Caption Writing Suggestions and Photo Essay Submission Directions

Directions:

Formal Assignment:

Do some research to find an interesting event that will soon take place somewhere near you. Then find an existing publication that publishes photo essays. You will refer to it for cover design and inside layout. 

Imagine that you are being hired by the magazine to cover the event you have researched. The photo-editor at the newspaper has agreed to give your story a photo spread if you can take a compelling photograph that draws an audience!

Create a set of 4-6 images using a mixture of wide, medium and close-up shots illustrating different aspects of salient characteristics of your story… The photos must be strategically relevant to the storytelling, and not just random details. Be sure to think of a likely approach to telling your story before heading out to take pictures.

One of your images should be an eye-catching “grabber” image that will be used as the dominant artwork for the page. This image will be worth more than the others in terms of grading percentages. You must also think of a headline for your story and write captions for each image.

Submit…

Using Adobe InDesign create PDF with a layout of 5-6 images for a newspaper photo essay. You will incorporate a variety of aspect ratios, focal lengths, camera distances, and/or camera angles to create an interesting and coherent story. You will write captions to go with each of your photos.

In addition to the PDF, you will also be required to submit all of the related images to your blog in a post titled Photojournalism Photography.

See link below to online full version of directions

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1UFIVJD2sBzR21ZWXE2YnJaRnc/view?usp=sharing


Submission: E-mail your finished PDF to david.doerr@austinisd.org


Caption Writing Guidelines:

1. Headline: Headline includes a noun and a verb -- is brief (no longer than 8 words -- is accurate -- uses present-tense active verbs (usually in “s” when singular subject) -- eliminates the word “is” if this is the verb used in sentence and contains no punctuation at the end of sentence. The headline is clever and sparks interest in subject of the photo.

Ex.: Akins wins game after embarrassing mishap on court

2. First Sentence: Uses present tense action verb. Describes what is happening in photo.

Ex.: Johnny Tovar runs down the court on a fast break with the ball to score in the game against Bowie High School.

3. Second Sentence: Past tense verb. Provide background information. Describe something you can’t see in photo.

Ex.: Tovar stole the ball from an opponent who lost his balance after his pants fell down in the middle of the game.

Rubric for Final Exam for 1st Year Students

Overview: For your final exam, you will submit your updated online portfolio that will demonstrate your best work that you have done this year.

See the link below to preview the criteria that I will use to evaluate your your online portfolio.

For First Year Students

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1UFIVJD2sBzOThST0pZQWJJb1k/edit?usp=sharing


Directions: Beging reviewing your best photos on your Lightroom catalog and start marking the photos you want to add to your Folio HD account.

Advanced Students: Résumé Draft Due

Overview: Turn in a draft of your resume today to Mr. Doerr. He will offer feedback to help you improve your resume.

Directions: Résumé should include the following elements:

• Education attainment and background information (name of high school, any ACC course work, plans to attend college)
• Work Experience (This should include employment information of all types with special emphasis on photography paid work. List of major shoots or projects accomplished.)
• List of skills (software you have learned like Lightroom or InDesign, equipment you have used like photo or poster printers)
• List of honors (any awards or recognition you have earned with your photography)
• List of references from teachers, clients, administrators and mentors.

Steps: 

1. Download a PDF version

If you are using Google Docs to make your résumé, then you should click on File, Download as... and select PDF when you are done.

2. E-mail a link

E-mail a link to your Google Doc to Mr. Doerr and make sure you have turned on the "Commenting" feature so he can offer feedback.

3. Upload PDF to your Folio HD account

Upload the PDF to your Folio HD account. Click on Settings and scroll down until you see resume listed.

Online Portfolio Checklist for Advanced Commercial Photography Students

Overview: Review the required elements of your end of the year Online Portfolio. This will be your final exam grade for the end of the year.

Required items for Online Portfolio: 

• Multiple Categories (at least 4)
• Images with logo or stylized text watermark
• Cover Images
• Descriptive information for each photo with reflections on purpose or feeling of images.
• Bio page filled out with Artistic Statement
• Résumé Linked on bio page
• Contact info
• Professional Social Media account linked

Résumé should include the following elements: 

• Résumé uploaded to Folio HD account.
• Education attainment and background information (name of high school, any ACC course work, plans to attend college)
• Work Experience (This should include employment information of all types with special emphasis on photography paid work. List of major shoots or projects accomplished.)
• List of skills (software you have learned like Lightroom or InDesign, equipment you have used like photo or poster printers)
• List of honors (any awards or recognition you have earned with your photography)
• List of references from teachers, clients, administrators and mentors

Content and Compilation (30 points)

Photo selection shows excellent breadth of variety of type and mastery of form. Portfolio includes multiple (4 or more) categories that are clearly labeled and professionally assembled. Includes multiple attention grabbing cover images.

Professionalism and Artistic Composition (20 points)

Photos have assembled elements well. Good camera angle and choice of vantage point, good selection between vertical or horizontal orientation, close enough to subject to include only necessary elements, cropped if necessary, good use of frame, placement of center of interest. Attention to detail is obvious with few distractions from center of interest seen in photo.

Message and Center of Interest (20 points)
Photos have clear message and communicates well. Shows emotion or tells a story or draws you into it in a way you enjoy looking at it. Photos attract your attention. If you walk by it you will stop.

Résumé, Reflection and Description (20 points)
The student has uploaded a PDF version of a complete résumé that includes the following information: educational attainment, work experience, list of skills, honors and achievements as well as references. It is attractively designed.

Photographer has clearly written artistic statement on bio page. Photos accompanied by fully developed descriptions and reflections from photographer.

Branding (10 points)

Student uses portfolio to present their unique brand using biography, images and social media accounts that demonstrate their areas of interest and special skills they have developed.

Link to PDF version of Rubric: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1UFIVJD2sBzc3VQVEVDLWlhZlk/view?usp=sharing

Focus Stacking Introduction

Overview: Focus stacking requires precision and technical skill, but it can have a big pay off if you can follow the steps.

Directions: Read the articles below regarding the steps to successfully complete a "Focus Stacked" photo.

http://digital-photography-school.com/an-introduction-to-focus-stacking/

One note, we do not have a focusing screen to do the careful manual focusing. That means that you will have to use a VERY DELICATE TOUCH to refocus your camera so you can pull this off.

Also read the following article, especially the part about breaking the focus into three different areas:

• Near Focus
• Middle Focus
• Far Focus

http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/focus-stacking.htm

HOMEWORK: Find a small and highly detailed object that you can bring to class that either I can lock-up for you or you can leave in your backpack so you will have it ready for the Focus Stacking and Black Acrylic shoots.

Extreme Focus Stacking:
http://www.vox.com/2016/5/3/11577338/microsculpture-levon-biss


Step-by-Step Directions on Focus Stacking in Photoshop:

1. Find your set of images to combine.
2. Open one of the images in Photoshop.
3. Add additional blank layers for each of the images you are going to combine together. You must select the layer and then you can drag and drop the photo into Photoshop from the folder with your images.
4. After all of your images are in separate layers, they must be "Rastereized" so they are not "Smart Objects." To do this, click on "Layers" on the top Menu bar and then click on "Rasterize" and then "All Layers."
5. Then select all of the layers by holding the shift key while you click on the layers. You must then align all of the layers. To do this, click on "Edit" on the top Menu bar, and then click on "Auto Align Layers." Then select the "Collage" option.
6. With all of your layers selected, you must blend the images. To do this, click on "Edit" on the top Menu bar and then click on "Auto Blend Layers." Then select the "Stacked" option.
7. Watch the magic happen and then crop out unwanted empty portions of the image.
8. Save the image as a JPG and post the final version to your blog in a post titled "Focus Stacking."

Stations Shoot Directions

Overview: We will begin to do our station shoot today. It is a chance for you to do some experimental photography that requires certain materials to produce. It will test your skill as a photographer to pull off these shots.

Directions: Open the Google doc at the link below and begin reading the directions for the various stations. Select the type of photography you want to begin with and set up your station.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1UFIVJD2sBzSlR5ZHJMT0FJc28/edit?usp=sharing

You may use tables and I will help you find other materials.

You must complete all 6 stations by the end of the six weeks.

Posting: You should post your best shot from each station on your blog in a post titled "Stations Shoot" by the end of the six weeks.

You may also include your best of these photos into your Folio HD portfolio.

Stations Shoot Examples: 

Either Wednesday or Friday we will be doing an in-class 4 station shoot. Just to give you a little teaser of what we will be doing. Here are some examples of what we will be experimenting:

Water drops

Black Acrylic Glass

Spinning lights

Bubbles

Focus Stacking

Major Event/Portrait Shoot

Overview: As a professional Commercial Photographer, one of your major sources of income will likely be event and portrait photography. Let's review some of the types of events and portraits that we can do on campus and begin figuring out what you will do as a project.

Upcoming Events:
Military Ball
Spring Show
Prom (Photo Booth with Ms. Alaniz. She needs on-site photographers and people to process green screen photos at school after the event.)
5K is scheduled for May 21

Possibilities:
Athletics banquets (baseball, softball, etc.)
Fine Arts banquets (band, theater, Diamonds, etc.)
Other club banquets
Seniors wanting senior portraits

Directions: 

Step 1: Begin contacting groups on campus that need an event photographed.

Step 2: Interview the client and ask them what they need.

What time is the event?
Where is the event?
What kinds of photos do they want?
Do they need anything special?
Make clear to the client that you will not be providing prints on-site.

Step 3: Make a price list of the client.
Make a price list for the client. Use the InDesign Files on Trello to make a discount and a regular price list for the client.

Preparation Assignment: 

On your student blog, make a new blog post and provide the following information:

1. What is the most likely scenario for what you will do for your Event/Portrait photography assignment.

2. Who is the primary contact?

3. When is the event?

4. Where is the event?

5. What kinds of photos do they want?

Portfolio Project for First Year Students

Overview: For your final exam, you will submit your updated online portfolio that will demonstrate your best work that you have done this year.

See the link below to preview the criteria that I will use to evaluate your your online portfolio.

For First Year Students

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1UFIVJD2sBzOThST0pZQWJJb1k/edit?usp=sharing


Directions: Beging reviewing your best photos on your Lightroom catalog and start marking the photos you want to add to your Folio HD account.

Photojournalism Preview

Overview: Most of you are familiar by now with what photojournalism is. However, you might not realize how it is also a form of commercial photography. Photojournalists not only work at newspapers and magazines. They also get paid as freelancers to cover events. All types of companies hire photojournalists for trade publications and corporate communications.

Directions: Check out the links below and answer the following questions.

Check out the work of Photojournalists here:
http://photojournalismlinks.com

John Moore Photojournalism
http://www.reportagebygettyimages.com/john-moore/

1. Find three photos that you find especially powerful.

2. Explain what kind of planning and research the photographer had to ask to get the photos they took?

Read the article at the following link:

Shooting like a photojournalist
http://digital-photography-school.com/shooting-like-a-photojournalist-part-2

3. Under the section on "Planning," what does the writer suggest doing to capture emotional images?

4. Under the section on "Composition," what does the writer suggest doing to help you "pick a face out of the crowd?"


Read the article at the following link:

Photo Essay Tips
http://digital-photography-school.com/5-photo-essay-tips

5. What is a photo essay?

6. Summarize the 5 tips the writer provides.

Need Inspiration? Check out the photo essays here:
https://nppa.org/page/photo-journal

Planning Ahead:

What event will you photograph?

Try check out the calendar section of the Austin Chronicle here: http://www.austinchronicle.com/calendar/

or

http://www.austinmonthly.com/AM/Calendar/

or

Do512Family
http://do512family.com

Look for upcoming events anywhere and everywhere.


Provide the 5 Ws and H for your event:

Who:
What:
When:
Where:
Why (why will the event happen?):

How (how will the event happen?):

Landscape Major Projet

Formal Landscape Assignment:

Produce 8 landscape images that emphasize lighting to convey a sense of place, scale and mood. Although you may include people and man-made structures in your photos, do not allow these elements to become the main subjects of your photographs.

Or…

Formal Cityscape Assignment:

Produce 8 cityscape images that emphasize lighting to convey a sense of place, scale and mood. The images might also include natural objects (rivers, hills) but these elements should not dominate as the subject of the photographs.

Submit:
Eight photos should be added to your blog and must have the exposure metadata (shutter speed, f/stop) listed.

Link to Full Assignment Description:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1UFIVJD2sBzTTgtVWNiTlRSUGM/view?usp=sharing

5k Race Photography Example Review and Assignment

Overview: It's time to review what good race photography

Examples:

http://capstonephoto.com/race_directorsv3.htm

http://jackmccoyphotography.com/southboston2016

http://swimbikerunphoto.zenfolio.com/crystal_run_5k_fridays_1_2011


Assignment: On your blog post a two race "money" shots (photos people would spend money to purchase).

One photo should be horizontal and one photo should be vertical.

Requirements for photo: Photos should:

• show subject's face
• include full body if vertical and feet when horizontal if possible.
• freeze motion
• blur out background as much as possible.
• well lit with our strange shadows.

Tips on Shooting a 5K Race

Video on how to shoot a 5K Race




See link below to see photos from this shoot.

http://cazillo.com/articles/37-photography/225-event-photography-5k-race-in-philadelphia.html


Tips on Location and Settings

http://www.rt2photo.com/blog/2013/1/how-to-shoot-a-race


Tips on Location

• Getting to the right spot is essential.
• The common "finish line" shot is a LOT harder to get than it seems, and folks will look at their absolute worst during the final sprint to the finish.
• Once the start has gone, walk backwards into the course and look for a spot about 1/2 mile in that will be photographic as a background, but also thin the runners out a little - a long straight shoot down a road for example. For a 5k road race, you've got about 15 minutes before the winner is going to be coming by - don't delay.
• Once you have your spot, find a piece of course and go and sit on it. Get inside any barriers, move cones - do whatever you have to to be between the public and the runners. Once you have your stool, monopod and zoom lens out - folks will leave you alone.
• Park your butt on the stool, attach the monopod, set a shooting angle so you're shooting UP at the runners, not directly at them, and patiently wait for the lead guy.
• Pick a shady spot for the runners to come through, or get the sun to the front and side of them.
• Use  flash for those moments when you find the course is putting the sun to the runners backs and you've got a terrible problem with back lighting.

Tips for Settings

• Single point auto focus - this will let you put a single dot on the runners face/body and focus on it. using group focus modes will focus on their arms as they swing forwards, or the traffic cones in the middle.
• AI Servo - this will then track that focus point, and lock your focus down. Note - there are a bunch of custom functions that let you control the sensitivity and speed of this mode, and until you know what they do, ignore them.
• Shoot in JPG - controversial, as most pro photographers will recommend RAW all day every day. This is the exception. You may be taking LOTS of photos in quick succession, and you need the write speed to your memory card. You may also want to consider reducing the resolution your camera is shooting in, again - smaller files mean faster write speeds. Of course, shooting in JPG means you had better get your white balance and exposure correct before you even start shooting.
• Manual mode - be careful. Set your aperture, set your shutter speed, but be aware of changing conditions and cloud cover. Slightly over expose if possible, and be wide open if possible. 1/400th should be the slowest shutter speed you go for. f/4 or wider if possible. ISO is where you have the flexibility.
• Single Shot mode - the best way to spot someone who doesn't know what they are doing is to listen to their camera. Does it sound like a 12 frame per second machine gun any time someone passes them? Then they are praying like hell they get a shot. Don't be this guy. Instead, get the running in your frame - let them get closer. Lock your focus point on them and track them. Let them fill the shot. Click. Now move to the next runner and repeat. When you have large packs of runners coming at you, this process is no different, just quicker.

Akins 5K and Festival Info

http://akins5kandfestival.com

Race Map

http://akins5kandfestival.com/5k--fun-run.html

Photo Club Contest

Check the details to enter the Akins Photo Club Contest.

Bluebonnet Photo Tips

Blue Bonnet Photo Tips

http://photographyblog.dallasnews.com/2016/03/tips-for-getting-the-perfect-bluebonnet-family-photo.html/

• For bluebonnets, it’s about that time of year. Here are a few tips for getting that photo of your family and or friends with bluebonnets.
• Try to fill the frame with subject and bluebonnets. No need to see cars passing by or any other unwanted objects in the frame unless you really want to.
• Use the light to your advantage. Shoot during the early and late afternoon hours of light to get the best light (before 10 am and after 5pm).
• Dress in a solid so the subject pops out from the pattern bluebonnets create.
• Get variety in your photographs. Shoot loose, medium and tight. Shoot with a low and high angle. Variety is your friend.
• A tripod doesn’t hurt but you can make do without one.

http://thescoopblog.dallasnews.com/2016/03/texans-could-soon-see-miles-and-miles-of-bluebonnets-thanks-to-rain-in-prior-months.html/

Printing Tutorial

Overview: It's time to learn how to use a portable photo printer used at events.

Step 1: Find TWO of your favorite photos you have taken this year in class.

Step 2: Save the two photos to an SD memory card.

Step 3: Insert the memory card in a photo printer and print your two pictures.

Step 4: Pin one of your photos to the Bulletin Board in the back of the room above the couch. Keep the other print for yourself.

YouTube access Tutorial

Overview: The school district and Google have changed the way they manage access YouTube. For students to have more access to certain videos on YouTube they must first login to YouTube using  their AustinISD Google Account.

Read these directions to learn how to access more YouTube content:

• Most students will not know their AustinISD Google Account username so they must sign-in to the AustinISD Cloud first and then search for “Mail” on the search field.
• When the Google Mail window opens they can see what their Google Account username is by clicking on the “Avatar” in the top right corner. They should see their username displayed when this tab opens. Write it down.
• Student usernames all end with @stu.austinisd.org.
• Then go back to YouTube, and either click “Add Account” or “Sign In” and then use your Austin ISD username and password to login to YouTube to access SOME, but not ALL YouTube content. 
• This content is still filtered so not everything will play, but it might help.

Lightroom Adjustment Experiment Assignment

Overview: While you are waiting your turn to take photos in the Studio for your poses, it is a good time to experiment with tools in Lightroom. Review the tutorials listed below and see how you can make your photos look better using various Lightroom tools.

Tutorials:

Learn how to use Spot Removal Tools in Lightroom:
https://helpx.adobe.com/lightroom/how-to/lightroom-healing-brush-visualization.html?set=lightroom--fundamentals--retouch-photo

How to Color Correct Photos in Lightroom:
https://helpx.adobe.com/lightroom/how-to/color-balance-photos.html?set=lightroom--get-started--essential-beginners

How to Correct Parts of a Photo in Lightroom (using Adjustments Brush)
https://helpx.adobe.com/lightroom/how-to/dodge-burn-adjustment-brush.html

How to use Radial Filter
https://helpx.adobe.com/lightroom/how-to/introducing-radial-filter.html?set=lightroom--key-techniques--advanced-photo-editing

How to use Tone Curve to adjust Color
https://helpx.adobe.com/lightroom/how-to/lightroom-adjust-tone-curve.html?set=lightroom--key-techniques--advanced-photo-editing

More Info on Enhancing Isolated Parts of an Image (using Radial and Gradient tools)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fUvfUfdfGU#t=36

More Tips on using Adjustment Brush
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lplFkS1RJCA#t=183

Assignment: 

Step 1: Select TWO IMAGES from your catalog to work on.

1. One with color problems
2. One with exposure (light) problems

Step 2: Use Lightroom tools to enhance your images. 

• Try using the Radial Filter
• Try using Gradient Tool
• Try using Adjustment Brush
• Try using Tone Curve

Step 3: 

• Export your images and post them to your blog in a new entry titled "Lightroom Adjustment Experiments."
• Write a brief explanation of what you did to each photo to active the final image.

Sample Poses Assignment

Overview: It is time to submit your pose example shots for the pose selection guide we are making for Military Ball.

Directions:

STEP 1: After you are done shooting, save your groups photos in the Poses folder on the CPhoto Drive.

Save your photos in an appropriate folder for your group. Pick a number for your group.

STEP 2: Find your shots saved on the CPhoto Drive and place your best poses in the Folder called BEST SHOTS with your name on it in the Poses folder.

RENAME the files with the following names:

• SingleMan_YourName
• SingleWoman_YourName
• RomanticCouple_YourName
• Friends_YourName
• Family_YourName

You have 30 minutes to finish saving your photos in the right folders. I will begin displaying the photos about halfway through class so we can begin the process of voting on favorites. 

I will use Adobe Bridge to rate the photos on the overhead screen. 

We will make a multi-page PDF with the best shots and then do a  final voting next week.

SMART Plans Submission for Advanced Students (Due Today!)

ADVANCED STUDENTS: 

Please begin work on your SMART Plans. They will be due on TODAY

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

Military Ball Posing Prep

Overview: We need to start thinking about what we need to do shoot formal event portraits to prepare us for Military Ball. We will begin by looking at examples from posing guides and then move on to a practice exercise.

Directions: 

Let's get started with a little fun:

Check out these horrible prom photos here:

http://www.buzzfeed.com/whitneyjefferson/the-complete-guide-to-achieving-the-perfect-prom-p

Now lets check out the prom photos from last year here:

http://akinscphoto.smugmug.com/Events/Prom-2013

Planning the pose

To take the photos last year, students had to train to develop a menu of options for customers to choose from so they didn't spend a lot of time thinking about their poses. This included options for the following:

• singles
• opposite-sex friend couples
• same-sex friend couples
• funny couples
• romantic couples
• different heights
• different backdrops
• different color clothing

Check out the menu from last year here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1UFIVJD2sBzbnlWVEpSV3lFcU0/view?usp=sharing

We are going to update this menu this year so we can get experience with different poses and lighting conditions. Before we begin this project, we will do some searching online for three poses that you want to try out.

Assignment: Review the posing guides below and search online for couples and individual posing suggestions. Your assignment is to create a new blog post, titled "Sample Poses."

Posing Guide for Couples
http://digital-photography-school.com/posing-guide-21-sample-poses-to-get-you-started-with-photographing-couples

Other Posing Guide Links
http://digital-photography-school.com/8-posing-guides-to-inspire-your-portraiture

Formal Couple Portraits
http://www.shutterstock.com/s/formal+couple/search.html

or
http://www.fotosearch.com/photos-images/young-couples-formal.html

or
http://www.canstockphoto.com/images-photos/formal-portrait.html

Select one of each of the following type of pose to try to emulate:

• Pose for a single man.
• Pose for a single female.
• Pose for friends.
• Pose for couple (romantic).
• Pose for family of 3 to 5 people.

Requirements: 

• Should be full body