PROJECT 8: FINAL PROJECT
"Mystery is the catalyst for imagination." - JJ Abrams
GOAL: For your final project in Digital Art, you will explore the theme of MYSTERY using the software of your choice.
In this class, you have learned to use 3 different programs within the Adobe Suite: Photoshop, Premiere, and Illustrator. You may choose 1 of those programs to complete your project.
Here are your project guidelines:
- You may approach the theme in any way you see fit. Watch the Ted Talk with producer/writer/director JJ Abrams below to learn how he uses mystery as a catalyst for imagination in his projects. https://www.ted.com/talks/j_j_abrams_mystery_box?language=en
In this class, you have learned to use 3 different programs within the Adobe Suite: Photoshop, Premiere, and Illustrator. You may choose 1 of those programs to complete your project.
Here are your project guidelines:
- You may approach the theme in any way you see fit. Watch the Ted Talk with producer/writer/director JJ Abrams below to learn how he uses mystery as a catalyst for imagination in his projects. https://www.ted.com/talks/j_j_abrams_mystery_box?language=en
- You will be working on this project for the remainder of the school year. There will be multiple due dates along the way to check in and track your progress. These check-ins serve as a way to evaluate each students' individual progress towards their final projects. Students will be working on their final projects until the end of the school year.
- Each weekend, students are required to create content toward their final project. There will be a graded check in every week to make sure that students are working on their projects. Specific guidelines will be given to students in class and via this website and OnCampus for their weekend homework; failure to meet these guidelines will result in a 0.
DUE DATES:
- Each weekend, students are required to create content toward their final project. There will be a graded check in every week to make sure that students are working on their projects. Specific guidelines will be given to students in class and via this website and OnCampus for their weekend homework; failure to meet these guidelines will result in a 0.
- If using Adobe Premiere, you must make a stop motion video that is a minimum of 30 seconds long. Your finished piece must include a title, end credits, and utilize some form of audio. Copyrighted or licensed music is NOT PERMITTED.
Within your stop motion video, something must happen—either a narrative plays out or an act is performed that falls in line with the theme of mystery. - If you are using Adobe Photoshop, you must create a cohesive series of photographs that successfully adhere to the theme of mystery. You will make photographs towards your project for the remainder of the year. You will turn in a final set of 8 completed and processed photographs.
You may use any of the processes we covered this year: compositing, self-portrait, environmental portrait, still life, landscape, etc. - If you choose Adobe Illustrator, you must create a cohesive series of illustrations that successfully adhere to the theme of mystery. You will turn in in 8 complete and refined illustrations at the end of the year. You may approach this using any of the tools/processes we have covered in Adobe Illustrator this year. These illustrations must be YOUR ORIGINAL CONTENT. This means that you cannot pull pre-existing imagery offline to trace over with the pen tool. You may trace over an image that YOU CREATED with the pen tool, but that is it.
If you use a photograph as reference, then it must be YOUR photograph that YOU made.
DUE DATES:
- Friday, 4/7/17: Final project proposals due at midnight. Label your proposals lastname_firstname_digart_final_project_proposal and turn into your Project 8: Final folder in Google Drive. Navigate here for more info on this assignment.
- 4/18/17 (1st and 5th Period) and 4/19/17 (3rd Period): First Graded Check-In.
Weekend of 4/13/17 (Easter Break)
You will begin working toward your approved project proposal to create content for your final project, which you will work on in class next week. Your chosen Adobe software will determine the amount and type of work you should bring in:
PHOTOSHOP: shoot a minimum of 75 photographs (in RAW) towards your project. When you return from Easter break, you will create a contact sheet of your images, label it lastname_firstname_fp_cs_1, and turn it into your Project 8: Final Project folder on Google Drive.
ILLUSTRATOR: Create a minimum of 2 detailed sketches toward your final project. Your sketches can be digital AI files in Illustrator, or physical sketches on 2 sheets pf paper. We will look at your sketches one on one next week in class, and after receiving verbal feedback from me, you may begin working on your project in Illustrator.
PREMIERE: Shoot a minimum of 300 photographs (in JPEG for Stop Motion) towards your stop motion project. When you return from break, you will resize your JPEGs in Adobe Bridge to 1920 x 1080 pixels on the longest edge and bring them into Adobe Premiere Pro to begin making your stop motion video. - Monday, 4/24/17: Graded Check-In #2
Weekend of 4/21/17
You will continue working toward your approved project proposal to create content for your final project, which you will work on in class next week. Your chosen Adobe software will determine the amount and type of work you should bring in:
PHOTOSHOP: shoot a minimum of 75 photographs (in RAW) towards your project. When you return from Easter break, you will create a contact sheet of your images, label it lastname_firstname_fp_cs_2, and turn it into your Project 8: Final Project folder on Google Drive.
ILLUSTRATOR: Create a minimum of 2 detailed sketches toward your final project. Your sketches can be digital AI files in Illustrator, or physical sketches on 2 sheets pf paper. We will look at your sketches one on one next week in class, and after receiving verbal feedback from me, you may begin working on your project in Illustrator.
PREMIERE: Shoot a minimum of 300 photographs (in JPEG for Stop Motion) towards your stop motion project. When you return from break, you will resize your JPEGs in Adobe Bridge to 1920 x 1080 pixels on the longest edge and bring them into Adobe Premiere Pro to begin making your stop motion video. - Monday, 5/1/17: Graded Check-In #3
HOMEWORK for the weekend of 4/27/17:
PHOTOSHOP: shoot a minimum of 75 photographs (in RAW format!) this weekend. You will create and upload a contact sheet upon your return.
ILLUSTRATOR: bring in a minimum of 2 completed and thorough sketches towards your project for feedback. These should be full page sketches (letter sized paper or larger)
PREMIERE: Shoot a minimum of 150 frames (in JPEG) towards your stop motion project. - Monday, 5/8/17: Graded Check-In #4
PHOTOSHOP: Free weekend. If you feel the need to make more photographs, then do so!
ILLUSTRATOR: bring in 2 completed and thorough sketches towards your project for feedback. These should be full page sketches (letter sized paper or larger)
PREMIERE: Bring in your audio for your stop motion video. This can be audio that you record (iPhones make great recording devices!) or create in Garage Band.
Remember, no licensed or copyrighted music is allowed!
Your projects should be 50% completed by 5/8/17. I will check-in with each student in class on Monday, 5/8/17 to see their projects so far and check for any required homework listed above. - Friday, 5/12/17: Final Project Deadline for seniors
- Monday, 5/15/17: Final Graded Check-In
Your project should be 90% completed at this point. We will look at your work individually. When you are ready to turn in your work, you must get verbal approval from me before turning in your work. This is part of your grade! - Thursday, 5/18/17 at NOON (Upper School Reading Day): FINAL PROJECT DEADLINE
All projects due by 12 noon. You MUST turn in your project by this day--no late work will be accepted after this deadline.
If you finish early, you may turn in your completed final project any day this week as long as you get approval from me.
On US Reading Day, the Mac Lab will be open from 8-12 for any students who need extra time to finish and turn in their projects. I will be available during this time to offer final feedback.
Final project files must be turned into your Project 8:Final folder on Google Drive.
PHOTOSHOP: Save your files as TIFFs and label them lastname_firstname_final_project_1, lastname_firstname_final_project_2, etc.
ILLUSTRATOR: Save your files as AIs and label them lastname_firstname_final_project_1, lastname_firstname_final_project_2, etc
PREMIERE: Save your final stop motion video as a high res .mov (1080p) and label it as lastname_firstname_final_project.mov
PROJECT 7: ZINES
For your next project, you will be collaborating as a class to make a class Zine using Adobe Illustrator.
What is a zine? Click here to find out!
Goal: Design your own page AND a cover page for the class zine. (Be sure to follow the class prompt!) Each student will have 1 page in the zine. The best cover design will be selected and used for the final zine, which will be distributed across campus.
Create two 8.5" x 5.5" documents in Adobe Illustrator. One of these documents will be your page, and one of these documents will be your cover design. Be sure to convert your document to grayscale.
Be sure to include your name on your zine page!
Your cover page must include the following text:
TMI Digital Art: Your Class Period
2016-17
Class Prompt (Favorite Snacks, etc)
Volume 1
*******Your content must be school appropriate. If you are unsure if your design is school appropriate, ASK FIRST.
ALL zine content will be vetted by the instructor before it goes to print. I reserve the right to pull any content that is inappropriate from the final zine, and it will not be printed.
Your project will be graded on:
DUE: Tuesday, 4/4/17 by 4 PM: Your 2 files (either AI or PSD) turned into Google Drive under your Project 7: Zine folder. Label your files lastname_firstname_class_zine_page and lastname_firstname_class_zine_cover.
See below for examples of zine content/general illustration inspiration!
What is a zine? Click here to find out!
Goal: Design your own page AND a cover page for the class zine. (Be sure to follow the class prompt!) Each student will have 1 page in the zine. The best cover design will be selected and used for the final zine, which will be distributed across campus.
Create two 8.5" x 5.5" documents in Adobe Illustrator. One of these documents will be your page, and one of these documents will be your cover design. Be sure to convert your document to grayscale.
Be sure to include your name on your zine page!
Your cover page must include the following text:
TMI Digital Art: Your Class Period
2016-17
Class Prompt (Favorite Snacks, etc)
Volume 1
*******Your content must be school appropriate. If you are unsure if your design is school appropriate, ASK FIRST.
ALL zine content will be vetted by the instructor before it goes to print. I reserve the right to pull any content that is inappropriate from the final zine, and it will not be printed.
Your project will be graded on:
- work ethic: the amount of energy and commitment given to the work
- lesson: how well the objectives of the lesson are met and utilized
- concept: original and imaginative solution is seen in the work
- craft: high level of technical craft, attention to detail, commitment to quality in your work
DUE: Tuesday, 4/4/17 by 4 PM: Your 2 files (either AI or PSD) turned into Google Drive under your Project 7: Zine folder. Label your files lastname_firstname_class_zine_page and lastname_firstname_class_zine_cover.
See below for examples of zine content/general illustration inspiration!
PROJECT 6: ILLUSTRATOR
There will be two Parts to this project -- Part A and Part B
Part 6B
Goal: Create a photograph based illustration in Adobe Illustrator using line, shape, and color.
DUE: Friday, 3/10/17 by 4PM: 1 ai file in Google Drive, either an architectural illustration (option 1) OR a portrait illustration (option 2).
**A note about this project: You will have roughly 1 week of in class time to complete this project, BUT you will likely need to invest some time outside of class to work on your project. BUDGET YOUR TIME ACCORDINGLY. The Mac Lab is open every day during lunch, and before and after school by appointment. Your work ethic makes up a portion of your grade—if you do the minimal amount of work required to complete the project, you will receive the minimal grade.
If you need extra help regarding this project, I am happy to meet with you outside of class either before school, during lunch, or after school. However, it is your responsibility to schedule an appointment with me for extra help.
For this project, you have 2 options:
Option 1: Architecture Illustration
Goal: Make one composition combining an architectural photograph and your own additions in Adobe Illustrator. Your composition should sized at 6”x9."
Make a 6 inch by 9 inch document that contains part of an architectural photograph. This photograph will be the base on which you create your Illustrator design. Using the tools and skills we have gone over so far, continue or add onto the existing photograph to create a dynamic and exciting composition. Good examples of architectural photographs can be found by looking up Julius Shulman and Paul Strand, but there are many other sources! Only use HIGH QUALITY photographs. No smaller than 2000 pixels on the longest side. Use the advanced Google image search to find your images. You must show me your photograph and get approval before moving forward with the project!
Label your completed ai file lastname_firstname_6B_architecture and turn into Google Drive under your Project 6> Part B folder.
Below are some examples of past student work:
Goal: Create a photograph based illustration in Adobe Illustrator using line, shape, and color.
DUE: Friday, 3/10/17 by 4PM: 1 ai file in Google Drive, either an architectural illustration (option 1) OR a portrait illustration (option 2).
**A note about this project: You will have roughly 1 week of in class time to complete this project, BUT you will likely need to invest some time outside of class to work on your project. BUDGET YOUR TIME ACCORDINGLY. The Mac Lab is open every day during lunch, and before and after school by appointment. Your work ethic makes up a portion of your grade—if you do the minimal amount of work required to complete the project, you will receive the minimal grade.
If you need extra help regarding this project, I am happy to meet with you outside of class either before school, during lunch, or after school. However, it is your responsibility to schedule an appointment with me for extra help.
For this project, you have 2 options:
Option 1: Architecture Illustration
Goal: Make one composition combining an architectural photograph and your own additions in Adobe Illustrator. Your composition should sized at 6”x9."
Make a 6 inch by 9 inch document that contains part of an architectural photograph. This photograph will be the base on which you create your Illustrator design. Using the tools and skills we have gone over so far, continue or add onto the existing photograph to create a dynamic and exciting composition. Good examples of architectural photographs can be found by looking up Julius Shulman and Paul Strand, but there are many other sources! Only use HIGH QUALITY photographs. No smaller than 2000 pixels on the longest side. Use the advanced Google image search to find your images. You must show me your photograph and get approval before moving forward with the project!
Label your completed ai file lastname_firstname_6B_architecture and turn into Google Drive under your Project 6> Part B folder.
Below are some examples of past student work:
Option 2: Self-Portrait Illustration
**This option is the more complex and difficult of the two. If you are feeling good about your Illustrator skills and like a challenge, choose this option. If you are still getting the hang of this program, maybe stick with Option 1.
Goal: Make a self-portrait vector illustration in Adobe Illustrator based on a photograph. Utilize the tools we have covered so far to create your self-portrait. Your composition should sized at 6”x9."
Make a 6 inch by 9 inch document in Illustrator that contains a photograph of you. (You may use the portraits we made in class this week.) This photograph will be the base on which you create your Illustrator design. Using the tools and skills we have gone over so far, fill the portrait with shapes to create a low poly illustration. I will demo this method in class.
Label your completed ai file lastname_firstname_6B_low_poly and turn into Google Drive under your Project 6> Part B folder.
**This option is the more complex and difficult of the two. If you are feeling good about your Illustrator skills and like a challenge, choose this option. If you are still getting the hang of this program, maybe stick with Option 1.
Goal: Make a self-portrait vector illustration in Adobe Illustrator based on a photograph. Utilize the tools we have covered so far to create your self-portrait. Your composition should sized at 6”x9."
Make a 6 inch by 9 inch document in Illustrator that contains a photograph of you. (You may use the portraits we made in class this week.) This photograph will be the base on which you create your Illustrator design. Using the tools and skills we have gone over so far, fill the portrait with shapes to create a low poly illustration. I will demo this method in class.
Label your completed ai file lastname_firstname_6B_low_poly and turn into Google Drive under your Project 6> Part B folder.
See below for examples.
Part 6A
Goal: Make five compositions using graphic shapes, line, and color INSIDE of other shapes fitting on a 6in x 6in art board.
Make five 6 inch x 6 inch documents. (You may use your practice composition from last week as one of your five.) Use all the tools you have learned so far to make an exciting, dynamic composition. Your compositions should fit inside of the 6 inch art boards and be exciting. Think about making something that is unique to YOU. If you want to make something colorful and busy, feel free. If you are going to work on something a little more minimal, that is fine, as well—as long as it is representative of the skills we learned in class.
**DO NOT use the star or flare shapes for this project!
DUE:
Project Deadline EXTENDED TO Tuesday, 2/28/17 by 4PM. However, you will not have the full class on Tuesday to work on 6A, so budget your time accordingly!
Monday, 2/27/17 by 4PM: FIVE 6 x 6" compositions saved as uncompressed ai files to your Part 6A Google Drive folder.
Label your files lastname_firstname_6A_composition_1, lastname_firstname_6A_composition_2, etc.
Be creative and have fun!
Below are some student examples from past projects:
Goal: Make five compositions using graphic shapes, line, and color INSIDE of other shapes fitting on a 6in x 6in art board.
Make five 6 inch x 6 inch documents. (You may use your practice composition from last week as one of your five.) Use all the tools you have learned so far to make an exciting, dynamic composition. Your compositions should fit inside of the 6 inch art boards and be exciting. Think about making something that is unique to YOU. If you want to make something colorful and busy, feel free. If you are going to work on something a little more minimal, that is fine, as well—as long as it is representative of the skills we learned in class.
**DO NOT use the star or flare shapes for this project!
DUE:
Project Deadline EXTENDED TO Tuesday, 2/28/17 by 4PM. However, you will not have the full class on Tuesday to work on 6A, so budget your time accordingly!
Monday, 2/27/17 by 4PM: FIVE 6 x 6" compositions saved as uncompressed ai files to your Part 6A Google Drive folder.
Label your files lastname_firstname_6A_composition_1, lastname_firstname_6A_composition_2, etc.
Be creative and have fun!
Below are some student examples from past projects:
PROJECT 5: STOP MOTION
For a quick history and explanation of stop motion, click here.
Goal: Make a fifteen second minimum stop-motion composition using your DSLR camera. Remember to set your camera to shoot in JPEG for this project ONLY! Your image settings can be found under your camera’s menu. Do not forget to change back to shooting in RAW after this project is complete!
Your final video can be more than 15 seconds—if you want it to be longer, then please go for it. 15 seconds is the minimum amount of work you must do to receive the minimum grade.
You may use people, objects, hand built items (dolls, clay, etc), or drawings for this project. Visit tmi-photo.com for inspiration/examples.
Your videos will probably work best if you set them up to run between 15-24 frames per second, depending upon how many total frames you create.
Here are some tips as you create your videos:
- Keep it simple.
- Try to keep everything consistent. (consistent lighting scenario. consistent camera movements/angle, consistent exposure information.
- Your best bet is to try to get all of your shots/ideas accomplished in the camera. This means if you have a special effect or action that you want to happen, shoot it correctly within the camera so that you don't have to devote extra time to postprocessing.
- You are not required to incorporate audio into your project, but you can do so if you wish as long as it is original content OR royalty free/creative commons. You are not allowed to use copyrighted music in your project PERIOD.
BE CREATIVE
HAVE FUN
WORK HARD
GET EXCITED
BLOW OUR MINDS
We will critique your final compositions in class!
UPDATED DUE DATES:
- TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, BEFORE CLASS: at least 150 images toward your stop motion project. Create a contact sheet of your images labeled lastname_firstname_stop_motion_cs and turn it into your Project 5-Stop Motion folder on Google Drive by the end of class.
- THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, IN CLASS: Individual check-ins during class. You should have at least 8 seconds of footage AND a storyboard for your project. I will pass out storyboard sheets in class for you to fill out.
- MONDAY, JANUARY 23, BY END OF CLASS: 15 second project rough draft saved to your Project 5-Stop Motion folder on Google Drive. Save your video as a .mov file and label as lastname_firstname_stop_motion_draft.
- MONDAY, JANUARY 30, BY 4PM: Final project saved to your Project 5-Stop Motion folder on Google Drive. Save your video as a .mov file and label as lastname_firstname_stop_motion_final.
Inspiration/Examples
Fun Exercise
http://thumbcine.ma (make a gif/flip book online)
The Evolution of Stop Motion
https://vimeo.com/180025799
Lego_Adventure In The City
https://vimeo.com/127628756
Making Of Lego_Adventure In The City
https://vimeo.com/127632215
Stop motion animation for design firm Hunter Gatherer
https://vimeo.com/17090753
Artist who used a laser cutter to create 800+ frames
https://vimeo.com/77270043
Amazing Process Videos
Part 1: https://vimeo.com/40950441
Part 2: https://vimeo.com/41000482
Part 3: https://vimeo.com/41002015
Part 4: https://vimeo.com/41008120
ONE LAST THING: All student projects will be judged by an artist who specializes in time based media. The best stop motion project will receive a special prize—so do your best!
Project 4: Midterm -- THE SURREAL
Surreal: unearthly, uncanny, unreal, dreamlike, psychological
For your midterm project in Digital Art, you will explore the notion of the Surreal.
Option 1 -- "The World is a Dream" -- Photo Story
You will shoot 300-500 images exploring the theme "The World is a Dream."
These images may be straight photographs—they do not have to utilize compositing. However, the images must still fall under the theme of THE SURREAL.
DUE: Monday, November 28 -- A written (typed) proposal of your concept, ideas you have for shoots, and how you will approach the theme.
DUE Friday, December 2 (Extended to Monday, December 5th by end of class) -- 150 images shot and on contact sheet in Google Drive under Project 4. Label your contact sheet lastname_firstname_surreal_cs_1
DUE: Monday, December 5 -- 150 + images shot and on contact sheet in Google Drive. Label your contact sheet lastname_firstname_surreal_cs_2
DUE: Monday, December 12 -- 8 final sequenced and cohesive photographs (saved as TIFFS) of your final portfolio. Label these files lastname_firstname_surreal_final_1, etc.
Option 2 -- Storytelling and Collage
You will make three final composite images in Photoshop -- composites are essentially collages of separate images into one canvas
You will utilize the techniques you have learned this semester in Photoshop -- layer masks, selections, blending, and adjustments -- as well as the techniques you have learned with your camera.
Your goal is to tell a STORY. Tell any story you'd like, but you must make it believable. You must shoot:
-- landscapes (golden hour!)
-- exterior architecture
-- people
-- animals
-- objects
-- abstractions
(the more variety, the better)
Remember your composition -- Capture textures, shadows, night shots, golden hour, look for lines, shapes, forms, think about all we have learned so far about how to compose an image.
DUE: Monday, November 28 -- A written (typed) proposal of your concept, ideas you have for shoots, and how you will approach the theme.
DUE: 3 final composites made with at least 3 separate images:
First composite DUE Friday, December 2 (Extended to Tuesday, December 6th by 4 PM)
Second composite DUE Wednesday, December 7
Third composite DUE Monday, December 12
Save each final composite as a TIFF file and label them as such:
1) "Landscape" -- make a new place
2) "Chimera" -- make a new creature
3) Your choice -- tell a story
You may use one high resolution Google image per composite
You may use imagery found in books, magazines, catalogs -- you must scan them at high resolution
Your grade will be based on:
* Craftsmanship -- your selections, your blending, your color, attention to detail (focus!) -- all must look "real" and must be done with precision to make your final composite one single believable scene -- Believability is KEY
* Creativity -- this is not merely about Photoshop, but it is about combining elements in Photoshop to CREATE. You will be telling a story through your composites. Think about the separate elements work together to create a visually stunning, compelling story.
* Following parameters of the assignment
For your midterm project in Digital Art, you will explore the notion of the Surreal.
Option 1 -- "The World is a Dream" -- Photo Story
You will shoot 300-500 images exploring the theme "The World is a Dream."
These images may be straight photographs—they do not have to utilize compositing. However, the images must still fall under the theme of THE SURREAL.
DUE: Monday, November 28 -- A written (typed) proposal of your concept, ideas you have for shoots, and how you will approach the theme.
DUE Friday, December 2 (Extended to Monday, December 5th by end of class) -- 150 images shot and on contact sheet in Google Drive under Project 4. Label your contact sheet lastname_firstname_surreal_cs_1
DUE: Monday, December 5 -- 150 + images shot and on contact sheet in Google Drive. Label your contact sheet lastname_firstname_surreal_cs_2
DUE: Monday, December 12 -- 8 final sequenced and cohesive photographs (saved as TIFFS) of your final portfolio. Label these files lastname_firstname_surreal_final_1, etc.
Option 2 -- Storytelling and Collage
You will make three final composite images in Photoshop -- composites are essentially collages of separate images into one canvas
You will utilize the techniques you have learned this semester in Photoshop -- layer masks, selections, blending, and adjustments -- as well as the techniques you have learned with your camera.
Your goal is to tell a STORY. Tell any story you'd like, but you must make it believable. You must shoot:
-- landscapes (golden hour!)
-- exterior architecture
-- people
-- animals
-- objects
-- abstractions
(the more variety, the better)
Remember your composition -- Capture textures, shadows, night shots, golden hour, look for lines, shapes, forms, think about all we have learned so far about how to compose an image.
DUE: Monday, November 28 -- A written (typed) proposal of your concept, ideas you have for shoots, and how you will approach the theme.
DUE: 3 final composites made with at least 3 separate images:
First composite DUE Friday, December 2 (Extended to Tuesday, December 6th by 4 PM)
Second composite DUE Wednesday, December 7
Third composite DUE Monday, December 12
Save each final composite as a TIFF file and label them as such:
- lastname_firstname_composite_landscape
- lastname_firstname_composite_chimera
- lastname_firstname_composite_story
1) "Landscape" -- make a new place
2) "Chimera" -- make a new creature
3) Your choice -- tell a story
You may use one high resolution Google image per composite
You may use imagery found in books, magazines, catalogs -- you must scan them at high resolution
Your grade will be based on:
* Craftsmanship -- your selections, your blending, your color, attention to detail (focus!) -- all must look "real" and must be done with precision to make your final composite one single believable scene -- Believability is KEY
* Creativity -- this is not merely about Photoshop, but it is about combining elements in Photoshop to CREATE. You will be telling a story through your composites. Think about the separate elements work together to create a visually stunning, compelling story.
* Following parameters of the assignment
Jerry Uelsmann
Maggie Taylor
Lissy Elle Laricchia
Erik Johansson
This artist has several behind the scenes videos on his website here.
PROJECT 3: PORTRAITURE
There will be two Parts to this project -- Part 3A (Self-Portrait), Part 3B (Relational Portrait)
Part 3b: RELATIONAL PORTRAIT -- "Stranger and Family”
DUE:
First Period: Monday, November 7th
Third Period: Monday, November 7th
Fifth Period: Monday, November 14th
First Period: Tuesday, November 15th (end of class)
Third Period: Wednesday, November 16th (end of class)
Fifth Period: Friday, November 18th (end of class)
For this project, you will be making ENVIRONMENTAL PORTRAITS. Think how the background/room/store/street/etc. tells the viewer who they are. This will not only make it easier for you to approach your subjects ("Excuse me, Starbucks barista, would you mind letting me photograph you for my photography class? Yes? Great! Please stand here next to ..... in this light..... looking this direction...tell me about yourself.") Look at the work of portraitists Alec Soth, August Sander, Vivian Maier, and Sian Davey on the class website.
The photograph of someone you know should reveal a private moment they would not share with just anyone. The photograph should demonstrate the photographer knows the subject and has privileged access to their life that a stranger or acquaintance would not.
The portrait of someone you do not know will push you to be outgoing and win the trust of strangers. These are skills you will have to learn if you ever hope to be a documentary photographer, photojournalist or commercial photographer. People have to feel comfortable opening up to you.
Consider location and props along with the technical aspects of lighting and composition when making these images. How can time of day, something they are wearing or their location tell us something about the person?
IMPORTANT! Read these Guidelines:
What counts as a stranger?
* No one, absolutely no one, who goes to TMI, works at TMI, has gone to TMI, or has siblings that go to TMI.
* No friend of a friend or brother of a friend who you've never met. If you know they exist in the world, they are not stranger-enough for this project
* Above the age of 14
* Human (in other words, no animals or inanimate objects)
Other guidelines:
* Direct them. Don't just say, "do something." "Be yourself." This makes your subject feel even more nervous.
* Get shots of them where they are not smiling. Smiling is a defense mechanism and usually people smile when they are uncomfortable and being photographed. Remember, your goal is authenticity and truth in your subjects.
* Try stores, coffee shops, restaurants, generally customer service workers are friendly and willing.
* Tell them you are a student and need help for a project, this will soften their defenses.
* Be kind, smile, and ask them before shooting. Be approachable.
* Respect them if they say no, say thank you anyway, and move on to the next person. You WILL receive lots of no's, and that's ok.
* Do NOT go anywhere alone, be safe. But, SHOOT alone. In other words, do not have a friend or classmate standing with you as you are shooting. You can/should go to a location together, but then spread out and find your subjects and ways of portraying them that are unique to you.
* They do not have to be looking at you, but it is better if they are looking at you (your photograph will likely be much more powerful). Looking away, looking down, hiding their face, these are all defense mechanisms. Urge them to look at you without their default smile or pose.
* Aim for at least 10-12 separate strangers. Take multiple photos of each (one smiling first, then one natural, then one goofy, whatever establishes their trust so that they will reveal themselves to you).
* Find a location with good light FIRST, and then direct your subjects into that space.
Unless they are intentionally environmental portraits, backgrounds can be distracting (random people or cars or phone poles photobombing will NOT get you a good grade).
BE CREATIVE AND HAVE FUN!
DUE:
First Period: Monday, November 7th
Third Period: Monday, November 7th
Fifth Period: Monday, November 14th
- 100 images shot exploring the idea of identity and portraiture, i.e. can you capture the essence of those close to you or do you need the objectivity of distance to see them as they truly are
-- 50 images shot of Strangers
-- 50 images shot of Family (close friends count too)
First Period: Tuesday, November 15th (end of class)
Third Period: Wednesday, November 16th (end of class)
Fifth Period: Friday, November 18th (end of class)
- 6 final images edited and uploaded to Google Drive (TIFF) and Weebly (JPEG)
-- 3 edited final "Stranger" portraits labeled lastname_firstname_stranger_01, etc
-- 3 edited final "Family" portraits labeled lastname_firstname_family_01, etc
-- contact sheet showing all images shot labeled lastname_firstname_relational_portrait_cs
For this project, you will be making ENVIRONMENTAL PORTRAITS. Think how the background/room/store/street/etc. tells the viewer who they are. This will not only make it easier for you to approach your subjects ("Excuse me, Starbucks barista, would you mind letting me photograph you for my photography class? Yes? Great! Please stand here next to ..... in this light..... looking this direction...tell me about yourself.") Look at the work of portraitists Alec Soth, August Sander, Vivian Maier, and Sian Davey on the class website.
The photograph of someone you know should reveal a private moment they would not share with just anyone. The photograph should demonstrate the photographer knows the subject and has privileged access to their life that a stranger or acquaintance would not.
The portrait of someone you do not know will push you to be outgoing and win the trust of strangers. These are skills you will have to learn if you ever hope to be a documentary photographer, photojournalist or commercial photographer. People have to feel comfortable opening up to you.
Consider location and props along with the technical aspects of lighting and composition when making these images. How can time of day, something they are wearing or their location tell us something about the person?
IMPORTANT! Read these Guidelines:
What counts as a stranger?
* No one, absolutely no one, who goes to TMI, works at TMI, has gone to TMI, or has siblings that go to TMI.
* No friend of a friend or brother of a friend who you've never met. If you know they exist in the world, they are not stranger-enough for this project
* Above the age of 14
* Human (in other words, no animals or inanimate objects)
Other guidelines:
* Direct them. Don't just say, "do something." "Be yourself." This makes your subject feel even more nervous.
* Get shots of them where they are not smiling. Smiling is a defense mechanism and usually people smile when they are uncomfortable and being photographed. Remember, your goal is authenticity and truth in your subjects.
* Try stores, coffee shops, restaurants, generally customer service workers are friendly and willing.
* Tell them you are a student and need help for a project, this will soften their defenses.
* Be kind, smile, and ask them before shooting. Be approachable.
* Respect them if they say no, say thank you anyway, and move on to the next person. You WILL receive lots of no's, and that's ok.
* Do NOT go anywhere alone, be safe. But, SHOOT alone. In other words, do not have a friend or classmate standing with you as you are shooting. You can/should go to a location together, but then spread out and find your subjects and ways of portraying them that are unique to you.
* They do not have to be looking at you, but it is better if they are looking at you (your photograph will likely be much more powerful). Looking away, looking down, hiding their face, these are all defense mechanisms. Urge them to look at you without their default smile or pose.
* Aim for at least 10-12 separate strangers. Take multiple photos of each (one smiling first, then one natural, then one goofy, whatever establishes their trust so that they will reveal themselves to you).
* Find a location with good light FIRST, and then direct your subjects into that space.
Unless they are intentionally environmental portraits, backgrounds can be distracting (random people or cars or phone poles photobombing will NOT get you a good grade).
BE CREATIVE AND HAVE FUN!
Strangers
August Sander
Alec Soth
Vivian Maier
Family
Jessica Todd Harper
Nicholas Nixon
Sian Davey
Part 3a: SELF-PORTRAIT -- "Authentic-Self and Alter-Ego”
DUE:
First Period: Tuesday, October 25th
Third Period: Wednesday, October 26th
Fifth Period: Monday, October 31st
First Period: Tuesday, November 2nd (end of class)
Third Period: Wednesday, November 3rd (end of class)
Fifth Period: Tuesday, November 8th (end of class)
-- 6 final images edited and uploaded to Google Drive (TIFF) and Weebly (JPEG)
-- 3 edited final "Authentic" self-portraits
-- 3 edited final "Alter-Ego" self portraits
This project will take time and patience, and it will take attention to your light meter, focus, and composition. Use a TRIPOD! It will make a world of difference. Think about different ways you can capture who you are. What do you like to do? What is important to you? How would you portray yourself in a photo to help someone get to know you? This can be simple (like Avedon's photos of a face and background) or it can be environmental (see below images for examples). For your "Alter-Ego" portraits, be creative! You may dress up in costume, you may perform characters from TV shows or movies, but it must be counter to your "Authentic" self photos. Pay attention to lighting (diffused light is best!) and remember to make sure you have correct exposure settings.
Basic guidelines for Self-Portraits:
1) You MUST show your face
2) All images must be taken by you (self-timer OR remote)
3) These are NOT selfies
Take a look at the following images for inspiration. Be CREATIVE and have FUN!
DUE:
First Period: Tuesday, October 25th
Third Period: Wednesday, October 26th
Fifth Period: Monday, October 31st
- 100 images shot exploring the idea of self and identity (contact sheet labeled firstname_lastname_self_portrait_cs uploaded to Google Drive)
--- 50 images shot capturing your "Authentic" self
--- 50 images shot capturing an "Alter Ego" of your self
First Period: Tuesday, November 2nd (end of class)
Third Period: Wednesday, November 3rd (end of class)
Fifth Period: Tuesday, November 8th (end of class)
-- 6 final images edited and uploaded to Google Drive (TIFF) and Weebly (JPEG)
-- 3 edited final "Authentic" self-portraits
-- 3 edited final "Alter-Ego" self portraits
This project will take time and patience, and it will take attention to your light meter, focus, and composition. Use a TRIPOD! It will make a world of difference. Think about different ways you can capture who you are. What do you like to do? What is important to you? How would you portray yourself in a photo to help someone get to know you? This can be simple (like Avedon's photos of a face and background) or it can be environmental (see below images for examples). For your "Alter-Ego" portraits, be creative! You may dress up in costume, you may perform characters from TV shows or movies, but it must be counter to your "Authentic" self photos. Pay attention to lighting (diffused light is best!) and remember to make sure you have correct exposure settings.
Basic guidelines for Self-Portraits:
1) You MUST show your face
2) All images must be taken by you (self-timer OR remote)
3) These are NOT selfies
Take a look at the following images for inspiration. Be CREATIVE and have FUN!
Cindy Sherman
Alex Stoddard
Jen Davis
PROJECT 2: COMPOSITION
DUE:
1st Period: Tuesday, October 18th end of class
3rd Period: Thursday, October 20th beginning of class
5th Period: Friday, October 21st end of class
6 Final images, each edited in Photoshop, and uploaded to Google Drive (TIFF) and Weebly as JPEGs
* 2 "Frame" images
* 2 "Rule-of-Thirds" images
* 2 Perspective images (one bug, one bird)
DUE:
1st Period: Wednesday, October 12 beginning of class
3rd Period: Wednesday, October 12 beginning of class
5th Period: Monday, October 17th beginning of class
There will be three Parts to this project -- Part 2A (Frame), Part 2B (Perspective), Part 2C (Rule of Thirds)
1st Period: Tuesday, October 18th end of class
3rd Period: Thursday, October 20th beginning of class
5th Period: Friday, October 21st end of class
6 Final images, each edited in Photoshop, and uploaded to Google Drive (TIFF) and Weebly as JPEGs
* 2 "Frame" images
* 2 "Rule-of-Thirds" images
* 2 Perspective images (one bug, one bird)
DUE:
1st Period: Wednesday, October 12 beginning of class
- 80 images (minimum) shot and imported in Adobe Bridge into your "Project 2" folder under your “Originals” folder.
- PDF Contact Sheet turned into Google Drive
3rd Period: Wednesday, October 12 beginning of class
- 80 images (minimum) shot and imported in Adobe Bridge into your "Project 2" folder under your “Originals” folder.
- Due by end of class: PDF Contact Sheet turned into Google Drive
5th Period: Monday, October 17th beginning of class
- 80 images (minimum) shot and imported in Adobe Bridge into your "Project 2" folder under your “Originals” folder.
- Due by end of class: PDF Contact Sheet turned into Google Drive
There will be three Parts to this project -- Part 2A (Frame), Part 2B (Perspective), Part 2C (Rule of Thirds)
Part 2a: "FRAME"
20 images shot of one single object exploring the compositional tool of framing. Please be considerate with your object choice. Make it something interesting and unique to you. Do no use your cellphone or car keys or a bag of Doritos.
-- "FRAME" Practice looking with your camera, and begin to SEE through your view finder as opposed to merely looking. Explore the different aspects of your object (in different locations, lighting, and distance) by exploring FRAME to emphasize your focal point in your composition.
20 images shot of one single object exploring the compositional tool of framing. Please be considerate with your object choice. Make it something interesting and unique to you. Do no use your cellphone or car keys or a bag of Doritos.
-- "FRAME" Practice looking with your camera, and begin to SEE through your view finder as opposed to merely looking. Explore the different aspects of your object (in different locations, lighting, and distance) by exploring FRAME to emphasize your focal point in your composition.
Part 2b: "PERSPECTIVE"
40 images shot of the same object as above, this time exploring PERSPECTIVE
-- shoot at least 20 images from a bird's eye view
-- shoot at least 20 images from a bug's eye view
40 images shot of the same object as above, this time exploring PERSPECTIVE
-- shoot at least 20 images from a bird's eye view
-- shoot at least 20 images from a bug's eye view
Part 2C: "RULE OF THIRDS"
20 images shot of the same object as above, this time exploring RULE OF THIRDS
20 images shot of the same object as above, this time exploring RULE OF THIRDS
PROJECT 1: NAME GAME
Photograph the letters of your first and last name using objects, shadows, corners, and lines in your environment.
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