Welcome to Photo 9/10 Elective

Happy back to school! I hope you had a super brilliant summer and are all charged up and ready to start a new year.

Welcome to the Photography 9/10 blog. This blog will be updated regularly to keep Photography students up to date of classroom activities, events, instructions, and assignments. Check it regularly.

Today's Assignment- A Successful Photograph:
Today we are going to explore what makes a successful photograph. I will assign a photo to you in groups of two. I want you to examine the image critically:

1. Give it a title based on the information in the image. 
2. Explore the visual information in the image. 
3. Identify the subject/topic and background details. 
4. Do you think it is a good/successful photograph? Explain why or why not?

Take notes, we will discuss as a class.

HOMEWORK
Bring a digital camera if you have one, and your local field trip permission form. We are going on an adventure next class... Don't forget, or you will not go. 😕

Photography 9/10 SUPPLY LIST
Camera- Digital DSLR or Point and Shoot or Manual SLR (optional).
SD Card

**Cameras are optional. Cameras are available for loan for during class or overnight. In class loans must be returned before the end of class. Overnight loans must be returned 1st thing next day- if you know you will be missing school the next day, please inform the teacher. You are responsible for replacing any lost or stolen equipment.

10 Photoshop Challenge

Find a Photoshop tutorial and one Lightroom tutorial that you are interested in trying. Something that you haven't done before. Work through each tutorial.

• Post the tutorial URL (web address) to your ning blog.


• Post your before and after image..


• Critique the tutorial: What did you learn? Did you learn something other than the basic premise of the tutorial? What level of challenge was it for you on a scale of 1-5? How was it useful? What frustrated you about it?

Here are a few places that you can start looking for tutorials:
https://phlearn.com/
https://photoshopcafe.com/Learn-Lightroom
http://www.vandelaydesign.com/lightroom-tutorials/
http://www.vandelaydesign.com/photo-editing-tutorials/
https://www.digitalrev.com/
https://speckyboy.com/adobe-lightroom-tutorials/

10 {{{{{{{Bracket Project}}}}}}}

Bracket Project AKA- Zone System

Zone Exposure

BW Film Assignment

Ansel Adams- 

Aspens, Northern New Mexico, 1958

Gelatin silver print

19 1/2 × 15 1/2 in

Zone System’s Key Concepts
The zone system divides a scene into 10 zones on the tonal scale (though there are variations of 9 and 11 zones). Every tonal range is assigned a zone. Every zone differs from the one before it by 1 stop, and from the one following it by 1 stop. So every zone change equals 1 stop difference. Zones are identified by roman numbers, with the middle tone (with 18% reflectance) being a zone V which is zone 5.
Photographers, usually are only concerned with zones III through VII (zones 3 through 7). The darkest part of a scene would fall into zone III, while the brightest part of a scene would fall into zone VII. Anything darker than zone III would render as pure black with no detail (under-exposed), while anything brighter than zone VII would render as pure white with no detail (over-exposed).

Learning Outcomes.
Learn about how to visualize and control the exposure of the images. Learn basic concept of zone system and exposure theory.

What to Do.
You are to photograph three or more scenes (landscape… go outside).

Step 1- Find an Ansel Adams photo, post it on your blog and identify the different tonal areas on the image.

Step 2- 
Use a grey card (middle grey, or zone V) to set your camera exposure to read middle grey. In order to achieve this, get close to the grey card, so you can only see the card, but careful not to block the light or shade the grey card. Then stand back to capture your desired composition. One challenge may be if you are photographing a vast landscape- something far away that has different lighting than where you are standing. Measure your exposure on the grey card where you are and then guess compensate your exposure if the light is radically different where you are shooting.

And/or use a Spot Meter to measure specific area to measure the light exactly.

Step 3-
Over Expose your film- Try the Ansel Adams method of shooting for the shadows and developing for the highlights. What this means is that you would slightly over expose your film by 1  to 2 stops. Set your ASA 1 to 2 stops lower than film is rated.


Step 4-
Shoot five shots for each lighting scenario. Shoot two shots with the exact grey card set-up: shoot one with the grey card in the photo, and one without. Then “bracket” your photo, two times over exposed and two times under exposure. For example, if your camera is set at is f8 and 1/125 for a perfect exposure, to bracket that, change your aperture to f5.6 shoot and then f4, then the two up for f11 and f16. Or you could have a similar result with the shutter if you do not want to affect your depth of field.

Step 5-
Develop your negatives. Under develop your film 1 or 2 stops (minutes) if you over exposed when shooting.

Step 6-
Print 1 perfect contact sheet and 1 perfect 8 x 10 print.

Contact Sheet-  5 marks each Total 25
Shows evidence of bracketing your exposure- 5 variations for each scenarios
Technically good quality negatives
Technically good quality prints (10 zones)
Thoughtful, eye catching compositions
Creative treatment of topic and variations

Zone Scale
0 Pure black
I Near black, with slight tonality but no texture
II Textured black; the darkest part of the image in which slight detail is recorded
III Average dark materials and low values showing adequate texture
IV Average dark foliage, dark stone, or landscape shadows
V Middle gray: clear north sky; dark skin, average weathered wood
VI Average Caucasian skin; light stone; shadows on snow in sunlit landscapes
VII Very light skin; shadows in snow with acute side lighting
VIII Lightest tone with texture: textured snow
IX Slight tone without texture; glaring snow

Photo 10 HDR

High-dynamic-range imaging (HDRI or just HDR) is a set of techniques that allow a greater dynamic range of luminance between the lightest and darkest areas of an image. This wide dynamic range allows HDR images to more accurately represent the range of intensity levels found in real scenes, ranging from direct sunlight to faint starlight. The two main sources of HDR imagery are computer renderings and merging of multiple photographs,

HDR Intro
Photoshop CS3 HDR Tutorial
HDR tutorial part 1

HDR tutorial page2

The HDR assignment:

1. Watch a few tutorials (you can find your own too).
2. Find some examples of cool HDR images for your blog.
3. Then take several sets (3 or more) of images of one topic with different exposures. Try three or more different compositions.
4. Download images, 
5. Post a contact sheet to your blog.
6. Merge 3+ images into one HDR photo using Photomatix and Photoshop.
7. Upload 3 or more of your HDR image to your blog.

  

9 Natural Light [Self] Portraits- BW Film

Take a series of photographs of yourself in natural light. Consider the background; it is as significant as the subject. Compose three different scenes considering backgrounds to reflect something about you. Take five photos in each scene. Also consider the expressions, costumes, props and light. 

Have a partner take the photos of you. Direct them how you want it to look. Be specific with your vision and instructions- for example. Format- hold the camera portrait (vertical) or horizontal (landscape). Distance- close up, head and shoulders, full frame. Angle- from below, from the hip, from above, birds eye view...

Photo by Danielle Campani

1. Look around for different backgrounds to represent something about you.
2. Load BW film into your camera.
3. Go outside with your camera and a partner. 
4. Look for good light available/natural. 
5. Take a series of self-portraits with at least 3 different backgrounds.
6. Try 5 or more different shots per background- try different angles, lighting, expressions ... The more pictures you take, the better chance for successful compositions. Have a selection of expressions and creative options to choose from.
7. Ask a partner to be on camera. Be as clear as possible with your idea so that you can clearly communicate to your photographer. 
8. Finish your roll of film share 1/2 of the roll with your partner.
9. Develop your film.
10. Make a contact sheet.
11. Print your best image 5 x 7 three times using three different filters. 

9s The Camera

Today we are going to learn about the camera

Cameras and Parts of the Camera
Identify the terms below and explain what they do

1. SLR
2. TLR
3. Lens
4. Shutter 
5. Shutter speed control
6. Aperture 
7. ASA/ISO/Film Speed
8. ASA/ISO Dial
9. Shutter release button
10. Rewind Knob

9 Pin Hole Camera

Pin Hole Camera Research (see links below)
Define what a pinhole camera is and how it works.
Then find examples of pinhole camera photos
Find examples of pinhole cameras and post to your blog/journal.

The Pin Hole Camera Assignment:

You are to use a basic box as a camera; it must be completely light tight except for the pin hole opening that should be covered by some black tape.

Try to take photos with your box by loading the photo paper in the darkroom and going outside to take your photos. Make sure you keep track of the time and lighting conditions hold steady with each exposure (a tripod can be handy).

Pin Hole Camera Criteria:

1. Clear Subject- image is in focus, good exposure, subject is easy to identify.
2. Positive of your pinhole photo. Use the enlarger to invert the darks to light and visa versa.
3. Scan your best print and post it to your blog. Then write a short reflection about your project.

Bonus Marks:

1. Double Exposure- Expose your photo paper 2 times. You image should still be clear and easy to see.
2. Movement- Make sure you can identify your image. The movement should be very slow.
3. Label all of your experiments and hand in.

Pin Hole Camera links.

• Making a Pinhole Camera from a juice box!
• Vancouver Alternative Photographer Christopher Evans
• Pin Hole Camera Gallery
• Silver and Light
• How to make a pinhole camera

See Reflection Questions.

Pin Hole Reflection

1. Organize your pin hole camera photos. Include all of your experiments and one positive of your best image and put them in a sleeve. Indicate which one is your best. Hand in prints include your name and others in your group.
2. Scan your best pin hole photo and post it to your blog.
3. Evaluate your best photo that you scanned and posted- why it is your best? what went right? What was your exposure time and lighting conditions, subject and did you incorporate any techniques?
4. Review the images that you struggled with. Look at your photos and analyze and write a short review of what went wrong and what you could have changed to make this a more successful. Successes and struggles. If you are happy with your results, just write about why you are happy with the results.

Shutter/Aperture Self-Assessment

1. How is your composition? Which principles of composition are in your shot?
2. How is your background? Any “add ons”?
3. Did you use shutter speed and/or aperture intentionally in your work?
4. Did you achieve the results you were going for?

Post your best photo and your Self Assessment to your Blog please!

ALSO.... Please add an "exit slip"

What has been the most interesting or exciting thing that you have learned so far?

Anything still stumping you?

What do you want to learn about next?

Thank you!

How to create a contact sheet

Here is a quick step-by-step method to create a contact sheet using Adobe Photoshop.
https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/how-to/create-contact-sheets.html
[Borrowed from Adobe]

Step 1 of 8:

Put all of the images you want on the contact sheet in one folder on your computer.

Step 2 of 8:

In Photoshop, go to -Automate - Contact Sheet II.

Step 3 of 8:

In the Source Images section of the Contact Sheet II dialog box, choose the folder that contains your images.

Step 4 of 8:

Under Document, set the Units, Width/Height, Resolution, and Mode (color mode) for the contact sheet.

Step 5 of 8:

If desired, select the Flatten All Layers option.

Step 6 of 8:

Under Thumbnails, decide how you want your images arranged on the page.

Step 7 of 8:

Select the Use Filename as Caption option to label each image based on its file name.

Step 8 of 8:

Click OK and Photoshop will create your contact sheet. You can save or print it from the File menu.

Save as File Type: JPEG
Voila!

10 Breaking the Rules: Horizon Lines

Horizon Lines

Generally horizon lines are in the upper or lower 1/3 in a photograph. Depending on if the sky or ground is most interesting. You are to consider the horizon rule and "play' with it. Try some photos where you follow the rule and then experiment with your horizon line and "break" the rule. Tilt the frame, make the line way up or way low, obscure the line. play with camera placement and angles.
Horizon Line
Line Assignment:

• Take 10-15 images exploring horizon lines, 
• Then download the images, 
• Select your top 2 photos and save them to the share folder.
• Paste your best image to your blog, 
• Write out a reflection: identify the subject and explain how the horizon lines effect it.
• Collect all of your images (up to 30 max) in a contact sheet,
• Save your contact sheet as a jpg and post to your blog.

Composition: Framing

Framing is  ‘a photographic technique used to bring focus to a subject’. Framing immediately brings attention to your subject. Whether it be a very literal frame (that went through a popular “prop” phase), environmental, or structural framing, framing with light or lack of light, they all work well to bring the viewer’s eye to your subject.

Architectural elements are probably the most obvious way to frame a subject:  doorways, window frames, archways, framed mirrors.

Environmental shapes. Photographing through trees, grasses, flowers, or bushes can often bring more attention to your subject by creating a blurred foreground. The eye tends to go toward the in focus areas of the images first.

Looking for the light. Using the available light or lack of to frame your subject is also effective. It is a more subtle approach to framing, in my opinion, but it is a beautiful way to highlight not only your subject, but gorgeous light.

Just about any opening or shape can be used to frame your subject. If it forms a defined area, use it to frame your subject.

Steps:

1. Take 15-30 images using shapes to frame and emphasize or surround the main subject, 
2. Then download the images, 
3. Select your top 2 photos and save them to the share folder.
4. Post your best image to your blog, 
5. Title your post using the emphasis technique- Framing with Shapes.
6. Write out a reflection: identify the subject and explain how the technique emphasizes it.
7. Collect all of your images (up to 40 max) in a contact sheet,
8. Save your contact sheet as a jpg and post to your blog.

** Next try Rule of Thirds and repeat the steps, after that focus on Repetition and finally Contrast.

My Community

Write a short paragraph or in point form about this image:

• Why did you capture this part of your community? 
• How is this significant to you? 
• Where is this?

9 Camera Modes Identification

Finally! We are going to learn about real cameras... You must do the Camera Mode Identification questions before you start shooting with a DSLR. Identify the name of each of the camera modes below AND explain their functions in your own words:

Here's a link to help you find answers:
Camera Modes
Digital Photography
Understanding White Balance

When you are finished camera modes, do this assignment too:
Camera Care

10 Advanced Camera Modes

 Identify what the back of this camera is telling you:

Identify Camera Settings for Questions 1-5

Identify the settings from the prompts below that correspond to  the Canon camera back (see image). What is that setting? How it will it control the image?:

1. Setting/Mode
2. Shutter Speed
3. Aperture

4. ISO
5. White Balance



Define and explain how it is relevant to Photography

#6

(if necessary).

6. Identify the symbol-title and function.
7. DSLR
8. Aperture Priority
9. ASA/ISO
10. Bracketing
11. Histogram
12. Camera RAW
13. Single Servo AF
14. Continuous Servo AF Focus
15. Stopping Down


Canon Manual, go to page 20
Quick Control Menu
8 Things Your DSLR Can Do
Understanding White Balance

9 Camera Care

Visit a Camera Care Web Site:

https://www.lifewire.com/digital-camera-maintenance-tips-493796

Make helpful some notes about camera care:

1. What should you avoid to protect your camera?
2. What do you use to clean your camera lens, what not to use (too much)?
3. How do you store your camera, what do you do with your batteries when you aren't using your camera?
4. Preventative maintenance tip...

Setting Up Your Class Blog

Starting Your Photography Blog

We are going to create a class blog together using Google Blogger so you can post your Computer Arts progress there. Here is the address:

login:  lfasphoto910.1@gmail.com

password: lfas1234

• Open Google using Firefox or Google Chrome- DON'T USE Internet Explorer.
• Sign-in using the email address- lfasphoto910.1@gmail.com and password- lfas1234.
• Click on the ap icon at the top right of your page. See icon; 
  
• Start a new blog with a title- your blog title should have your name somewhere in it. 
• The address has to be something completely original- no one else in the world has it. 
• Then select Theme > Customize to personalize it with colours, fonts, backgrounds. 
• Make sure to keep it private/restrict access.  Settings> Basic> Permissions
• As we create new work, we will personalize it even more with a profile photo etc. 

Next:

• Start your first post. Write a short paragraph about the photo you are proud of. Make sure to title your post!!! 
• Post the photo that you emailed to me.
• Also create a second post called TED talks: David Griffen. Post an image from his talk that resonated with you and tell me why it stuck to you.
• Then are going to start making a name banner for your blog using Adobe Photoshop. 

• Here is a Blogger tutorial for more help:

Blogger help