ASSIGNMENT #04 Composition

ASSIGNMENT #04

(Due 10/8/12)

Composition

PART 1

READING:

National Geographic Ultimate Field Guide

Read pages 82-95, 160-165

Guide to Photojournalism

By Brian Horton

Read pages 79-101“Features and Portraits; Seeing the World Around Us.”

PART 2

HISTORY OF PHOTOJOURNALISM

(1)  Mathew Brady (see Photographer’s Bio’s)

PART 3

Composition (2) photos

PHOTO 1:

Make an environmental portrait of a person using “Rule of Thirds.

Subject: Make well-composed, expressive environmental portraits of a person in their place of work environment. Photo should give insight into what the person does. The environment should be obvious and explanatory. Make photos of subject in different positions, locations, with special emphasis on positioning.

Keep in mind:

YOU ARE IN CONTROL, this is a passive assignment.

There should be obvious foreground & background.

PHOTO 2:

Make well-composed action photos of a person at work in their place of work environment  using one of these compositional techniques: Framing, Leading Lines, Juxtaposition, or Silhouette.   

This should be a Graphic Photograph. One that is visual and emphasizes the relationship between the lines, shapes and forms produces an aesthetically pleasing visual presentation.

Graphic elements are as important as the story-telling content with this assignment.

Keep in mind:

This is NOT a passive assignment, this is an active photo, and should be documentary.

*Students must complete:
1. Select (1) best photo of each. (2) total.

2. Follow “Basic Photoshop”, use outline provided if needed.

3. Type complete caption in FILE INFO field in Photoshop, see instructions.

****CAPTION MUST STATE WHICH TECHNIQUE YOU ARE USING!

4.SLUG PHOTO AS FOLLOWS: 

Last name_ composition1.jpg, Last name_ composition2.jpg

5. Place image in the “drop folder”

(remember to save a copy for yourself to you folder)

WEEK 3 Fall 2012

photo by Ryan Hohner

Welcome to Week 3.

Saw some very nice photos from Week 1, we saw some really nice self-portraits with self-expression. Let's keep up the good work.

Agenda for today's class.

1. Time Lightbox; Pictures of the week
2. Let's look, ASSIGNMENT #2, Depth-of-field & Motion.
3. The Visual Language, also see PPP
4. Photo Basics PART II; Cameras, also see PPP.
5. Photo Basics PART III; Lenses, also see PPP.
6. ASSIGNMENT #3, Selective Focus
7. PHOTOJOURNALIST INTERVIEW: Paper due 11/5/12
8. Matt Rainey; After the Fire

Housekeeping:

• -when reviewing the Powerpoint presentation, copy the PPP file to your HD then open from there. (Opening a large file like that across the server will put a drain on server, and in some cases -crash)
• -do NOT put folders in the DROP folder, just drag and drop the images solo. Thank you.
• -be sure to slug each photo correctly, otherwise 1pt will subtracted from each assignment.
• Do not forget to do a complete and properly formatted caption, -1pt.
• check file size before submitting photo to DROP, 1-2MB per photo.
• check the Graded Assignments Folder.
• if you miss and assignment be sure to make it up and submit to drop ASAP.

Photojournalist Paper

Photojournalist Paper

Due 11/5/12

Each student will be required to select and contact a working photojournalist of choice, accompany them on an assignment, conduct an interview and write a paper on the experience. The project will require research and preparation, and the ability to contact and meet with the photojournalist. Every effort should be made to try and accompany the photojournalist on an assignment. This will require planning and coordination.

*WEDDING & COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE NOT PERMITTED. **WORKING PHOTOJOURNALISTS & NEWS PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY!

***SELECT SOMEONE WITH REAL EXERIENCE –at least 5 years.

The goal of this presentation is for students to learn something about the field of photojournalism, which is undergoing cataclysmic changes, from a working professional who can offer insight. In addition to the list of questions below, students should prepare their own set of questions. Research on photographer’s background should be completed BEFORE interview session.

Be inquisitive. Get their advice. Get a sense of the photographer’s attitude, style, and perspective. This is a unique opportunity to get some real career insight, even in photojournalism is not in your future. There is much that can be learned from professionals in related fields. Make the most of the opportunity.

1. The written paper should be minimum 2000 words (2-3 pages, no more), and written in the student’s own words... DO NOT PLAGIARIZE.

The written report must be a WORD document.

-12pt font, single-space, and submitted to the DROP FOLDER.

2. Shoot your own photo of the photojournalist, hopefully in action.

-Copy and paste 1-2 photos of photographers work into WORD document.

-Copy and paste 1-2 of your photos into WORD document.

3. The paper MUST follow this outline:

I.BACKGROUND

-Why was photographer selected?

-What is the photographer’s background?

-How did they get interested and started?

-Etc.

II. PHOTOGRAPHY WORK

-What type of work or projects is the photographer known for?

-List examples, and gives description.

-Copy and paste at least 2 photos into WORD document.

-Who do they work for now, in the past?

-Describe their job/assignments.

Etc.

III. JOB

-Describe their job/assignments.

-What aspects of their jobs are most satisfying? Least satisfying?

- What aspects of their jobs are most difficult?

-What advice do they have for young journalists?cont>

-What are the most important skills to have to be a successful photojournalist?

-What changes in the business have they experienced?

-What does the future hold for photojournalists?

PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT THE FOLLOWING PHOTOGRAPHERS:

-Chris Pedota / The Record

-Carmine Galasso / The Record

-Matt Rainey / Star-Ledger

-Tony Kurdzuk / Star-Ledger

-JerryMcRea/ Star-Ledger

DO’s AND DON’Ts:

-Do not wait until the last minute to contact the photographer. DO IT NOW!

-Do not expect the photographer to get back to you immediately, if at all.

-Be persistent and assertive, and don’t wait for returned calls. Be proactive.

-Do research BEFORE contacting them. Impress them with what you already know about them. This will most likely lead to a better interview, and will show respect for their time.

-Ask for help in making initial contact.

-Make every opportunity to accompany them on an assignment.

Where to find a photojournalist?

-Get in the habit of looking for credits under published photos.

-your local newspaper

-Visit photojournalism web sites:

www.njppa.org (New Jersey Press Photogs Association)

www.nppa.org (National Press Photogs Association)

www.digitaljournalist.org Dirck Halstead (very important site!)

www.sportshooter.com (not just sports)

http://www.aphotoaday.org/ (a photo a day web site & blog)

-The Star-Ledger

-The Record

-The Asbury Park Press

-The Herald News

-The NY Times

-Review the PPP’s.

-Ask me.

ASSIGNMENT #03 Selective Focus

ASSIGNMENT #03

(Due 10/1/12) Selective Focus

PART 1

READING:

National Geographic Ultimate Field Guide, pages 44-82

1. Focus; 76-82

PART 2

Photographer’s Bio’s:

2. History of Photography Timeline

3. History of Photojournalism; Roger Fenton

PART 3

SELECTIVE FOCUS is a technique in which one portion of a photograph is in focus, while other elements are blurred out-of-focus. The photographer makes the choice. Remember, the viewer's eye is naturally drawn toward the part of the photo that is in sharp focus. This is achieved by careful focus and employing shallow depth of field through the use of a wide aperture. The subject is isolated from its surroundings, through focus and depth-of-field.

Photo 1

Photograph a person holding or with their favorite object, with obvious foreground vs. background. Compose a photograph focusing on the object. Only the object should be in sharp focus. The person should not be in sharp focus. Using depth-of-field and selective focus, try to isolate the subject from its surroundings to create a clean, sharp image. Be mindful of the technical issues we’ve discussed in class; such as DOF, movement. Review examples shown in class.

Photo 2

Photograph a close-up of a person in a favorite room or place, with obvious foreground vs. background. There should be a connection between the person and place.

Compose a photograph focusing on the person. Only the person should be in sharp focus. The room or place should not be in sharp focus. Using depth-of-field and selective focus, try to isolate the subject from its surroundings to create a clean, sharp image. Be mindful of the technical issues we’ve discussed in class; such as DOF, movement. Review examples shown in class.

This is a creative and technical assignment. Make strong expressive photos!

Shoot different angles, work the subject.

*Students must complete:

1. Select (1) best photo one of each.

2. use Photoshop to edit images.

3. Be sure to include a caption

4.SLUG PHOTO AS FOLLOWS:

EXAMPLES:

yourlastname_ focus_object.JPG,

yourlastname _ focus_person.JPG

***photos must be slugged correctly, -1pt

5. Place images in the “drop folder”

(remember to save a copy for yourself to you folder)

Fall 2012 WEEK 2

Photo by CHRIS PEDOTA / The Record

AGENDA:

1. Any questions?
2.  Empire State shooting photos
3. Photos of the week, MSNBC
4. WORKFLOW  PHOTOSHOP   CAPTIONS
5. ASSIGNMENT #01 Self Portrait
6. Intro to Photojournalism? (see PPP)
7. Photo Basic's PART I (see PPP)

REMINDERS:

• Please do NOT print-out PowerPoint presentations.
• Do NOT open PowerPoint presentations across SLICE server. Copy to your WORK drive.
• remember to check email regularly.
• be sure to LOG-OUT at end of class each week.
• bring camera, to class each week with charged batteries,  instruction manual.
• bring 'out-take' images to class, store in your SLICE folder.
• if u miss an assignment be sure to submit ASAP. Otherwise you will lose points.
• you are responsible for all material on the BLOG and in the Powerpoint, even if we do not cover all the material in class. (OFTEN WE WON'T GET TO EVERYTHING IN CLASS.
• very important that you read & follow assignment instructions carefully!

• -be sure to caption & slug images correctly BEFORE placing in DROP folder.
• -be sure assignment number and description is included in caption.

Murder at NYC Icon -Empire State Building shooting

On August 24, 2012, a laid-off clothing designer shot and killed a former co-worker outside the Empire State Building, prompting a confrontation with the NYPD. The shooter wast killed and nine others were wounded on a crowded rush-hour Manhattan sidewalk. The bystanders were likely shot by police. All are expected to live.
 Chang W. Lee/The New York Times

NY TIMES - read more 

NYPost  Photo Gallery

Instagram user mr_mookie
story by Andrew Bill/ THE BEZ


Poynter.org discussion:
How news websites handled graphic images of Empire State shooting


NY Times bloody image
story on Poynter

NPPA Code of Ethics

Preamble

The National Press Photographers Association, a professional society that promotes the highest standards in visual journalism, acknowledges concern for every person's need both to be fully informed about public events and to be recognized as part of the world in which we live.

Visual journalists operate as trustees of the public. Our primary role is to report visually on the significant events and varied viewpoints in our common world. Our primary goal is the faithful and comprehensive depiction of the subject at hand. As visual journalists, we have the responsibility to document society and to preserve its history through images.

Photographic and video images can reveal great truths, expose wrongdoing and neglect, inspire hope and understanding and connect people around the globe through the language of visual understanding. Photographs can also cause great harm if they are callously intrusive or are manipulated.

This code is intended to promote the highest quality in all forms of visual journalism and to strengthen public confidence in the profession. It is also meant to serve as an educational tool both for those who practice and for those who appreciate photojournalism. To that end, The National Press Photographers Association sets forth the following.

Code of Ethics

Visual journalists and those who manage visual news productions are accountable for upholding the following standards in their daily work:

1. Be accurate and comprehensive in the representation of subjects.
2. Resist being manipulated by staged photo opportunities.
3. Be complete and provide context when photographing or recording subjects. Avoid stereotyping individuals and groups. Recognize and work to avoid presenting one's own biases in the work.
4. Treat all subjects with respect and dignity. Give special consideration to vulnerable subjects and compassion to victims of crime or tragedy. Intrude on private moments of grief only when the public has an overriding and justifiable need to see.
5. While photographing subjects do not intentionally contribute to, alter, or seek to alter or influence events.
6. Editing should maintain the integrity of the photographic images' content and context. Do not manipulate images or add or alter sound in any way that can mislead viewers or misrepresent subjects.
7. Do not pay sources or subjects or reward them materially for information or participation.
8. Do not accept gifts, favors, or compensation from those who might seek to influence coverage.
9. Do not intentionally sabotage the efforts of other journalists.

Ideally, visual journalists should:

1. Strive to ensure that the public's business is conducted in public. Defend the rights of access for all journalists.
2. Think proactively, as a student of psychology, sociology, politics and art to develop a unique vision and presentation. Work with a voracious appetite for current events and contemporary visual media.
3. Strive for total and unrestricted access to subjects, recommend alternatives to shallow or rushed opportunities, seek a diversity of viewpoints, and work to show unpopular or unnoticed points of view.
4. Avoid political, civic and business involvements or other employment that compromise or give the appearance of compromising one's own journalistic independence.
5. Strive to be unobtrusive and humble in dealing with subjects.
6. Respect the integrity of the photographic moment.
7. Strive by example and influence to maintain the spirit and high standards expressed in this code. When confronted with situations in which the proper action is not clear, seek the counsel of those who exhibit the highest standards of the profession. Visual journalists should continuously study their craft and the ethics that guide it.http://nppa.org/professional_development/business_practices/ethics.html

ASSIGNMENT #02 Depth-of-field & Motion

ASSIGNMENT #02

(Due 9/24/12)

READING:

National Geographic Ultimate Field Guide

“Digital Cameras” pages 44-49

“Lenses” pages 50-59

“Exposure” pages 60-76

“Motion” pages 118-124

READ: NPPA CODE OF ETHIC’S

SHOOTING ASSIGNMENT Depth-of-field & Motion

Demonstration of picture taking basics.

This is both a technical exercise, and a creative assignment.

These should be your best photos, in terms of technical control and strong composition. Select appropriate subjects for each part.

COMPLETE EACH PART IN OBVIOUS FASHION, meaning if it calls for blurred motion, make sure above all else –it shows motion!

Follow instructions carefully. Failure to follow instructions will reflect in your grade.

Take (4) different types of pictures of someone, ask someone to pose for you. REMEMBER, you are in charge of the shoots.

Using a standard camera and lens.

DO NOT USE A FLASH FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT.

1. Shallow Depth of Field

Shoot photos with obvious shallow depth of field.

Using standard camera and lens, take photos of your main subject from about 6 feet away, with distinct object(s) or person in background. Main subject should be in focus in the foreground, and an object or person in background should be out-of-focus.

-HINT: shoot photo indoors or outside in shady area. Avoid direct sunlight.

-Background should be out-of-focus, only main subject should be in focus.

-If meter reading suggests shutter speed less than 1/60th sec. (ex. 1/30th, 1/15th,) go somewhere else where there is more light.

-Main subject should be sharp and in focus, and photo should not be shaky or blurry.

2. Sharp Depth of Field

Shoot photos with obvious sharp depth of field.

Using standard camera and lens, take photos of your main subject from about 6 feet away, with distinct object(s) or person in background. Main subject should be in focus in the foreground, and an object or person in background should be in focus too.

-HINT: Shoot in bright area, direct sunlight is good.

-F/stop should reading should be between f/8 and F/32.

-Main subject and background should be sharp and in focus, and photo should not be shaky or blurry.

3. Stop Motion

Shoot action photos with subject in obvious stopped motion, use techniques discussed in class. Shoot pictures of your main subject moving quickly (ex. running, jumping, biking, skating) left to right, right to left, or up and down, using a standard camera and lens. Use fastest shutter speed settings, at least 1/500th sec. This should freeze the action. Subject should not be showing movement. Main subject should be sharp and in focus, and photo should not be shaky or blurry.

-Subject should be about 5-10 feet away, and be central part of the photo.

GET CLOSE TO THE SUBJECT.

-Subject should be in center of frame

-Do not shoot cars, subject must be people

-HINT: Shoot in bright sunlight

-Main should be sharp and in focus, and photo should not be shaky or blurry.

4. Show Motion

Shoot action photos with subject in obvious motion, use techniques discussed in class.

Shoot pictures of your main subject moving quickly left to right, right to left, or up and down, using a standard camera and lens. (ex. running, jumping, biking, skating)

Use a slow shutter speed setting (ex. 1/60th, 1/30th) but not too slow as to cause camera shake. This should blur the action but NOT the photo.

-Subject should be about 5-10 feet away, and be central part of the photo.

GET CLOSE TO THE SUBJECT.

-Subject can be in center of frame

-Do not shoot cars, subject must be people

-HINT: Do not use so slow a shutter speed that image is unrecognizable.

Main subject should be blurry from movement, NOT from camera shake.

Know the difference.

*Students must complete:

1. Select (1) best photo of each. (4) total.
2. Follow “Basic Photoshop”, use outline provided if needed.
3. Write complete caption, include assignment name in caption.
4. SLUG PHOTO AS FOLLOWS:

EXAMPLES:

• franklin_dofsharp.jpg
• franklin_dofshallow.jpg
• franklin_stopmotion.jpg,
• franklin_showmotion.jpg

5.  Place images in the “drop folder” DO NOT SUBMIT FOLDERS.
(remember to save a copy for yourself to you folder)

Photojournalism (CCOM: 329 01)

Photojournalism (CCOM: 329 01)

Mondays 6:00 pm - 9:15 pm. 
We meet in the MAC lab C-111.

This is the official blog for the course, feel free to make yourself at home and take a look around. We will being using this blog as an information center all semester. The column on left should provide all the vital information. Be sure to book mark it, this is the web address: http://ramapophotoj.blogspot.com/. You can learn more about me. And you can peruse the lessons of past semesters if care.

WEEK 1:

1. Intro to PJ
2. Weekly Slideshow -MSNBC
3. Blog
4. SLICE -connect 
5. Syllabus
6.  Student info sheets
7. me/you
8. Photoshop basics
9. Captions
10. Submitting to DROP folder
11. Assignment #01 Self Portrait

***IMPORTANT NOTICE
Please note that the last day of Add/Drop (all schedule adjustments) is September 12, 2012.

Below is my contact info.
Thomas E. Franklin
tfrankli@ramapo.edu
Adjunct Professor / Photojournalism Ramapo College
http://thomasefranklin.blogspot.com/

Assignment #01 SELF PORTRAIT

ASSIGNMENT #01

(Due 9/17/12)

http://ramapophotoj.blogspot.com/

PART 1

READING:

The Ultimate Field Guide to Photography

by National Geographic

“Intro,” and “Buying a digital camera” pages 1-24, 44-49

“Essential Basics; Camera’s & Lenses” pages 34-75

PART 2

Read and all documents in the IMPORTANT DOC’S folder.

PART 3

“Make a self-portrait”

(Due 9/17/12)

Make a series of self-portrait photos.

Photo should be a reflection of who you are, an example of self-expression.

Make a self-portrait photo that communicates something about you.

Shoot more than one idea/take.

This photo should NOT be a random snapshot, head-shot, mug shot, old photo from the past, or hastily executed snap. This shoot should include forethought and planning.

Be creative.

Use self-timer, and tripod if necessary.

Figure out how to use your self-timer. DO NOT have someone else take the photo.

* IMPORTANT: Students must complete:

1. Shoot 25-50 photos total

2. Select (1) image for submission; caption, crop, tone etc.

3. Be sure to include a caption.

4.SLUG PHOTO AS FOLLOWS: yourlastname_ selfportrait.JPG

5. Submit image to DROP folder.

6. Bring all the images you shoot for this assignment to class.

7. Bring camera connection cable or card reader, to transfer images onto computer.