5/25: PORTRAITS & SELF-PORTRAITS ASSIGNMENTS & HOMEWORK

PORTRAIT & SELF-PORTRAIT UNIT:

You will submit the following:

• 4 contact sheets (24 images each)
• Pick one of the following: 
• 2 PORTRAIT & 2 SELF-PORTRAIT contact sheets OR
• 3 PORTRAIT & 1 SELF-PORTRAIT contact sheets
• • One set of pictures will be for homework. DUE: Tu/Wed, 5/31-6/1
  • Th/Fri, 6/2-3: PHOTOSHOP TUTORIAL ON EDITING PORTRAITS
   
• Each contact sheet should focus on the following
• PORTRAIT CS1 = 24 images with Costumes
• PORTRAIT CS2 = 24 images that were photographed in the SC Studio & focus on LIGHTING
• PORTRAIT CS3 = 24 images that emphasize color. Color may include wardrobe, location, props, or natural objects. Think of your picture as a one or two color concept picture. COLOR SCHEMES: monochromatic, warm, cool, neutral, analogous, complementary
• SELF-PORTRAIT CS4 = 24 images  
• Select 2 photo types from the following 4 categories, and shoot at least 12 pictures for each concept. 
1. A picture that emphasizes lighting and shadows. This will be a grayscale self-portrait.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
 

• The following days will be for photographing in class:
• Th/Fri, 5/19-20:  OFF CAMPUS Portrait shoot
• Th/Fri, 5/26-27: ON CAMPUS STUDIO (1/2 class) & OFF CAMPUS
  (1/2 class) Portraits or Self-Portaits photo shoot
• Tu/Wed, 5/31-6/1:  FLIP ON & OFF CAMPUS from last class
  Portraits or Self-Portaits photo shoot
•  
• For each photo shoot: 
• Take at least 50 shots for each photo shoot, and select your best 24 for CS.
• Return 20 minutes before the end of class. 
• 24 photo contact sheet titled SelfPortrait1  (Take at least 50 shots!) 
• Highlight your 3 best shots on each contact sheet

6/1 (DUE) OPTIONAL HOMEWORK/EXTRA CREDIT:

• 24 photo contact sheet titled Portrait CS5 
• Highlight your 3 best shots 
• Your choice.

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. 
•      COLOR SCHEMES: monochromatic, warm, cool, neutral, analogous, complementary
•  ****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. Look at your entire frame, and be sure the background and subject work together 

Technical Tips:

• Use the shutter timer and/or a tripod
• If shooting manually, have a someone pose in the frame to meter and then switch spots with them.
• Set your ISO___________.  
•  Bright, sunny light 100 (or very low number)
• Low light, higher number 800 or higher. 
• If you are having trouble metering, and/or the shutter speed is to slow, you may need to change the ISO, most likely to a higher number.

5/24-5/25: INTRO TO SELF-PORTAITS

Look at the photos on the following websites for self-portrait ideas. 

Then and then answer the questions below to prepare for your self-portrait photo shoot. 

 

Google Self Portraits

100 Awesome Self Portraits 

http://www.istockphoto.com/file_search.php?action=file&text=%22self+portrait+photography%22&b360a499b630a312fcf53946152d9cd2_1_203920=self+portrait+photography

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 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?

(OPTIONAL)  Next, use text edit, or Word and drop the answers into the proper class folder. Then sketch two of your ideas for self-portraits. Include location, outfits, poses, costumes, and facial expressions etc. I realize that not everyone is an amazing artist, but do your best.

5/24 & 25: SELF-PORTRAIT PROJECT EXAMPLES

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 paint what you see there. Then go inside yourself and paint what you see there."

www.drellenrudolph.com

6/2: EXAMPLES OF PHOTOJOURNALISM & PHOTO ESSAYS

Take a look at the below websites that are examples of photojournalism and photo essays. What ones do you like best, and why? Which ones are you not as fond of, and why? 

National Geographic: How Tomb Raiders Are Stealing Our History
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2016/06/looting-ancient-blood-antiquities/


Look at Photo essays at: 
http://www.nytimes.com/column/magazine-look


http://time.com/4095835/photojournalism-links-october/
    *Good examples of social change


NYT Desperate Crossing:
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/09/03/magazine/migrants.html

Global Warming:
http://e360.yale.edu/slideshow/documenting_the_swift_change_wrought_by_global_warming/256/1/ 

Look at Mary Ellen Mark’s website (Consider looking at the book section. Streetwise- Seattle street kids in the 1980’s is interesting.)
 http://www.maryellenmark.com/books/books.html

PHOTOGRAPHY FOR CHANGE ASSIGNMENT CRITERIA & PROJECT SEQUENCE

Final Project Criteria:

Your project must be:

• You will create a photo essay that illustrates a problem and possible solutions. 
• Must have a minimum of 10 high quality photos.
• You should have the following number of photos for each:
• What is the problem? (3-5 pictures)
• What are solutions? (3-5 pictures)
• What will it look or feel like when it is resolved? (1-2 pictures)
• Must include at least one of each of the following shots:
• Title panel – includes the title of your comic and who created it
• Establishing shot – expanded view shot or Pullback shot – zoomed out shot.
• Close-up shot – zoomed in shot
• Medium shot – ‘regular’ or ‘medium’ shot.  Not zoomed and no zoomed out
• Concluding photo - ?

• WRITING:
• Introductory paragraph explaining the issue
• Concluding paragraph explaining possible solutions and/or hopes for improvement.
• All photos must have a caption that has correct grammar and spelling.

• Presentation:
• Presented in one of the following formats:
• Google Sites, Google Slides, or Blogger.
• Presented to a selected group of students whom will peer evaluate your project. The teacher will also evaluate your project.
•  

Things to Consider:

• Be sure to have a ‘story’ that flows from one panel to the next.
• Try to create interesting compositions that hold the viewer’s attention.  Apply what you have learned:  focal point, breaking up the space with different values, etc.
• Consider photographing and interviewing someone. If it is a sensitive topic, this must be checked with teacher and individual.
• Consider using unique frame shapes.
• Who is your most important audiance? 

Project Sequence:  These will be graded separately for in-class points.

1. Brainstorm 3 - 5 ideas for each of the following:
• What are problems you see in: your own life, your home, your neighborhood, your school, your city, your state, your country, the world? These can be personal, social, or political.
2. Select 2-3 of your best ideas, and ask yourself, can this issue be represented in 10 photos? PHOTOS THAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE!! If so, then proceed to the next steps. If not, select another topic.
3. Pick 2 of your topics, and for each answer the following in a sentence or 2. What is the problem? How would you like this to change? What are ways to change this? Where could you find more information about this topic? Are there any experts or individuals you would like to interview about this? How would you know the problem was solved? What would it look like?
4. Break down your above answers into the following categories to be photographed:
• What is the problem? (3-5 pictures)
• What are solutions? (3-5 pictures)
• What will it look or feel like when it is resolved? (1-2 pictures)
5. For both of your topics, write and draw (8-10 panels each) what you would photograph for each story idea.  Be sure to include what kind of shot each will be and any writing that will be included. 
6. Select your best idea and then submit your draft proposal (answers to 3-5) on Google Classroom. What format for presentation will you use?
7. Plan what to photograph and when.
8. All images should be saved in Google Drive.
9. Submit Contact Sheets for Problem (24 images) = PhotoForChangeProblemCS1
10. Submit Contact Sheets for Problem (24 images) = PhotoForChangeSolutionCS2
11. Submit Contact Sheets for Problem (12 images) = PhotoForChangeResolveCS3
12. Edit 24 best pictures. Submit Contact Sheet (24 images) = PhotoForChangeEdited
13. Select 10 final images for final photo essay. Write captions for each. 
14. Upload everything to GOOGLE DRIVE!
15. Critique: Small group share of in progress piece.  
16. Paul Witzel training to put images into presentation format.
17. Presentations.
18. Peer, self, and teacher evaluation.

5/19-20: PORTRAIT ASSIGNMENT, HOMEWORK (DUE 5/24-25) & TIPS

• PORTRAIT HOMEWORK: Due Tues. 5/24 & Wed. 5/25: 

• YOU MAY USE A DIFFERENT MODEL FOR THIS SHOOT.
• 24 photo contact sheet titled Portrait2 (Take at least 50 shots!) 
• FOCUS ON LIGHTING, ANGLES, & COSTUMES, etc. (If need more)
• Highlight your 3 best shots

You will shoot AT LEAST 50 pictures of your subject each day (most of you will shoot over 100 photos). One day you will shoot at school using the lights in the studio and the other day you will shoot off-campus at a predetermined location. 

1. Find a partner in this class.
2. Talk to your subject. What type of portraits do you want to create? 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 50 pictures of each subject.
4. Use props if they will help the audience learn something about the subject.
5. Vary the lighting. Use filters, flashlights, lamps, or multiple lights to enhance your picture. Use the different lighting techniques that you will read about in class (see above)
6. Encourage different emotional looks. Pretend you are Austin Powers taking pictures. Tell your subject they are "groovy".
7. Having your subjects "pose" in action is just fine.
8. Consider the location. Where you take your picture is important.
9. 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.

Additional Tips (Try several of the following) :

1. Alter your perspective.
2. Play with eye contact. (Looking off camera, or looking within the frame)
3. Break the rules of composition
4. Experiment with lighting.
5. Move your subject out of their comfort zone.
6. Shoot candidly.
7. Use a prop.
8. Focus on one body part.
9. Obscure Part of your subject.
10. Take a series of shots.
11. Frame your subject.
12. Go with a wide angle.
13. Play with backgrounds.
14. Change the format framing. Try verticals (portraits) & horizontals (landscape) shots.
15. Hold your camera at an angle.
16. Take unfocused shots.
17. Introduce movement.
18. Experiment with subject expressions.
19. Fill the frame.
20. Find or create interesting subjects.

5/12 & 5/13: PORTRAIT ASSIGNMENT LIST

• Th. 5/19 (Per 2) & Fri. 5/20 (Per 3): Off Campus PORTRAIT SHOOT:  
• Return 20 minutes before the end of class.
• 24 photo contact sheet titled Portrait1  (Take at least 50 shots!)
• 12 in COSTUMES/UNIFORMS/PROPS
• 12 with an emphasis on FACIAL EXPRESSIONS
• Highlight your 3 best shots on each contact sheet 
• Note:  For this shoot you are REQUIRED TO USE COSTUMES OR SPORTS UNIFORMS for 12 of your pictures, or be dressed in clothing and using props other than the typical everyday you.  If you do not have costumes, you will be expected to retake your pictures outside of class. Additionally, if you are unhappy with your images you may retake pictures outside of class, and use a different model if you wish.

5/12-13: COMPLETING ACTION & LONG EXPOSURE UNIT

You will have some of class today to finish your Action and/or Long Exposure pictures and submit them. Please select your 24 best action photos. These pictures should show faces, be 95% in focus, fill the frame, and showcase interesting angles and composition.
Crop, adjust, and color correct all pictures as needed. Only keep what is essential to the picture. Requirements for Editing.

• Edit 4 pictures into Grayscale.
• Edit 2 pictures using Selective Focus.
• Edit 2 picture using one-item kept in color.
• Edit the other 16 pictures in what ever manner you see fit.
• Submit a contact sheet of 24 titled Action Adjusted on Google Classroom

5/12-13: PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHERS

Yousuf Karsh - http://www.karsh.org/

Mary Ellen Mark - http://www.maryellenmark.com/

Philipe Halsman - http://philippehalsman.com/

Dorothea Lange - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorothea_Lange

5/12-13: INTRODUCTION TO PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY

Take notes on the following portrait and lighting links (these are further down on post):

Portrait HintsPart 1  
Portrait Hints Part 2 
More Hints  
Even more hints


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.

Lighting!!! http://mrstorydigiphoto.blogspot.com/2011/12/different-lighting-techniques.html

• Creating Killer Headshots: The Cheap Way! - David Griffin
• A quick start guide to the one light setup - David Griffin
• Back Lighting - Studio Lighting Setup - StudioLighting.net
• Paramount (Butterfly) Lighting - Studio Lighting Setup - StudioLighting.net
• Multiple Light Portrait Setup Hints - David E. Price
• Short Lighting - Studio Lighting Setup - StudioLighting.net
• Broad Lighting - Studio Lighting Setup - StudioLighting.net