Digital Photography III:
|
Please check back as the new school year progresses to see the site updated with current student work!
(Click on an image to make it larger and view student names.)
(Click on an image to make it larger and view student names.)
Self Portrait Triptychs
This lesson is the opener to the course. It jump starts our conversation on visual language, representation, and abstract thought. Students must create a triptych (three photographs that are shown as one and work together to communicate an idea to a viewer) that communicates who they are. We begin by discussing what a self portrait is and look at more representational, concrete examples. Students are then asked how they could represent aspects of their personalities in a more abstract way. We discuss symbolism, emotion, mood, lighting and composition. Students brainstorm and research solutions, take test shots, reflect on their work, and choose the final three images that best represent their personal concepts.
Word Play
This is an introductory project for Photo 3 students in conceptual photography. The students are asked to choose a word (usually an adjective) to build a series of photographs around. The assignment challenges students to think abstractly as they work to define, interpret, and represent their word. The project also reinforces the idea of personal voice and perspective as one word can be represented in a variety of ways.
Surreal Levitation Photography
This is definitely a favorite amongst photo three students, as well as, any other students that happen to see the final results hanging up around the room. In this project, students are introduced to composite imagery through the use of layer masks and multiple exposures. They begin with a tutorial on the mechanics of creating a believable levitation effect. They then practice "levitating" various objects and people around the school. We discuss how environments, actions/posing, lighting, and vantage point play a part in solidifying the effect, as well as, defining the mood of a photograph. Students quickly realize how meticulous they have to be when taking the photographs so that the two exposures line up when brought into Photoshop.
Reflections
Students are challenged to consider the space, layers, depth, contrast, and illusions that can be found in a single image through the exploration of reflective photography. These photographs are not digitally manipulated and force students to consider the qualities of a surface and the relationships formed through the overlapping of images, texture, form, pattern, and line.
Composites
Students are introduced to composite photography through a class discussion in which we examine the ways that our exemplar composite photographers are able to bring impossible ideas to life in Photoshop using overlays, blending modes, layer masks, and brushes. Students practice making smaller, simple composites out of two or three images before sketching ideas for their final composite works. The composites we explore include double exposures, digital collage, and photomontage.
Photomontage
The photomontage project requires students to take a series of images of an equivalent exposure and piece them together to create a final collaged work. Students begin by looking at the work of three different photographers that work in this style to gain a better understanding of purpose and process. After spending some time brainstorming and discussing ideas as a class, students work on developing a theme for their own work.
Final Project
For the final project, students are tasked with coming up with their own theme to base a series on. They are encouraged to look at the work of prominent photographers who are working with similar concepts. They will create a project proposal, test ideas, photograph their final concept, write an artist statement, and have a final critique as a class. Students are expected to make time to take the camera home in order to complete this project.