Final Portfolio

Today is our last class. You will have today and next class after the Final Exam to complete your portfolio. 

The final blog post will consist of 2 parts. 

In the first section you will post your 10 strongest images from the semester and provide a brief critique of each including 1 very strong element and 1 element you could improve upon. NOTE- Pick something from the Critique Guide.

In the second part you will provide an assessment of your portfolio and your work ethic.

Individual Image Critique

Post your 10 strongest images of the semester. All images must be in black and white although you may include a color version.
 For each image discuss one strong point from the critique guide and one area you could improve upon.Please assess your work and level of success on this project in each of the 3 main critique areas. Use the critique guidelines to help you with terminology and comments, 

I feel I have ____ exceeded/ ____ met/ ____fallen short of the objective for this image because.....

Overall Portfolio-Semester work

Please answer the following questions about your overall work this semester  using the 1-4 scale: 

1=Not at all, 2=Somewhat, 3=Mostly, 4=Absolutely

I completed my assignments on time 1 2 3 4

I fulfilled all assignments 1 2 3 4

Made good use of class time 1 2 3 4

Used a creative approach 1 2 3 4

My pictures unique and original 1 2 3 4

My craftsmanship is excellent 1 2 3 4

My images are sharp and focused 1 2 3 4

My images are well composed 1 2 3 4

My images have good contrast and exposure 1 2 3 4

My photography sets a mood 1 2 3 4

Surreal Photography

What is Surrealism? Magical Realism?

For our purposes Surreal or magical realism describes an image where the elements are a natural part in an otherwise mundane, realistic environment. Although it is most commonly used as a literary genre, magic realism also applies to film and the visual arts.

Here is a link to a TED talk by Erik Johansson. Erik creates realistic photos of impossible situations.

Today we will begin creating a surreal image using photoshop.

Using the provided images plus at least one of your own, (either from the web or a photos you have taken), create a magical realist composition using exaggerated scale, repetition, interesting juxtaposition of objects, and overall mood or atmosphere. You may select, crop, and place the elements in the composition in any way that presents them in an incongruous, unusual or “super normal” manner.

Activities/Skills/Followed Directions:

Set up document at stated size and resolution. 10 x 10 150 dp1
5/________

Photoshop Skills 

Made precise selections                                                                                             10/________

Used Transform-scale tool to change at least one selection/layer.                           
10/________

Used move tool to move selections from one document to another.                

10/________

Used Multiple Layers                                                                                                                    
10/________

Named Layers                                                                                                                        5/________

Include at least 1 additional image to the composition                                               
5/________  

                                                                                     

Creativity

Met requirements for concept using scale, juxtaposition, mood                                    

 45/________

Dodging and Burning in Photoshop

Today we will discuss the Burning and Dodging tools in photoshop.

i will give a demonstration in class but there is a great tutorial here if you need to see it written out step by step. The tutorial covers everything i will show in class.

After I show you how to use the tools you will post an example of your use of the tools. The instructions and examples are below:

Post a before and after picture demonstrating your use of the Burn and dodge tools in Photoshop.

The burn tool will darken areas of your image, and the Dodge tool will lighten areas of your image.

In a brief paragraph explain the areas that you burned and dodged.

Follow the example below:

Original Photograph

I dodged the highlights on the bananas and in the blurry chair in the backgound. I felt like the picture would be stronger if you could better see the details in the distance.
I burned the details in the glass bowl as well as in the bananas because I felt that the bowl was too grayish and i wanted more contrast. Finally I burned the wall on the right of the bowl because it was hard to see where the bowl ended and the wall began.

Edit, Critique and Post Antique Store Photos

Download, Edit, and Post the Antique Store from the field trip.

Crop, De-saturate and adjust Levels or Curves to get the best possible  image. 

Your pictures should include :
EMOTIONAL IMPACT!!!!
3 Still Life including at least 1 with a definite Focal Point
3  Details - either Close ups or Textures
3-5 additional pictures of your choice from the field trip

1 photo that is technically flawed in some way...out of focus, motion blur, over-exposed, etc. Identify the problem and how you might correct the issue if you were to re-shoot the picture.


Pick one of the pictures above and write a thorough critique in a new blog post