Motion Preview and MAJOR Assignment

Overview: Capturing motion is one of the most common, yet challenging aspect to master in photography. Whether you are shooting sports, kids swinging on the playground or a dance recital, motion is a ever present in photography.

When mastering Depth of Field, a photographer must think first about their aperture setting. However, when preparing for a motion shoot, photographers must first consider their shutter speed.

Directions: 
Make a new blog post titled "Motion Preview."

Review the sites below and answer the following questions to prepare to master Motion photography.

MOTION PREVIEW

http://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-capture-motion-blur-in-photography

1. Why slow down your shutter speed?

2. What are the two primary ways to create motion in a photograph?

3. Why use a Shutter Priority mode?

4. What are three primary methods to compensate for long shutter speeds when there is too much light?

Beautiful Motion Blur Photos

Pick out three of your favorite motion blur photos from the link below.

http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/08/24/45-beautiful-motion-blur-photos/


Action Shots and Auto Focus Modes

Panning Tutorial Video
http://www.adorama.com/alc/0012567/article/Panning-Adorama-Photography-TV

Using Slow Shutter for Action Panning
http://www.adorama.com/alc/0008355/article/100-in-100-Slow-Shutter-Speed-Action-Panning

5. From the Web site, what is a good starting shutter speed range (fastest to slowest) that you should start out with when attempting panning?

6. From the video, why is the center auto focus point important for panning?

7. From the video, why should you use Continuous Drive mode of panning?

One Shot versus AI Servo Auto Focus Modes
http://digital-photography-school.com/one-shot-vs-ai-servo-when-to-use-each/

8. What does the "AI Servo" auto focus mode do?

9. What are the advantages of shooting in "AI Servo" auto focus mode for sports/action photography?

What is Back Button Focus?
http://digital-photography-school.com/back-button-focus/

10. Why should you consider using Back Button Focus for action photography?

11. What are some of the challenges of Back Button Focus?


Back Button Focus Tutorial Video – Nikon :( 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzqQskGoURE


How to setup Back Button Focus

Back Button Focus Setup Instructions for T3i
http://james-brandon.com/tack-sharp/canon-rebel-t3i/

More info on Back Button Focus from Canon
http://www.learn.usa.canon.com/resources/articles/2011/backbutton_af_article.shtml


MAJOR ASSIGNMENT DIRECTIONS

Link to full assignment
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1UFIVJD2sBzSGZTZ2tzOTllUFE/view?usp=sharing

Motion Shoot Directions

Formal Assignment:

Part A. Pick a theme, then photograph a person engaged in each of the following motions within the theme you’ve selected (e: playgrounds, dance, jumping, etc.)

General movement [total of 3 images]

Moving across the camera plane [total of 3 images]

Moving toward the camera plane [total of 3 images]

For each activity, make your 3 exposures using radically different shutter speeds. Be sure you’ve produced good examples of both frozen action and blurred motion.

Part B. Make 3 exposures using the technique of panning. Be sure to select a shutter speed that allows you to streak the background while keep the main subject sharp. Pre-focus if necessary. [total of 3 images]

Shoot a lot. Edit. Show only your best.

Submit…

Formal assignment: A total of 12 images, 9 for motion and 3 for panning posted on your blog.

Grading…

Will be based on following directions, the technical quality of your images, and the overall effectiveness of your compositions. This is only a basic summary of the job requirements. Much additional important information will be given to you by your instructor during regular classroom sessions.

COME CHECK OUT A CAMERA ASAP! Your assignment is due by Nov. 7. I expect all of you to turn this assignment in on time.

Naviance and 4 Year Plans

Overview: At Akins students are asked to map out their 4-Year plans using an online resource called Naviance. It helps the school track student interests in the courses offered and is used to decide how much funding each program should get. By tracking you through your four years, we get access to additional money to pay for things like new Apple computers and lots of camera equipment.

So this is very important.

Today will seem a little complex for those of you who are freshmen and sophomores, but I will be there to help you through the process. If you are a junior or senior, you should be familiar with this program. I need your help today with our younger students. If you finish early, plan to help. Thank you.

Directions: Today we are going to do your four-year plans on Naviance. Please follow the steps below:

Step 1: Before we get started, we should explore the current offerings available in the Mass Media Majors at Akins. Check out out website here for info on Media Majors:

http://www.akinseagles.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?type=d&uREC_ID=300249&pREC_ID=692898

And check out our slideshow here:

Step 2: To begin setting up your 4-Year Plan, go to the following site:

https://connection.naviance.com/fc/signin.php?hsid=charlesakins
 

Login user name: student ID # (without S)

Password: student ID # (without initials) 

If it doesn't work please go to the clipboard located on the table in front of my desk and write your name and student number so we can activate your account.

Once you are logged in, click on the tab on top labled: Course

Then click: Manage my courses

Then go to: My current plan

• Click on each department area to the left and check that current selections are accurate.
• Add any classes that are missing.
• You will need to do this for each year you have left in high school. Seniors, its simple, just do this year.
• Juniors, you only have this year and next year.
• Sophomore, you have 3 years to complete and
• Freshmen, you have all four years to plan.

Important: Now here is where it gets tricky... These 4-year plans are NOT your course sheet selections. You are not signing up to take these classes. It's just a plan that shows where you think you are going. We want you to do your best to fill in all your core classes and what you think you want to take in the future with non-core classes. Every academy has a variety of majors and since we have students from every academy, we will do our best to direct you. But each and every one of you can deal with the core classes, and we can work on your Major (or elective CTE classes).

To see a list of course sequences related to CTE majors, click the link below.

• These are only Career and Technology Education related majors. This doesn't include majors for Fine Arts and other non-CTE majors.

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B1UFIVJD2sBzaGl3OXBmSXl4YmM&usp=sharing

So lets get started. Log in and get rolling. I will be walking around helping all I can.

Stock Images and Legal Issues

Overview: We will begin to explore Stock Photography in more detail.

Directions: Make a new blog entry titled "Stock Photography and Legal Issues."

Step 1: Create an account on https://www.snapwi.re. For now, just set up an account so you can explore the challenges.

Step 2: 
After you have followed "DavidD" or "David Doerr" begin following accounts from other Commercial Photography students in the class. Share your username with other students by posting it on your blog.

Step 3: 

Read the article below and answer the following questions.

1. What is a model release? Why do you need one?
2. Why should you keyword your photos?
3. Why do you have to be careful about shooting images with band names or logos?
4. Why should you save space?

10 Tips for Stock Photography

https://500px.com/blog/1135/stock-photography-101-10-helpful-tips-to-jumpstart-your-stock-photography-business


Step 4: 

Read the article below and answer the following questions.

5. Why do designers like Royalty Free images?
6. Why should designers be careful about using Royalty Free images?
7. What is an alternative to Royalty Free images?
8. In your words, what is the difference between Royalty Free and Rights Managed stock photography?

Royalty Free and Rights Managed

https://asmp.org/articles/rights-managed-stock-vs-royalty-free-stock.html#.VDMQwEt6My8

Step 5: 

Read the article below and answer the following questions.

9. What is a legal issue that is covered in the FAQ that you never thought of before you read about it?
10. Why is it an interesting legal issue to you?

Business and Legal FAQs by ASMP

https://asmp.org/articles/business-and-legal-faq.html#.VDMPSEt6My8

Step 6: 

Embed a Getty image into your blog

Read the directions on how to embed a Getty Image at the link below. In Blogger you must paste the code into the "HTML" side of the blog editor.

Embed 3 Getty Still Life images that inspire you and that you would like to copy.

Getty Embed

http://www.gettyimages.com/embed

SMART Plans for Second Six Weeks

ADVANCED STUDENTS: 

Please turn in your SMART Plans today by the end of the period. They were due last week.

The link to the form is here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Gfv1m2AiFUtiQ8W_A1E-8VGFxZy2Ay6MmHDN-wbyJO8/viewform

To see previous SMART plans, click the following link:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1gvDwPrf8ANhw3oQ_Thw89bVUKi1AYoyUl0ec5kWXwq8/edit?usp=sharing

Still Life Photography and Depth of Field

Overview: Depth of Field is a powerful tools a photographer to create emphasis in their work. We will work on a still life composition and focus on different objects to master this skill.

Directions: 

Step 1: 
Begin by exploring Still Life Photography and examining excellent examples at the links below:

Painted Examples

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Still_life

https://www.artspan.com/still-life-painting#.VCmLkEt6My8

http://www.ranker.com/list/famous-still-life-paintings/reference

Photography Examples
http://www.creativebloq.com/photography/still-life-photography-1131688

http://photography.tutsplus.com/tutorials/10-tips-to-get-started-with-still-life-photography--photo-8278

http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2012/03/03/still-life-photography-depth-of-field-mastered-in-8-steps/

Stock Photography Sites

Getty Images
http://www.gettyimages.com

Shutter Stock
http://www.shutterstock.com

iStock
http://www.istockphoto.com

SnapWire
https://www.snapwi.re


Step 2: In a new blog entry titled "Still Life Preview" and answer the following questions

1. Review the painting example and provide a list of three items that were often seen in painted still life artwork.

2. In your own words, write a paragraph that explains what factors the photographer must consider when doing still life photography.

3. Why is the Aperture Priority mode on the camera helpful when doing still life photography?

4. Why is a small aperture sometimes beneficial for still life photography?

Step 3: Explore ideas for Stock Photography sites above and answer the questions below.

1. Find an example of Stock Photography that interests you and post it to your blog.

2. What is an example of Stock Photography that you could take at your home or in Austin?

3. Who is interested in buying stock photography?

4. Why should commercial photographers consider shooting stock photography?


Step 4: Plan your Still Life Shoot

1. What are some objects that you have that you could arrange for a Still Life shoot?

2. What backdrop/background could you use to enhance the emphasis on subject or contribute to setting the scene of the photograph?

3. What kind of feeling are you trying to evoke by grouping these objects and background together?


MAJOR ASSIGNMENT DIRECTIONS:

Link to Word Document version of assignment:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1UFIVJD2sBzQ0NLbzFJZUNIVnc/view?usp=sharing

Standard Assignment Option: 

Make a set of still life images by altering the depth of field for each image.

1. Focusing consistently on the front object, make 3 correct exposures adjusting the f/stop from widest to middle to smallest. [total of 3 exposures]

2. Focusing consistently on the middle object, make 3 correct exposures adjusting the f/stop from widest to middle to smallest. [total of 3 exposures]

3. Focusing consistently on the far object, make 3 correct exposures adjusting the f/stop from widest to middle to smallest. [total of 3 exposures]


Creative Assignment Option:

Create 3 sets of still-life compositions of at least three 3 different objects. Choose your objects and book with intention so their is a feeling or meaning evoked by the image. Think creatively. This creativity will figure in your grade.

• Arrange the objects at varying distances from the camera. 
• Using a tripod and a normal focal length lens (about 40 mm), frame you image to get a tight composition with little or no background. 
• Make sure you can see some of the text in the composition 
• Light the still-life using window or artificial light; either way, use reflector cards to add fill light into the shadow areas. 
• Use manual focus 

1. FIRST SET: Make 3 correct exposures adjusting the f/stop from widest to middle to smallest. [total of 3 exposures]

2. SECOND SET make 3 correct exposures adjusting the f/stop from widest to middle to smallest. [total of 3 exposures]

3. THIRD SET,  make 3 correct exposures adjusting the f/stop from widest to middle to smallest. [total of 3 exposures]

Submit…

Formal assignment: A total of 9 images will be submitted for this project. You will submit this assignment by saving your final images on your blog in an entry titled "Still Life Major Assignment."

Grading…

Will be based on following directions, use of a tripod, correct exposure determination, and overall effectiveness of your compositions. This is only a basic summary of the job requirements. Much additional important information will be give to you by your instructor during regular classroom sessions.

Lightroom Basics and Presets

Directions:
If you have finished uploading your first exported photos from our last class to your blog, review the info at the links below and begin experimenting with the various controls and Preset adjustments in Lightroom to see what effects you can apply to your images.

Click here: http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2013/03/30/adobe-lightroom-basics-6-things-you-need-to-know-getting-started/

Also watch the video below so you can checkout what Presets are all about:

http://tv.adobe.com/watch/learn-lightroom-4/develop-basics/

Assignment: 

Do a Google Search for "lightroom presets" and answer the questions below.

• 1. Create a new blog entry titled "Lightroom presets."
• 2. Find some examples of what a preset can do for you. Post one example on your blog.

Next go to http://digital-photography-school.com/8-sites-for-free-presets/

• 3. Pick out at least 1 preset or package of presets you would like to try out. 
• 4. On your blog, tell me what preset it is and give me a link to the website that you can get it at.
• 5. Use the default presets in Lightroom to alter 3 images you have taken. Upload the image to your blog and explain what preset you used and why you chose it.

Exploring Lightroom

Overview: We will begin using Lightroom for the rest of the school year for all of major shooting assignments. We need to find out what is the purpose and features of this program so we can fully utilize it.

Directions: Go to the Adobe Lightroom site and explore the features.

Adobe Lightroom Website:

http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-lightroom.html


Watch the video and then find the "What's new" tab that lists the new features added to Lightroom in recent years.

https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-lightroom/features.html

Checkout the following features:

HDR

Brushes

Healing Brush to remove items

Radial Filter

Adjust Highlights and Shadows