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. 

Celebrating Black Photographers

WHY?
  • ​As students of photography, it is always helpful to draw inspiration from Professionals. This project will introduce you to a variety of Photographers.
  • We will use this project to celebrate black photographers and educate our greater BCS community.
  • The Documentary you will each watch informs the "Family Album" (part 2) project that will go on your new website
WhAT?
  • 3 Printed Posters with Photograph/s OF BLACK AMAERICANS by Black Photographers. As well INFORMATION ABOUT the photographer.
    • When you hang your print you will take a picture of the location and turn that in.
    • ​You will hang these posters around BCS, could be in classrooms, hallways, with senate's potty talk....
  • Photos to add to your "Family Album"
    • 5 or more photos from your past.
      • These can either be original photos or photos you take of physical pictures laid out and arranged.
    • 5 or more photos you take of your family specifically for this project.
How?
  • IN Class, WATCH THE short films and youtube videos
    • ​Follow the TEAMS Assignment BEfore Watching. THERE ARE questions to fill out.
  • After Watching, Choose A Black Photographer to research for your poster that will be hung around BCS. See Examples Below.
    • This could be a photographer mentioned in the clips, a Black photographer locally, or a black photographer you follow or know of on instagram.
      • ​USE the assignment in teams for more details and a template. 
  • Over the weekend, begin taking and gathering photos for your family album (think of the conversation in the movie about the significance of the family album and the story it tells)
    • See Examples below 
WhEN?
  • FRiday FEB. 12th Posters hung around BCS
    • ​You will turn in the "evidence" of this by taking pictures of where you hang the photos
  • FRIDAY FEB. 26th PHOTOS GATHERED/TAKEN FOR YOUR ALBUM 
    • ​​These will go on your Website and will be used to learn how to create a gallery on your page. 
EXAMPLES of celebration poster
(choose your own photographer, but we will keep the same format.)
MY Family Album
(your webpage will reflect you, but this is the general idea)

I am From...

Why?
  • An opportunity to get to know each other and our cultural identities 
  • a chance to practice portrait photography
  • A Place to explore identity and the factors that contribute to how we see ourselves as well as how others see us. 
  • A step towards empathy and understanding of others and how their lived EXPERIENCES shape the ways the interact with the world as well as the way the world treats them. 
WhAT?
  • 1-3 Photographs (edited and Printed)
  • 1 "I am from" Poem to accompany the photo
    • These will be hung on the E Building
HOW?
  • Thinking about our conversation in class on Cultural Identity,  use the Template Below and fill out your own "i am from" poem
  • WE will share our poems in class
    • WE will follow up this time of sharing with CONVERSATIONS about our deeper identities
    • This deeper conversation in conjunction with our poem will guide us to how we can visually portray ourselves and our cultures through photography
  • The same group will work to discuss the portrait that is taken as a representation of this poem
  • You will upload both
    • Your Portrait (Choose one to three)
    • 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


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 or
      • 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.
  • 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: IN Class Jan. 27- Feb 10
Shell Site Due Feb 10th
Ongoing revision and photo additions will continue throughout the semester. Students are expected to put all projects on their site and keep it up to date.
LOGISTICS: 
​​You can choose the site platform of your choice. Weebly is very user friendly, but if you are more comfortable with a different platform that is the best place to start.

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

Look at websites from previous students by clicking here. They are a great resources to see how sites can be set up and managed. 

PAST  PHoto ASSIGNMENTS 

Spring 2020

FALL 2019