2/25/13

Sp '13 WEEK 5



photos by Jake Hyman & Taylor Hassa

TODAY'S AGENDA

  1. Photos of the week, MSNBC
  2. Let's look, ASSIGNMENT #04 Composition
  3. History of Photojournalism:Mathew Brady
  4. Lesson; Covering a live assignment
  5. Lesson; LIGHT part I
  6. ASSIGNMENT #5; Lighting
  7. ASSIGNMENT #6; Covering a Live Event
  8. Photo essay; Eye of the Storm;Times-Picayune - NOLA.com
  9. Final Project; be prepared to discuss (3) potential ideas for Final Project photo essay.
  10. Elian Gonzales photos, by Alan Diaz. slate
  11. Paolo Pellegrin's questionable image

2/24/13

Paolo Pellegrin questionable image

View first:
Second Place / POYi
Paolo Pellegrin: "THE CRESCENT. ROCHESTER USA 2012"
  2013 POYI gallery:

View second:
"When Reality Isn’t Dramatic Enough: Misrepresentation in a World Press and Picture of the Year Winning Photo." Read more by Michael Shaw

View third:
"An investigation into one of Paolo Pellegrin's pictures in an photo essay that recently won honors in both World Press Photo and Pictures of the Year International claimed that the image did not show what it claimed to show, it was not taken where it was said that it was taken, and the subject wasn't who the photographer said it was in the contest captions." Read more by Donald Winslow/ NPPA

More discussion here by Max Schulte/ Democrat and Chronicle assistant photo editor












ASSIGNMENT #05 Light



(Due 3/4/13) Light

PART 1
History of Photojournalism; Jacob Riis & Lewis Hine

PART 2
READING:
National Geographic Field Guide
Read pages 103-117

Guide to Photojournalism
By Brian Horton
Read pages 79-101“Features and Portraits; Seeing the World Around Us.”

Visual Journalism
By Christopher R. Harris & Paul Martin Lester
Read pages 63-86“Technical Considerations.”

PART 3
Light

Lighting MUST be the key element in these photos.
DO NOT USE A FLASH!

Photo 1: A documentary photo of some aspect of college life with strong sense of ARTIFICIAL light:

   1. Make well-composed and expressive photo using one of the lighting techniques discussed in class. Photo should have exceptionally strong quality of light.
   2. Lighting technique should be very obvious.
   3. This must be a documentary-style photo, do not manipulate the image in Photoshop.
   4. Do NOT USE A CAMERA FLASH!!!!!!!!!
   5. Lighting must be from an artificial light, such as a lamp or bulb. Can be indoors or outdoors, day or night.
   6. Keep in mind some of the elements of good composition, avoiding; cluttered and distracting backgrounds, objects appearing behind heads, dead space, etc. Fill the frame, making interesting photos that have impact.
   7. Composition, perspective, background, and lens selection should all be taken into consideration. Consider the various lighting techniques discussed in class; directional light, soft light, window light, back light, etc.


Photo 2: A documentary photo of some aspect of college life with strong sense of NATURAL light:

   1. Make well-composed and expressive photo using one of the lighting techniques discussed in class. Photo should have exceptionally strong quality of light.
   2. Lighting technique should be very obvious.
   3. This must be a documentary-style photo, do not manipulate the image in Photoshop.
   4. Do NOT USE A CAMERA FLASH!!!!!!!!!
   5. Lighting must be natural; sun, or cloudy day. Can be indoors or outdoors.
   6. Keep in mind some of the elements of good composition, avoiding; cluttered and distracting backgrounds, objects appearing behind heads, dead space, etc. Fill the frame, making interesting photos that have impact.
   7. Composition, perspective, background, and lens selection should all be taken into consideration. Consider the various lighting techniques discussed in class; directional light, soft light, window light, back light, etc.


Review examples showed in class and Power Point Presentation.


*Students must complete:
1. Select best photo from each part, submit (2) photos.
2. SLUG PHOTO AS FOLLOWS:
Last name_natural.jpg
Last name_artificial.jpg
EXAMPLE:
franklin_natural.jpg
franklin_artificial.jpg
3. Be sure to caption photos.
4. Submit  to drop folder



2/23/13

ASSIGNMENT #06 Live Event


ASSIGNMENT #06
(Due Monday  3/25/13 (three weeks)
Live Event (Multiple Pictures)

PART 1
READING:

Guide to Photojournalism
By Brian Horton
Read pages 54-77
“News: Sensitivity, Thinking, Instinct and Curiosity”
Read pages 131-152
“Lessons; Horst Faas, J.Pat Carter, Alan Diaz”

PART 2
HISTORY OF PHOTOJOURNALISM
Please read the following DOC’s:
  1. DOROTHEA LANGE
  2. FSA PHOTOGRAPHERS
  3. JACOB RIIS & LEWIS HINE

PART 3
Come up with a short list of subjects for consideration for your final project. Be ready to discuss in class.

PART 4++
Cover a Live Event / Multiple Pictures
Select a scheduled public event and photograph all aspects of the event in the form of a photo essay. Be sure to shoot various scenes, including overalls and details, and illustrate what the event is about. Get photos of all the important people and subject matter.
Select a carefully chosen event to shoot, thus you have three weeks to plan.

Suggestions; news event, parade, protest, performance, etc.

Do not shoot a sporting event, a press conference, fair, etc. Check newspaper, campus fliers, and magazine listings for a schedule of events in your area.

Select an event that will be visual, not something static like someone standing at a podium talking. Think of some of the work reviewed in class. Your event selection is key, give it some thought and planning.

Be prepared to use your flash if necessary. Keep in mind some of the elements of good composition, avoiding; cluttered and distracting backgrounds, objects appearing behind heads, dead space, etc. Fill the frame, making interesting photographs that have impact. Composition, positioning, background, and lens selection should all be taken into consideration. Photos as a collection should illustrate what the event is about. Make the photos relevant, avoid repetition.

  1. Select (8) different images must be submitted.
  2. Be sure to include people in at least (4) photos.
  3. Include (1) over-all, scene setter.
  4. Include (1) detail or close up. Can be of a person. Make it relevant.
  5. Do not select repetitive photos.
  6. CAPTION: be sure to get subject’s names and brief description of what they are doing,; who, what, when, where, why. Missing names will hurt your grade.
  7. SLUG PHOTO AS FOLLOWS:
Last name_live event1.jpg Last name_ live event2.jpg
EXAMPLE: franklin_ live event1.jpg
franklin_ live event2.jpg
  1. Place images in the “drop folder.”




2/18/13

Sping 2013 WEEK 4

photo by Lndsey Perez
Agenda for today's class.

  1.  Let's look, ASSIGNMENT #3   SELECTIVE FOCUS
  2. Lesson; Composition
  3. Time Lightbox; Pictures of the week
  4.  Steve McCurry; Magnum -good examples of composition
  5. William Albert Allard -good composition
  6. ASSIGNMENT #4, Composition
  7. ASSIGNMENT, Photojournalist Paper
  8. Photo essay; “"Bound to El Norte: Immigrant Stowaways on the Freight Trains of Mexico," by Don Bartletti

By now, we should be well aware of the technical considerations that determine a photograph, such as aperture, shutter speed, lens selection, and camera types. You should also be familiar with the categories of the"Visual language."
So, what can your determine in looking at these three iconic images?

Charles Moore's photo from the Civil Rights movement in the 1960's.






Eddie Adams won the Pulitzer Prize for for his picture of a Viet Cong lieutenant being executed at close range on a Saigon street by a South Vietnamese general.

How about this Diane Arbus image?


Jerome Delay's iconic image from Iraq, as hundreds of Iraqis storm the Abu Ghraib jail Oct. 20, 2002 following the announcement by President Saddam Hussein that most of Iraq's prisoners would be freed. Tens of thousands of prisoners were greeted by their relatives and friends upon their release.


Misc.
Be sure to review the Powerpoint Presentations, they contain material not always covered in class, due to time restriction.

2/17/13

ASSIGNMENT #04 Composition


ASSIGNMENT #04 Composition(Due 2/25/13)

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
Have (3) subject ideas for your Final Project for discussion.

PART 4
Composition (2) photos
Good blog post on composition:
http://tomjungphotography.blogspot.com/2011/11/understanding-basic-composition.html
 

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:
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)

2/11/13

WEEK 3 Spring 2013


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. Super Bowl TV commercial
  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 3/25/13
  8. Matt Rainey; After the Fire
Housekeeping:
  • CAPTIONS!!!  please follow caption format and instructions, otherwise lose points.
  • 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 Folder.
  • if you miss and assignment be sure to make it up and submit to drop ASAP.

2/10/13

Photojournalist Paper -Spring 2013


Photojournalist Paper
Due 3/25/13

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
-Tony Kurdzuk / 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 2/18/13) 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.
Demonstrate your understanding of "selective focus."  This is a creative and technical assignment. Make strong expressive photos! Shoot different angles, work the subject.
  • Compose a photograph focusing on the object. 
  • Only the object should be in sharp focus, NOT the person.
  • Use depth-of-field and selective focus to try to isolate the subject from its surroundings.
  • Create a clean, sharp image. 
  • Be mindful of the technical issues we’ve discussed in class. 
  • Review examples shown in class.
Photo 2
Photograph a person in a favorite room or place, with obvious foreground vs. background. There should be a connection between the person and the 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.
  • Use depth-of-field and selective focus to try to isolate the subject from his/her surroundings.
  • Create a clean, sharp image. 
  • Be mindful of the technical issues we’ve discussed in class.
  • Review examples shown in class.

*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 your folder) 

2/4/13

ASSIGNMENT #02 DOF & Motion


ASSIGNMENT #02
(Due 2/11/13)

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 Ethics:


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)

WEEK 2 -Spring 2013

Baltimore Ravens player Ed Reed hoists the Vince Lombardi Trophy as he celebrates victory over the San Francisco 49ers in their NFL Super Bowl in New Orleans.Picture: REUTERS/Jeff Haynes

AGENDA:

  1. Any questions?
  2. Super Bowl cover photos, Poynter's Top-Tenmore front pages
  3. WORKFLOW  PHOTOSHOP   CAPTIONS
  4. ASSIGNMENT #01 Self Portrait
  5. Intro to Photojournalism (see PPP)
  6. Photo Basic's PART I (see PPP)
  7. Super Bowl TV commercial
REMINDERS:
  • Do not email me assignment work;  docs, papers or photos 
  • 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.
  • keep all 'out-take' images in your SLICE folder.
  • if u miss an assignment, lose at least 1pt.
  • BE SURE to submit missed assignments within (2) weeks.
  • 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.

2/3/13

Post-Super Bowl -Best COVER



Who had the best newspaper cover the day after?

Today's Top Ten Front Pages
Agony and Ecstasy By Sharon Shahid / Poynter

Someone had to win, and someone had to lose. But the post Super Bowl front pages in today's Top Ten are all stand-out winners. Read more








Super Bowl ad for Ram trucks

Chrysler airs photographic Super Bowl ad for Ram trucks using still images and Paul Harvey

Chrysler Group LLC aired a second, very photographic commercial during the 2013 Super Bowl. The second two-minute ad, called “Farmer,” was for the Auburn Hills-based automaker’s Ram truck brand. Read more 

Audio: 
Scratchy audio came from a speech given by radio personality Paul Harvey at the 1978 National Future Farmers of America Convention.

Photos:
10 noted photographers were commissioned,  including National Geographic icon William Albert Allard and renowned documentary photographer Kurt Markus, to document American farm life, yielding a beautiful and comprehensive catalog of farming images.