Photo Manipulation and Ethics. Posted 2/4, due 2/9 (at the end of class) - MAJOR

  Soon we will start using Photoshop to adjust and edit photos, but before we do that, 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?

B. What is the philosophy of newspapers like the Washington Post and the New York Times regarding image manipulation?

C. What do you think are acceptable things you could do to an image and not cross the line unto an unethical manipulation?

D. Post the manipulation from the photos you looked at above in the reading (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 the most 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 manipulation, which means the photo that you read about above, 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 ONES CORRECTLY AND IN DEPTH FOR A GOOD GRADE!!

Photoshop Basics. Posted 2/3 - No grade

This is a quick tutorial on how to edit photos in Photoshop in case you missed the presentation in class or were not here today. If you need help to do these steps, please ask and I will help you. Missing this presentation makes the process harder, so ask me if you need help and you still need to get this done ASAP so you know what to do. 

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.

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 OR .PNG, not a .PSD file. I will show you how to correct this.

Prompt Shoot #1. Assigned 1/29, due 2/3 at the end of class - MAJOR

Here is your next assignment: Prompt Shoot #1

Here is how the prompt shoots work - you will each have your own camera and about 30 minutes to go out and shoot images. You will get quick instructions with the camera again, and then when you return, you need to make time to move all of the photos off of the SD card and into a folder on your desktop called Prompt Shoot #1. I think you should have time to move SELECT images from your desktop to your Google Drive before class is over. You will NOT need to finish this assignment until next class. Next class you will make a new Google Site subpage and post your images with a reflection portion.

In the prompt shoot, I will give you a few key words that should guide your shooting that day. You can interpret the words any way you want, but you should make it clear which photo goes with which word when you turn them in.

For example, I might give you an emotion like Angry - you might shoot something that makes you angry, you might find a color that you associate with angry (like red or purple) and shoot that, or you might find someone who is actually angry and shoot them as they talk. You can ask your classmates to work with you, but be careful the photos aren't too "posed" or made up.

A couple of words of advice from me - be careful shooting through glass - those usually don't turn out too well. Also, be careful with big, huge wide shoots with lots of stuff going on, it is hard to pick details out and to show off some of these prompts. And finally, make sure you are watching your backgrounds for people - I know at school its hard, but be looking so it is very clear who your subject is.

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? Are there distracting elements in your photo?

Interest - how interesting is the subject

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

Most people get a 90+ on this assignment unless they don't turn in the required amount of photos, or they really mess up the focus and subject portion. The rest are minor deductions. Remember getting a 95+ means you are doing something very right AND there are very few people who get all four perfect, so don't expect a 100.

Don't forget that you are thinking about composition, MANUAL SETTINGS AND the prompts themselves. 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.

Take lots of photos and don't erase them on the camera. Don't go into Live View Mode. You can review photos by pushing the play button on your camera.

A good starting place today if you are going to shoot outside in the courtyard, since it is sunny; ISO 400, Aperture f8-f16, shutter speed around 1/350 or so. If you are going to shoot in the academic building, you will need to make more adjustments; ISO 800-1600, Aperture 4.5 or 5, shutter speed might be as low as 1/80 (so be careful trying to stop motion). 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:

Metal

Bowie

Square

Gate

Sim Cam. Assigned 1/23, due 1/23 (in-class only) - 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.

Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO. Assigned 1/22, due 1/23 - Minor

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 three settings your camera has regarding setting shutter speed (these are found at #5 on the Shutter Speed website). 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.

EQUIPMENT CONTRACT LINK:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gOWYechN0D1fj2V-4vyeqyUGXlvro9l9/view?usp=sharing

Feature Story work day 2 and 3. Posted 1/12 - story DRAFT DUE 1/20 - Multiple Grades

Grades for the Feature Story Assignment

Today - Doc Created - MUST BE SHARED AND LINKED CORRECTLY - Minor

Thursday - Interviews are present on your Google Doc - Minor

Tuesday, 1/20 - DRAFT is done - MAJOR (rewrites for a higher grade possible at a later date)

Here is how you deal with names:

The first time you reference someone, use their full name (and title as appropriate): journalism teacher Michael Reeves
From then on, UNTIL you introduce someone else with the same last name, use their last name: Reeves
When you introduce someone else with the same last name the first time, use their full name and make sure you give the relationship (for that specific story): his daughter Flannery Reeves
From that point forward use their first names: Michael or Flannery

Self-editing advice:

For those of you who finish today or early on Friday and want to look through your story in an effort to do some self-editing, here are some things you can do:

Double check the following and answer the questions on your Google Site in a post titled Feature self-edit. (If you do this before Wednesday, Jan. 22, I will give you 1-5 bonus points on this story):

1. Who were the sources (you should have 3)?

2. Summarize in 1-3 sentences the story (make sure you have covered what you want your readers {me} to know about your subject/topic):

3. How many paragraphs is the story (I would expect you to have around 20-30 at least)?

4. How many words is the story (you should be between 750-1500)?

5. How many direct quotes are there in the story (remember LTQT style, every other paragraph should be a direct quote, so between 10-20)?

6. How many different people are quoted in the story (you should have 3)?

7. Which quote is the most impactful of all the ones included (where is this quote located? It should be near the top or at the end)?

8. Where is that quote located in the story (beginning, middle, end) (see above)?

9. Does the lede effectively capture the readers attention (think about if you were reading this story, would you want to keep going after you read the first few paragraphs? If not, try to do more story telling in the lead, go back and look at this link: LEADS )?

10. If their could have been one additional person interviewed for the story, who would it be (you have time, maybe you could get ahold of that person and add it in before tomorrow afternoon)?

11. Is the story objective, which means are all non-direct quotes statements of fact and NOT the opinion of the writer (and are you in third person? NO use of the words I, me, we, us, and make sure if your source referenced anything like your aunt - that should be changed to her sister)?

12. Are there any unanswered questions that you have after reading the article (if you have questions, someone else will too, ANSWER THEM)?

13. Write a headline to go with this story:

14. Sum up your opinion of the story:

15. Give yourself a self grade from 0-100

I also encourage my newspaper staff to do the following: 

Spell check - and be careful with words that spell check can't fix like there, their and they're.

If there are green, blue, or red marks in google docs, there is a problem - FIX it.

There are grammar helpers in google docs that do help, but there are others you can find online - run your story through one of those.

Read every sentence out loud (to your self quietly) - does it make sense like you are talking? If not - fix it.

Have a friend who is also done read your story - ask them for advice.

Spell check again....


If you want to access more self help - here are some links:

https://ijnet.org/en/resource/self-editing-tips-journalists

https://www.writermag.com/improve-your-writing/revision-grammar/self-editing/

https://journalistsresource.org/tip-sheets/style/copyediting-for-reporters

 Turning in your feature story:

1. Make sure your google doc was created on your school account.
2. Make sure you have the sharing done correctly - it should be set to >Anyone with the link can edit
3. Share the link with: mreeves1@austinisd.org
4. Make sure the sharing is correct.

5. Make sure you put a CLICKABLE link to the assignment on your Google Site on a new subpage called Feature Story Draft.

ABSOLUTELY CRUCIAL - MAKE SURE IT IS SHARED PROPERLY AND I CAN READ IT!!

Next Tuesday is the last day to work on this in class. I will not start grading these until that week, so you have until that week to finish. After the 20th, we will move onto the Photography unit and leave writing behind for a while. The Feature Story Draft is a MAJOR grade. When I am done reading them and give you a grade, there will be a chance for any grade under 90 to rewrite/fix to make corrections. There will not be another grade associated with this assignment. You will get a grade and you will have a chance to make corrections if necessary (if you do not get a 90+ the first try, the highest grade you can get with corrections is a 90).

Feature story work day 1. Assigned 1/8, due 1/20 - MULTIPLE GRADES as outlined below

Feature Story Work Day 1 (of 4)

Here are some specific instructions for your feature story. I will provide more information on Wednesday, January 20 with final instructions and a few minor things that you will need to know to get full credit. This story must be turned into me by Tuesday, January 20 at the end of the school day for full credit. I will take points off for missing the deadline beyond that point at 10 points per block day.

I WILL BE TAKING A GRADE FOR COMPLETING THE INTERVIEWS ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14. It will be a minor grade and will be the second grade of this cycle (the first grade of the cycle is having Welcome Back 2025 by the end of this class period).

For now, use these instructions to help guide you as you start writing.

1. Must have a lengthy interview with a specific family member who is your primary source. You are trying to write a story that tells me about a specific moment, event or tale that they relayed to you.

2. You should have two additional sources that will provide supporting quotes for your main source. 

3. You will need to write at length in LTQT style. You may write an extended intro that may be multiple paragraphs without a quote, but within 4-5 paragraphs you should have your first direct quote.

4. You should follow all other news writing styles and structures you learned.

5. You story needs to be formatted in the following way, please keep in mind that you have all of next class to complete this task. 

6. Please use ONE Google Doc for this assignment. Put your notes at the top, and then your first draft underneath. Make sure to label it first draft. Make sure it is shared properly so I can EDIT it. 

7. Please set your document up to meet the following requirements.

a.  I want it in Times New Roman

b. Size 12 - should be at least 750 words, push for 1000 if you can. No more than 1500.

c. I want a space between each paragraph, so at the end of each paragraph, hit enter ONE time

d. Please make sure your name and period number are at the top either in the actual document area or in the header.

e. You are not required to hit tab to indent each paragraph, but you may if you wish.

f. Make sure you have done all quotes correctly. Here are two examples:

"My mother and father moved here from Canada when I was ten years old," senior Josh Smith said.

or

"My mother and father moved here from Canada when I was ten years old," senior Josh Smith said. "So I technically have dual citizenship and I can go back to Canada for college and be considered a Canadian citizen."

8. Make sure you link the Google Doc on your Google Site in a new subpage called: Feature story draft. Verify that you have shared it correctly and that I can EDIT it. This means ANYONE WITH THE LINK CAN EDIT it. I need to be able to read it from anywhere, not just here at school. If you do not know how to do this, please ask for help.

Today you should be typing in and checking your notes, maybe creating an outline, and certainly writing at some point. You are welcome to use headphones to listen to your recording. If you recorded the interview on your phone, please talk to me, I will let you use your phone for a short period of time to upload the digital audio file to your Google Drive.

But, Mr. Reeves, I forgot to do my interview. What do I do?

Well, you better get an interview set up ASAP. You do have this weekend to get those done. There is no extension on this story. So, if you don't have an interview, you really, really should look at this assignment as HOMEWORK and work on it at HOME as much as possible after today. 

Next week I will have some additional work on both your Opinion Story #2 and your News/Club Story. There will be grades associated with making edits for those stories. I will allow for class time to complete that work as well.

I cannot stress enough that you need to stay on task and work diligently on this feature story. You will have multiple class periods to just write. If you need a break during a class period to get away from the computer, that will be fine. Take 5 minutes. Get up, walk around, if you need to get out of the room for 3-4 minutes, come see me for special pass. I know concentrating for 90 minutes is a lot of work. Build in a couple of breaks each day for the next few classes.