PErsonal Project

Why?
  • It is important to find ways to translate the skills you have for things other than just completing an assignment. 
  • IT is an opportunity to explore something that you are personal interested in/drawn to.
WhAT?
  • Project parameters and "product" will be determined by you.
  • Some ideas: Set up a "photo display" in a coffee shop, provide photos for friends and family, explore an emotion and create a display, work with a BCS staff to get photos they need for the school, contact a non-profit and offer photo services, recreate childhood photos, explore a certain type of photography, use a film camera, make a pinhole camera, do a daily photo challenge.....
    • Any idea is worth exploring! Come up with lots of ideas and then plan them out to see if they are feasible.  
 HOW?
  • MONDAY JAN. 6th
    • By the end of class, turn in a printed document with the below information included.
  1. Your Name :)
  2. 3 possible ideas you have for a project you might want to explore for the remainder of the semester.
    1. Even if you have a top choice, you still need 3 ideas
  3. Details you need for each idea
    1. How will you complete this project?
    2. What will your "measurable" project be at the end?
    3. Who would you work with or need help from to complete this project?
    4. Why are you drawn to this idea?
    5. Example pictures or ideas that inspired you
  4. See my example below
    1. Remember PRINT and turn in at the end of class

https://www.wacom.com/en-cn/getting-started/one-by-wacom

PHOTOShop 

Why?
  • To learn a few new settings in your camera
  • To explore new ways of composing a photo.
  • To check out a new location with lots of POSSIBILITIES for unique photos.
WhAT?
  • 1 photoshop Composite Project
    • must include at least 3 SEPARATE photos
    • Selections must be DONE accurately 
    • Overall Editing and lighting work together seamlessly. 

Long Shutter (it isn't just for NIGHTTIME!)

Why?
  • To learn a few new settings in your camera
  • To explore new ways of composing a photo.
  • To check out a new location with lots of POSSIBILITIES for unique photos.
WhAT?
  • 5 free choice photos of the library
  • 5 long shutter photos 
    • It should be 5 that all work, AKA something is in focus and something is in motion. 
 HOW?
  • Using Shutter Priority on your camera and a tripod (S on the mode wheel)
    • The key is that something in the photo should clearly be in focus and something clearly in motion.
  • Shutter speed will be anywhere from 1/80 to 5 secs
  • Try adding the circular polarizing filter to your lens to get longer exposures (in the side pouch)
  • Set up your shot by focusing on something that is not moving (the building, shelves...). When the tripod is steady, snap your shot.
    • You can use your timer to ensure an even clearer focus.

I am From...

Why?
  • An opportunity to get to know each other 
  • a chance to practice portrait photography
WhAT?
  • 1 Photography (edited and Printed)
  • 1 "I am from" Poem to accompany the photo
    • These will be hung on the E Building
HOW?
  • Using the Template Below, each student will fill out and print an "i am from" poem
  • Groups of 3 will share their poems
  • The same group will work together to take photos of each other
  • You will upload both
    • Portraits OF your Partners
      • ​With a Caption about each of them
    • Your Portrait (Choose one or both)
      • With Your "I Am From" Poem
Adapted from George Ella Lyons Poem "where I am From" And Hope and Healing in Urban Education By SHawn GinWright

What's your Perspective?

Why?
  • Better Compositions
How?
  • Watch the Below video
WHEN?
  • ​OCT 2ND DURING CLASS TAKE YOUR 5 PHOTOS
    • TAKE YOUR CARD OUT AND WRAP IT IN A POST-IT 
  • OCT 7th During class Upload and Edit 
    • 15 on your process tab
    • 1-3 Edited on your final page
      • Caption should talk about the importance of perspective
What?
  • Around the BCS Campus shoot the below images
    • NONE of your pictures can be from eye level!
  • 5 pictures from Birds Eye View
  • 5 pictures from worms eye view
  • 5 pictures from unique angles

Choose your own Adventure

Why?
  • So you can continue to learn more about 
    • Aperture
    • Shutter Speed
    • Compression
  • So you can see how the affect different subject matters, like moving water and compression that works over a distance of a mile.
WHAT?
  • 5 images showing aperture changes
  • 5 images showing shutter speed changes
  • 5 images showing compression changes
  • Upload them (and Wednesday's photos) to your process pages During class Monday
    • Edit if you think it will help
How?
  • Using the same concept as Wednesday's class take 3 sets of 5 photos
    • This time you choose the subject matter but look at the below suggestions and examples.
      • Aperture Priority is great with close up nature
      • Shutter Priority could be a person moving, or throwing something in the water or animals moving
      • Compression is best when there is a long distance, like across the lake. Remember it makes objects far away look close.
  • Do the 3 steps below and upload them along with your pictures from Wednesday to your process page during class on Monday
    • Aperture:
      • Set your camera to aperture Priority
      • Step back and zoom all the way in with short or long lens
      • Take 5 pictures from the same angle changing the aperture
        • F4 (or lower), f5.6, F11, F16, F22
    • Shutter Speed
      • Set your camera to shutter priority
      • Set your camera on A table or the ground so it is stable
        • put the lens cap under the lens to prop it up
      • Take 5 pictures of something in motion, all at different speeds
        • 1/1000, 1/250, 1/50, 1/8, 1/2
    • Compression
      • Find a spot where you can back up at least 20 feet
      • Set your camera to aperture priority 
        • set your f stop to f4
      • have a partner pose near the lake, or use an object (trashcan, picnic table....) that you can keep the same size in each picture
      • Move back and zoom to take 4 additional pictures with the same COMPOSITION for each
      • The person/object stays in the same place! Photographer Moves
      • Zoom lengths 18mm, 50MM (long lens) 100MM, 200MM, 300MM 
Picture
Aperture priority (f stop) affects how much of the composition is in focus. The lower the f stop # the less things in focus. Each f-stop changes the composition even though it is 5 pictures of the same object/thing/person.
Picture
This is how compression works. Notice the composition and even the pose and gaze stay the same. But the background "compresses" and you can see less the further back you stand and zoom in. BE consistent, move back and forth until you get it correct.
Picture
Shutter speed affects motion. Fast shutters freeze motion, slow shutters allow for motion blur. Note: motion blur is different from blurry, your camera at slower speed needs to be stationary to avoid missing your focus.

a ruler, a water Bottle & an arm

Why?
  • So you can learn more about 
    • Aperture
    • Shutter Speed
    • Compression
WHAT?
  • 5 images showing aperture changes
  • 5 images showing shutter speed changes
  • 5 images showing compression changes
How?
  • Follow along with in-class Demonstration on camera setting and changing the lens
  • Do the 3 steps below before the end of class and upload them to your process page
    • Aperture:
      • Find a table and set a ruler down
      • Set your camera to aperture Priority
      • Step back and zoom all the way in with your short lens
      • Take 5 pictures from the same angle changing the aperture
        • F4 (or lower), f5.6, F11, F16, F22
    • Shutter Speed
      • Find or spot on the floor where you can roll a water bottle
      • Set your camera to shutter priority
      • Set your camera on the table or floor so it is stable
        • put the lens cap under the lens to prop it up
      • Take 5 pictures of the bottle rolling across the table
        • 1/1000, 1/250, 1/50, 1/8, 1/2
    • Compression
      • Find a spot where you can back up at least 20 feet
      • Set your camera to aperture priority 
        • set your f stop to f4
      • have your partner hold their arm out in front of them at eye level. Starting with your short lens zoomed all the way out take a picture where their finger looks like it is almost touching the lens.
      • Move back and zoom to take 4 additional pictures with the same COMPOSITION for each, fingers almost touching the lens
      • The person stays in the same place! Photographer Moves
      • Zoom lengths 18mm, 50MM (long lens) 100MM, 200MM, 300MM 

Ed, Edd n edit

Why?
  • So you know how to use lightroom
    • By the way, it's complicated, that's ok. Do your best and start navigating the POSSIBILITIES.
    • yes it is easier to use your phone filters, don't! Challenge yourself to learn something new.
    • Not all edits make a photo better, keep navigating until your edit does. sometimes an ok photo can become a great photo with a few edits
WHat?​
  • CHOSE 1 PHOTO FROM RETREAT
    • EDIT THAT PHOTO 3-5 DIFFERENT WAYS
      • CROP, COLOR, REMOVE...
      • DIFFERENCES COULD BE SLIGHT OR DRASTIC
  • UPLOAD THE 3-5  + THE ORIGINAL PHOTO TO YOUR PROCESS PAGE
  • UPLOAD THE BEST EDIT TO YOUR FINAL PHOTOS PAGE
  • 20 PTS (10 PTS FOR EDITS, 10 FOR FINAL)
WHen?
  • By the BEGINNING of class
    • Wed. Sept 18th
How?
  • Edit your photo using lightroom (Be sure to save the original) 
    • the below videos and websites are great resources
    • Remember to choose an option that best suits your learning style
      • watch videos, follow a step by step, ask a friend, search the web, just dive in and try it out
    • We will do more in-depth tutorials as the semester PROGRESSES, this is just an introduction


walk a mile in my shoes

Why?
  • A way to begin our exploration of composition and light
  • An opportunity to continue knowing each other better by considering what it really means to walk a mile in someone's shoes.
WHAT?
  • 10-20 unique COMPOSITIONS of your shoes
    • Find a variety of locations & poses.
      • grass, concrete, sky, brick...
      • Shoes off, walking, feet up... 
  • 3-4 different types of light
    • you could have the same COMPOSITION but different light
      • direct sun, shade, fun shadows or ARTIFICIAL light/flash.....
  • 20 pts: 10-20 process pictures
    • Clear variety in the location and light type
  • 50 PTS: 3-5 best photos
    • Edited/ cropped if necessary
    • IN FOCUS AND COMPOSED WELL
    • A description for each
      • share something about your personal "journey"
WHen?
  • upload 10-20 photos to your Process page by SEPT. 9th
  • edit and upload the 3-5 "best" photos to your site by Sept. 11th
    • ​Be sure to include a description on each one that talks about "your journey" in some way.
    • It can relate specifically to the picture or more generally to something about you that you would like to share.
How?
  • Use a DSLR camera in one or multiple "auto modes" to capture 10-20 pictures of your shoes. (green camera, lady in hat, mountain, flower....)
    • use manual modes if you feel comfortable (M,A,S,P)
Examples:

When i got this tattoo i was very intentional to put it in a place i would see every day. it reminds me that god is holding all the parts of my life together. an especially helpful reminder on the days i feel like i'm failing.
in the last year i have struggled with anxiety and more recently anxiety attacks, so i have started reminding myself, "one step at a time." this helps me keep things in perspective.
i love these shoes because 1. i love purple and being unique and 2. they are from a female owned company in ethiopia that empowers other women with jobs! check out them out:
Sole Rebels


Create Your own Website

Why?
  • The WEEBLY site lets you to show off your design AESTHETIC  without coding or intense tutorials
  • your personal website will allow you to display your photos for both critique and grading
  • It is something you can edit, revise, and redesign throughout the semester as you learn more 
  • Students hoping to go into a creative profession can begin amassing PORTFOLIO materials 
  • finally, The world around us is digital, understanding websites and their POSSIBILITIES can help us be better and more informed users. 
WHAT?
The below items must be included in your personal website. ADDITIONAL items or deviation should be discussed with mrs. fiechtner. Anything is an option once you have a base site. 
  • 10 pts: SITE NAME, Unique (and appropriate) 
  • 20 Pts: About page
    • Your First name only. No personal emails, numbers or social media! (we will talk about why in class)
    • A write up or INFOGRAPHIC about you, your interests, favorite quote/book/food, a fun fact, place you want to visit, idea you have. 
      • Must include one or all of your deep hopes
    • your Self Portrait from the first photo assignment
  • 20 pts: Photo PORTFOLIO page
    • a "stand in" gallery in this area to show how you will display photos you will take and turn in each week
      • You can use your own pictures or
      • Properly credited images from the internet as temporary place holders
    • Every photo will include 
      • a DESCRIPTION section
      • a personal reflection 
  • 10 PTS: PROCESS PAGE
    • ​A page to drop your 10-20 process photos
      • you will choose your final photo from this batch.
  • 10 pts: Inspiration page
    • This will be all things photography. sites you like, photo ideas you want to try, tutorials you like, inspiring projects...
      • be sure you always give proper credit and when appropriate link to the original site
  • 30 Pts: Overall Design
    • ​Fonts are cohesive and APPROPRIATELY sized
    • Colors work together and enhance the design
    • Layouts are logical and user friendly
    • overall design shows intentional selection, revision, adjustment, and attention to detail
NOTE:
I believe in the power of choice, as well as, students advocating for their best learning experience. I also BELIEVE in a safe and CONDUCIVE LEARNING environment. I WILL GIVE YOU THE FREEDOM TO EXPLORE THESE DIFFERENT learning OPTIONS AS YOU SEE FIT. THIS FREEDOM REMAINS AS LONG AS YOU ARE USING YOUR CLASS TIME WISELY, I CAN SEE YOU MAKING PROGRESS TOWARD THE PROJECT REQUIREMENTS, and you are not disrupting the class environment. Choose the option that leads to your best work and be willing to adjust and relearn as you go. 
How? 
WHEN?
Learning, building, revising: MONDAY CLASSES ONLY SEPT 9th, 16th, 23rd
DUE: SEPT 30th
LOGISTICS: 
​​every student has a unique login 
  1. once you RECEIVE your login 
  2. Go to students.weebly.com
  3. LOGIN. most user names are first INITIAL last name. Ex: mfiechtner 
    1. some may include numbers
    2. See Mrs. Fiechtner if you forget your login information.
    3. You can change your password after the INITIAL  login 
  4. You are ready to Begin Designing 
Every site is tied directly to this site. At the end of the semester students will have the option to sign in using their email so they can maintain their site. it must be connected to the class site for the semester.

Mrs. Fiechtner has access to all sites and if necessary will remove content or shut down a student site completely with no opportunity to retrieve points lost. 

Remember these sites are published for your classmates and parents to see. Create something you are proud to  have seen.

self PORTRAIT

NOTE: self portrait is a loose term for this project. your photo could be of you or of things that represent you. it could be a reflection in a window or a metaphorical reflection of you. most importantly, the photo, when shared with the class, should allow us to learn something about you.
WHY?
  • you will begin and end the semester with this assignment, which is a fun way to see how you have grown both physically/emotionally and as a photographer
  • IT gives us a chance to learn something about you
  • It provides a baseline for me to see where you are in your photo skills
HOW?
  • this is not a selfie!!!!
  • Use your phone or personal camera
  • use a tripod
  • ask someone for help
  • take many angles and different kinds of shots so you have a variety to choose from. BE INTENTIONAL!!
WHAT?
  • 10 pts: At Least 10 photos that fulfill the assignment
    • You will always be expected to take multiple photos
  • 40 PTS: Final photo
    • ​Must be a photo you took for this assignment
      • ​the metadata on photos show time 
  • 20 pts: Critique
    • ​Shared about your photo 
    • actively listened when others shared
WHEN?
Due Sept. 4th
Logistics:
This assignment needs to be taken on your own time. most weeks we will be off campus for friday's class, because it is the first week we have a few things we have to cover during class instead. please plan according.