We have spent the last few lessons talking about composition and how to frame photos. We have looked at how we can use a toolset full of tools to create emphasis and ensure our compositions are purposeful. For our next assignment, we put it all to use. Photography is about seeing what others miss. Looking for the magic in the mundane. It takes practice, but by looking for our subjects and then deciding how to frame them, we are starting down the road towards good, mindful photography.
Part 1 | INTRODUCTION
PURPOSE
This assignment is meant to 1) get you out taking photographs 2) get you noticing subjects you might otherwise miss and 3) start applying some of the compositional concepts we have discussed in class to best frame your chosen subject.
Remember, this is a composition exercise. You are making decisions about what does and does not make it into your composition. Consider the 6 rules of composition from class. Be careful to check your background, watch for intrusions and busy backgrounds, consider placement and sizing of your subject, use colour and contrast to make your images pop.
Part 2 | ASSIGNMENT
OUTLINE
Keeping in mind compositional techniques and tools we have been studying, photograph each of the 26 letters of the alphabet.
The catch: your photos of the letters can not be actual letters (see below for examples). Your letters may be upper or lower case.
BODY OF WORK
You do not have to upload or submit a specific body of work for this assignment. That said, it is recommended that you take 50% more photos than you think you will need. That means at least 2 of every letter, give or take. Giving yourself some options, and an opportunity to learn and improve is going to help you train your eye and practice your skills.
SUBMISSION
As in previous submissions, you must create an album called 'Alphabet' which should be a series of 26 photos, one for each letter. Photos should be named. Using the 'Organizr' function in Flickr, ensure that your album is organized alphabetically. Once uploaded to a Flickr album, submit the link to Brightspace and the Flickr discussion.
Included in your mark will be your demonstrated knowledge and understanding of principles and elements and the various compositional tools from the alphabet critiquing completion task.​
Here are some examples of acceptable, and below, unacceptable images:
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appropriate size
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good contrast
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good use of colour
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includes texture
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appropriate size
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good contrast
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clean background
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appropriate size
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good contrast
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clean background
To get full marks, you letters should be clear, appropriately sized, and should follow some of the rules of composition we have discussed in class. You are also expected to take photos off school property. This is an assignment, not a completion task and should be treated as such.
Here are some unacceptable images:
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this is a stylized letter H
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this is the letter P
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*exception: this evil genius
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ambiguous
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on school property
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low contrast
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no depth
Student exemplars:
https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzHRFR
Part 3 | TECHNICAL NOTES