Skills are like muscles — you need to flex them regularly, or you'd suffer from atrophy. Even when you think you’re already comfortable using a camera, it’s always healthy to learn new tricks and techniques and challenge your creativity.
Whether your new to photography or your looking to sharpen your skills, taking a plethora of photos is key. This is the basic principle / reasoning to "photo challenges". Photo challeneges are simple to inderstand and complete but are hard to do complete well. they are designed to expainted your interests and skill level. you will definiting be pushed past your comfort zone... THAT IS THE POINT. To start of this class on the right we are going to complete a photo challenge. The goals is to push students to take alot of photos and create artwork from a few |
Mrs. Ras Photo challenge
Assignment
For the next 15 school days we are going to complete 10 photo challenges. Each challenge has a guideline/ theme that the students will have to try to capture. For each challenge students will have to take at least 1 photos and 1 finished "edited" photo. All assignment pieces are to be turned in on your "shared"google folder
Each challenge must
For the next 15 school days we are going to complete 10 photo challenges. Each challenge has a guideline/ theme that the students will have to try to capture. For each challenge students will have to take at least 1 photos and 1 finished "edited" photo. All assignment pieces are to be turned in on your "shared"google folder
Each challenge must
- take 10 snapshots
- choose the best and edit one into a final artwork
- write a short response explaining why this photo you created completes the challenge (this of it like a mini (very mini) persuasive essay)
Photo Challenge
Photo Challenge 1: Through the eyes of a high schooler
Part 1: taking the photo
the objective.
get in the mind of a high schooler (that shouldn't be hard) and take photos of objects or scenes that a high schooler might see every day. What things will help make photo shoot / challenge successful.
Part 2: Editing the photo
Use at least 2 image adjustments and one filter. |
photo challenge 2: Rule of thirds
2nd Challenge: Rule of thirds
today’s challenge is to tackle the rule of thirds. This is a great rule, and pretty much the first rule that photographers learn when it comes to composition.
The rule basically dictates that photos should be split into 9 equal parts; 2 equally-spaced horizontal lines and 2 equally-spaced vertical lines, and that important features within the frame should intersect with these lines at some point.
It looks something like this.
today’s challenge is to tackle the rule of thirds. This is a great rule, and pretty much the first rule that photographers learn when it comes to composition.
The rule basically dictates that photos should be split into 9 equal parts; 2 equally-spaced horizontal lines and 2 equally-spaced vertical lines, and that important features within the frame should intersect with these lines at some point.
It looks something like this.
More to come.... stay tuned.
What is the rule of thirds: Q&A.
Read the article below to learn about the rule of thirds
and answer these two questions in a google doc.
- what is composition
- What is the rule of thirds
- what are power points
- how should you arrange the placement of your subject according to the rule of thirds or the power points.
- why is the rule of thirds important
https://expertphotography.com/improve-your-composition-the-rule-of-thirds/
The point of using the rule of thirds is that you can create a much more interesting photo. It opens up space in the frame to look into the background and what else is going on in the frame. It works especially well with candid photography because it’s all about providing a sense of detail about what’s going on, without being too intrusive.
This doesn’t just work for photos of people though, there’s also buildings, and landscapes and so on.
If you want to make your photos more interesting, then this is the go-to rule that you should try. Of course, when I say rule, I don’t mean rule (they’re guides really), but they’re called rules to make it easier for us to understand their purpose.
Here’s the final photo, with the grid taken off. It makes it less obvious why this photo works, but we know that it does.
https://www.slideshare.net/Refrigeratorgood/high-school-photography-rule-of-thirds
So remember:
Photo Challenge... the assignment
and answer these two questions in a google doc.
- what is composition
- What is the rule of thirds
- what are power points
- how should you arrange the placement of your subject according to the rule of thirds or the power points.
- why is the rule of thirds important
https://expertphotography.com/improve-your-composition-the-rule-of-thirds/
The point of using the rule of thirds is that you can create a much more interesting photo. It opens up space in the frame to look into the background and what else is going on in the frame. It works especially well with candid photography because it’s all about providing a sense of detail about what’s going on, without being too intrusive.
This doesn’t just work for photos of people though, there’s also buildings, and landscapes and so on.
If you want to make your photos more interesting, then this is the go-to rule that you should try. Of course, when I say rule, I don’t mean rule (they’re guides really), but they’re called rules to make it easier for us to understand their purpose.
Here’s the final photo, with the grid taken off. It makes it less obvious why this photo works, but we know that it does.
https://www.slideshare.net/Refrigeratorgood/high-school-photography-rule-of-thirds
So remember:
- The rule of thirds adds depth
- Intersect import points at intersect points
- Match up important lines to the thirds lines
- Be creative and don’t take the rule too seriously
- Don’t overdoo it!
Photo Challenge... the assignment
- take ten practice pictures (remember these do not have to be good!) The subjects are completely up to you all that is necessary is that you take the photo adhering to the rule of thids
- Choose one picture that you think demonstrates the rule of thirds.
- Editing musts
- blur some of the edges to highlight the focal points according to the Power points
- enhance the color and contrast
- Editing musts
- When you hand in the assignment write a short review what the picture is about and why this pictures demonstrates the rule of thirds.
photo challenge 3: High / low angles
Challenge 3: Low Angle & High Angle "CAMERA ANGLES: the Art of Manipulation"
Today’s task is to tackle the fine art of low-angle and high angle photography. we’re going to talk about the differences between the two, and how you can use either a low angle or a high angle shot to improve your photography. The eye level of most photographers is between five and six feet from the ground. Most tripods will support a camera at this height. But if all your photos are taken at eye level, (the same as most other photographers), what will be different about your photo? The objective of a good photographer should be to present their subject in a way that it will be eye-catching, different, and invoke a “wow” response from the viewer, not a “meh” or a yawn. Learn how changing your perspective can change, (and Improve!), your photography. The whole point of this challenge is to help you to think of other ways, perspective to shoot and get the best picture. All to often most t shoot from eye level, looking forward. (scroll through your photo gallery… its true) Low and high angle photography is what is sounds like. It refers to the literal point of view of the camera. A high angle shot is when the camera is set above the subject and angled down towards them, and a low angle shot is an exact opposite: camera below the subject angled up in their direction |
Photo Challenge... the assignment
- take ten practice pictures (remember these do not have to be good!) The subjects are completely up to you all that is necessary is that you take both high and low angle perspectives
- Choose one picture that you think demonstrates a unique angle
- Editing musts
- blur
- lighting
- enhance the color and contrast
- Editing musts
- When you hand in the assignment write a short review what the picture is about and why this pictures demonstrates high or low angle and how it improved or added something unique to this photo
Challenge 4: PORTRAITS
This challenge is going to be\a two parter. first we are going to choose and take 10 pics of yourself or a friend. We will be setting up lighting tomorrow. think about who you choose because this inst a straight forward shot, you must capture the "likeness" of your subject in looks and personality.
Edward Steichen said that “A portrait is not made in the camera but on either side of it.” So take your time to first hang out and chat with your model. Any stiffness and uncomfort will be always visible in the photo. Also make sure that you know where your light sources are and pay attention how the light falls on your model’s face.
Remember that
1. The eyes are the most important part of a portrait, so make sure that they are always in focus.
2. lighting is key. where should we place the lighting so that it is flattering and a bit narrative.
3. Angle of the shot is super important. how and where you take the photo will tell you a lot about your subject
3. Pay attention to the negative space. There should be enough head space above and around your model’s faces.
Lighting your portrait
bellow are a 5 basic lighting types from "50 Lighting setups for Portrait Photographers". Using this information lets set up some lighting and take some shoots. Even if you took photos at home practice today! we will need some volunteers as subjects. If you sit as a model i'll award you 5 extra points to any project of your choosing.
Side lighting:
The main light is placed at the side of the subject (level with the face) and pointed towards their nose. This light illuminates half of the face, shadowing the other side.
Paramount (butterfly) lighting:
Placing a butterfly shadow under the subjects nose, the main light is placed with the camera about 2 or 3 feet above the subjects head. This was popular in Hollywood in the 30s and 40s, accentuates the cheekbones, chin and shape of the nose.
Rembrandt lighting:
Characterized by a triangular highlight on the cheek. The main light being placed to the side and angled down from about 2 feet above the head, a classic style but not suitable for all faces.
Side light modified:
Adding a second light opposite the main light illuminates the shadow areas, creating 2 highlights on the nose and on the outside edge of the eyes.
Rembrandt lighting modified:
For this a softbox was used for the main light, a reflector was placed opposite the light to open up the shadow side a white reflector used on the table to bounce the light back up to the face. Adding reflectors helps open up the shadows!
Begleiter S.H, (2008), 50 Lighting setups for Portrait Photographers, Amherst Media Inc, Page 9
Edward Steichen said that “A portrait is not made in the camera but on either side of it.” So take your time to first hang out and chat with your model. Any stiffness and uncomfort will be always visible in the photo. Also make sure that you know where your light sources are and pay attention how the light falls on your model’s face.
Remember that
1. The eyes are the most important part of a portrait, so make sure that they are always in focus.
2. lighting is key. where should we place the lighting so that it is flattering and a bit narrative.
3. Angle of the shot is super important. how and where you take the photo will tell you a lot about your subject
3. Pay attention to the negative space. There should be enough head space above and around your model’s faces.
Lighting your portrait
bellow are a 5 basic lighting types from "50 Lighting setups for Portrait Photographers". Using this information lets set up some lighting and take some shoots. Even if you took photos at home practice today! we will need some volunteers as subjects. If you sit as a model i'll award you 5 extra points to any project of your choosing.
Side lighting:
The main light is placed at the side of the subject (level with the face) and pointed towards their nose. This light illuminates half of the face, shadowing the other side.
Paramount (butterfly) lighting:
Placing a butterfly shadow under the subjects nose, the main light is placed with the camera about 2 or 3 feet above the subjects head. This was popular in Hollywood in the 30s and 40s, accentuates the cheekbones, chin and shape of the nose.
Rembrandt lighting:
Characterized by a triangular highlight on the cheek. The main light being placed to the side and angled down from about 2 feet above the head, a classic style but not suitable for all faces.
Side light modified:
Adding a second light opposite the main light illuminates the shadow areas, creating 2 highlights on the nose and on the outside edge of the eyes.
Rembrandt lighting modified:
For this a softbox was used for the main light, a reflector was placed opposite the light to open up the shadow side a white reflector used on the table to bounce the light back up to the face. Adding reflectors helps open up the shadows!
Begleiter S.H, (2008), 50 Lighting setups for Portrait Photographers, Amherst Media Inc, Page 9
Photo Challenge 5: Contrast
Contrast means difference. In the case of photography, the most common differences are achieved by changes in the tones (light) or colors that compose the image.
Contrast has been a key element from the beginning of photography. It is the degree of difference between the elements that forms an image. Higher contrast will give your image a different feel than lower contrast, for example. But the type of contrast can also influence your images. Types of Contrast Tonal Contrast The best known type of contrast is tonal. This refers to value and have a complete range of it! It refers to the difference in brightness (light intensity) between the elements of the image. Although it is important in all types of photos, tonal contrast is especially relevant in B&W images Color Contrast Using color and basic knowledge of the color wheel can help create color contrast. Color contrast is the use of opposite colors in the same photography. Using complementary colors (colors that are opposite) to help highlight and focus a subject. Subject contrast subject contrast is using the idea of differences in the same picture to help give a story or just draw attention. The clisha rose growing from a sidewalk pic is a example of subject contrast. The rose is something different and even not expected against the sidewalk which is the majority of the photo. Subject contrast doesn't always have to narrative or thematic it can refer to, textures even. Assignment We are going to take and hand in a example for all three of these.
When taking these image remember even though we may be talking about value and subject you must still consider the
My suggestion is to take multiple shots of the same thing! take one high, then get on the floor. try having the subject at different areas if your frame. ps this will also help you get your ten required practice shots. for each.... yes you did the math right you will need to hand in 30 practice shots. |
Exposure
If we didn't take a moment to take camera/ photo lingo it would be a missed opportunity. Exposure refers in photography refers to the amount of like the camera captured to make your image. ’ So Exposure directly affects your tonal contrast!
Overexposed Photos
Exactly the opposite of underexposure, you have overexposed a photograph when too much light is recorded. You will notice this in the highlights where no details are captured; they become what photographers call "blown out."
Underexposure in photography refers to an image where too little light was recorded. The degree of underexposure will determine how dark a photo is.
If we didn't take a moment to take camera/ photo lingo it would be a missed opportunity. Exposure refers in photography refers to the amount of like the camera captured to make your image. ’ So Exposure directly affects your tonal contrast!
Overexposed Photos
Exactly the opposite of underexposure, you have overexposed a photograph when too much light is recorded. You will notice this in the highlights where no details are captured; they become what photographers call "blown out."
- Overexposure can be used to your advantage when photographing dark scenes and objects. By slightly overexposing (no more than one full stop), you can bring out details in, for instance, a dark brick wall.
- If you overexpose by too much, you will lose details in your highlights and your shadows will have a "muddy" or blah-looking contrast. For example, an overexposed photo of a person wearing a black shirt will make their skin too pasty and white rather than tan. The shirt will become an unnatural gray with little to no contrast.
Underexposure in photography refers to an image where too little light was recorded. The degree of underexposure will determine how dark a photo is.
- A slight underexposure can lead to a deepening of the color saturation and this may be a nice effect. For instance, the colors of a sunset can become more dramatic if you stop down from f/8 to f/11.
- A more pronounced underexposure makes an image too dark for the subjects to be seen clearly. This often happens at night; just think of a street scene in which everything is dimly lit. With a bad exposure, you may not be able to see a separation between a person and the wall they're standing against.
Tonal Contrast Critic.
In preparation for editing and turning in one good artwork for the "Tonal Contrast Challenge" complete the critic bellow using your 10 Tonal Contrast photos from the weekend
In preparation for editing and turning in one good artwork for the "Tonal Contrast Challenge" complete the critic bellow using your 10 Tonal Contrast photos from the weekend
Photo Challenge: SILHOUETTE/ Value reversed
Answer the quiz belowAssignmenthttps://www.apple.com/iphone/photography-how-to/
What is value? What is a silhouette? Back Light Lighting Things to consider when taking a silhouette or Back lite Lighting photo - lighting? -Environment -Space- An element of art by which positive and negative areas are defined or a sense of depth achieved in a work of art .As the hole subject is blacked out what space arounbd it are important and create interest! ie your negative space! Assignment: take a slot photograph must have light from the back must have high contrast must evoke an emotion |
Photo Challenge Conclusion
To demonstrate your improved knowlege of basic photography before we venture into the technical world of dslrs and more project based lessons, you are going to create a photo "Magazine" of your work. In your layouts you must pick and display a photo for each of the Art Terms below. in addition you must define and describe why the chosen picture demonstrates that element. at the bottom i have attached a indesign template.
Art Terms/ Concepts
- Value-The lightness or darkness of tones or colors. White is the lightest value; black is the darkest. The value halfway between these extremes is called middle gray.
- Composition- is the arrangement of elements within a work of art. An artist arranges the different elements of an artwork so as to bring them into a relationship satisfactory to them and, it is hoped, the viewer.
- Color- An element of art made up of three properties: hue, value,
and intensity.
• Hue: name of color
• Value: hue’s lightness and darkness (a color’s value
changes when white or black is added)
• Intensity/ vibrancy : quality of brightness and purity ie is strong and bright; • • Emotions-Color has a profound effect on us even though we may not be aware of it. Every day our emotions, moods, mental acuity and even physical sensations - Narrative- When the subject of the photo seems to "Say something" or give purpose to the overall image. What is the image SAYING.