Ways of Looking

points: 50

Assigned: Tuesday, September 1, 2020

Due: Tuesday, September 8, 2020, have images for the start of class
Wednesday, September 9, 2020, by 10 pm upload finished folder to Box

Looking

Goal: To practice using the frame of the camera, to see like a photographer

Think of this as a warm-up exercise.  As a way to stretch your minds and your eyes – to start us all thinking about seeing and taking photos.

assignment:

Use your Z6 (if you plan to use a different camera during the semester, please talk to me first)

Set your camera and lens to the longest focal length (on the Z6 that is 70mm). That means YOU CANNOT ZOOM.
** Because we need to stay at a safe distance, we will use the longest focal length this semester. By this I mean zoom in with the lens, so you can shoot from further away and still get some tight images. But then don’t zoom anymore. Set the lens and stick with it.**

Get a friend or willing victim to help you with the assignment

Find a location you find visually interesting, and outdoors. (Outdoors will give you more light and be safer)

Think about the background and light for your photograph.

What makes a good location for a photo?

How does the background affect the overall aesthetic of the image?

how does the quality and direction of the light impact your subject and background?

Pick a location to take their photo.  Once you and your subject are in position:

Your subject CANNOT move. 

Think about the light, the background, the scene when picking your spot.

Once in place, shoot 30 different photos of your subject, by controlling the frame and position.

The idea is to expand your ideas of how to frame an image

Move the camera and change where your subject is in the frame

Think about how framing and cropping changes the look of the image

You may move around, your subject cannot

Making photos ultimately come down to two decisions:
1. When
2. Where
This assignment is more about the Where – where you position yourself and your subject, where you point the camera.
But it is also about the When – when you choose to shoot will affect the light – especially if you are outside or by a window
What you CAN do:
  • move around your subject
  • move the camera frame
  • shoot more than 30 images – but you will only turn in 30

What you CAN’T do

  • change the focal length of the lens (zoom)
  • have your model vogue or move or change expression
  • This is NOT about how good your model is
  • Your model is NOT getting the grade
The goal is to create 30 different photos – each one uniquely framed, and shot
EXAMPLE

** No captions required for this assignment. Don’t get used to that though!**

Spend about 30-45 minutes to shoot this assignment

Bring your SD card with ALL the photos you shot for the assignment to class.

SUBMIT (due Wednesday 9/9)

  • Upload a folder, with your name, and inside of that place two folders.
  • The RAW folder will have every photo you shot for the assignment, every one
  • The folder called TONED_CAPTIONED will have   two of your photos, adjusted in PS or LR with a caption that describes the photo

UPLOAD to Box using the instructions as outlined in class and on the handout

GRADING

  • Did you spend time and make an effort
  • Did you pick a location with good light and background
  • Are photos properly exposed
  • Are photos sharp and in focus
  • Is the white balance set properly
  • Is there variety in the images
  • Are they aesthetically pleasing