5/25: SELF-PORTRAITS ASSIGNMENTS

• SELF-PORTRAIT = 24 images titled Naming Convention + SelfPortraits
• Select 2 photo types from the following 5 categories, and shoot at least 12 pictures for each concept. 
• EXTRA CREDIT OPTION:  take 24  more images titled Naming Convention + SelfPortraitsXtraCred
• Select 2 MORE photo types from the following 5 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.
5. COLOR SCHEMES: monochromatic, warm, cool, neutral, analogous, complementary. 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. 

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.

5/25: 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

5/18: PORTRAIT ASSIGNMENT, HOMEWORK (DUE 5/23) & TIPS

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

5/18: PORTRAIT ASSIGNMENT 1: 1/2 Class On Campus & 1/2 Off-Campus

• 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.

5/16: 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

5/11: INTRODUCTION TO PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY

Take notes on the following portrait & LIGHTING (links at the end) links and then upload to Canvas:

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

 

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

5/8-9: PANNING TECHNIQUE FOR ACTION PHOTOGRAPHY

You may use the panning technique as described in class and in the Motorcross video. 

5/1: INTRODUCTION TO ACTION PHOTOGRAPHY

Read and take notes (& submit in Canvas) on the following links with Action Photo Tips:

• http://www.olympusamerica.com/crm/oneoffpages/crm_actionshots_tennis.asp
• http://improvephotography.com/736/10-tips-for-capturing-action-packed-moments/

Here is a link to some great action photos. Please notice how most of these photos show engaging action in an interesting location. You will shoot similar photos during our Action Photo unit.