ASSIGNMENT 1

TUESDAY CLASS DUE DATE: FEB 10
FRIDAY CLASS DUE DATE: FEB 13

Assignment 1: Point of View, Perspective and The Frame

Perhaps the difference between a snap shot and a photograph is that a snap shot records a subject, whereas a photograph describes a subject. A poet carefully chooses their words to create a feel for the subject. Some features are never mentioned while others are emphasized. Certain words are chosen for their implications, associations, feel and sound, others are edited out because they distract. We are visual poets: we select and describe with a visual language: every camera technique, design element, production process and output quality should help to reveal the qualities of the subject we wish to emphasize. In this first assignment we want to explore how the camera position and lens focal length affect the image – and therefore how the viewer responds to the image.

As you photograph your subject, experiment with different camera angles and distances from your subject. See how changing camera position and lens focal length not only changes how the subject looks, but how the other elements in the scene change in scale compared to the subject – in important part of perspective.

Now that you’ve determined where to take the picture from, consider using the frame – what gets included, what gets cropped out, and what is partially in or out of the image. See if you can energize the composition with lines and shapes pushing and breaking the frame.

While shooting, look at your viewfinder. Look at every edge and corner and space. Edit the image carefully in the camera.

Throughout the process of photographing, work on expressing yourself with a “straight” photograph. Make the image in the camera. Try different compositions, angles of view and use the environment. Notice the quality of light (turn off the flash!) and try photographing the same subject at different times of day and under different types of light.

Photograph four to six different ideas/subjects and shoot 20 to 40 frames on each idea. you will want to bracket for exposure (at least three frames should be identical except for exposure (one at the ideal setting, one over exposed by the next postion on your light meter, and one underexposed by one postion on your light meter)). the 20-40 frames means think hard about how many different angles you can take that idea from! get on a ladder! get down in the dirt! do whatever you need to do to take a step beyond how you would think to frame that photograph! i should see variety in your contact sheets, and i should see at least 200 images! contact sheets are a part of your grade, so you need to meet the minimum number of images. You can't edit for a sucessful shot if you haven't taken a lot of photos.

Critique will be based on prints. As of this writing, in class printing is problematic. You may wish to print at home or have commercial prints made. Prints should be approximately 8x10 inches, smaller is a little hard for the class to see during critique. If/when you open your image in Photoshop, DO NOT CROP, limit your adjustments to resize and your color/contrast/exposure adjustments should be limited to getting the output to be the best exposure/color balanced image possible. Be sure to archive your images for future use. Make sure that you have a folder to turn in your prints.

DUE AT CRITIQUE:
2 printed images in a folder to be viewed by the class and turned in
contact sheets with 200+ images

Yes, I know you want to play in Photoshop; I know you could “improve” the image if you did. But work with me here, there is good reason for what I ask. Try and get it right in camera, the original exposure should best tell your story.

Explore your subject - and describe it – by selecting your point of view, perspective and framing.
And have fun!