08/31/11

 

Introduction to Digital Photography

This course is an introductory investigation into the digital medium of photography.  Emphasis is placed on composition and other techniques that make photographs visually appealing.  Students will learn the basics of manipulating photographic images using Adobe Photoshop Elements and Microsoft FrontPage.  Prior knowledge of these programs is not required.  Student access to a digital camera is helpful but not required. 

Photography Assignments: Assignments will be posted in the form of an electronic portfolio (Web page) and posted in a shared folder on the school server. Topics and posting dates will be posted.

Contents:

         Day One!

1.      Photo Home Page/Files

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Designing an Electronic Portfolio - Basic Web Design

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Adding a Page

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Saving Images “…For Web” In Photoshop Elements

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Adding Images

2.      Composition and Perspective (B&W)

3.      Establishing Your Subject Using Depth (B&W)

4.      Macro Photography (B&W and Color

5.      Exploring Photoshop (B&W or Color)

6.      People Pictures and Portrait Photography (B&W and Color)

7.      Creativity (B&W or Color)

8.      Self-Portrait: Not Of You, But About You (B&W or Color)

9.  Panoramic (Optional)

10. Capturing Motion (B&W or Color) (Optional)

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Exposure

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Shutter Speed

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Aperture

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Focal Plane

 

The basics of good photography

The “rule of thumb” checklist of a good photograph includes;

bulletCrisp focus
bulletClearly identified subject
bulletSubject has interest
bulletPleasing composition
bulletProper exposure

 

Assignment 1- Photo Home Page/Files  

Assignment Objectives:

  1. Demonstrate understanding of basic composition
  2. Transfer files from camera to computer.
  3. Manipulate files in Photoshop Elements.
  4. Post files in FrontPage portfolio.

 

Design a simple web site with an "index" page and another page linking from the index page called "Black & White." You should post a minimum of six photos on the index page and a minimum of six Black & White photos on the Black & White page (follow the simple web design instructions found here). The photos found on these two pages should be “saved for web” and demonstrate a clear subject using the basic principles of composition as discussed in class.

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Assignment 2- Composition and Perspective (B&W)

Assignment Objectives:

  1. Identify a clear subject.
  2. Apply rules of composition.
  3. Identify where the viewers eye is lead in a photo.
  4. Demonstrate how angles add interest.
  5. Recognize the importance of having a subject of interest.

 

Select a building such as your home or other architectural structure and photograph it from various positions.  Practice taking photos of your subject from different angles and from heights other than eye level.  This perspective adds depth and interest to the photograph.  A photo of a house that is taken straight on will only provide the viewer with one dimension of the house.  A photograph taken from an angle will provide a view of the front and part of the side of the house. Observe the effect that the different positions have on the interest of the object. 

Each image should be processed in Photoshop Elements as in the previous assignment.  In addition, you will need to remove the color from your “Assignment 2” images.  The purpose of removing the color is to help you focus on the technical aspects of your photographs rather than allowing the color to make a photograph “work.” Follow the direction for creating grayscale images found elsewhere on this site.

Create a set of perspective photos by selecting three photographs of your object (the same object) with the backgrounds that best enhance your object.  Post this set in a photo gallery on a page linked to your index page named “Perspective.”  Repeat this process for a minimum of one more object and post them as separate galleries on the same page.  Simply insert a new photo gallery for each set. There should be a minimum of 6 high quality photos for assignment two.

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Assignment 3 – Establishing Your Subject Using Depth (B&W)

Assignment Objectives:

  1. Identify a clear subject.

  2. Apply rules of composition.

  3. Add depth to your photos to create interest

  4. Demonstrate how selective focus can add depth lead the viewer’s eye to the intended subject.

  5. Demonstrate how the use of foreground framing can add depth to your photos.

  6. Demonstrate how perspective can provide depth to the image.

 

Adding an element of depth to a photograph is relatively easy to accomplish.  It is one method of giving a flat image the appearance of adding dimension which directs the viewers eye and adds interest to the photograph. 

Selective focus adds depth to a photo by selecting a point of focus at a point beyond the foreground.  Softening the focus of the foreground leading to a sharp focus of the subject at some point beyond the foreground brings the viewers eye to the intended (in focus) point of interest (subject).

A simple or diffused, out of focus, background may help to keep the viewers eye on the object of interest. Contrasting light may also have a profound effect on establishing your subject. A busy or cluttered background may detract from the significance of the subject especially if the background is in crisp focus or has an element of significant contrast.  The key is to immediately bring the viewers eye to the subject of the photograph.

The use of foreground framing also adds depth and interest to a photo.  Picture an object in the distance that is framed by a branch in the foreground.  The branch occupies a portion of the negative space and sets the subject back on a different plane than the branch.

This assignment is to be completed in grayscale as was assignment two.  It should be created on a newly linked page with a photo gallery containing a minimum of five photographs that demonstrate depth.  A minimum of two of each method mentioned above should be included in your portfolio.

 

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Assignment 4 –Close-up/Macro Photography (B&W, Color)

Assignment Objectives:

  1. Apply rules of composition.
  2. View subject fro a different perspective
  3. Apply selective focus to direct the viewers eye
  4. Emphasize detail

 

Macro photography is simply an image taken at a very close distance to your subject.  It is another way to add interest to a photograph by capturing details that would normally go unnoticed from a greater distance.  Set your camera to the macro setting.  You do this by selecting the flower icon on your camera.  Selecting this setting will allow your camera to focus at a much closer range than it normally would.  As a result, the depth of field or depth of the range of focus will be minimal.  Your photos will have the effect of selective focus.  Be sure that the camera is focusing exactly on your intended subject (be sure the focus box is on your subject).  Be sure to turn off the flash when using this setting.

 

Photos in this assignment may be in color and B&W with a minimum of two of each.  The assignment should be created on another linked page with a photo gallery containing a minimum of five photographs that demonstrate macro/close-up photography.  Pay special attention to where the point of focus is in the photo.

 

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Assignment 5 - Exploring Photoshop

Assignment Objectives:

  1. Apply rules of composition.
  2. Experiment with filters and effects in Photoshop
  3. Create a file of manageable size.

 This assignment does not require that you have pictures of any specific theme.  All you need to do is get creative by exploring the different filters and effects in Photoshop.  Up to this point, we have been limiting your use of Photoshop to simply enhancing a photo only to the point that we could not tell that Photoshop was used.  Now you are going to do just the opposite.  Your creations should be obvious that you used Photoshop.

Begin this assignment by opening a photo and saving it under a new name.  This is important because you do not want to overwrite a good photo. Now, select the “filter” pull down and select any number of filters and effects.  Note what you do and the result.  Remember, you can always use the “history” to go back if you do not like what you see.  Do not be afraid to explore, just remember what it is that you did.

Assignment:  The pictures that you post for this assignment must be accompanied by the original picture (before and after) and in its own “photo gallery.” The final result should be a minimum of five photo galleries on one page!

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Assignment 6 - Portrait Photography (B&W, Color)

Assignment Objectives:

  1. Apply rules of composition.
  2. Demonstrate the proper use of light to enhance the subject of a portrait
 

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   Assignment 7 - Creativity

Assignment Objectives:

  1. Apply rules of composition.

  2. Demonstrate the use of proper exposure
  3. Lead the viewer’s eye to the intended subject.

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Assignment 8 - Self-Portrait: Not Of You, But About You

Assignment Objectives:

  1. Apply rules of composition.
  2. Demonstrate the use of proper exposure
  3. Lead the viewer’s eye to the intended subject.
  4. Introduce yourself to the viewer using photographs.

This is the final assignment and will contain a minimum of 5 photographs that incorporate all of the skills that we have covered through the semester.  The theme is a “Self-Portrait” but not photos of you.  Instead, let your photographs speak of your interests.  Include photos that describe you.  Photographs may be color or B&W and may be Photoshopped.  Be creative!

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Assignment 9 - Panoramic

Assignment Objectives:

  1. Apply rules of composition.
  2. Demonstrate the use of proper exposure
  3. Blend multiple photos into one image
  4. Utilize principles of perspective

This assignment requires that you take images that overlap at a point at which you can successfully heal two or more images together into one photograph.  For instance, if you stood on the shoreline of a lake and wanted an image that you could not fit in the frame of one photograph, then you would simply take two sequential images that shard some overlap.  The overlap represents the point where the two images will be healed together creating a panoramic view.

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Assignment 10 - Capturing Motion

Assignment Objectives:

  1. Apply rules of composition.
  2. Use the camera to express the feeling of motion on a flat image.

 

The feeling of motion can be conveyed in a still image in a number of ways.  The easiest method is “stop action.” This technique involves capturing your subject in obvious motion while the entire photograph is in clear focus.  By “obvious motion,” I mean your subject could not remain in the position in which you captured it due to the laws of gravity!  To do this, you usually need a significant amount of light so the camera can utilize a fast shutter speed.  Many cameras have a setting for such photos designated by an icon that resembles a runner.  This technique works well at the ball field on a sunny day.

 

Another method shows an “object in motion” with a degree of blur while the rest of the photo demonstrates clear focus.  The focused portion of the photo serves as a reference to which the subject is compared.  This method involves slowing down the shutter speed while the camera is being held very still (a tripod may help).  Set the camera to shutter priority mode and slow the shutter speed down.  You will have to experiment with the setting as it will vary depending on the amount of light and the rate at which your subject is moving.  The slower the subject is moving, the slower you will have to set the speed. This technique works best when you are not shooting in direct sunlight.

Yet another method is called “panning.”  You have seen this technique if you have ever watched a car race.  The camera follows the movement of the car (the subject) providing a sharp rendition of the car while the background provides a soft horizontal blur.  The result is a still image that appears to be moving fast.  This technique, again, requires the shutter speed to be slowed and a steady hand to follow the moving subject.

This assignment will consist of a minimum of 5 quality photographs demonstrating “an object in motion” and “stop action.”  Good “panning” images will be worth bonus points, but will be optional as it presents a significant degree of challenge.

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Exposure

There are two variables that determine the exposure of a photograph.  The aperture controls the size of the opening through which light is allowed and the shutter speed determines how long the light is allowed into the camera.  Basically, the aperture refers to the size of the opening and the shutter speed refers to how long it is left open.  A large aperture left open for a very brief time may allow the same amount of light to enter the camera as a very small aperture that is left open for a longer time.  However, while both sets of variables may both produce the identical exposure, they can produce very different effects such as the depth of the focal plane.  These effects can greatly enhance your photography by bringing the viewers eye to the subject of your photo.  When the camera is set in “Program” mode, it automatically determines an average setting for both aperture and shutter speed for the ideal exposure. The light diagram demonstrates the relationship between aperture and shutter speed settings.

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Aperture and Aperture Priority

An aperture setting is referred to as an “f-stop.” The typical camera has an f-stop range from f2.8-f16.  The smaller the f-stop, the larger the aperture opening (this may seem counterintuitive).  The greater the f-stop value, the smaller the aperture opening is. The smaller the aperture opening, the greater the depth of the focal plane or simply put, the deeper the focus in the image.  The larger the aperture opening or the smaller the f-stop value, the narrower the depth of the focal plane. 

Aperture priority is a setting on the camera that allows you to choose the f-stop and the camera will automatically select the appropriate shutter speed.  It is typically marked with an “A” or “Av” which stands for “aperture value.”

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Shutter speed

The shutter speed determines the length of time that the shutter remains open.  The longer the shutter is held open, the more light that is allowed into the camera.  However, the longer the shutter remains open, the more important it is for the both the camera and the subject being photographed to remain perfectly still.  Most photos should be taken at shutter speeds greater than 1/60 of a second.  Shutter speeds less than this require a tripod for reliable results.  Fast shutter speeds are good for stopping action but require situations with lots of light.  Conversely, you would show motion by slowing the shutter speed down with less ambient light available. 

Shutter priority is a camera setting that allows you to select the shutter speed and then the camera will automatically pick the appropriate aperture size.  It is typically marked with an “S” or “Tv” which signifies “time value.”

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Focal plane

The focal plane refers to the depth of the imaginary plane which is in focus.  Picture looking down a school hallway lined with 100 lockers.  The first 20 lockers may be out of focus but lockers 21- 100 are in focus.  This would imply a deep focal plane.  A narrow focal plane might only have lockers 21-25 in focus.  The depth of the focal plane can be enhanced by changing the aperture size.

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Electronic Portfolio - Designing a Simple Web Page

You are going to use FrontPage to produce a web site that will serve as your electronic portfolio.  You can quickly produce an attractive site following the these steps;

  1. Start by making a “Digital Photography” folder in your “My Documents."
  2. Open FrontPage
  3. Select “New” from the file menu and then “Page or Web”
  4. Select “Empty Web”
  5. Select "Browse" under options and specify the location of the new web to the “Digital Photography” folder in your “My Documents.”  Do this by clicking on the “browse” button and selecting “My Documents” and then “Digital Photography.”  Select OK.
  6. Now select “One Page Web”
  7. Two new columns and a large blank area will appear.  Under the “Folder List” double click the “index.htm” file.  The index page (it is blank still) will open.
  8. Now select “Theme” from the format menu.  Immediately select “All Pages” and then choose a theme from the lengthy list on the left of the screen.  You can click once on the name of the theme to see a preview of it will look like. Once you have decided on the theme, select "OK."
  9. Go back up to the format menu and select “Shared Borders.”  Again, the first thing you want to do is select “All Pages”. Check the "Top" and "Left" boxes and then the “include navigation bars” box found under “Left”.  Leave the “include navigation bars” box next to “Top” unchecked and select "OK."
  10. The index page now has a horizontal and vertical dotted line on it.  Above the horizontal line, (at the very top of the page) click on the typed sentence and it will become highlighted.  Now, select “Page Banner” under the insert menu. Picture is selected by default and “index.htm” will appear in the box.  Leave this as is and select "OK!"

You now have a web site!  However, now we have to put pages in and then photographs on the pages.

  1. Move the cursor into the “Folder List” column beneath the index.htm file and right click on the mouse.  Select “New” and then “Page.” Choose "save as" from the file menu and name this page for the appropriate assignment. Repeat the process a couple more times making a “backgrounds” and “depth” pages. These are the pages for your next three assignments.
  2. To add photos to your pages, select "Web Component" from the insert menu. Then select "Photo Gallery" and then the "Montage Layout." Simply follow the direction for adding and removing images from the page.  Be sure that all images have been "saved for web" in Photoshop Elements.

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Photoshop Elements

Saving Images “…For Web” In Photoshop Elements.

  1. With your image file open, select the “Save For Web” option under the file menu.  
  2. Note the number of pixels occupied by the height and width of the image.  Highlight the larger of the two and change the value to 700 pixels.  Be sure that the check box remains selected to constrain proportions.
  3. Choose “Apply.”
  4. Choose “OK.”
  5. Name the image with “web” at the end of it (for example, belle.gif becomes belleweb.gif).  This is a good habit that will aide in easy recognition of the images that will be placed on your web page. 

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This site was last updated 08/31/11