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

INCLUSION  

What?
  • ​A discussion about the rise in anti-Asian crime and discrimination. 
    • We will use this site/video to guide our discussion during class
  • An opportunity to create a visual that will hang in our classroom and remind us of the importance of inclusion.
How?
  • ​We will create visual REPRESENTATIONS to hang on our classroom walls using Photography
  • These will be images that represent inclusion. each  students will CREATIVELY think About how to visually depict this concept based on their own nderstanding
Why?
  • ​Because we live in an ever changing world and it is our RESPONSIBILITY as to listen, learn and Act so that people might know and feel the love.
  • we have to actively fight Bias and Discrimination. 
this is something BCS is COMMITTED to doing. See the document below (or click here) That was distributed to all teachers to display in our classes. 
Picture
Read more about Corky Lee, a prominent Asian American photographer


walk a mile in my shoes

Why?
  • A way to continue 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
      • ​BE SURE TO INCLUDE A DESCRIPTION ON EACH of your 3-5 best 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.
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

Ability Diversity  

What?
  • A unit to better understand the experiences of People in our immediate and global community that have physical impairments, neurological differences and mental disorders.
  • An opportunity to develop empathy and make tangible suggestions and/or provide information to help make BCS and our homes more inclusvise physical spaces.
Why?
  • ​Because we live in an ever changing world and it is our RESPONSIBILITY as christians to listen, learn and Act so that people might know and feel the love that god has promised to All.
  • we have to actively fight Bias, Discrimination, and misinformation by better educating ourselves. 
this is something BCS is COMMITTED to doing. See the document below in the inclusion unit (or click here) That was distributed to all teachers to display in our classes. 
How?
Below are several websites to help you further understand ability diversity.
Picture
This is a quick facts list about physical disabilities.
Picture
If you are interested in a deeper dive into disability laws in the US, this is an amazing documentary.
Picture
This is a cool idea for tangibly supporting teens who struggle with mental illness.
This is a great video of a BCS grandparent who uses the assistance of a seeing eye dog.
JAck.org is a great youth led organization bringing awareness to mental health.
Picture
A very informative article with video and book suggestions.

Art History Photos
​

WHY?
  • an opportunity to explore new and different ideas. Artist around the world are getting creative with this time of social isolation and with the materials they have in their homes. so we are going to do the same!
  • A unique opportunity to learn about a famous artist.
  • A chance to be creative and up our photography game.
WHAT?
HOW?
  • We will study the below as a class over teams 
    • Art History
    • Artist around the world in social isolation
    • How to "stage" of photograph
  • You will choose the a famous work of art and have it ready for Friday's class
    • We will do small group critiques to give each other suggestions 
  • You will use two class periods to complete your Photo project
  • See Below for the actions shots of getting this image of my daughter
Step 1: We started by choosing our Historic/Famous photo.  CLAUDINE À L'ESTAMPE by Marcel Dyf (1960). Then we explored our house to see if there was a location and props.
STEP 2: We started by choosing our location. My daughter's make up mirror seemed to fit the photo fairly well. Remember you are trying to get close, not exact.
STEP 3: We then got creative with the outfit, trying out different combinations to see what was closest to looking like the original.
STEP 4: we gathered all the details: flowers, cloth to drape, a photo... and Our neighbor helped my daughter get the makeup just right. DETAILS are what make these work! Take your time to notice the little things.
STEP 5: we set up the shot and started taking pictures. this one  is straight out of the camera. It helps to have extra hands, or a tripod.
STEP 6: Editing the photo. You can use free programs like Gimp (see projects below for links and tutorials on gimp) Or you can use photoshop. If shot on your phone you could also download an editing app. We knew the photo would need to be flipped so we did that first. then some edits to exposure and color helped to get it closer to the original.
STEP 7: (Optional) further editing is not NECESSARY but can be fun. We played around with the clone stamp in the background and making the picture in the mirror bigger to look more like the original. you can see in the final version, we also tried out some filters to get closer to the paint texture of the original piece.
Below is the final version of the image we created. Not Exact, but pretty close to the original.

A look back...

Why?
  • An opportunity to get to know each other 
  • A fun way to look back
WhAT?
  • 2 Photographs 
    • ChildhooD & the Recreation
HOW?
  • Work at home to set a scene and choose clothing to match the original photo.
  • Post to your website 

What's your Perspective Continued...

IF YOU ARE AN AT HOME STUDENT OR UNABLE TO ATTEND THE FIELD TRIP FOR ANY REASON SEE THE Previous assignmenT.
What?
  • AT Seattle center shoot the below images
    • 5 pictures from unique angles
      • Bird's Eye, Worm's Eye...
    • 10 pictures your choice
      • Remember to notice your surroundings. there are lots of buildings, spaces, and people.
  • Check out the example PHOTOS FROM SEATTLE CENTER THAT SHOW UNIQUE ANGLES OR IDEAS. HOPEFULLY THEY WILL INSPIRE YOU

What's your Perspective?

Why?
  • Better Compositions
How?
  • Watch the Below video
WHEN?
  • DURING CLASS TAKE YOUR PHOTOS
    • Go out around your house, look for places in your house. 
    • Use a ladder
    • Don't be afraid to get down and lay on the ground.
    • Choose subjects that look different at different angles.
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

DESIGNED PHOTOGRAPHY!

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?
  • 1 (or more) high quality Portrait of you (THESE could BE TAKEN DURING CLASS WORKING TOGETHER TO SET UP LIGHTING AND BACKDROPS) or Nature photo or sports photo or......
  • It should include a background and/or text that accompany the photo.
  • These will be printed and hung in the commons.
HOW?
Watch the Tutorials below or follow along in class
Below are examples 

It's COMPRESSION! AND NATURE

Why?
  • Because we are transitioning from camera settings into COMPOSITION studies.
    • Compression is one way to alter the composition of a photo
  • We have done a lot of photos with people, this will be a new "subject" for you to interact with.
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 nature photos shot at varying focal lengths
    • Same "scene" 3-5 photos of varying focal length.
      • Try to find a space where you can move BACK AT LEAST 20 feet
      • See the example Above
  • Shoot in APERTURE Priority, between 4 and 13 f stop
  • ISO should be 100-400 or on Auto 
    • unless you are inside  go as high as you need

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 that YOU HAVE TAKEN THIS SEMESTER
    • 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?
  • ​Wed. Mar. 31
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

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.

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)


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