King Pica, Digital - Assigned 2/28, due 3/3 - Minor

Today you will transfer your King Pica spread onto the computer and begin filling it with information. You will have two classes to complete this task. 

You can find the link to the blank document here: King Pica Size 9 Draft Sheet

You will need to download the file....put it on your desktop (it will go into your Download folder, MOVE IT to your desktop or into your J1 Folder).

Open that file. It should open a new document in InDesign that looks like a blank size 9 Draft Sheet.

Your job today is to make the appropriate boxes for each of the ones we made together. It is really easy to make the correct box and at the top in the sub-menus you can input the correct width and heights. Then all you have to do is drag them into the correct space. Make sure to use the columns to help you position them correctly.

Once you get your first box made, SAVE AS and rename it: last name_first name_kingpicaspread_period#    

Remember that everything needs to be exactly 1 pica apart. Also don't forget that the eyelines are not real lines, but will be a white space between objects.

When you are finished make sure that you share it with me so I can verify that you have completed the task correctly. I will make sure its all lined up and ready to be filled with photos and text.

Then you need to decide upon a theme and head to google and start finding pictures for that theme. It will really help you to pick pictures that fit the spaces, vertical photos for vertical spaces and horizontal photos for horizontal spaces. Find 7 total photos. Crop them in Photoshop for the right dimensions - remember we use picas now, not inches.

Then start placing the photos into the In Design spread. Remember how to place?
>file>place or command-d

Once you get the photos into place - you need to write a 2 sentence caption for each photo and write them in the correct places.

Then write three headlines for your story - these can be generic - you can pick the size and font, but you cannot change the size of the box.

Then in the story area, write a 3 paragraph story about your theme. This story can totally be made up, but it does have to be about your theme. You will need to adjust the font and size to fit the entire text space.

.PDF and email, .JPEG OR .PNG and your blog 

When you are done - you need to make your In Design document into a PDF file (.pdf file extension) and Share that with me. Make sure it is shared so ANYONE WITH THE LINK CAN VIEW. 

Then convert that PDF into a JPEG (.jpeg file extension) and post it on your blog.

Here is how you do that:

You must have your Yearbook Spread open in InDesign (NOT photoshop)

Converting your InDesign file to PDF Directions:

>File>Adobe PDF presets>Smallest File Size

Rename your yearbook spread as follows: Last name_first name_kingpicaspread_period #

Make sure to save it in your folder (not your H-drive, not your S-drive, NOT the desktop, your folder)

Click SAVE

When the dialog box comes up in the middle of the screen find the word Export As - PAGES
Click the word SPREADS and change it so it's a spread instead of a single page
Hit Export

This will create a two page .pdf spread. Make sure this file is put into your Google Drive and that you click the sharing button and make sure it is set to ANYONE WITH THE LINK CAN VIEW

Converting from at .pdf to a .jpeg or .png for your Google Site 

FINALLY  -  we want to post these on your Google Site. To do this you have to convert the .pdf into a jpeg file.

1. Open Photoshop
2. Open the .pdf of your yearbook spread (NOT the .indd, it won't work)
3. When the .pdf converter pop-up box appears, hit OKAY
This will open them both in Photoshop.
4. >File>Save as
5. Change the format into .jpeg or if it won't give you the .jpg option, choose a .png
6. Click save
7. Make sure you save it at the highest file size
8. If you get any other pop-up boxes, click okay
9. Post it on your blog. You will need to post both images separately. 

King Pica - basic yearbook design. Assigned 2/26, due 2/28 - Minor

Today we are going to go old school and do some design in analog with pencil and paper. While the focus of today's design project is on yearbook design, the same concepts and ideas translates directly to newspaper and magazines as well. 

Some important terms we will use today include:

Pica

Gutter

Spread

Outer Margins

Copy

White Space

Graphics/Photos

Photo box

Text Box

Captions

While we are drawing this today, next time I see you we will be transferring this to a digital file that I will provide for you. We will be using InDesign for all of the design projects we do in the coming weeks.

I will be doing this presentation on the screen and drawing with you on my on draft sheet. I am not going to give you a link to the presentation today, but I will make sure you have it next time so you can refer back to it. I want to work through this design process with you together and I don't want anyone working ahead.

Here is a link to the presentation: King Pica

Dispatch Issue #4. Assigned 2/24, due 2/26 - Minor

The Dispatch Issue #4

Today we are going to spend the entire period reading the 4th issue of the Dispatch. You will find copies of the paper in the black bins between your computers. You will need your own copy. You are welcome to take it home if you would like. Create a new subpage in the 3rd 9 weeks folder and call it Dispatch Issue #4. Now complete the following assignment.

Please read one story from each of the following SIX sections:

1. News (page 1 or 2) or the Politics page (3)

2. Features (pages 4 or 5)

3. Entertainment (page 12) or Reviews (page 13) or the Photo Essay (pg 6 or 16)

4. Sports (page 10 or 11)

5. Commentary (page 14 or 15)

6. And you must read either the In-Depth story on pages 8-9 (Manifesting and affirming) or page 7 (AI takes a seat in the modern classroom)

As you read the stories I want you to answer the following questions for EACH story on your Google Site on a new subpage called Dispatch Issue #1:

1. Write a two sentence summary of the story.

2. Answer the following questions for each story:

Who was quoted in the story?

What quote was the strongest in your opinion?

Did the lead paragraph make you want to keep reading?

Was the conclusion a quote or a statement?

3. Now make a new text box on the same subpage (Dispatch Issue #1) and answer the following questions:

Which story made you want to learn more about the topic?

Which story was the best written?

Which story had the best quotes (overall)?

Which story was the most boring of the ones you read?

Which one was the hardest to follow (meaning maybe wasn't written as well)?

4. Then I want you to do a couple of things with the photography. In a new text box, answer the following questions:

A. What is your favorite photo in the entire paper?
A1. Why is this your favorite?

B. What is your least favorite photo in the entire paper?
B1. Why is this your least favorite?

C. If you were a photographer on staff, which event/photo assignment would you have liked to do for this issue? You will need to look through the entire paper and see the topics covered and decide which one you think would have been fun.

D. Overall, how would you rate the photography in this issue (1-10 scale, 1 being terrible, 10 being the best set of photos you have ever seen)? What were the strong points and weak points of the images as a whole?

5. LAST TASK - The newspaper staff just completed a brainstorm activity for the fifth issue of the year which will come out in early April. I consider my Journalism 1 students part of staff, so I want to hear from you. Please list 3 to 5 story ideas you think would be interesting to read about in the school newspaper. Try to think of things that impact students, or has some sort of local connection. If you propose an idea for something broader than that, please give me some sort of story "angle" that could be "localized" to Bowie. Every story in the school newspaper should have some sort of impact on students at the school.

Portraits and Self-portrait preview AND Magazine Cover Preview. Assigned 2/21, due 2/24 - Minor and Minor

 Self Portrait and Portraits Preview

As we get ready to take photos soon on our new assignment, self-portrait and portrait photography. I thought you might want to look at some ideas and get something more than just looking at some photos. With that in mind - go take a look at these FOUR websites.

http://digital-photography-school.com/10-ways-to-take-stunning-portraits

and

http://digital-photography-school.com/tips-portrait-photography

http://photography.nationalgeographic.com/photography/photo-tips/portrait-photography-tips/

http://shutterbug.com/refreshercourse/portrait_tips/197/

After looking at these, find what you think are the best 2 or 3 tips and copy and paste them into a new post on your blog (I don’t need 2-3 tips from each site, but 2-3 total, but please look at all four sites).

When you go out to shoot these types of photos, there are three main types of portraits, the environmental portrait, a self-portrait and a casual portrait. Lets go find some examples of these types of images.

Google image search “Environmental portrait” and pick out 2 that you really like and post them on your blog. Tell me what you liked about the photo and why you picked it.

Google image search “photography self portrait” and pick out 2 that you really like and post them on your blog. Tell me what you liked about the photo and why you picked it.

Google image search “casual portrait” and pick out 2 that you really like and post them on your blog. Tell me what you liked about the photo and why you picked it.

Please write a paragraph telling me your plan for your portrait assignment. Answer the following questions: who will you shoot, where will you shoot, and what will you do to make the shot successful.

Be specific on all three answers. When I read it I should know who and where you will take the photos and I should know exactly what your plan is to make sure you get a quality photo.  Think about composition when you are planning these. I really want your self-portrait to be a more than just a selfie. I want to see insight into you. Who are you? What defines you? How can you give me a little insight into what makes you tick or something that you get up to do every day? What is your passion? These thoughts should come out in your work.

Magazine Cover Preview

Please complete this assignment on ONE Google Site Subpage.

Part 1 - Magazine tips

After you shoot your portrait and self-portrait, you will use them as the central element of a mock magazine cover design that will occupy a page of an InDesign document.

To get this process started, you need to learn a little about magazine cover design.

Go to the link below:

https://blog.flipsnack.com/how-to-design-professional-magazine-covers/

 On your google site tell me 5 things you should be thinking about when you design your magazine cover.

Part 2 - Best magazine covers 2018

Next, go here and look at some great designs:

https://www.canva.com/learn/magazine-cover-design/

Look at and read about ALL 50 designs. Make a new post titled : "Best Covers"

Some of these magazines do not have portraits on the cover. But many do. 

Pick your 3 favorite covers with a PORTRAIT on it and share them with me on your Google Site.

Copy and paste the description under the cover on the website.

Write a 75-125 word critique of the portrait on the cover.

Mention what is communicated about the people in the portrait and how this is communicated.

You may consider composition, lighting, exposure etc.

Part 3 - Magazines Part II

You also need to know a little more information about the types of magazine covers that have been used through the years. Here are the most common types:

Cover types

1. Image Based
2. Illustration Based
3. Type Based
4. Concept Based

Here is the description and some examples of these types of magazine covers:

On your Google Site, write a short (50-150 word) explanation of what the main attributes of each of the four types are. Use your own words, and DO NOT copy and paste.

Finally, answer this question: what is the relationship between words and photos on magazine covers and why is this important?

Portraits and Self-Portraits - PHOTO CONTRACT

Beginning next Friday, if you have your Photo Contract turned in, you will be able to take camera equipment from me to take your portraits and self-portraits. Eventually you will turn in TWO photos. One that should be a portrait and the other should be a self-portrait. We will go over multiple things before you take cameras out to shoot, including how to use a tripod and the timer in the camera.

Here is a link to the contract so you can print it at home. Your parents must sign this. I am giving you a hard copy today, they can sign it, scan it and send it back to me electronically, or you can bring it to me.

Equipment Contract

Please remember: I really want your self-portrait to be a more than just a selfie. I want to see insight into you. Who are you? What defines you? How can you give me a little insight into what makes you tick or something that you get up to do every day? What is your passion? These thoughts should come out in your work. I do not want you to include your pet (s) in these photos.

For the portrait, you may not take photos of animals, they must be people. You should also make sure your portrait is either a single person or a very small group of people (no more than 2-3-4).

You MUST shoot these vertically, which means turning the camera sideways. We will be using them to make Magazine Covers. And all magazines are vertical in orientation. You will be looking at magazine covers next week to get ideas on how you will make your portraits and self-portraits into magazine covers.

Photo Manipulation and Ethics. Assigned 2/19, due 2/21 - MAJOR

When you are ready and have your Prompt Shoot #2 posted (remember that you must put all 4 photos through Photoshop and do levels), please move onto the assignment below.

Now that we have learned how to color manage and crop photos it is very important that you understand what changing photos means and how that impacts the image, as well as the audience.

I think it is important to understand what happens when you alter a photo. If you eventually join newspaper and/or yearbook there are "rules" about changing photos. 

Here we will look at what has been published around the world and the impact of changing photos.

There is a time and a place to change photos. Let's start that discussion here:

1. Read the following story about examples of photo manipulations.

https://ethicsinediting.wordpress.com

PLEASE DO NOT WATCH THE VIDEO CALLED DOVE EVOLUTION AT THE TOP, WE WILL WATCH IT LATER AS PART OF ANOTHER ASSIGNMENT!!

Here is the website in image form so you can do this assignment:

On your Google Site create a new subpage called Photo Manipulation and Ethics and answer the following questions.

A. What are some of the main points you read about in the website above regarding manipulating images? Give me about 3-4 reasons that it might not be acceptable. I expect you to write at least a paragraph here.

B. What is the philosophy of newspapers like the Washington Post and the New York Times regarding image manipulation? Please be detailed and explain what their philosophy is.

C. What do you think are acceptable things you could do to an image and not cross the line unto an unethical manipulation? Again, please give me more than a simple sentence. Really EXPLAIN what you think about altering photos - this is the age of filters....talk about filters and if/when their use might be okay for a publication.

D. Post the photo from this presentation (this means get that image by either downloading it OR taking a screenshot and post it on your site) that you think was the most unethical, and explain why you think it was unethical. If you do not know what the word ethic or unethical means, look them up on the internet. It is very important you know what those two words mean. Please write at least 2-3 sentences explaining why you think it is so bad. You will most likely have to take a screen shot to get this image. Command-shift-4 gets you the cursor you need to take a screen shot. Make sure that screen shot ends up in your Google Drive.

E. Post the photo from this presentation that you consider the least unethical, and explain why you think it is not as bad as others. Please write at least 2-3 sentences explaining why you think this one is not so bad.

YOU MUST WRITE ENOUGH TO SATISFY ME ON THIS ASSIGNMENT. I WILL BE GRADING ALL OF THESE FULLY, NOT SKIM READING AND CERTAINLY NOT JUST FOR COMPLETION. YOU MUST ANSWER THESE ONE CORRECTLY AND IN DEPTH FOR A GOOD GRADE!!

Photoshop Basics. Assigned 2/12, due 2/19 - Minor

 This is a quick tutorial on how to edit photos in Photoshop in case you missed the presentation in class or were not here on that day. If you need help to do these steps, please ask and I will help you. 

If you are not in class today, I have created step-by-step instructions for what we will be doing in class, but it will be best if you come to a FIT or to tutoring before school (anytime), or after school (by appointment ONLY), to get additional support. You will not be able to do this without access to Photoshop. I will go over how you can access it at home, IF you have the appropriate computer to do so.

You need to color manage your Prompt Shoot images (4 total images) AND you should do the same for your Portrait and Self-Portrait before you turn them in.

Color

Color changes take a little longer and can be much more evident to the eye.

1. Open the photo in Photoshop (there are multiple ways to do this, use whichever way you remember)

2. The first thing we want to do every time is to SAVE AS and rename your photo and save it in the correct folder. For right now that folder is your folder on the  desktop.

3. Go to – Image>Adjustments>Levels

A box should pop up on your screen. In that box is a drop down box that has RGB in it. Use the drop down box and go to >BLUE

Move the black and white slider tools (the hershey kisses) and move them as needed to be underneath the mountain.

go to >GREEN
repeat

go to >RED
repeat

go to >RGB

On this step you move ONLY the middle one which is brown (do not move the black or white slider) just slightly where the photo appears a little lighter than perfect.

Now - here are some new instructions - I will show you this quickly today, but I wanted to give you the instructions here as well.

4. The final step, go to >Filter>Sharpen>Sharpen

You should only do this one time

5. Crop and make sure you have the correct resolution as requested.

6. To change the photo to black and white go to: Image>Mode>Grayscale

When the pop up appears asking if you want to discard the color information, hit yes or okay. 

7. Save and close the file - MAKE SURE IT IS A .JPEG, not a .PSD file. I will show you how to correct this.

Prompt Shoot #2 (focus on Manual) - assigned 2/10, due 2/12 - MAJOR

Here is your next assignment: Prompt Shoot #2

You know what to do with these after the first shoot. But remember, you need to take more photos than you intent to turn in. I would shoot 1 photo for every minute you are out there. So today a good goal would be 45-50 photos.

You will, generally, be graded on the following:

Focus - is the picture in focus? If not, you will lose points

Subject - is the subject clear? 

Interest - how interesting is the subject

Composition - did you incorporate rules of photography

Uniqueness - is it something new, something I haven't seen before, were you creative?

Don't forget that you are thinking about composition AND the prompts. Today, you have the added layer of making sure your photos are EXPOSED properly. And then you can start thinking about depth of field and/or stopping action.

A good starting place today, since it is overcast; ISO 400, Aperture 5, 6.5, 8. shutter speed around 200 or so. But make sure you use the LIGHT METER. If you need help, come back to the classroom. If you can't get your photos to come out - COME BACK TO THE ROOM.

Here are your prompts today:

DRY
PURPLE
ELECTRIC

BOOK

Sim Cam - Assigned 2/7, due 2/10 - Minor

Please go to this website and wait for instructions.

https://camerasim.com

Please do not set anything and do not take any photos until I direct you to do so!!

I will be handing out a guided response paper that you will turn in at the end of class for a grade.

If you miss class today, I will give you this paper when you return and you will need to complete the assignment before you can go take Prompt Shoot #2 (manual).

Art pieces. Posted 2/5 - no grade

You have all period today to work on Aperture, SS and ISO. It does take most students a little longer to complete that task.

I do need you to do something first. I need access to the art pieces you made for your Opinion Story #2. You may have already done this, but I cannot find them.

Here is what I need:

Go to your Google Drive and find the piece of art you made. Click the SHARE button and make sure when the pop-up box comes up that you have made it SHARED so ANYONE WITH THE LINK CAN EDIT. This art should be an .AI file. Not a .png or anything else. You may have to open Illustrator to get to the file and save it on your desktop and then move it to your Google Drive before you share it.

Once you get a copy of the correctly shared link, please put it on this Google Sheet:

J1 Opinion story art links

If you need any help, please ask. I will be checking these to make sure they are exactly what I need and I will be walking around to make sure you complete the task today!

Make sure you finish Aperture, SS and ISO. Thanks!

Prompt Shoot #1 and Aperture, SS and ISO. Posted 2/3, due 2/7 - PS = MAJOR, Aperture, SS and ISO = Minor

Prompt Shoot #1

The first thing we need to do today is to post your 4 images from the Prompt Shoot. Remember that I am looking to see compositional rules, so if you have a number of images to choose from for any given prompt, that you pick the ones that show those compositional rules the best.

1. Pick one photo for each prompt, and put it on your Google Site. Please make sure to drag the bottom right corner to make it fill as much space as possible so I can see it.

2. Make a text box under each photo. In that text book please complete the following:

a. Label it with the prompt name

b. Tell me which compositional rule you feel fits the image the best

c. Explain why you think that and make sure you share your definition of the compositional rule at the same time.

3. Do this for all 4 photos

4. Hit Publish X2

5. Move onto the next assignment called Aperture Shutter Speed and ISO

Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO. 

The next lesson in our use of the camera and how it works involves what is commonly referred to as the "three pillars of photography." They are Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO.

Today we are going to learn about all three and how they impact our photography.

https://photographylife.com

Let's start with Aperture as it is probably the hardest of the three to full understand.

Go to this website and read about Aperture:

http://mansurovs.com/what-is-aperture-in-photography

Use the SITE SEARCH option and type in : Aperture

Once you are done reading - I want you to use google and find me an example of a photo taken at aperture setting F2.8 and an example of a photo taken at F16 or higher. DO NOT USE the photos on the website I sent you to, find different ones. Post those images on a new Google Site page called Aperture, SS and ISO and label them.

Then answer the following questions:

1. What part of the body should we closely relate aperture?
2. Finish this sentence - the smaller the Aperture _____________, the higher the Aperture ________________.
3. In your own words tell me how aperture impacts Depth of Field?

Now lets move on to Shutter Speed. This is a little easier to understand but we should read about it here:

http://mansurovs.com/what-is-shutter-speed-in-photography

Use the SITE SEARCH option and type in : Shutter Speed

Once you are finished reading about Shutter Speed, I want you to use google and find me an example of a photo taken with a high shutter speed and one taken at a slow shutter speed (you do not have to show blur unless you want but I still need to see an example of a photo that COULD have been taken at a slow shutter speed). Post them both images on your Google Site page and label them.

Then answer the following questions:

1. If you were assigned to shoot at Bulldogs and Hotdogs night, what shutter speeds do you think you would have to shoot at the following events that night I would like you to answer the question for the following two situations: You can answer: Low, Medium or High.

At the beginning while the sun was still up and the courtyard had reasonable good light

a.) a booth in the middle of the yard near the Tree
b.) a food booth outside under one of the big red awnings
c.) the Stars performance inside the gym
d.) students dancing near the center of the courtyard
e.) people streaming in from the front doors
f.) the basketball booth where students are shooting basketballs at a hoop

Towards the end when there is no sun and has gotten dark enough that you can't see from one end of the courtyard to the other. Again you can answer: Low, Medium or High.

a.) a booth in the middle of the yard near the Tree

b.) a food booth outside under one of the big red awnings

c.) the Stars performance inside the gym

d.) students dancing near the center of the courtyard

e.) people streaming in from the front doors

f.) the basketball booth where students are shooting basketballs at a hoop

2. List the FOUR settings your camera has regarding setting shutter speed (these are found at #8 on the Shutter Speed website, you can find #8 at the bottom of the page, and it will be labeled Camera Modes). Explain how each works - DO NOT COPY AND PASTE, use your own words.

Now for the last of the pillars, ISO. Lets go read some more at this website:

http://mansurovs.com/what-is-iso-in-photography

Use the SITE SEARCH option and type in : What is ISO

Once you are finished, please go to google and find me an example of a photo taken at ISO 200 and a photo taken at ISO 3200 or 6400. Post both images on your Google Site and label them.

Then answer the following questions:

1. What are the advantages of shoot at a higher ISO at a sporting event like basketball or a night football game?
2. What suggestions did the author make about using a low ISO?
3. What suggestions did the author make about using a high ISO?

Now that we have a basic understanding of the three pillars, let's look at some direct examples of what happens in when you mess with Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO. Go to the following website:

http://www.andersenimages.com/tutorials/exposure-simulator/

This simulates a DSLR camera. Make sure you set the camera on MANUAL setting at the top.

List the aperture settings available on this camera starting with F2.8 and working up
List the shutter speed settings available on this camera starting with 4000 and working down to 1 second.
List the ISO settings available on this camera starting with 100 and working up.

Now have some fun and play with the settings. We will use a similar site next class to learn more about how to make adjustments in your camera for these 3 important adjustments.