...for those of you who want it.
This is an amazingly powerful article. It will help you when you are preparing for your next portrait session.
CLICK HERE.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
A few things to consider...
CLICK THIS LINK RIGHT HERE.
It will tell you a few things you might want to think about before you start shooting your final projects.
It will tell you a few things you might want to think about before you start shooting your final projects.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Friday, March 9, 2012
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Photography Projects - some sites
Landscape Stories
Visura Magazine
Photo Lucida
Fraction Magazine
Unless You Will
These should keep you busy for a while.
Visura Magazine
Photo Lucida
Fraction Magazine
Unless You Will
These should keep you busy for a while.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Calibrating your monitor...
Here's a pretty good article. If you care about accuracy, you should read it.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Class Schedule from here to the END
3//27 and 4/3 are optional classes, show up if you want personal critique. (PLEASE SHOW UP WITH MEXICAN COKES AND PEANUT M&M'S)
March 8 - Critique color portraits due
March 15 - Critique black and white portraits due
March 22 - Critique - Diptych/Concept due (lecture to be forthcoming)
April 10 - FINAL CRITIQUE
March 8 - Critique color portraits due
March 15 - Critique black and white portraits due
March 22 - Critique - Diptych/Concept due (lecture to be forthcoming)
April 10 - FINAL CRITIQUE
Monday, February 27, 2012
My new camera...
I shot six portraits yesterday with my new camera. It's from 1900 and the lens is from 1907. Truly old-school. I'll process the film this week. Here's the camera. It's pretty sweet, but the shutter was being totally finicky.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Assignment #5 - Portraits (color)
From Wikipedia (yeah, a terrible source, but I liked the definition...)
Portrait:
"A portrait is a painting, photograph, sculpture, or other artistic representation of a person, in which the face and its expression is predominant. The intent is to display the likeness, personality, and even the mood of the person. For this reason, in photography a portrait is generally not a snapshot, but a composed image of a person in a still position. A portrait often shows a person looking directly at the painter or photographer, in order to most successfully engage the subject with the viewer."
Three rules to this assignment...no, wait...SEVEN rules to this assignment.
Rule #1: NO MYSPACE PHOTOS - I think you all know what this means. You've seen 'em, you've taken 'em, I don't want 'em. If you need a reminder about what I'm talkin' 'bout, watch this video.
Rule #2: You need to shoot at least three different people.
Rule #3: No pets.
Rule #4: One of the people you photograph must be someone you do NOT know.
Rule #5: One of those three people MUST be yourself...but, you can't BE yourself...
Rule #6 No groups.
Rule #7 Present them in color (black and white portraits will be next)
Here is Cindy Sherman doing her version of Lucille Ball.
Here is a link to the National Portrait Gallery. You will get a lot of good ideas here from paintings, sculpture and photography.
National Portrait Gallery
Here is one of my favorite portrait photographers...Richard Avedon
Richard Avedon Portrait Gallery
Hiroshi Watanabe's gallery has a few sections of portraits that are interesting.
August Sander was a German photographer who made portraits of farmers and working class people near Cologne prior to World War II. After the Nazi's gained power, Sander continued to shoot the people in his city, many of them shown in Nazi military uniforms. Sander's portraits provide possibly the widest cross-section of Germans during that time.
Here is a self-portrait of me as Abraham Lincoln.
B and Y due: Nov. 9th - one of each portrait posted to blog.
U due: Nov. 10th - one of each portrait posted to blog.
Here is our friend Steve McCurry talking about what you should do BEFORE YOU START PHOTOGRAPHING SOMEONE'S PORTRAIT.
Portrait:
"A portrait is a painting, photograph, sculpture, or other artistic representation of a person, in which the face and its expression is predominant. The intent is to display the likeness, personality, and even the mood of the person. For this reason, in photography a portrait is generally not a snapshot, but a composed image of a person in a still position. A portrait often shows a person looking directly at the painter or photographer, in order to most successfully engage the subject with the viewer."
Three rules to this assignment...no, wait...SEVEN rules to this assignment.
Rule #1: NO MYSPACE PHOTOS - I think you all know what this means. You've seen 'em, you've taken 'em, I don't want 'em. If you need a reminder about what I'm talkin' 'bout, watch this video.
Rule #2: You need to shoot at least three different people.
Rule #3: No pets.
Rule #4: One of the people you photograph must be someone you do NOT know.
Rule #5: One of those three people MUST be yourself...but, you can't BE yourself...
Rule #6 No groups.
Rule #7 Present them in color (black and white portraits will be next)
Here is Cindy Sherman doing her version of Lucille Ball.
Here is a link to the National Portrait Gallery. You will get a lot of good ideas here from paintings, sculpture and photography.
National Portrait Gallery
Here is one of my favorite portrait photographers...Richard Avedon
Richard Avedon Portrait Gallery
Hiroshi Watanabe's gallery has a few sections of portraits that are interesting.
August Sander was a German photographer who made portraits of farmers and working class people near Cologne prior to World War II. After the Nazi's gained power, Sander continued to shoot the people in his city, many of them shown in Nazi military uniforms. Sander's portraits provide possibly the widest cross-section of Germans during that time.
Here is a self-portrait of me as Abraham Lincoln.
B and Y due: Nov. 9th - one of each portrait posted to blog.
U due: Nov. 10th - one of each portrait posted to blog.
Here is our friend Steve McCurry talking about what you should do BEFORE YOU START PHOTOGRAPHING SOMEONE'S PORTRAIT.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Sunday, February 19, 2012
One less item for my 'do not shoot' list...
They removed the last train car that headed out to SaltAir on Saturday. It's sad to see it go, but it was an attractive nuisance and it was only a matter of time before someone got hurt on it.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
30 frames per second
Here's a cool page showing home run hitter Barry Bonds hitting his 756th home run.
CLICK HERE
I'll show a video in class that will demonstrate how it was made. Remember, this is pretty old-school, so it took some creative thinking and problem-solving.
CLICK HERE
I'll show a video in class that will demonstrate how it was made. Remember, this is pretty old-school, so it took some creative thinking and problem-solving.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Assignment #4 - Color Theory
We will be jumping into Color Theory a lot for this assignment. Ready? Here we go!
Here's the color wheel. Study it. You will need to learn how the color wheel works and how you can apply that knowledge to these assignments. It's easier than you think.
For this assignment you will concentrate on two different theories of color. That of complementary color and that of analogous (or monochromatic) color.
Let's start with complimentary color. It is the easiest. Here is a chart. If I were you I'd print this out and take it home with you so that you have it to use as a reference.
Click on the image to make it larger and easier to read. Right click on this and save it to your folder and you can print it out later.
One of my students has figured out that if you think of sports teams, i.e. the Denver Broncos, the L.A. Lakers, etc...you will have a very good idea of what complimentary colors are.
Frankly I think if you remember the colors of Christmas you will be well on your way. What are the colors of Christmas? Red and green.
I want you to find OR CREATE a scene which you have two complimentary colors. I want you to take your time and find some good light, make an interesting composition, check and set your white balance (this is getting crucial right?!?!), and most importantly I want you to make a bunch of different exposures. BRACKET! Change your composition with the camera, change your composition of the objects. Get an interesting photograph! I want you to do at least one of these complimentary colors, do two if you are feeling ambitious. If you only do one you'd better work it and make sure that you have good exposures, good focus and good composition. Shoot a LOT of frames on this assignment.
Now let's talk about ANALOGOUS color. What's analogous color? Analogous color is similar to monochromatic color, but it gets to be quite a bit richer. Analogous colors are those colors that are adjacent on the color wheel. Let's look at this diagram:
Click on the image to make it larger and easier to read. Right click on this and save it to your folder and you can print it out later.
Monochromatic color got it's richness by the variations of light striking the object. Darker areas became a slightly different shade of that color, lighter areas where more light hit the object became a lighter shade of that one color.
Analogous color is *kind of* similar, except that I want you to find various colored objects that are adjacent to each other on the color wheel. Remember, to KEEP IT SIMPLE and you get to decide just how hard you make it on yourself. Don't try to choose too many colors. Stick with three...four at the most. This is something that you may want to create on your own. Men, ask your wives if they can help you find analogous color. They will love to show you how it works.
Here's a quick chart:
Here are some examples:
This seems like a big assignment. It kind of is. I want you to repeat for analogous color what you did for complimentary color. Shoot a LOT.
It'll be fun. Trust me!
Here's an analogous color shot I made several years ago near Escalante, Utah.
Zebra Canyon, Near Escalante, Utah, 2002
It's due on Thursday, February 23rd.
6 images on the blog and a few words about what you did. Post at least one example of complimentary and one example of analogous/monochromatic for this assignment. The others can be either complimentary or analogous/monochromatic.
Ansel Adams - Documentary
This is quite long, but you will learn a lot by watching it. Listen to the philosophy behind his image making.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Assignment #3 - High Key/Low Key
This assignment is basically two assignments in one. Treat it as such and it will be easier to break down.
Have I taught you the bracketing procedure yet? No? Ok, don't freak out and see if you can figure out what I'm asking here. If you can't figure it out, don't freak out and plan on learning a LOT next week in class.
Enjoy your weekend.
You will shoot high-key and low-key images. What is high-key? The majority of the image (95%+) will be tones of light gray to white. It will help you to think of shooting white objects placed on a white background. So, then the opposite of high-key is low-key right? Think of low key as dark gray-ish to black objects. Shoot your dark objects placed on a dark background. You might need a tripod/beanbag for these shots.
For both of your shots you will want to pay close attention to the background. Don't let stray light/objects ruin your clean shot. Also it helps to isolate the objects by getting close. Take a look at the examples below.
You will want to shoot both of your high-key and low-key shots using the bracketing technique that we learned. Go from very very VERY underexposed all the way to very very VERY overexposed for each of the shots...both high-key *and* low-key.
Using the extreme bracketing you will find that buried somewhere in those images is a nearly perfect exposure. That will be your starting point. We will take those good exposures into post-production in the studio.
Here are some examples:
HERE IS A SLIDESHOW of student work.
Yes, this is an assignment that I even give to my basic black and white high school film class. Here's the proof...
Things you will definitely want to be paying attention to:
Focus - make 'em sharp!
Light - will make or break the entire assignment. Move the light around the objects if you are shooting indoors...move the objects around into different light if you are shooting outdoors.
We will lecture and show examples of this in class. This WILL BE an assignment you will want to go back and re-shoot a few times. Don't consider doing it wrong the first time a failure...consider it good practice.
Requirements:
Shoot in RAW
Shoot in Color
Shoot using Manual Mode
Bracket the living heck out of these shots
Shoot using Manual Focus
Shoot images that are interesting to look at
Blog: One post containing two high-key and two low-key images, also put some examples of the exposures that your camera told you were 'correct'.
Write a little about what you learned.
Due Date: Tuesday February 9th.
Have I taught you the bracketing procedure yet? No? Ok, don't freak out and see if you can figure out what I'm asking here. If you can't figure it out, don't freak out and plan on learning a LOT next week in class.
Enjoy your weekend.
You will shoot high-key and low-key images. What is high-key? The majority of the image (95%+) will be tones of light gray to white. It will help you to think of shooting white objects placed on a white background. So, then the opposite of high-key is low-key right? Think of low key as dark gray-ish to black objects. Shoot your dark objects placed on a dark background. You might need a tripod/beanbag for these shots.
For both of your shots you will want to pay close attention to the background. Don't let stray light/objects ruin your clean shot. Also it helps to isolate the objects by getting close. Take a look at the examples below.
You will want to shoot both of your high-key and low-key shots using the bracketing technique that we learned. Go from very very VERY underexposed all the way to very very VERY overexposed for each of the shots...both high-key *and* low-key.
Using the extreme bracketing you will find that buried somewhere in those images is a nearly perfect exposure. That will be your starting point. We will take those good exposures into post-production in the studio.
Here are some examples:
HERE IS A SLIDESHOW of student work.
Yes, this is an assignment that I even give to my basic black and white high school film class. Here's the proof...
Things you will definitely want to be paying attention to:
Focus - make 'em sharp!
Light - will make or break the entire assignment. Move the light around the objects if you are shooting indoors...move the objects around into different light if you are shooting outdoors.
We will lecture and show examples of this in class. This WILL BE an assignment you will want to go back and re-shoot a few times. Don't consider doing it wrong the first time a failure...consider it good practice.
Requirements:
Shoot in RAW
Shoot in Color
Shoot using Manual Mode
Bracket the living heck out of these shots
Shoot using Manual Focus
Shoot images that are interesting to look at
Blog: One post containing two high-key and two low-key images, also put some examples of the exposures that your camera told you were 'correct'.
Write a little about what you learned.
Due Date: Tuesday February 9th.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Assignment #2 - Numbers
Assignment number two. It's really your first real REAL assignment. Kick some tail.
Here are the requirements:
You will make 100 images. No more...no less.
You will make your first frame contain the number zero (0).
Your second frame will contain the number one (1).
Your third frame will contain the number two (2).
Can you guess what your fourth frame will contain? Yep, a number three (3).
Rinse and repeat.
You will end up with 100 images, starting with number 0, ending with 99.
THESE MUST BE SHOT SEQUENTIALLY...NO CHEATING!
Remember, no deleting, no re-shooting numbers, if you make a mistake on the exposure, go on to your next number. Fix your exposure for the next number before shooting (duh).
I want you to start setting your white balance correctly in the camera. You have not been taught this yet but we will go over it in class. Also this assignment must...repeat...MUST be shot on Manual (M). We will have several lectures about exposure to teach you just what and how your camera is doing what it needs to do.
DO NOT TAKE THIS ASSIGNMENT LITERALLY. Be creative in how you represent the numbers you will shoot. Bonus points if you photograph them in braille. Extra bonus points if you can photograph 99 Bigfoots (Bigfeet?) for the final exposure. DO NOT drive you all over town. DO NOT go walking up and down the street looking for addresses that work. You can shoot this assignment within the comfort of your own home. There are easily 100 sequential numbers in your house.
Due on your blog on Thursday, January 26th.
I will NOT allow you do to ANY POST-PROCESSING FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT. Post the SEVEN most unique images.
Quote for the day:
"Photoshop is a crutch for those who are too lazy to get it right in the camera."
I said this, it is my quote. If you quote me, attribute me. If you don't quote me I will be sad.
Good luck!
Some examples...
Here are the requirements:
You will make 100 images. No more...no less.
You will make your first frame contain the number zero (0).
Your second frame will contain the number one (1).
Your third frame will contain the number two (2).
Can you guess what your fourth frame will contain? Yep, a number three (3).
Rinse and repeat.
You will end up with 100 images, starting with number 0, ending with 99.
THESE MUST BE SHOT SEQUENTIALLY...NO CHEATING!
Remember, no deleting, no re-shooting numbers, if you make a mistake on the exposure, go on to your next number. Fix your exposure for the next number before shooting (duh).
I want you to start setting your white balance correctly in the camera. You have not been taught this yet but we will go over it in class. Also this assignment must...repeat...MUST be shot on Manual (M). We will have several lectures about exposure to teach you just what and how your camera is doing what it needs to do.
DO NOT TAKE THIS ASSIGNMENT LITERALLY. Be creative in how you represent the numbers you will shoot. Bonus points if you photograph them in braille. Extra bonus points if you can photograph 99 Bigfoots (Bigfeet?) for the final exposure. DO NOT drive you all over town. DO NOT go walking up and down the street looking for addresses that work. You can shoot this assignment within the comfort of your own home. There are easily 100 sequential numbers in your house.
Due on your blog on Thursday, January 26th.
I will NOT allow you do to ANY POST-PROCESSING FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT. Post the SEVEN most unique images.
Quote for the day:
"Photoshop is a crutch for those who are too lazy to get it right in the camera."
I said this, it is my quote. If you quote me, attribute me. If you don't quote me I will be sad.
Good luck!
Some examples...
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
A Look Back In Time...In Color!
This is a very neat article. Look at the photography. Look how the photographs are titled.
CLICK HERE.
Children stage a patriotic demonstration. Southington, Connecticut, May 1942. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Fenno Jacobs. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress
CLICK HERE.
Children stage a patriotic demonstration. Southington, Connecticut, May 1942. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Fenno Jacobs. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Photographer Ad On Craig's List
Look what I found this morning.
So occasionally I like to surf through Craig's list to see what jobs are being offered and what kind of photographers are advertising there. This morning I found the ad shown above and I started to go through my list that we covered in Lecture #2. Can you see how many items that are on my list that this person is using to promote himself as a photographer?
Click on the photograph and it gets bigger.
Start counting...
So occasionally I like to surf through Craig's list to see what jobs are being offered and what kind of photographers are advertising there. This morning I found the ad shown above and I started to go through my list that we covered in Lecture #2. Can you see how many items that are on my list that this person is using to promote himself as a photographer?
Click on the photograph and it gets bigger.
Start counting...
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Assignment #1 - Scavenger Hunt
Ok gang, this first assignment is designed to get you used to using your camera, understand it's functions and really, most importantly, to have some fun.
I want you to follow these instructions for this assignment. Following instructions with exactness is crucial to many of the things we will do in photo. It is a very process-intense thing to do all of this right, so pay attention and you'll do fine.
1. Take your camera and set it on 'P'.
2. Try and find the following objects to photograph: tree, bird, dog, car, cat, platypus, friend, mom, dad, sky, floor, hand, something red, something green, something scary, something funny.
3. Try to mix it up with your shots. Get close, get closer, get REALLY close. Let the camera focus before you take the picture. Take several views of each object. You don't pay much more to take a million shots instead of just one...so why not play with your angles, the point of view, the close-ness, the far-ness, etc... Don't you DARE just take one image. I will smack you if I see you starting off being a lazy photographer.
4. Get at least 30-50 shots of whatever it is you have found. It is NOT important that these images are perfect works of art. These images are PRACTICE! These images will give us some files that we can work with next week to teach you how to upload your images to your portable hard-drives, how to set up your blogs, etc... Something to work with is better than nothing to work with, so be sure you get something in your camera.
5. DON'T FORGET TO BRING YOUR CAMERA/MEMORY CARD/CARD READER/HARD DRIVE TO CLASS NEXT WEEK! This is really important...if you don't have your images to class then the assignment is LATE and your grade will suffer. Not only that, but if you don't have your images with you then you won't be able to follow along with me as I do my demo.
6. Open your instruction manual read it and play with the various settings on the camera. Learn it's controls as much as you can. You don't have to understand everything, just the basics for now. We will go over in class in a very detailed manner everything you will need to know. For now just the basics are good. This will be the only assignment you ever shoot on 'P'. The rest of the shooting will be on 'M'. If you are really ambitious you can set your camera on 'M' and mess around with it.
7. If you are REALLY ambitious, start over from the beginning and re-photograph what you shot at first. You might be surprised at what you learned and how much better the images turn out.
TO COMPLETE ASSIGNMENT #1 YOU MUST DO THE FOLLOWING BY THURSDAY, JANUARY 19TH.
1. Post three of your your favorite, UNPROCESSED images from all of your shooting done for Assignment #1 to your blog.
2. Process the same images in Lightroom, make them as good as you possibly can, and post to your blog.
3. Process the same images AGAIN in Lightroom, this time make them as ugly as you possibly can, ignore everything I ever told you about making an image good, and instead make it so ugly I want to puke. Post to your blog.
4. Write what you learned, what you did, something to let me know you are a thinking being on your blog. Extra points for a Haiku.
All three images (and their different variations), should be posted in ONE SINGLE BLOG POST...the title of which shall be: Assignment #1 - Scavenger Hunt
I want you to follow these instructions for this assignment. Following instructions with exactness is crucial to many of the things we will do in photo. It is a very process-intense thing to do all of this right, so pay attention and you'll do fine.
1. Take your camera and set it on 'P'.
2. Try and find the following objects to photograph: tree, bird, dog, car, cat, platypus, friend, mom, dad, sky, floor, hand, something red, something green, something scary, something funny.
3. Try to mix it up with your shots. Get close, get closer, get REALLY close. Let the camera focus before you take the picture. Take several views of each object. You don't pay much more to take a million shots instead of just one...so why not play with your angles, the point of view, the close-ness, the far-ness, etc... Don't you DARE just take one image. I will smack you if I see you starting off being a lazy photographer.
4. Get at least 30-50 shots of whatever it is you have found. It is NOT important that these images are perfect works of art. These images are PRACTICE! These images will give us some files that we can work with next week to teach you how to upload your images to your portable hard-drives, how to set up your blogs, etc... Something to work with is better than nothing to work with, so be sure you get something in your camera.
5. DON'T FORGET TO BRING YOUR CAMERA/MEMORY CARD/CARD READER/HARD DRIVE TO CLASS NEXT WEEK! This is really important...if you don't have your images to class then the assignment is LATE and your grade will suffer. Not only that, but if you don't have your images with you then you won't be able to follow along with me as I do my demo.
6. Open your instruction manual read it and play with the various settings on the camera. Learn it's controls as much as you can. You don't have to understand everything, just the basics for now. We will go over in class in a very detailed manner everything you will need to know. For now just the basics are good. This will be the only assignment you ever shoot on 'P'. The rest of the shooting will be on 'M'. If you are really ambitious you can set your camera on 'M' and mess around with it.
7. If you are REALLY ambitious, start over from the beginning and re-photograph what you shot at first. You might be surprised at what you learned and how much better the images turn out.
TO COMPLETE ASSIGNMENT #1 YOU MUST DO THE FOLLOWING BY THURSDAY, JANUARY 19TH.
1. Post three of your your favorite, UNPROCESSED images from all of your shooting done for Assignment #1 to your blog.
2. Process the same images in Lightroom, make them as good as you possibly can, and post to your blog.
3. Process the same images AGAIN in Lightroom, this time make them as ugly as you possibly can, ignore everything I ever told you about making an image good, and instead make it so ugly I want to puke. Post to your blog.
4. Write what you learned, what you did, something to let me know you are a thinking being on your blog. Extra points for a Haiku.
All three images (and their different variations), should be posted in ONE SINGLE BLOG POST...the title of which shall be: Assignment #1 - Scavenger Hunt
Sunday, January 8, 2012
First Image Of 2012
Each year I like to go out and make a final image on December 31st, then go out again on January 1st to start off the new year right.
I have been experimenting with some new material from Harmon/Ilford that makes a positive image onto a piece of photographic paper. This is a four-panel image made with my 8x10 camera. It is a location I like to photograph repeatedly and this would probably be the 30th time I've been there in the past 10 years.
We'll talk about this type of image making more as the semester progresses, so if this is all lost on you don't worry about it. Some of these terms will become clearer as your knowledge of the darkroom and of different cameras increases.
Lee Creek, Great Salt Lake, 2012
I have been experimenting with some new material from Harmon/Ilford that makes a positive image onto a piece of photographic paper. This is a four-panel image made with my 8x10 camera. It is a location I like to photograph repeatedly and this would probably be the 30th time I've been there in the past 10 years.
We'll talk about this type of image making more as the semester progresses, so if this is all lost on you don't worry about it. Some of these terms will become clearer as your knowledge of the darkroom and of different cameras increases.
Lee Creek, Great Salt Lake, 2012
Saturday, January 7, 2012
MWAC Attack
Watch this. It is good. We will discuss this in class next week.
If you wanted to you could watch them all.
If you wanted to you could watch them all.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Syllabus
Brigham Young University
Department of Visual Arts
Visual Arts, Photo 116 - Spring 2012
Photo I
Instructor: Michael Slade
E-mail: sladephoto@yahoo.com
Phone: 801-703-6919
Syllabus
Introduction:
Photo 1 is designed to introduce the beginning photographer to various concepts that will help them interpret and communicate their world visually using a digital camera, a computer and image-editing software. Traditionally this class has been taught as a film-based, darkroom class. The digital world is one that cannot be ignored, thus the emphasis of the class is changing to be that of the 'digital-darkroom'.
Seeing and learning how to communicate the things that an individual deems important will be the emphasis of this class. Camera technique and manipulation will be of utmost importance. Learning how to creatively control exposure and composition at the time of initial image making is the primary objective. Refining the image through digital post-production is secondary. This is a photography class - not a digital manipulation class. Commenting on your world accurately and with purity of intent is vital. Turd-polishing is NOT allowed.
Equipment:
Digital camera - preferably one that can control shutter speed, aperture, focus, ISO sensitivity and shoot in RAW. If your camera does not do these things, you might want to reconsider taking the class. We will do some experimentation with low-fidelity digital capture devices, cell phone cameras, etc..., but if you are truly concerned with learning how to improve your photography then a camera that YOU can control is crucial. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO GET THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR YOUR CAMERA. IF YOU ASK ME OPERATIONAL QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR CAMERA I WILL NOT ANSWER THEM.
Card reader - you need to be able to get the images you make with your camera into the computer. The lab will NOT have card readers for students to check out. Yes, you can download your images from your camera to your computer, but it eats the battery and it is just downright inconvenient. Do yourself a big favor and get a USB 2.0 card reader. Do NOT loan these out. They have a nasty habit of not coming back.
External storage device - This can come in many forms...thumb drive, external hard drive, etc... There will need to be a place that you can build your library of images and a thumb drive will not be enough after the first few weeks. External storage devices can come in all kinds of sizes and price-points. Choose accordingly.
****OPTIONAL BUT STRONGLY RECOMMENDED****
Textbook - The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 book for digital photographers, Scott Kelby
If you are serious about getting the most out of this class, get this book. It's $50 new from Barnes & Noble, but you can get them used on Amazon too. I will NOT be going through this book chapter by chapter, rather using it for SUPPLEMENTAL material. It would be a good idea to get this book if you plan on asking me a lot of questions about stuff I don't want to cover. Eventually I'll tell you to buy the book.
Tripod - it will become your best friend. Apart from the camera and software, it is the most important piece of equipment you can purchase. They do NOT have to be expensive.
****END OF OPTIONAL BUT STRONGLY RECOMMENDED SECTION****
Commitment:
This is college. It is for adults who want to learn. Sometimes it is hard, sometimes it is fun. Oftentimes it is both. This course will return what you put into it, if you give this course maximum effort, you will learn and earn a high grade. To do this will require you to take charge of your own learning. This is a commitment. Part of this commitment is to come to class on time, be attentive, ask questions, keep your mind open to new ideas and fulfill assigned projects on time. Sometimes problems may arise that may interfere with your learning. It is important for you to communicate beforehand with your instructor about any problems. When understood and anticipated beforehand these problems can be easily resolved.
Learning is a synthesis of ideas. You will build upon the knowledge and ideas that you already have learned. Try and approach this course from that perspective. You are the one responsible for your success in this course. Make a commitment now to your own learning and success.
Revisions to Syllabus:
The standards and requirements in this syllabus may be modified at any time by the course instructor. Any changes will be announced In class.
Disability Accomodation:
Student should inform the instructor of any special need he or she may have. Academic Accommodations are granted for all students who have qualified documented disabilities.
Attendance:
Please be present not only physically but also mentally and emotionally. Be on time, and prepared with the proper materials, reading, research and assignments. Roll will be taken at the beginning of each class. Excessive unexcused absences will have a drastic influence on your grade. Missing 20% of scheduled class time will result in failure of the course. If you are aware of absences that may occur due to illness, doctor appointments, or other circumstances, please discuss them with your instructor via email or phone before you are absent.
If I am late in arriving to class, you must wait a full 20 minutes after the start of class before you may leave without being counted absent, or you must follow any written instructions I may give you about my anticipated tardiness.
Classroom Conduct:
I will conduct this class in an atmosphere of mutual respect. I encourage your active participation in class discussions, lectures, and demonstrations. Please be attentive, respectful, and prepared to learn. Each of us may have strongly differing opinions on the various topics of class discussions. The conflict of ideas is encouraged and welcome. The orderly questioning of the ideas of others, including mine, is similarly welcome. However, I will exercise my responsibility to manage the discussions so that ideas and argument can proceed in an orderly fashion. You should expect that if your conduct during class discussions seriously disrupts the atmosphere of mutual respect that I expect in this class, you will not be permitted to participate further. The student is expected to follow all policies regarding photography and lab equipment. Any misuse of the equipment or failure to follow policies may result in an immediate dismissal from the class.
Work days:
Lab days are given for you to work on your projects. Lab days are a time used in the lab where you will work on your projects and have more personal feedback from the instructor both with technical and conceptual issues. Lab days are not just free days you must be present for your assigned lab time.
Critiques:
Critiques are one of the most important elements of this course. Attendance and participation in each critique is mandatory. Critiques will give you feedback that will help grow and develop your work, as well as push you as an artist. Taking notes from the discussion of your own work as well as from others work is required. Critiques are another place for you to learn to talk about and discuss your work. Incorporating and following the advice given by the instructor through the critiques is also critical to your growth. I ask that you conduct yourself with respect for each other. Be sensitive and open to each others ideas and techniques. But come with an attitude of how we can grow and improve. Critiques are a place where we discover solutions to the challenges we face in our image making. Critiques are about the work, not about the person. They are not a place to hurt each others feelings. Critiques are for us to be critical in a constructive way. They create dialog that can help you grow as an artist, and make your work stronger. To do achieve this it is important to separate your personal feelings you may have for the content and form of your work.
Lecture / Discussion / Demonstrations
You will receive most of your instruction through lectures, discussions and demonstrations. It is important for you to be actively involved in paying attention, taking notes, research and contributing to the class activities.
TECHNOLOGY USES IN THE CLASSROOM
Communication Devices:
The use of cell phones or other communication devices is disruptive, and is therefore prohibited during class. Except in emergencies, those using such devices must leave the classroom for the remainder of the class period. This will include text messaging. Remember that your phone does have an off button. There are very few things in the world that absolutely cannot wait. Please turn off your phone at the beginning of class.
Computers:
Students are permitted to use laptop computers during class for note-taking and other class-related work only. Working on projects, or internet use during lectures, class discussions, or demonstrations will not be permitted, unless it is designated by the instructor. Those using computers during class for work not related to that class must leave the classroom for the remainder of the class period.
MP3 players:
Students are permitted to use mp3 players and other music players during workdays. Use during lectures, class discussions, or demonstrations will not be permitted.
Grading:
Assessment of learning will consist of number grades. More specific objectives will be provided with each assignment. Final grades will be determined by a simple formula: total number of points earned/total points possible. Additional explanation of the assignments will be provided in class demonstrations, lectures, and discussions. We will also be having in class critiques. Through critiques we will be learning how to asses your own learning. From this assessment we can make adjustments and directions for improvement. Late work will receive a full-letter-grade reduction. NO late work will be accepted after 1 week. An assignment that is turned in on-time can be re-done at any point of the semester. Late work can NOT be re-done.
If there are circumstances that cause missed deadlines, it is your responsibility to inform your instructor. For some circumstances accommodations can then be made to avoid late penalties.
Grading will be determined by the following items:
･ Following assignment directions and requirements
• Formal and technical aspects of image making- exposure, composition, lighting, etc.
• Creative ideas and techniques
• Presentation - quality of prints, presentation
• Participation in class discussions
• Attendance
CLUES will become very important. Follow the C.L.U.E.S.
Department of Visual Arts
Visual Arts, Photo 116 - Spring 2012
Photo I
Instructor: Michael Slade
E-mail: sladephoto@yahoo.com
Phone: 801-703-6919
Syllabus
Introduction:
Photo 1 is designed to introduce the beginning photographer to various concepts that will help them interpret and communicate their world visually using a digital camera, a computer and image-editing software. Traditionally this class has been taught as a film-based, darkroom class. The digital world is one that cannot be ignored, thus the emphasis of the class is changing to be that of the 'digital-darkroom'.
Seeing and learning how to communicate the things that an individual deems important will be the emphasis of this class. Camera technique and manipulation will be of utmost importance. Learning how to creatively control exposure and composition at the time of initial image making is the primary objective. Refining the image through digital post-production is secondary. This is a photography class - not a digital manipulation class. Commenting on your world accurately and with purity of intent is vital. Turd-polishing is NOT allowed.
Equipment:
Digital camera - preferably one that can control shutter speed, aperture, focus, ISO sensitivity and shoot in RAW. If your camera does not do these things, you might want to reconsider taking the class. We will do some experimentation with low-fidelity digital capture devices, cell phone cameras, etc..., but if you are truly concerned with learning how to improve your photography then a camera that YOU can control is crucial. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO GET THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR YOUR CAMERA. IF YOU ASK ME OPERATIONAL QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR CAMERA I WILL NOT ANSWER THEM.
Card reader - you need to be able to get the images you make with your camera into the computer. The lab will NOT have card readers for students to check out. Yes, you can download your images from your camera to your computer, but it eats the battery and it is just downright inconvenient. Do yourself a big favor and get a USB 2.0 card reader. Do NOT loan these out. They have a nasty habit of not coming back.
External storage device - This can come in many forms...thumb drive, external hard drive, etc... There will need to be a place that you can build your library of images and a thumb drive will not be enough after the first few weeks. External storage devices can come in all kinds of sizes and price-points. Choose accordingly.
****OPTIONAL BUT STRONGLY RECOMMENDED****
Textbook - The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 book for digital photographers, Scott Kelby
If you are serious about getting the most out of this class, get this book. It's $50 new from Barnes & Noble, but you can get them used on Amazon too. I will NOT be going through this book chapter by chapter, rather using it for SUPPLEMENTAL material. It would be a good idea to get this book if you plan on asking me a lot of questions about stuff I don't want to cover. Eventually I'll tell you to buy the book.
Tripod - it will become your best friend. Apart from the camera and software, it is the most important piece of equipment you can purchase. They do NOT have to be expensive.
****END OF OPTIONAL BUT STRONGLY RECOMMENDED SECTION****
Commitment:
This is college. It is for adults who want to learn. Sometimes it is hard, sometimes it is fun. Oftentimes it is both. This course will return what you put into it, if you give this course maximum effort, you will learn and earn a high grade. To do this will require you to take charge of your own learning. This is a commitment. Part of this commitment is to come to class on time, be attentive, ask questions, keep your mind open to new ideas and fulfill assigned projects on time. Sometimes problems may arise that may interfere with your learning. It is important for you to communicate beforehand with your instructor about any problems. When understood and anticipated beforehand these problems can be easily resolved.
Learning is a synthesis of ideas. You will build upon the knowledge and ideas that you already have learned. Try and approach this course from that perspective. You are the one responsible for your success in this course. Make a commitment now to your own learning and success.
Revisions to Syllabus:
The standards and requirements in this syllabus may be modified at any time by the course instructor. Any changes will be announced In class.
Disability Accomodation:
Student should inform the instructor of any special need he or she may have. Academic Accommodations are granted for all students who have qualified documented disabilities.
Attendance:
Please be present not only physically but also mentally and emotionally. Be on time, and prepared with the proper materials, reading, research and assignments. Roll will be taken at the beginning of each class. Excessive unexcused absences will have a drastic influence on your grade. Missing 20% of scheduled class time will result in failure of the course. If you are aware of absences that may occur due to illness, doctor appointments, or other circumstances, please discuss them with your instructor via email or phone before you are absent.
If I am late in arriving to class, you must wait a full 20 minutes after the start of class before you may leave without being counted absent, or you must follow any written instructions I may give you about my anticipated tardiness.
Classroom Conduct:
I will conduct this class in an atmosphere of mutual respect. I encourage your active participation in class discussions, lectures, and demonstrations. Please be attentive, respectful, and prepared to learn. Each of us may have strongly differing opinions on the various topics of class discussions. The conflict of ideas is encouraged and welcome. The orderly questioning of the ideas of others, including mine, is similarly welcome. However, I will exercise my responsibility to manage the discussions so that ideas and argument can proceed in an orderly fashion. You should expect that if your conduct during class discussions seriously disrupts the atmosphere of mutual respect that I expect in this class, you will not be permitted to participate further. The student is expected to follow all policies regarding photography and lab equipment. Any misuse of the equipment or failure to follow policies may result in an immediate dismissal from the class.
Work days:
Lab days are given for you to work on your projects. Lab days are a time used in the lab where you will work on your projects and have more personal feedback from the instructor both with technical and conceptual issues. Lab days are not just free days you must be present for your assigned lab time.
Critiques:
Critiques are one of the most important elements of this course. Attendance and participation in each critique is mandatory. Critiques will give you feedback that will help grow and develop your work, as well as push you as an artist. Taking notes from the discussion of your own work as well as from others work is required. Critiques are another place for you to learn to talk about and discuss your work. Incorporating and following the advice given by the instructor through the critiques is also critical to your growth. I ask that you conduct yourself with respect for each other. Be sensitive and open to each others ideas and techniques. But come with an attitude of how we can grow and improve. Critiques are a place where we discover solutions to the challenges we face in our image making. Critiques are about the work, not about the person. They are not a place to hurt each others feelings. Critiques are for us to be critical in a constructive way. They create dialog that can help you grow as an artist, and make your work stronger. To do achieve this it is important to separate your personal feelings you may have for the content and form of your work.
Lecture / Discussion / Demonstrations
You will receive most of your instruction through lectures, discussions and demonstrations. It is important for you to be actively involved in paying attention, taking notes, research and contributing to the class activities.
TECHNOLOGY USES IN THE CLASSROOM
Communication Devices:
The use of cell phones or other communication devices is disruptive, and is therefore prohibited during class. Except in emergencies, those using such devices must leave the classroom for the remainder of the class period. This will include text messaging. Remember that your phone does have an off button. There are very few things in the world that absolutely cannot wait. Please turn off your phone at the beginning of class.
Computers:
Students are permitted to use laptop computers during class for note-taking and other class-related work only. Working on projects, or internet use during lectures, class discussions, or demonstrations will not be permitted, unless it is designated by the instructor. Those using computers during class for work not related to that class must leave the classroom for the remainder of the class period.
MP3 players:
Students are permitted to use mp3 players and other music players during workdays. Use during lectures, class discussions, or demonstrations will not be permitted.
Grading:
Assessment of learning will consist of number grades. More specific objectives will be provided with each assignment. Final grades will be determined by a simple formula: total number of points earned/total points possible. Additional explanation of the assignments will be provided in class demonstrations, lectures, and discussions. We will also be having in class critiques. Through critiques we will be learning how to asses your own learning. From this assessment we can make adjustments and directions for improvement. Late work will receive a full-letter-grade reduction. NO late work will be accepted after 1 week. An assignment that is turned in on-time can be re-done at any point of the semester. Late work can NOT be re-done.
If there are circumstances that cause missed deadlines, it is your responsibility to inform your instructor. For some circumstances accommodations can then be made to avoid late penalties.
Grading will be determined by the following items:
･ Following assignment directions and requirements
• Formal and technical aspects of image making- exposure, composition, lighting, etc.
• Creative ideas and techniques
• Presentation - quality of prints, presentation
• Participation in class discussions
• Attendance
CLUES will become very important. Follow the C.L.U.E.S.
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