Tuesday, March 27, 2012

03/28 – 

Work in class assignment #3 and #4 – Final Project assignment given

For next week:
-PRINT:  5 well printed and well composed from assignment #4 due 04/04
-BRING: Final project ideas
-BRING: Photographer paper in hardcopy to turn in on 04/04


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FINAL PROJECT for INTRO TO PHOTOGRAPHY :
(this is an important part of your overall grade)
Final critiques will be held during class on May 9th and May 23rd

Your Final Project - Photo Essay should consist of at least 10 images that follow a theme of your choice.   See below the dotted line for more info.

This series can contain a text explanation, text with each image, or no text at all.

Though they need not be “formally presented”. i.e. in frames or mounted, please think about how you want them to be seen.  Will they be pinned up horizontally, vertically, in the hallway, on the floor, in the elevator, on the table, as a book, in a box, etc?  Will they have borders or be borderless? Think about photographs as objects.  Even if maybe the arrangement isn’t quite right, we will discuss your projects possibilities during the critique.

Images do not have to be “singular”, they can be “compositions”.  In this case, we can figure out the exact quantity for the final, especially if they end up being “larger”.

Need help thinking of an idea?  Read the following info about photo essays:

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From Basicphotography.com:
(http://www.basiccameraphotography.com/types-of-photography-scenery/how-to-make-photo-essay.php)

How to make photo essay?

  • A photo essay is not necessarily a group of pictures that tell a story, it can also be a group of related images that revel different aspects of a subject or theme. The purpose of the essay is that the images taken as a whole provide the viewer more information than any single picture can do on its own.

  • To make a successful photo essay the photographer must have sufficient understanding of the subject to portray more than merely its superficial qualities. This requires time as well as making a lot of exposures. Each picture in an essay should be more than just technically good; it must also show an interesting aspect of the subject and relate to the overall tone. A good photo essay should have at least one outstanding photograph, strong enough to stand on its own, which ties the whole essay together.

  • I feel that producing a picture essay is one of the more challenging assignments in photography. One can portray a feeling such as the serenity of life in the country, or convey one’s impression of a single building or a whole city. The range of subjects is limitless.


Excerpts from “TRY A PICTURE ESSAY, It Can Really Get You Hooked!” by Arthur Bleich
(http://www.dpcorner.com/howto/shoot.shtml)

  • A picture essay is a group of photos connected by a theme. It's easier to shoot than searching randomly for picture possibilities because the theme determines the kinds of shots you'll need.

  • Is there a bridge that’s always fascinated you? An intriguing deserted farm? A particular block in your city that’s alive with action? Choose anything that can be tied together by the sum of its parts, but not something so big that it becomes overwhelming.

  • Instead, stick to essay themes that you can control and which are relatively self- contained. Remember, you don’t have to shoot the whole enchilada. For example, if you choose a bridge, you can narrow it down to exclude certain aspects such as people and cars if you’re just interested in exploring its design elements such as cables, towers, and structural patterns.

  • Your pictures should make people say: "Gee, that's an interesting angle," or "I never noticed that before," or "What a beautiful time of day you chose to shoot this." Don’t forget the little details. They may not be particularly outstanding alone but when used in the context of the essay will enrich it. For example, if you’re shooting that exciting city block, a fire hydrant with a smiley face drawn on it or gang graffiti sprayed on a wall are images that make strong visual statements so don’t neglect to shoot them.

Some example photo essays:



  • http://jpgmag.com/themes/closed has a list of a lot of theme ideas.  NOTE: these are not photo essays, as the photos in each category have been taken by various people. But this is a good place to look for ideas.


Lots of great content.



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