Instructor: Jeff Coleman ---------- Room 107 ---------- 720 423-7146

The best way to contact me is e-mail: jeff_coleman@dpsk12.org

Online at: http://coleman.tjcomputermagnet.com/

Office hours: 7:00 AM-7:20 AM, 2:45 PM-3:15 PM daily

Pre-requisite: Intro to Computer Magnet 1 & 2 or permission of instructor

Overview: In this course we will explore the basic techniques of black and white photography and color photography, as they relate to journalism, business and the arts. Students will learn to operate digital cameras to capture images, and will use Adobe Photoshop to process their photos. Students will also learn to operate video camcorders and edit video using Final Cut Express. The course will require some writing in the form of articles, captions, proposals, and critiques. Throughout the course the focus will be on moving away from the production of mere snapshots and home video, and moving toward the production of well-composed photographs and videos that will have an artistic quality beyond their content.

Textbook: None. Written material will be distributed in the form of class handouts.

Homework: While there will be little in this class that resembles traditional homework, students will be expected to spend considerable non-class time taking photos, writing proposals, critiques, and articles, and working on the computers to do photo processing.

Grading: Students will be graded primarily on projects that will demonstrate acquired competencies. Point values will be given with each assignment. Mid-term and final grades will be based on a percentage of the possible points earned using the following scale:

93-100 =A • 90-92=A • 87-89=B+ • 83-86=B • 80-82=B-
77-79=C+ • 73-76=C • 70-72=C- • 60-69=D • 0-59=F

Participation grade: Students will receive 10 points per week for participating enthusiastically, being in attendance and on time, and contributing to the class in a positive way. Students may recover lost participation points by participating in Excel time on Wednesdays.

Lab fee: In order to offer a photojournalism course at TJ it is necessary for us to require each student to pay a lab fee. During the course of the semester we spend approximately two hundred dollars per student on materials, equipment, and software. Since we don’t have a big enough budget to cover these expenses, we ask the students to pay for part of the materials and equipment they use. The lab fee is $80 for the year or $40.00 for this semester. This fee is due on Friday, August 28.

Excel Time: Students are encouraged to use Excel Time on Wednesday afternoons for extending their learning beyond the classroom, working on current projects, and making up work missed due to absence.

Photo requirements: Shoot at least 80 digital photos using the Panasonic Lumix cameras or your own camera which has been approved by the instructor (15 pts.). All of your photos should showcase the Rule of Thirds composition guideline. This guide says that the picture area should be divided into thirds vertically and horizontally and the subject should be centered at one of the intersections of the imaginary lines.

Example folder:

Photo requirements: Shoot at least 80 digital photos using the Panasonic Lumix cameras or your own camera which has been approved by the instructor (15 pts.). All of your photos should showcase the Leading Lines composition guideline. This guide says that diagonal and curved lines add an element of depth to your pictures creating the illusion of three dimensions

Download the photos to the hard drive of your computer and choose the three best representations of the Leading Lines composition technique. Process the three photos in Photoshop to make them 5” by 7” or 7” by 5” JPEG files with a resolution of 300 dpi (25 pts. ea.). Place the image files in a folder titled with a two digit period number, your last name, the word lines, and a sequence number.

Written requirements: A brief (one paragraph) critique explaining why you chose these three photos as representing your best work (10 pts.).

Photo requirements: Shoot at least 80 digital photos using the Panasonic Lumix cameras or your own camera which has been approved by the instructor (15 pts.). All of your photos should showcase the Simplicity composition guideline. This guide says that your photos should have one strong subject and an uncluttered background.

Download the photos to the hard drive of your computer and choose the three best representations of the Simplicity composition technique. Process the three photos in Photoshop to make them 5” by 7” or 7” by 5” JPEG files with a resolution of 300 dpi (25 pts. ea.). Place the image files in a folder titled with a two digit period number, your last name, the word simplicity, and a sequence number.

Written requirements: A brief (one paragraph) critique explaining why you chose these three photos as representing your best work (10 pts.).

Photo requirements: Shoot at least 80 digital photos using the Panasonic Lumix cameras or your own camera which has been approved by the instructor. All of your photos should showcase the Framing composition guideline. This guide says that you can add depth to your photos by framing the subject with an object in the foreground on one or more sides of the picture

Download the photos to the hard drive of your computer and choose the three best representations of the Framing composition technique. Process the three photos in Photoshop to make them 5” by 7” or 7” by 5” JPEG files with a resolution of 300 dpi. Place the image files in a folder titled with a two digit period number, your last name, the word framing, and a sequence number.

Written requirements: A brief (one paragraph) critique explaining why you chose these three photos as representing your best work.

Points will be awarded for the following:

Completing project on time [5]
Efficient use of class work time [5]
Composition: [20] (Rule/Thirds, Simplicity, Balance, Leading Lines, Framing, Depth/Field)
Exposure: [20] (Focus, Contrast, Lighting, Shutter Speed, ISO, Aperture)
Creativity: [20] (Angles, Point of View, Perspective, Post Production)
Content: [20] (Location, Subject Development)
Photoshop work (levels, color balance, hue/saturation, contrast) [5]
Written self critique [5]

Photo requirements: Shoot at least 80 digital photos using the Panasonic Lumix cameras or your own camera which has been approved by the instructor. All of your photos should showcase the Balance composition guideline. This guide says that your pictures should not be over-weighted to one side.

Download the photos to the hard drive of your computer and choose the three best representations of the Framing composition technique. Process the three photos in Photoshop to make them 5” by 7” or 7” by 5” JPEG files with a resolution of 300 dpi. Place the image files in a folder titled with a two digit period number, your last name, the word balance, and a sequence number.

Written requirements: A brief (one paragraph) critique explaining why you chose these three photos as representing your best work.

Points will be awarded for the following:

Completing project on time [5]
Efficient use of class work time [5]
Composition: [20] (Rule/Thirds, Simplicity, Balance, Leading Lines, Framing, Depth/Field)
Exposure: [20] (Focus, Contrast, Lighting, Shutter Speed, ISO, Aperture)
Creativity: [20] (Angles, Point of View, Perspective, Post Production)
Content: [20] (Location, Subject Development)
Photoshop work (levels, color balance, hue/saturation, contrast) [5]
Written self critique [5]

Deadline: Tuesday Oct. 20, 2009
Points possible: 100

Overview: Shoot 100 frames of landscapes and/or buildings using manual exposure settings. Download and process them in Photoshop. Select the best five for preparation as JPEG files that are 10” on the long side and no more than 8” on the short side at 300 dpi.

Points will be awarded for the following:

Completing project on time [5]
Efficient use of class work time [5]
Composition: [20] (Rule/Thirds, Simplicity, Balance, Leading Lines, Framing, Depth/Field)
Exposure: [20] (Focus, Contrast, Lighting, Shutter Speed, ISO, Aperture)
Creativity: [20] (Angles, Point of View, Perspective, Post Production)
Content: [20] (Location, Subject Development)
Photoshop work (levels, color balance, hue/saturation, contrast) [5]
Written self critique [5]

Deadline: Tuesday November 3, 2009
Points possible: 100

Overview: Shoot 80-100 frames of people using manual exposure settings on the camera. Shoot your portraits in an environment that relates to your subject's interests. For example shoot a portrait of an actor on the stage, a basketball player in the gym, a swimmer in the pool, or the librarian in front of a book shelf. Select the best five for preparation as JPEG files that are 10” on the long side and no more than 8” on the short side at 300 dpi.

Points will be awarded for the following:

Completing project on time [5]
Efficient use of class work time [5]
Composition: [20] (Rule/Thirds, Simplicity, Balance, Leading Lines, Framing, Depth/Field)
Exposure: [20] (Focus, Contrast, Lighting, Shutter Speed, ISO, Aperture)
Creativity: [20] (Angles, Point of View, Perspective, Post Production)
Content: [20] (Location, Subject Development)
Photoshop work (levels, color balance, hue/saturation, contrast) [5]
Written self critique [5]

Web Resources:
Anatomy of an Environmental Portrait:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/09/AR2006050901061.html
Environmental Portraits by Russ Burden: http://www.takegreatpictures.com/Articles/Details/params/object/10114/default.aspx
Henri Cartier-Bresson: http://www.npg.si.edu/exh/cb/index.htm
Jodi Cobb PDN Gallery: http://www.pdngallery.com/cobrand/nikonnet/masters/jodi_cobb/

Deadline: Friday November 13, 2009

still life n., pl. still lifes. 1. Representation of inanimate objects, such as flowers or fruit, in painting or photography. 2. A painting, picture, or photograph of inanimate objects.

Overview: Shoot 100 frames of inanimate objects. Shoot half of your frames using Manual Exposure settings and the other half using Macro exposure settings. Select the best five for preparation as JPEG files that are 10” on the long side and no more than 8” on the short side at 300 dpi.

Points will be awarded for the following:

Completing project on time [5]
Efficient use of class work time [5]
Composition: [20] (Rule/Thirds, Simplicity, Balance, Leading Lines, Framing, Depth/Field)
Exposure: [20] (Focus, Contrast, Lighting, Shutter Speed, ISO, Aperture)
Creativity: [20] (Angles, Point of View, Perspective, Post Production)
Content: [20] (Location, Subject Development)
Photoshop work (levels, color balance, hue/saturation, contrast) [5]
Written self critique [5]

Web resources:
Adorama Academy: Go Macro http://www.adorama.com/catalog.tpl?op=academy&article=061506
Flower Close-ups http://www.takegreatpictures.com/HOME/Columns/Photo_Tips_-_Techniques/Details/Flower_Close-Upsby_Russ_Burden.fci
Shutterpoint - Still lifes http://www.shutterpoint.com/Photos-BrowseCat.cfm?cat_id=7

Overview: Shoot at least 100 frames of circles, squares, triangles, rectangles, or trapezoids. Shoot all of your frames using Manual Exposure settings. Focus on not over-exposing any shots.

Points will be awarded for the following:

Completing project on time [5]
Efficient use of class work time [5]
Composition: [20] (Rule/Thirds, Simplicity, Balance, Leading Lines, Framing, Depth/Field)
Exposure: [20] (Focus, Contrast, Lighting, Shutter Speed, ISO, Aperture)
Creativity: [20] (Angles, Point of View, Perspective, Post Production)
Content: [20] (Location, Subject Development)
Photoshop work (levels, color balance, hue/saturation, contrast) [5]
Written self critique [5]

Overview: You will create Photoshop images using parts of at least two separate photographs. You may use more than two photos if you wish. Model your work on that of Scott Mutter. Images should be combined so that they create the illusion of a single image. Use the Panasonic Lumix camera to shoot at least 50 frames. Plan your shoots so that you get consistent lighting in photos that you plan to combine. You will create at least three of these combined images. You may work in color or black and white or both.

Photo requirements: Shoot 50 frames. For this assignment you may check out cameras overnight, on weekends, and on holidays. Cameras are due back in room 107 by 7:25am of the next school day. Failure to return cameras on time will result in a loss of project points. There are no exceptions to this rule.

Photoshop requirements: Process your photos for print. You should finish with at least three different images that are 10” on the long side at 300 dpi. The final products should be flattened JPEG files. The best of these three images may be printed for display. All of your class time should be spent either taking pictures or working with Photoshop. You should spend much of your time experimenting with Photoshop and discovering its capabilities, even those that don’t specifically apply to the project you are working on.

Written requirements: You will write a one paragraph explanation of the process of creating the photos and any symbolism or meaning behind each of your three finished images. Total for all three images 1 page, word-processed, spell-checked, Times 12 point, double-spaced, 1” margins.

http://www.photographymuseum.com/mutter/scottmutterNewGallery.html

Points will be awarded for the following:

Fifty frames shot and downloaded 20
Consistent use of classroom time for photographing and processing 20
Three completed combined images(40 ea. photo) 120
• For each image are the photos sharp and well-lighted with good contrast? (10 ea)
• Is the image well-composed? (10 ea)
• Does the image look seamless or is it obvious that multiple images were combined? (10 ea)
• Are the light and shadows consistent in all parts of the image? (10 ea)
Visual interest of subject matter 20
Written explanation of the process and meaning of the images 20

Create a thirty second sound track using Soundtrack and export the Mix.

Rubric:
Completed on time 10 pts.
Length 30 seconds 10 pts.
Consistent musical style, tempo, key 10 pts.
Smooth editing, no glitches or dead air, fade at end 10 pts.
Mix Exported 10 pts

Overview: You will create a video that demonstrates the five kinds of tripod shots you have learned about. You will shoot and present in this order:

1. A static tripod shot that shows movement through the picture area, at least 30 seconds
2. A pan, either right or left that ends in a payoff scene lasting 2-3 seconds
3. A tilt, either up or down that ends in a payoff scene lasting 2-3 seconds
4. A zoom-in that ends in a payoff scene lasting 2-3 seconds
5. A zoom-out that ends in a payoff scene lasting 2-3 seconds

These shots are the basic tools of the film maker and should be used in all of your video work. The most basic is the static tripod shot. This is the shot that you should rely on most. Probably 70-80 percent of your video footage should be taken with the camera motionless on the tripod.
Shots that involve camera movement should only be used for a reason, for example to follow action, to set up a scene, or to reveal something to the viewer.

After you shoot your footage you will edit it in Final Cut Express, adding music, titles, and credits.

Rubric: Points will be awarded as follows:

Camera work (50 pts.):
Static tripod shot, at least 30 sec. (10)
Pan with 2-3 sec. payoff (10)
Tilt with 2-3 sec. payoff (10)
Zoom-in with 2-3 sec. payoff (10)
Zoom-out with 2-3 sec. payoff (10)

Editing (50 pts.):
Video footage is successfully captured in FCE (10)
Main title identifies project and producer (5)
Secondary titles identify each shot in the project (10)
Music is created in Soundtrack and added to project with sound fades as necessary, original audio is deleted (10)
Credits identify camera person, editor, music, and any others who should be
recognized or thanked (5)
Scenes flow smoothly from one to another with no video or audio glitches and with out transition effects (10)

Deadline: Friday, February 12, 2010 - Total Points Possible: 100

Overview: You will conduct an interview with a TJ student or staff member. You will videotape the interview paying close attention to the visual, audio, and content elements of the presentation. The setting should be chosen carefully with primary consideration given to sound quality during the interview. If possible the setting should relate to the content of the interview (for example: interview a potter in the ceramics studio, an actor on the stage, a musician in the music room, a basketball player in the gym etc.). The camera should be set up on a tripod as close to the subject as possible so that only the subject’s head and shoulders are visible in the monitor.

Written requirement: 10-15 interview questions prepared in advance of the interview and provided to the subject for preparation of responses. Due Feb. 3/4.
Video requirement: 10-15 minutes of video footage edited down to two-three minutes of very informative video.

Interim deadlines: Feb. 3/4 Interview questions completed and word-processed. Make three copies, one for the instructor, one for the subject to preview, and one for you to use
(10 points). Feb. 9 footage shot. The interview is complete and the tape is ready for editing (10 points). After you shoot your footage you will edit it in Final Cut Express, adding titles, tags, and credits.

Rubric: Points will be awarded as follows:

Introduction with reporter on screen or voice-over behind action footage (10 pts.)

Visual Elements (20 pts. 5 for each element)
• The subject is shown in a tight head and shoulders shot that utilizes the rule of thirds
• The background is interesting but not distracting
• The lighting is adequate to provide accurate skin tone and feature definition
• There are no visual interruptions
• Extra Credit: the setting relates to the content of the interview

Audio elements (20 pts. split 15/5)
• All of the questions and answers can be heard clearly throughout the interview with out adjusting the volume on the monitor (15 pts.)
• There are no audio interruptions (5pts.)

Content elements (20 pts. split 15/5)
• Questions are open-ended, designed to elicit more than one word responses
• The interviewer seems at ease on camera and puts the subject at ease

Editing (20 pts. 5 for each element)
• Transitions, if used, are smooth and not distracting, there are no glitches
• Only the most interesting parts of the interview are retained in the final product
• Beginning title, on screen tags, and ending credits identify subject and production team
• Final product stays within time constraints (2-3 min.)

Project completed on time (10 pts.)

Video Assignment #3 - Action Video

Date Due: Tuesday, March 9, 2010 -- Total Points: 100

Overview: You will make a one to two minute video of people doing something. It could be a sport, a job, an artistic endeavor, or a daily task. The sound track will be created by combining the original audio, Soundtrack, and the Voice-over feature in Final Cut.

Rubric:
Project completed on time (10 pts)
Effective use of class time (10 pts)

Editing (20 pts.):
• Titles, credits, on screen tags as needed (10 pts)
• Smooth edits throughout (10 pts.)

Videotaping (25 pts.):
• Use of tripod/steadiness of camcorder (5 pts.)
• Adequate lighting (no backlit subjects, subjects are not too dark)(10 pts.)
• Visual interest of shots (no scenes in TJ halls)(10 pts.)

Sound (20 pts.):
• Voice-over narration describes action (15 pts.)
• Music matches video in length and style, fades out at end (5 pts.)

Content (15 pts.)
• Interest level of subject (5)
• Quality of footage (5)
• Use of camera angles (5)