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Final: Fashion and Product Photography

6/2/2014

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PictureFashion Icon Richard Avedon
Background
Flipping through the glossy pages of magazines, how many images do you see of fashion and products being sold? What do you think of when you hear the word “fashion”? Chances are, images of catwalks, models, and couture clothing fill your head, but fashion is so much more. Fashion photography has been around since the advent of the camera. Fashion, like photography, is an ever-changing and evolving art form. There are many different types of fashion in America alone, leaving this assignment very broad. 

Artists to consider: Richard Avedon, Helmut Newton, David LaChapelle, Mario Testino, Ellen Von Unwerth
Brands to consider: Forever 21, GQ, Free People, Louis Vuitton

Assignment
Your assignment is to submit 3 fashion photos and 3 product photos that could be printed in a magazine. You will mount two on board and put two on the back. You will be printing 2-8x12 prints and mounting on black board. This is your FINAL so show us everything that you’ve learned throughout the year. This project is a culmination of your EXCELLENT photography skills. Be sure to place BOTH photographs in the Google Drive folder before the day of the final. You may print both images in the classroom but it is your responsibility to have them both printed and mounted by the exam day. If you cannot make it to the printer then you may print them at CVS or another photo lab. During the exam day, you will write a written reflection.

Tips:
  • Look around you. What kind of fashion surrounds you? Then think about what kind of fashion you want to photograph (vintage fashion, couture fashion, teen fashion, men’s fashion). You may use anything that has to do with fashion (heels, purses, accessories).
  • When photographing a product, think about something that really interests you and find a way to make that product pop. Set up a studio if need be in order to get those crisp shots. Are you photographing an organic face lotion? Perhaps place rose petals with your shot. Make it APPEALING. 
  • Think about your subject and how you are going to frame it. You are going to be selling this fashion design or this product so you want it to look fantastic. Think about your model-will there be one? Think of what background you choose. Are you going to use a studio setting or outdoor setting? The rest of the photograph should complement your product.
  • Edit your photo. No digital photographer shows unedited photographs. Use Photoshop to make your photo pop. Online tutorials are great resources to find out how to edit photographs. We suggest you do some research on youtube.com or psd.tutsplus.com/ to find out how to edit your photographs to perfection.
  • Our cameras aspect ratio is 8x12. You need to crop 2 inches off the 12" side to make a photograph be 8x10. 8x12 mats are difficult to find, most are sold as 8x10.

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Movement Project 

5/21/2014

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Description
In this project you are going to focus on the sense of movement. This can be done with actual movement in your photographs (ie sport photography, dance, cars, night photography, and long exposure) or the idea of movement. Think about those moments just before something is going to happen, like diving off a diving board, sliding down a slide, or getting on a bicycle. Your images should suggest movement even if there is no "actual" movement in the photograph. Also think about being more metaphorical and photographing things whose sole purpose is to move; like cars, bikes, roller skates, skateboards, etc. How could you create a sense of movement by photographing these types of objects?

Artists to consider: Ernst Haas, Edward Muybridge, Otto Steinert, Henri Cartier-Bresson

Assignment
You must photograph (50 exposures) of images with a sense of movement. Definitely think about both the actual idea of movement and the suggestion of movement. Be creative and think outside of the box. These images should be printed and constructed well. Think about your frame and composition while you are photographing as well as your final intent.

Pass in the following into the art folder. Print your favorite and mount on the front. Print the other two and tape on the back: 
  • 1 panned shot
  • 1 long exposure
  • 1 shot of any way you want 

Steps
  • Look around you. Our lives are in a constant state of motion. Take that idea and run with it...literally. Think about moving yourself while you are photographing. Maybe everything around you is still you are the sense of movement. 
  • Think about the original ideas of movement -- the invention of the wheel. Imagine for a second what life would be without movement. Try to capture the objects around you that are always moving.
  • Make a pic collage of inspirational photos. Use Photoshop to create this. Upload to Drive (name it: yourname.motioncollage.jpeg"
  • Go outside. Nature is the most constant representation of movement. The trees move, water moves, gravity pulls things and makes them move, even we are actually moving while the earth spins. Think about these things while you are photographing.
  • Take long exposures. The best way to explore the idea of movement is to give your film a long time to capture that movement. What about a 30 minute night exposure? what might this look like? What if someone-- or something -- is moving in your image?

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Boston: Past & Present (Field Trip Assignment)

4/14/2014

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Shooting assignment: Boston: Past and Present

The city of Boston is steeped in history. Your job while you walk around the city is to photograph the juxtaposition between historic Boston and the popular culture that exists there today. This is a very open ended assignment and can be interpreted in many different ways. What I want to see in your photographs is your opinion and your personal point of view on our very unique city. Think about the signs and buildings in the city that date back hundreds of years. Think about streets and burrows that speak about the history of the city, and then think about who lives there today. Who or what inhabits the city? Where do you see both old and new Boston? Who works at the city’s oldest restaurants and shops? What surrounds the oldest houses and buildings in Boston? What does our contemporary signage and clothing say about the history of the city? All of these things should be on your mind while you are photographing.

Reminders:
  • Keep track of your camera, it is YOUR responsibility and it will have to be paid for in full if it is left somewhere in the city. The DSLR cameras are expensive and will be stolen if left. 
  • Do not shoot below 1/60 of a second
  • FILM: Use all 24 exposures on your roll
  • DIGITAL: Photograph at least 50 exposures
  • Remember to push the button on the bottom of your camera BEFORE you start rewinding your film
  • Always walk with a partner and DO NOT lose track of time
  • We MUST meet at determined locations ON TIME (use your cell phone as a watch if you must), I expect that you will be on time.
  • Keep your camera underneath your sweater or jacket when you aren’t using it to keep it from getting too cold (the shutter sticks open if it freezes)
  • Be aware of your surroundings and stay safe


Grading Criteria
  • Technical Quality
  • Creativity
  • Composition
  • Participation

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Photographer Research Project

3/24/2014

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PicturePhotographer Annie Liebowitz
Due Date: Thursday April 17, 2014

Our predecessors have made photography a fine art medium and their rich history is full of knowledge and information that we have yet to delve into. This project tasks you with choosing a famous photographer who inspires you and researching him or her. With your knowledge, you will write a 2 page paper (double spaced) and create a 3-dimensional product that describes the photographer and their work.

Paper (50%)
  • 2 pages
  • Double spaced
  • Cover page with your name, photographer's name, title of the paper, and a photograph
  • Include the photographer's bio, famous works, their photographic career, photographic style, and any other pertinent information
  • Include a bibliography with at least 3 sources and at least 1 being a book
  • Paper should be free of spelling and grammatical errors
  • Print out 
  • ***Plagiarism will not be tolerated. It is so easy for me to Google a sentence.

Product (50%)
  • Use your creativity to come up with something unique and interesting
  • It should be high quality and evoke the photographer's style
  • Construct the product however you see fit


Grading Criteria:
  • Quality of product
  • Relevance of paper's information
  • Following directions above
  • Creativity/Innovativeness

See the Photographers List
*Only 1 photographer per person. Use the sign up sheet in the classroom.


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Portraiture

3/21/2014

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Background:
A portrait grabs our attention. People are fascinated by other people and since the advent of photography, images of people have saturated our lives. You cannot get through a day without seeing a portrait of someone, whether it be in advertisements, on walls, or on a Facebook profile. Almost all professional photographers have worked with people taking portraits. In this project you must focus on the figure. Try to express the personality and expression of your subject through photographs. Put your viewer in familiar situations, so they don’t think about the fact that they are being photographed. You must not forget about the background however, your subject should be complemented by his/her surroundings. Richard Avedon

Artists to consider: Man Ray, Richard Avedon, Alfred Eisenstadt, Annie Liebowitz, Helmut Newton

Assignment:
Your assignment is to photograph multiple portraits using an entire roll (24 exposures). You must photograph: yourself (self-portrait), a photograph of someone else, and a group portrait. Be careful not to take a snapshot. (Tell your friend to stand over there and smile brightly, saying “cheese”). Photography as a fine art does not allow for snapshots or cheesiness. You must turn in the following:

*A high quality print includes: Full range of values, pleasing composition utilizing the elements and principles, utilization of a contrast filter, manipulation of lighting. In addition, the print should be evenly mounted on black paper with all edges glued down.

Steps:
  • Think about who you want to photograph. Try to get them in their natural element rather than setting a scene.
  • Try multiple photographs of people both looking at the camera and not looking at the camera. Candid shots work very well. Hang out and talk to your friends while shooting.
  • Meter for your subject and avoid unnecessary elements in the frame.




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Still Life 

3/21/2014

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Picture
Background:
The still life has been around for centuries, used by artists in order to practice painting techniques. In photography however, we can manipulate many factors in a still life to create a pleasing composition using the elements and principles.

Assignment:
Your assignment is to photograph a still life and create 3 high quality prints* from the shoot. You will manipulate lighting. You will also learn about contrast filters which increase the contrast of your print. One 5x7 print must be mounted on the front of black paper with two 3x5’s on
the back. You must also use a tripod for at least half of your roll.

*A high quality print includes: Full range of values, pleasing composition utilizing the
elements and principles, utilization of a contrast filter, manipulation of lighting. In addition, the print should be evenly mounted on black paper with all edges glued down.



Steps:
  1. Analyze your still life
  2. Manipulate the artificial lighting
  3. Set up a tripod for your camera
  4. Shoot a full roll of film (*Make sure your ISO is set at 400)
    You must have multiple angles and views of the still life.
  5. Develop your roll using the developing time chart
  6. Make a contact sheet
  7. Come to Mr. Mistler and together we will choose your three best prints
  8. Print 3-5x7's
  9. Write a written critique on a peers’ success in this project (handout to be given out later)

Objectives:
  • Study filters to be able to understand how and why to use them to increase the quality (contrast) of a print
  • Study studio lighting techniques in order to successfully illuminate a still life, focusing on texture and shadows
  • Use your knowledge of composition to frame your subject and create balance, harmony, and unity within that composition
  • Use your knowledge of the elements of art and principles of design in order to evaluate a peer’s artwork

Self-Critique Questions:
  • What criteria will help you to choose your best three photographs?
  • Is the craftsmanship as fine as you had hoped? What can you do to make the images look more refined?
  • What lighting techniques have you utilized to create texture, shadows, and unity?

Tips to Get Started:
The eye has a much larger range of sensitivity than film, therefore, beautiful rays may look appealing to the eye but may turn out as harsh white blotches on the film. You need to understand how light affects film. Just because you can see the still life doesn’t mean that it will be reproduced on film.

Resources:
Lighting tips for beginners

Grading Criteria:
  • Work habits
  • Quality of photographs
  • Resourcefulness
  • Unique ideas
  • Experimentation
  • Effectiveness in communicating the idea within the theme
  • Craftsmanship

Vocabulary:
  • Variable Contrast
  • Filter
  • Studio lighting
  • Diffused lighting
  • Artificial lighting
  • Side lighting
  • Front lighting
  • Metering for artificial light
  • Tripod

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Photograms

3/17/2014

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PicturePhotogram by Farah Shaikh (class of 13)
Background:
Photograms (or rayograms) were made famous by photographer, Man Ray but they were actually invented by from 1843, Anna Atkins, who illustrated the book, British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions which was the first book illustrated with photographs, which were solely photograms of botanical specimens.

Assignment:
For this assignment you must study photograms and create two photograms yourself.

2 Photograms must be passed in. *They must contain different objects and look like two different compositions.

Steps:
  1. Study photograms from master artists.
  2. Compile objects to experiment with for photograms.
  3. Play with your objects in order to find a pleasing composition.
  4. Place your paper under the enlarger. *Do not use a filter.
  5. Place your objects on the paper.
  6. Run the enlarger for about 4-8 seconds depending on your objects.
  7. Develop using the normal chemistry.

Objectives:

  • Review the elements and principles in order to utilize them in your composition.
  • Think abstractly in order to create an abstract composition from real objects.
  • Study photograms of master artists in order to utilize their techniques and ideas.

Grading Criteria:

  • Craftsmanship
  • Work habits
  • Concept
  • Design
  • Technical Quality

Self-Critique Questions:

  • How did you place your objects on the paper to create a harmonious composition?
  • What objects did you use and why do those work when making photograms?
  • How did you utilize the techniques used by master artists like Man Ray and Christian Schad?

Tips:

  • Before you begin in the darkroom, be sure to play with the placement of objects on your paper. What makes the best photogram?
  • Remember, no cheesiness. We are striving for fine art.
  • Plants work really well. Try them.
  • Transparent objects also work well.


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Abstract/Macro Photography

2/24/2014

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PictureErnst Haas
Macro photography refers to a style of photography where the subject is close-up (usually of small objects). Since many of you have standard lenses (or prime lenses), you must move close to your subject in order to zoom in. You will want to frame your subject and create an interesting composition. Think about how you can make ordinary objects look extraordinary. Some of your images may turn out to be abstract.

Artists to consider: Aaron Siskind, Weston, Man Ray

 

Assignment:

You must photograph a roll (24 exposures) of “close-up” and/or abstract objects. You are responsible for making something appear unique and interesting. You are also responsible for creating the “perfect print”. Think about shapes, black and white tones, line, texture, light, and shadow.

Steps:
  • Look around you. Most often you will notice that even ordinary and everyday subjects can have interesting or abstract qualities. Have you ever notice how beautiful shadows can form from the window light.
  • Look closely. Sometimes the texture of something small and insignificant becomes really interesting. Think about stacked towels, or the flesh of a nectarine or a head of lettuce with its many layers. Try to fill your entire frame with your subject (or object). If it is a head of lettuce, get close enough so that you can focus on the ripples in the layers, not just a small part of your frame. 
  • Use correct exposure and FOCUS. DO NOT GET SOOOOOOO CLOSE THAT YOUR CAMERA CANNOT FOCUS. MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE FOCUSED ON YOUR SUBJECT AND IT IS NOT FUZZY IN THE FRAME. This project will only be interesting  if everything is in focus, a soft image will not captivate your audience.     


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Pinhole Cameras

1/27/2014

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PictureStudent Pinhole Example
Project Description:

A pinhole camera, also known as camera obscura, or "dark chamber", is a simple optical imaging device in the shape of a closed box or chamber. In one of its sides is a small hole which, via the rectilinear (straight lines) propagation of light, creates an image of the outside space on the opposite side of the box. Aristotle wrote about a rudimentary concept of the pinhole camera. Today, photographers continue to use pinhole cameras for artistic purposes. Many pinhole cameras can be bought (even pinhole kits can be purchased), but we are going to make ours from scratch!

Objectives:
  • Study pinhole photography and construct a pinhole camera
  • Study the application of pinhole camera to create a negative image
  • Employ darkroom techniques to develop your prints

Materials:
  • Black tempera paint
  • Oatmeal containers
  • Tin
  • Pin (to poke hole)
  • Black & white photographic paper
  • Mounting tissue
  • Black board

Steps:
  1. Obtain an oatmeal canister
  2. Paint ENTIRE the canister black (inside and outside)
  3. If your box has a clear plastic lid, cut a circle to place on the inside of the lid and paint it black, glue in with elmer’s glue.
  4. Carefully cut out a small box (about 1 in x 1 in) on one side of the oats box. It should be about half way up the container.
  5. I have precut aluminum squares for you
  6. Drill a hole in the aluminum (we will do this together)
  7. Tape the aluminum on the inside of the box with masking tape
  8. Paint the masking tape black
  9. Let it all dry!
  10. In the darkroom, cut a 5x7 piece of paper in half
  11. Scroll a small piece of tape on the back side (non shiny side)
  12. Place the paper inside the pinhole camera so it faces the pinhole.
  13. Go outside (carefully holding the pinhole with your thumb), find a great shot, and take your thumb off of the hole.
  14. Expose for about 10 seconds (depending on the amount of light)
  15. Place the paper through the darkroom chemistry. Now you have a NEGATIVE.
  16. Place the negative face down on top of a new piece of b&w paper.
  17. Expose with white light on the enlarger for 10 seconds.
  18. Dry mount your prints
    1. Prints must be cut evenly and straight
    2. Prints must be centered (use a ruler)
Grading Criteria:
Content
  • Effectiveness in communicating the idea within each design
  • Subject/idea is uniqueInteresting angle/perspective
Composition
  • Quality of positive and negative image?
  • Image is eye catching; has visual impact
  • Uses interesting lines/shapes
  • It is visually balanced
Technical Quality
  • Construction of the pinhole
  • The image is in acceptable focus
  • Images are well exposed/developed
  • No dust, water spots or marks
  • There are no fix stains or tong prints
  • Images are neat and well presented.
Work habits 
  • Working with peers
  • Working with materials
  • Outside behavior
  • Arrives to class on time and fully prepared.
  • Stays on task all period every day of project.
  • Always makes productive use of class time.Always takes the print through the final stage of development, the water wash, and sets prints to dry before leaving the darkroom.
  • Well-organized.
  • Asks questions when help is needed.
  • Re-organizes station. Cleans up thoroughly.

Tips to Get Started:
  • If your image is too dark, decrease the exposure time
  • If your image is too light, increase the exposure time
  • If your image is streaked with gray, check your pinhole camera for light leaks
  • If your image is streaked with black, turn your camera pinhole away from the sun
  • If your image is blurry, make sure your subject and camera do not move during exposure
  • If your image is fuzzy, your pinhole is too large. Make a new pinhole lens or use another camera.

Start timing your exposures using this chart:
  • Bright Sun with Distinct Shadows
    10 Seconds

  • Cloudy and Bright, No Shadows
    15 Seconds

  • Heavy Overcast, Open Shade
    25 Seconds

  • Indoors- Bright
    30 Minutes to 1 Hour

  • Indoors- Average
    1 to 2 Hours

Vocabulary:
  • Pinhole
  • Enlarger
  • Developer
  • Fixer
  • Stop bath
  • Negative
  • Dry mount
  • Camera Obscura (dark chamber)

Resources:
http://www.pinhole.cz/en/pinholecameras/whatis.html


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MIDYEAR: Recreate a Famous Painting in a Photograph

1/6/2014

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Picture
PROJECT: 50%
Background:
The photography midyear will have two parts: a project and an exam. The project will be worth 50% and the exam will be worth 50%. See the midyear exam study guide for the information you will be tested on. Your project is to choose a famous painting and recreate it using any interpretation you think would be appropriate. You must approve your choice with me before you begin. I have books in the photography room that you may use for reference. The BHS library is also a great resource.  You will print and mount these photographs before the midyear. We will do a crit on the day of the midyear.

Things to think about:
  • Choose a FAMOUS painting that you are interested in. Think about what is possible for you to do. If you choose a painting of a ship at sea, how will you recreate a sea? You’re going to have to do a lot of preparation for the photograph.
  • Think about every little detail. Socked feet are ugly. A pile of clothes in your room is ugly. Get rid of unnecessary objects BEFORE you take the picture.
  • Brainstorm with your friends. You will have to set up your space or spaces. Involve your friends/family as models or assistants in the shoot. You most likely won’t be able to accomplish this on your own.
  • Remember, natural light is best.

MIDYEAR EXAM: 50%
Use your notes, quizzes, and handouts to prepare for the midyear. You should study the following topics:
  • ISO
  • Aperture
    • 1.6, 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16, 22
    • Which is wide open? Which is very small?
  • Shutter speed
    • B, 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, 30, 60, 125, 250, 500, 1000, 2000
    • Which is fastest?
  • SLR
  • What is Depth of Field?
  • Know definitions of terms
    • Ex: Elements of art and principles of design
    • Ex: Rule of Thirds, Bracketing, Camera shake
  • Know how to give a good critique using the elements and principles

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    Photography 

    Photography I is an upperclass course where students learn the basics of photography, including metering, lighting, and composing a dynamic composition within a picture plane. Students will use film and digital.

    Course Expectations

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