269 – The Viewfinder

30 points

Assigned:  Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Due: Sunday, August 30, 2020,  by 10 pm

Through The Viewfinder

Goal: To begin to think like a photographer.

Photographs are defined by what we include and exclude in our images – the frame. It is the most important decision you’ll make as a visual journalist.

In Class, I’ll provide you with a very fancy cardboard viewfinder.
If you’re taking the class remotely follow these simple instructions:

The exact size isn’t important. You can use any cardboard you have available—an old box, matte board, etc.

Cut a rectangle out of a piece of cardboard roughly with these dimensions:

    • The cardboard should be about 5×7 inches.
    • The cutout in the center should be roughly 1.5×2 inches.
Viewfinder template

Assignment:

  • carry the cardboard viewfinder with you over the next few days. Every time you walk into a new room, a new place, look through the viewfinder.
  • Pay attention to how the viewfinder changes your view.
  • Try to imagine how a photograph would look as you move and compose the frame.
  • ‘Compose’ photographs that seem visually interesting to you.
  • Write several paragraphs, describing the experience – what it felt like (besides embarrassing) looking through the viewfinder.
    • How did it change the experience of looking for you? (if it did at all)?
    • Was there anything specific that you were more or less aware of as you looked through the viewfinder?
    • What were you thinking about as you looked through the viewfinder?
    • How did the view change as you moved the viewfinder closer or farther from your eye?
  • Describe in detail at least two photographs you would have taken if you had a real camera in your hands.
    • Why would you have taken a photo at that moment?
    • What would the photo have looked like?
    • What would you have made sure to include or exclude?

Upload your text to Canvas as an attachment.

  • If you don’t return the viewfinder you get a zero for a grade.