For Those of You Who Were Absent or Didn't Hear Instructions In Class, The Artist Statement Is Due Dec. 17 At The End Of Class!!

EXTRA 100 grade CREDIT!!! Use where you choose! Due Tuesday at the beginning of class for this Semester.

21 Photography Tutorials!! This site is my FAVORITE!!!

Extra credit: for now OR next semester!!

There are 3 sets of 7 - pick one from each set and for each of your 3 choices, write at least 2 intelligent paragraphs(min. 5 sentence in each paragraph) that cover these 4 requirements:
1. a short synopsis(look it up if you don't know what this word means!) of the tutorial,
2. explain why you picked this tutorial
3. how this knowledge will effect you as a photographer - a specific change this tutorial will make in your photography,
4. why someone else should read it

http://digital-photography-school.com/21-viral-photography-tutorials-week

Due on Monday Jan 6th, if you want to use it for next semester!!

You ARE Right! I Didn't Tell You When ANYTHING Was Due!!

So, going by the fastest and slowest, 4 Photoshop assignments - NUMBERED and explained - are due by Tuesday at the beginning of class (extra credit for every one over 4 done by Tuesday!!)

Tuesday, we will finish up Artist Statements, 
For those exempting my test, you will also clean out drawers, cabinets, and have a key check. Those not exempting, will clean up on Wed. during exam time.

Assignment # 1 Due Tuesday Nov.26 end of class.

Here is a Photoshop Tutorial for you! Start with watching the whole thing all the way through! Post the list of things it's going to teach you. Then for each task, write out the step by step, each step on a separate line - this is not a transcript of the video, just step by step to do the task!

http://tv.adobe.com/watch/creative-suite-podcast-photographers/how-to-get-started-with-photoshop-cs6-10-things-beginners-want-to-know-how-to-do/

FOUR(4) POSTS/UPDATES ARE DUE THIS WEEK!!!

PLEASE READ THIS CAREFULLY!! 

The following blog work will be 100% of your Daily Participation grade and all blog work must be posted by end of your class on Friday (if your class doesn't meet on Friday for some reason, you still have to have your updating finished by 11AM on Friday).

Expectations for Participation Grade:
1. EVERY DAY, post a description of your progress OR the assignment due that day - on your personal blog - the phone app is easiest and fastest, or you can email the photo to yourself or you can use your laptop to take photos.  ***TAG or LABEL your posts from the my label list and/or your own list***
2. Weekly comments on at least 2 of your classmates’ personal blogs. Add a quick post telling me which blogs you posted on so I can find them quickly.
3. Weekly postcard assignments must be uploaded to blog BEFORE class each Monday, or they are late.
4. At least 1 weekly addition of an artist webpage – in your area of study - in your Link List.
5. ** LABEL your posts from the my label list and/or your own list*** My List – high school art, art assignments, sculpture, photography, etc – your section.

Frame Your Images - due Tues. Dec 3, 2013

FRAMING
The world is full of objects which make perfect natural frames, such as trees, archways and holes. By placing these around the edge of the composition you help to isolate the main subject from the outside world. The result is a more focused image which draws your eye naturally to the main point of interest. 

This is an artistic concept that photographers lifted from painters, which one uses a frame (like a door, a window, a mirror, an archway) within the overall frame to further isolate an object/subject. The key to using a frame within a frame is to make sure that the frame is distinct in shape and lines, and is in sharp focus. Your viewer’s attention will immediately be taken to exactly what you want them to see by using this technique.

We are going to learn how to 'frame' the subject. This is a very exciting technique - very 
imaginative and creative. Have fun with it!!

All the rules we learn are 'guidelines'. Different subjects need different perspectives, techniques, points of view, etc. We are learning the basic rules. Remember, you probably won't use ALL the rules in every photo, but knowing the rules and how/why/when to use them will make your photos better!!!

Here's two websites that discuss the 'FRAME' - read and look at the examples.
1. Write a 5 sentence paragraph about framing for each of these websites - upload to blog.
2. SEVEN photographs UPLOADED TO THE BLOG due Tuesday at the beginning of class.
http://www.schoolofphotography.com/courses/free-photography-tips-and-articles/21-analysing-an-image-framing-an-image.html

http://www.digital-photography-school.com/frame-your-images

Quick Assignment!! 5 Sentences About this Link!! Due Friday Nov 15 at The Beginning of Class!!

http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/photography-tips-five-habits-photographers-should-learn/


Good Advice!! Write out all five habits on a Small Piece of Paper and put it in your camera bag!!

10 Top Photography Composition Rules - #1 Rule of Thirds

It may sound cliche, but the only rule in photography is that there are no rules. However, there are are number of established composition guidelines which can be applied in almost any situation, to enhance the impact of a scene.
These guidelines will help you take more compelling photographs, lending them a natural balance, drawing attention to the important parts of the scene, or leading the viewer's eye through the image.

Different subjects need different perspectives, techniques, points of view, etc. We are learning the basic rules. Remember, you probably won't use ALL the rules in every photo, but knowing the rules and how/why/when to use them will make your photos better!!!
Once you are familiar with these composition tips, you'll be surprised at just how universal most of them are. You'll spot them everywhere, and you'll find it easy to see why some photos "work" while others feel like simple snapshots.

1. Rule of Thirds

Imagine that your image is divided into 9 equal segments by 2 vertical and 2 horizontal lines. The rule of thirds says that you should position the most important elements in your scene along these lines, or at the points where they intersect.
Doing so will add balance and interest to your photo.

Notice how the building and horizon are aligned along rule-of-thirds lines

POST EACH PART OF THIS TO THE BLOG IN SEPARATE POSTS!!

#1 - DO THIS FIRST - Here's a website with excellent info!! 

http://digital-photography-school.com/rule-of-thirds 

For a classwork grade, read website and write 5 sentences that would explain it to someone who had never heard of it before. Due Wed. Nov 6 posted on blog by the end of class.

#2 - For a Project Grade - Go back through your photos and find FIVE examples of GOOD use of the Rule of Thirds and 3 examples of BAD use or not using the Rule of Thirds!! Write why it's a good or bad RoT! DUE Thursday Nov 7 posted on blog by the end of class.

#3 - Homework grade -  You will take SEVEN photos that are examples of the Rule of Thirds - 

Due Monday Nov 18, 2013 at the beginning of class - this is a week after the classwork is due - sorry about the weird dates!! Extra credit if turned by Mon Nov 11!!

#4 - Daily work grade - All work posted, 1 new link(Must be in a link list), 2 new comments(MUST make a sep. post with the names of the student you are commenting on) for THIS WEEK'S assignments only!! Make SURE you have 6 peeps and 4 AHS ART blogs

Just Added 'Photo Projects' Link List - Check it out!!!

Kid's Kingdom Theme Ideas

Use your imagination - what if???
Some more explanation - try to take photos that fit a theme - spooky for instance - and post your 7 as a themed set - or take the same area, different times of the day - so you end up with a cohesive  themed set - happy times, trash or graffiti? hiding places, dangerous places, weird viewpoints, birds eye or 'worm's' eye...kids' peeking out,  get my drift??

POSTCARDS

These are your assignments for October 21- Nov 11th. Look through them all, be on the lookout for photo opportunities EVERYWHERE - keep your camera ready - PLAN AHEAD!!!

POSTCARDS - "A Picture A Day" 
Use artsy, unusual angles, odd poses, have fun with your camera settings, etc. Upload seven 'postcards' to the blog on Mondays BEFORE class.
( FYI -You will have a different subject for each week's postcards )
AND, the four 'best' postcards will be printed each week and posted on the wall!!

Assignment #1 - Due Oct 28th
7 photographs - 'Kid's Kingdom'
(empty, full, daylight, dark, friendly, spooky, etc.)

Assignment #2 - Due Nov 4th  
7 photographs -  'Patriotism is.......'
(cemetery, Veteran's Memorial by Chamber, flags in yards, offices, court house, etc.)
*** Looking for some photos to enter the Veterans Day Art Competition!!! I'll need these early enough to take to SAMS to make into 8x10s and then mat!*******

Assignment #3 -  Due Nov 11  
7 photographs - 'HALLOWEEN!!!!!' 
(Halloween Carnival, little kid parties-TEP???, crazy decorations, etc.)

One Subject Multiple Views - Due Friday Oct.18 at the beginning of class!!!

One Subject, Multiple View Questions

One Subject, Multiple View Questions

Directions: Select and open up your One Subject...final photographs in separate post - label each with the 'view' it represents.  Then open up Word and create a new document.  Answer the following questions below in the Word Document. Email your answers to me by Friday Oct 18. 5PM.

• You DO NOT have to copy and paste the questions onto the Word Document, but if it helps you, go ahead.  Just simply number your answers on the document.  
• There is no requirement for length of answers--I’m just looking to see if you are observing and reflecting. 

The Questions:

1.  Which one of your photographs is the most successful in terms of composition?  Give supporting statements of why (for ex. a successful use of light/dark or positive/negative space, the subject is placed most effectively in a particular photo, a perspective shot is more engaging, etc.)

2.  Which one of your photographs “tells a story” or has the potential for a constructed narrative (story)  most effectively?  Please explain why.

3. Based on the viewpoint, which one of your photographs “pulls in” the viewer so that he or she actually “feels” like they are part of the scene?  Please explain why.  

4.  Do anyone one of your photographs appear more “artistic” in interpretation, or have more of an “art” feel than others (trying to create an interesting image for “arts sake”)?  Which one and why?

5. Out of all your photos, which one highlights the subject most effectively, and elevates their importance?  Please explain how and why.

One Subject Multiple Views Assignment

Assignment: One Subject, Multiple Views

Challenge:   Shoot a series of photographs that investigate choosing various

compositions devices, juxtaposition, and style, using the same subject matter.  Complete at least seven finals, matching each final to one of ten categories.  Afterwards, you will answer a series of questions in smaller groups regarding mood and composition.

The ten categories are below:

1.       Direct, straight on (iconic)

2.       Strong light source (to create extreme darks and lights)

3.       Depth of field (adjust your aperture to a lower number-larger amount of light entering-and consequently, adjust the shutter)

4.       Extreme perspective

5.       Juxtaposition (placing one or more objects or items next to your subject, within the frame)

6.       Turned away, isolated, or edging out of frame

7.       Transformed or altered state

8.       Zoomed in (again, adjust your aperture to a lower number)

9.       Photojournalistic (black and white, documentary feel/style)

10.    Multiples of subject (more than one, repetition)

Considerations:

·         Photos can be either black/white, color, or a combination of both

·         Keep the same subject matter for all of your photographs-in the end, it is about how the subject “changes” for the viewer based on the photographer’s decisions

·         You need to set the camera to manual for this (some categories cannot be hit properly with automatic/program mode)

·         Use the light meter or exposure calculator to help you achieve decent exposure

                       

Number of finals: 7

Number of drafts: not needed (quick assignment!)

Thanks to Mrs Yadollahpour from Needham High School, Needham,Mass.

I Hope You All Get Caught Up with Your Blog Work This Weekend!!!

Getting the blogs put together correctly and daily updates is 20% of your grade.

BLOG PROGRESS as of Oct.11

MonicaC - 6 fellow photographers, 2 posts,0 links,34 photos and 0 comments, 1 AHS Art Blog
BriaY - 5 fellow photographers, 5 posts,0 links,44 photos and 2 comments, 0 AHS Art Blog
MichaelH - 2 fellow photographers, 2 posts,0 links,103 photos and 0 comments, 0 AHS Art Blog
AlyssaR - 6 fellow photographers, 2 posts,2 links,26photos and 2 comment, and added 3 AHS Art Blogs
JusticeM - 6 fellowphotographers, 2 posts,0 links,26 photos and 0 comments, 1 AHS Art Blog
EmilyV - 6 fellow photographers,4 posts,1 links,55 photos and 1 comments, 3 AHS Art Blogs

CarlaM - 6 fellow photographers, 2 posts, 2 links, 1 photos and 2 comments, and  3 AHS Art Blogs AND a list/slideshow of her own photos!!!

Please add Carla too!! http://carlamontoyaphotography2.blogspot.com/

Photo kids - post whatever photos you are working on - not a picture of what you are doing - does this make more sense??

BLOG INSTRUCTIONS!!

Monday we are all be linking to the Upper Level art blog. It has links to all sections of upper level art and NAHS and the Artroom blog(most of it is art 1 related). Please bookmark it and your individual section blog.
Finishing up our personal blogs:

1. Add at least these two gadgets to your blog - Blog List and Link list
2. Add all students in your section to your Blog List. You can have as many Blog Lists as you want to, but this one is required.
3. Make a Link List of artists in your area of study that interest you. You can have as many Link Lists as you want to, but this one is required.

The following blog work will be 100% of your Daily Participation grade.
Expectations for Participation Grade:
1. Daily photo of your project and description of your progress – posted to your personal blog (phone app is easiest and fastest, but you can also email the photo to yourself) All uploads must be posted by 8pm PLEASE ***TAG or LABEL your posts from the label list.
2. Weekly comments on at least 2 of your classmates’ personal blogs. Add a quick post telling me which blogs you posted on so I can find them quickly. These comments must be posted by 8pm on Friday night.
3. At least 1 weekly addition of an artist webpage – in your area of study - in your Link List.
4. Label List – high school art, art assignments, sculpture, photography, etc – your section.

Thank you!!! This is going to help so much – you will get much more individualized instructions and personal help through this technology based addition to our classes! Thanks for all you do! MzW