PART 2 & 3: Shutter Speed & ISO

Why?
  • Because Light is the key to all photos, knowing how to control the light that enters the camera is the start of photography. And this is done by adjusting the three components of the exposure triangle.​
Before moving on, review the things below to better understand exposure triangle, Shutter Speed & ISO.
What?
  • A series of photos with the same COMPOSITION, shot at stepping Shutter SpeedS. (1/4000, 1/1000, 1/500....1 sec) 
    • See the example below
    • Try to find a space where you can move the same object. 
      • !You HAVE TO USE A TRIPOD!
  • A SERIES OF PHOTOS WITH THE SAME COMPOSITION, SHOT AT STEPPING ISO (100, 200, 400....3600) 
    • SEE THE EXAMPLE BELOW
    • TRY TO FIND A SPACE WHERE there is "medium" amounts of light (not outside, not in a dark room). 
      • !YOU HAVE TO USE A TRIPOD!
How? SS
  • Set up your Camera
    • ISO set to 100
    • Camera mode set to Shutter Priority (s or TV)
  • Set up your shot
    • Find a good place to show movement
      • Spin a coin, have a friend jump....
    • Set up your tripod
  • Start taking pictures
    • 1/4000 stepping down to slower each time. 
    • Stop at 1 sec
    • You must use the tripod! The shutter speed Will be very sloW
How? ISO
  • Set up your Camera
    • APERTURE Priority (A)
    • Set to f 5.6 or lower
  • Set up your shot
    • Find a good place with medium light
    • Set up your tripod
  • Start taking pictures
    • ISO 100 stepping up to Higher each time. 
    • Stop at 3200
    • You must use the tripod! The shutter speed Will be very sloW
.A helpful tip is to shoot in live view, but be sure you have full battery as it sucks a lot of power. This is a helpful way to set up the shot. You can also look through the view finder. LV Button on the back of the camera.

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.

It's more than ZOOM, It's COMPRESSION!

Why?
  • Because we are transitioning from camera settings into COMPOSITION studies.
    • Compression is one way to alter the composition of a photo
HOW?
Watch the short video below for a simple EXPLANATION of compression and see the example photos that show the movement of the photographer and the results of each focal length on the overall composition. 
What?
  • 3 series of 5 photos each with the same COMPOSITION, shot at stepping Focal Lengths.
    • 18 mm, 35 mm, switch to long lens, 70 mm, 135 mm, 300 mm
      • See the example Above
      • Try to find a space where you can move BACK AT LEAST 20 feet
  • Shoot in APERTURE Priority, between 4 and 13 f stop
  • ISO should be 100-400 if you are outside

PORTRAITS + EDITING + NARRATIVES!

Why?
  • Because we are transitioning from camera settings into COMPOSITION studies.
  • We are making the best of only being able to take photos at BCS
  • We are ready to start practicing editing using lightroom and photoshop
What?
  • Personal NARRATIVE written in poem, verse, or story
  • 1 high quality Portrait of you (THESE WILL BE TAKEN DURING CLASS WORKING TOGETHER TO SET UP LIGHTING AND BACKDROPS) 
    • It should include a colored background as well as text related to you personal NARRATIVE that interacts with the photo, similar to the video above. (We will go over the editing process in class for changing the background color and adding text)
  • These will be printed and hung in the commons.
HOW?
Watch the short video below to better UNDERSTAND the portrait + Personal NARRATIVE. Also review the examples and tutorials for how to edit photos and add text.
Below Template Used with Permission by taylor Eble

PHoto Transfers

Why?
  • Because it's Christmas and everyone loves a homemade gift!
What?
  • A photo wood transfer.
    • This can be on a cube, ornament, succulent pot, Candle....
Picture
Click this photo for a great written tutorial with pictures from HomeTalk
Picture
You can also print graphics like the one above. Click this link to see B&W transfers.
Picture
This is a similar method but uses packing tape. Click the photo for instructions.
Picture
This is the same method as the wood but uses canvas. Click the photo for a great tutorial!
How?
  • To set up the photos for printing, which includes the correct size and how to flip the image, Watch the video to the right.
  • For the transfer method, click any of the above photos for great tutorials. We will also do this step together in class. Finally, you can look for "Photo modge podge transfer" if you need more info. There are lots of videos and tutorials

Lights!

Why?
  • There are so many light displays and lights in our homes during this season!
What?
  • A photo that captures light in a unique way. 
  • You should try multiple ways of taking your pictures!
  • See The different examples below AND do your own research!
Picture
Click this photo fora description on how to take a photo like this.
Picture
Click this photo for an in-depth tutorial.
Picture
This is the same method but you put a heart cut out on your camera.
How?
  • All of the photos above link to a tutorial.
  • You can also search "How to do Bokeh with Christmas Lights."
WHEN?
  • ON your website by the BEGINNING of class Wednesday Dec 16th!

Reflection!

Why?
  • Because reflection is often part of starting a new year, of course that is more symbolic reflection, but it could play a part in what you choose to capture in your photos.
    • Maybe there is something you learned in 2020 that you want to capture in your photos
  • It is the rainy season, which typically means shooting outside is less than ideal, But puddle reflections are a great way to make lemonade out of lemons.
HOW?
  1. As with all photos, first identify what you want to photograph. See the examples I included below and do some research on your own. 
  2. Find your reflective surface. A puddle is the best place to start. If you have plans to be out and about, buildings with larger windows can work as well. As a last option, you could use a mirror inside or reflective items like sunglasses or spoons.
  3. Get low to the ground, maybe even having the camera on the ground.
  4. Find Camera settings that allow for the reflection and the object to be in focus. 
    1. Around f13, SS 200 or higher, Iso 800 or lower
      1. You Should try other settings as as well! But start with these and adjust
  5. Work through different COMPOSITIONS,
    1. you should have 10-20 photos total. 3-4 different set ups minimum.
A few other thoughts:
  • Look for a still puddle (aka wait until it stops raining) 
  • Get a friend to help (having people is a more COMPELLING subject)
  • Choose a variety of subjects to see how different sized objects reflect (house or car Vs. bike or person)
​Click the videos and photos below for more tips and examples.
What?
  • Reflection photos similar to the examples above. 
    • 10-20 photos on your process page
    • 1-3 photos on your final page

PART 1 in the exposure Triangle: Aperture

Why?
  • Because Light is the key to all photos, knowing how to control the light that enters the camera is the start of photography. And this is done by adjusting the three components of the exposure triangle.​
    • We will spend time in a few weeks talking about COMPOSITION, but you have to understand the camera settings first. A great composition doesn't matter if the photo is not properly exposed.
Before moving on, review the things below to better understand exposure triangle & Aperture.
What?
  • A series of photos with the same COMPOSITION, shot at stepping APERTURES. (f 3.5, f 4.0..........f 22) 
    • See the example below
    • Try to find a space that has "distance" aka a hallway or down a book shelf....
    • Be sure to follow the step by step instructions, or watch the video.
How?
  • Set up your Camera
    • ISO set to 100
    • Camera mode set to Aperture priority (A or AV)
  • Set up your shot
    • Find a good COMPOSITION, something similar to above
    • Set up your tripod
  • Start taking pictures
    • F 3.5 or F 5 depending on your zoom
    • Adjust the aperture up one stop each picture
    • You must use the tripod! The shutter speed might be very sloW
The tripod clips in. the black lever will click when your camera is secure. Make sure your camera is clipped in before shooting! Tighten all the part of the tripod as well.
A helpful tip is to shoot in live view, but be sure you have full battery as it sucks a lot of power. This is a helpful way to set up the shot. You can also look through the view finder. 

Memory Project
​

WHY?
  • An opportunity to support a great organization
  • A chance to learn more about another culture!
  • Space to better understand the life experience of others
  • An opportunity to bring joy to another person.
WHAT?
  • A digital portrait of the child/teen you are matched
  • A picture of yourself with a note to the recipient of the portrait
HOW?
  • Follow along in class with instructions for photoshop and illustrator. You can rewatch the recording of class if needed.
  • Find tutorials online
  • Chat with Ms. Fiechtner on teams and do a screen share if you are working from home

Color, it's important

WHY?
  • ​To see how simple changes drastically effect the overall look and feel of a design​
When?
  • Oct 14th,  ​Upload by the end of class
What?
  • Change the color, image, or words on 4-6 Famous logos
    • See Examples 
How?
  • Using illustrator
    • Copy the logo into Illustrator
    • Image trace
    • Expand
    • Change the colors or words
  • Export and Upload the results to your personal site

Character Illustrating

WHY?
When?
  • TUTORIALS DUE DEC 6th
    • Make sure you do all of them and save the files you created.
  • Fully Designed/Colored Character DUE DEC 15th
What?
  • a unique Illustrated character
    • doesn't have to be human but should have human qualities
    • Consider the "vibe" of your character and do some research on different styles
    • Maybe give your character a back story or a side kick or maybe it's based on you/ 
    • Have Fun showing off your creativity!
    • Check out the awesome unique character examples below 
How?

STEP 1: Follow each of the below tutorials and save the corresponding files. Click title for the videoSTEP 2: Using your brown journal (in the cabinets) sketch out your character ideas. You need to show at least 3 variations of sketching before BEGINNING in Illustrator. 
  • Once you complete your sketch you can put it on the tablet and sketch over it OR Take a picture and place it in the background to build your character over
STEP 3: Using Illustrator, add color, texture, shadows, background, etc...

Principles of Design CONTINUED

Why?
  • ​Because you need to understand the principles and elements of design, Even better. They are the foundation of everything you do in design.
  • It is a good way to begin exploring Illustrator
HOW?
  • Using the Illustrator shape you made in class last week, make 4 unique compositions to represent four different Principles of design. It is very similar to what you did with the words. 
  • Look up BAsic Illustrator tutorials if you are wanting further your knowledge of the program.
  • BE SURE TO HOLD SHIFT WHEN YOU SCALE YOUR SHAPE SO IT STAYS proportional!
Picture
What?
  • 4 compositions, Each Representing a unique PRINCIPLE of Design
    • These are all in one Illustrator document
      • We set the page up with 4 "art Boards"
  • See the examples Below if you are confused
    • These Are GUIDEs, MAKE YOURS UNIQUE. SIMILARITY IS OK, BUT THERE SHOULD BE CLEAR DIFFERENCES.
  • KEEP THE SHAPE THE SAME!
    • You ​can change the color and scale, rotate the shape, add a background....
    • Do Not  Add  additional shapes
  • To get a jpeg follow the below steps
    • ​File >  Export> EXPORT FOR SCREENS
      • ​Change Format to JPEG 100
      • EXPORT TO: DESktop or One Drive
  • 20 Pt Participation Grade

Principles of Design  

Why?
​Because you need to understand the principles and elements of design
HOW?
do the below READ, WATCH AND REVIEW before starting your assignment.  BE SURE TO READ THOROUGHLY AND WATCH tHE VIDEO IN its ENTIRETY. ​
Read:
The Elements of Design are like the parts of a car: STEERING Wheel, Transmission, tires, gas, engine, seats. Every car requires these things to run. But the way these Elements are arranged or designed will vary depending on the model and make. A Project can have the elements of design: line, shape, Color... but not utilize the PRINCIPLES of design well: Balance, RHYTHM, contrast. In other words, just because the car runs doesn't mean it is AESTHETICALLY pleasing, the same is true in graphic design.  
watch:
This series is very helpful! We will watch more throughout the semester But You only have time for this one today. vIdeo from GCFLearnFree.org
REview:
Click the first image for an overview of the Design PRINCIPLES. Refer back to these as you create your document.
​Click the second image for a more in-depth description, SPECIFIC to graphic design. We will come back to this throughout the semester. If you want or need more information, take a look today.  
WHAT?
BY THE END OF CLASS YOU WILL CREATE A VISUAL REPRESENTATION OF THE PRINCIPALS OF DESIGN (See Example). FOLLOW THE STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS. 
  1. Use either Word or an Adobe product to create your document
    • If you have never used adobe stick with word, I made my example in word
    • You could also hand draw your ideas in your journal or print, cut and paste your ideas. It is about the design, not the medium you use to get there. Use what you know!
  2. using only text And/or basic shapes, represent the idea behind each PRINCIPLE using the word itself. Color is ok.
    1. In Word, play around with different fonts, use the insert shape option, change size and color, use the text box for more flexibility.
    2. The Insert and format tab will be most helpful!
    3. Use at least 5 of the 6 Principle words
      1. Balance, alignment, Proximity, Repetition, contrast, space
      2. Go back and review their meaning for graphic design!
  3. Once you have completed your document click here and follow these instructions to convert your word document to a Jpeg.
  4. Upload the jpeg to your personal website under your inspiration page
 ​
​​​20 PT Participation Grade
This is an EXAMPLE! Use it as a guide but make yours unique. Similarity is ok, but there should be clear differences.

PHoto Transfers

Why?
  • Because it's Christmas and everyone loves a homemade gift!
What?
  • A photo wood transfer.
    • This can be on a cube, ornament, succulent pot, Candle....
Picture
Click this photo for a great written tutorial with pictures from HomeTalk
Picture
You can also print graphics like the one above. Click this link to see B&W transfers.
Picture
This is a similar method but uses packing tape. Click the photo for instructions.
Picture
This is the same method as the wood but uses canvas. Click the photo for a great tutorial!
How?
  • To set up the photos for printing, which includes the correct size and how to flip the image, Watch the video to the right.
  • For the transfer method, click any of the above photos for great tutorials. We will also do this step together in class. Finally, you can look for "Photo modge podge transfer" if you need more info. There are lots of videos and tutorials