe even the first birthday, or following a returning soldier and their transformation back to civilian life. This project should last months and could be worked around other projects being completed at the same time.

Photo Essay #5: A Day in the Life. For this essay, find someone such as a doctor, lawyer, firefighter, or police officer willing to let you follow him or her for a day, both behind the scenes and during their job. If there are times when photos cannot be taken, then you can use the text option for a photo essay and supplement your photos with some captions or short written passages.

Photo Essay #6: Raise Awareness. Find a local charity and document their daily operations, their personnel, and who or what they are helping. Give a visual sense of what they are trying to accomplish and why it is important.

Photo Essay #7: Turn a Day Out into Reportage. Find a location one would normally go to for a day out but treat this day out more as reportage—photograph behind the scenes shots, interview workers and customers. Locations could include amusement parks, nature preserves, or movie theaters.

Photo Essay #8: Give Meaning to Street Photography. Hit the streets and document the faces of you see. Obviously, be respectful, but perhaps engage in conversations. Try to go deeper than the surface and look for what passersby tend to ignore.

Photo Essay #9: Neighbors. Find a neighborhood and, after photographing the homes, ask to photograph those inside the homes. You could photograph them inside their homes or just in their doorways, depending upon what you want the focus to be on—the interiors or the individuals within those interiors.

Photo Essay #10: Education. Find a school and photograph its students, teachers, and classrooms. Show the students studying and playing and the teachers teaching and on break. Photograph the computer labs and technology if it is a more affluent school or focus on what the teachers make do with if it is a less affluent school. For a longer essay, you could compare and contrast a rural school to a city school.

03 April 2017

HISTORY of PHOTO #3

DIRECTIONS.
Grab the photo.
Do an image search in Google Images (CLICK HERE)
Find the photo & information about the photo.
Post the image and your responses to each of the questions below.
Title the post "History #3"

1. Who made this photo?
2. What year was it made?
3. How long was the exposure time (approx.)?
3. Why is this photo significant?

20 March 2017

READING A PHOTO #3

Photos of the week. The Atlantic. CLICK HERE.

DIRECTIONS.
1. Go to the link above.
2. Look through the photos WITHOUT reading the captions.
3. Choose three "Reading a Photo" questions.
4. Grab your most moving/interesting photo & post the image to your blog.
5. Caption the photo with appropriate accreditation.
6. Write your responses under the photo in your post.
7. Title the post "READING A PHOTO #3"
8. Publish post.

*This is worth 4 points, and will be combined with your "March Classwork" score in Synergy.

LOOK: James Nachtwey & War Photographer


James Nachtwey's site. CLICK HERE.
War Photographer (movie) site. CLICK HERE.

16 March 2017

IN-CLASS: REWRITING HISTORY (Photoshop skill building)




DIRECTIONS: 
1. Choose two (or more) historic photos from the links below. (save the largest resolution)
2. Make photos of yourself in a way that your body language/position will fit/make sense in the historic photo.
3. Using the ADJUSTMENTS functions to match tone and color, & BURN/DODGE, etc. tools to further adjust the image or yourself, put yourself in the photo.
4. Post TWO or more of the images in a post titled "REWRITING HISTORY."

SHORPY.com
Library of Congress. CLICK HERE.
Old Picture. CLICK HERE.
Distractify. CLICK HERE.
Weegee (Arthur Fellig) photos. CLICK HERE.
Historic photos site search. CLICK HERE.

An interesting article about doing this for deeper meaning. CLICK HERE.

13 March 2017

PROJ#8: Quick(?) Self-Portrait Diptychs

DIRECTIONS FOR CLASS:
Using your present frame of mind, and accessing your creativity quickly, make a handful of self-portrait images that can be put together into 1-3 diptychs by the end of class.

1. One image must include you.
2. One image must represent you in some way.
    *Both images might have you in it.
3. Put images together on the template canvas we made at the beginning of class.
4. Crop out any empty canvas space.
5. Post 1-3 to your blog by the end of class.

NOTE: If you're tired, happy, irritable, angry, optimistic, apathetic, energized, content, feeling off...use it.

HW: For next class, make the same type of photos for assembling into diptychs. 1-3 off campus/non-school time images. 







CANVAS DIMENSIONS FOR DIPTYCH:

10 March 2017

LOOK: Clever Combos by STEPHEN MCMENNAMY.

Stephen McMennamy's site. CLICK HERE

READING A PHOTO #2

"68 Exquisite Photos Of Women Resisting Around The World." CLICK HERE.

MARCELO BENITEZ/CON VIA GETTY IMAGES
DIRECTIONS.
1. Go to the link above.
2. Look through the slide show WITHOUT reading the captions.
3. Choose three "Reading a Photo" questions.
4. Grab your most moving/interesting photo & post the image to your blog.
5. Caption the photo with appropriate accreditation (like above here).
6. Write your responses under the photo in your post.
7. Title the post "READING A PHOTO #2"
8. Publish post.

*This is worth 4 points, and will be combined with your "March Classwork" score in Synergy.

09 March 2017

07 March 2017

Exposure Triangle Review: ISO

This is ISO.
It's the setting on your camera which controls how your sensor records light.
The higher the ISO number, the more sensitive-to-light it is. 
In low light situations, one would normally TURN-UP the ISO to a higher number - because the light is low and your camera has to PULL IN the light.
Conversely, on a bright day outside, one would be able to TURN-DOWN the ISO because the light is entering the camera quickly...because it's bright.
For now, simple as that. 


 




 

HISTORY of PHOTO #2.

DIRECTIONS.
Grab the photo.
Do an image search in Google Images (CLICK HERE)
Find the photo & information about the photo.
Post the image and your responses to each of the questions below.
Title the post "History #2"




1. Who made this photo?
2. Where & what year was it made?
3. Why is it significant?

06 March 2017

PHOTO ESSAY Notes & Research (Ongoing)




NEW TODAY:
Greek neighborhood. CLICK HERE.

HERE'S SOMETHING GOOD:
Photo Essays with a PURPOSE. CLICK HERE.
Asking questions of your subject. CLICK HERE.

SEEN:
Ruth Prieto. Safe Haven. CLICK HERE.
Reindeer Races Above the Arctic Circle. CLICK HERE.
Weeknight dinner. CLICK HERE.
Timbers Army. CLICK HERE.
Yes! Magazine. CLICK HERE.




Following are ten photo essays ideas to consider…

Photo Essay #1: Document a Local Event. The town I live in has an annual bicycle classic. To turn this into a photo essay, one could arrive early to catch the cyclists and sponsors as they are preparing, then photograph the cyclists riding throughout the day, and finish with some shots of tents coming down and everyone heading home.

Photo Essay #2: Exhibition. Find an exhibition going on at a nearby gallery or museum. Not only photograph the pieces themselves but also those in attendance—how they are interacting with the pieces and among themselves. If you can, attend the reception so you can also capture the artist or artists whose work is on display or the curators of the exhibit.

Photo Essay #3: Transformation (Short-term). For this photo essay, find a subject that is undergoing a short-term transformation. This could include a group of men growing mustaches to celebrate Movember or a stray dog brought in to a shelter that is groomed and adopted. This sort of essay should take no longer than a month or so to tell its story.

Photo Essay #4: Transformation (Long-term). Think pregnancy, from the baby bump through to birth and maybe even the first birthday, or following a returning soldier and their transformation back to civilian life. This project should last months and could be worked around other projects being completed at the same time.

Photo Essay #5: A Day in the Life. For this essay, find someone such as a doctor, lawyer, firefighter, or police officer willing to let you follow him or her for a day, both behind the scenes and during their job. If there are times when photos cannot be taken, then you can use the text option for a photo essay and supplement your photos with some captions or short written passages.

Photo Essay #6: Raise Awareness. Find a local charity and document their daily operations, their personnel, and who or what they are helping. Give a visual sense of what they are trying to accomplish and why it is important.

Photo Essay #7: Turn a Day Out into Reportage. Find a location one would normally go to for a day out but treat this day out more as reportage—photograph behind the scenes shots, interview workers and customers. Locations could include amusement parks, nature preserves, or movie theaters.

Photo Essay #8: Give Meaning to Street Photography. Hit the streets and document the faces of you see. Obviously, be respectful, but perhaps engage in conversations. Try to go deeper than the surface and look for what passersby tend to ignore.

Photo Essay #9: Neighbors. Find a neighborhood and, after photographing the homes, ask to photograph those inside the homes. You could photograph them inside their homes or just in their doorways, depending upon what you want the focus to be on—the interiors or the individuals within those interiors.

Photo Essay #10: Education. Find a school and photograph its students, teachers, and classrooms. Show the students studying and playing and the teachers teaching and on break. Photograph the computer labs and technology if it is a more affluent school or focus on what the teachers make do with if it is a less affluent school. For a longer essay, you could compare and contrast a rural school to a city school.

02 March 2017

PHOTO ESSAY & WEEKEND IDEA To-Do List

DEVELOP/POST/SERVER:

1. HANDS- load/dev/post all to your blog.

2. Put ONE "hand" photo in the "TuHS HANDBOOK" folder. 
   - Title the image file "LAST.first.jpg"

When done with the above...

EMAIL TO H:

3. PHOTO ESSAY - submit your number 1 idea via email. (TuHSHohman@gmail.com)

In an email to me, give me the following information:

The level (on the topic rubric) you believe your idea to be is:  __________

The topic:_________

Location for when you photograph:

I have already contacted:_______________

I will be contacting:_______________

Date/time of the photo shoot(s): ___________________

Arrangements  made for the photo shoot(s):_________________

Questions I have asked that person:_____________

People I will interview for information:_________________

Questions I will ask those people: (before/after the event) _______________

My reason/motivation for photographing this subject is:_______________

With my final images, I will be trying to tell the story of: _______________

With my final images, I hope to speak about the human condition. Specifically, I want my pictures to speak about: _____________________


Shot List (based on the w/s examples of shots):
*Be specific in your description of what images you will make*
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
...more

4. MY WEEKEND IDEA IS (for the coming weekend):______________________________
Something you want to photograph over the weekend.
Photograph something of interest. 
Make sure the photographs fall on the rubric where you wish. (7 C's Rubric.)
You'll bring the images in on M/T next week - whichever your class.