What about print or web advertisements catches your eye? Personally a great headline paired with a cool photo can sell me just about anything.
Your next project is to create an ad for a product. This could be your favorite watch, drink, shoes, hat, etc. My only criteria for this product is that it is something you can bring in to school to photograph.
I'll explain the project at more length in my following blog, but for class today I'd like you to thumb through magazines or check out the following link
http://www.google.com/images?q=product+advertising&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&sa=X&ei=pot_TeuiK4XSsAOkwPSWBg&ved=0CGAQsAQ&biw=1202&bih=860
and check out all the different kinds of ads. By the end of class I would like you to turn in the answers to these questions along with ads from the magazine or print from online to back your answers.
1. What style of photography do I think works best for selling a product.Why?
2. Find a headline that you think is catchy
3. Find an ad that doesn't work well, why?
4. Pick a product photograph that catches your attention and explain how you think it was photographed.
After you've completed and turned in the above questions, please take some time to explore your options in Photoshop Elements. Part of this project will require touch up or even changing up your photo in this program. Play around with the program to find out what fun changes you can make to an ordinary photos. Adjust the contrast, color, cropping. This is just an exercise to see what the program can do.
On Thursday we'll start the conceptual process of creating your ad.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Tips for photographing a successful I SPY theme
The first element that you will need to consider is the aperture (depth of field or the amount of blur of your background)
Point and shoot cameras generally photograph with small aperture. Meaning they keep most of the what you photograph in focus. This comes in handy when trying to photograph large groups or photos where you want to show off the landscape. On the other hand this is why many point and shoots have difficulty photographing interiors without blur, this small aperture requires lots of light, hence the blinding flash produced by these small cameras.
With an SLR camera it is more about what type of lens you have because that determines the amount of light let into your camera and you can control the blur of a background as well as how much you can keep in focus. The problem when it comes to photographing with a small aperture is that you are allowing less light in your camera so the shutter speed needs to slow down to compensate. The slower the shutter speed the more likely your result will be blurry.
Here are some tips on taking a small aperture photo without blur.
1. Photograph a still object. (moving objects will almost always be blurry)
2. Use a trip-pod or stabilize your camera
3. Photograph in a location with lots of light. (outside is going to yield the best results and the least amount of blur. Naturally the camera lens will have more access to light which means you can use a higher shutter speed)
The second element to consider in setting up your scene. Where is the light. Is the sun overhead and going to produce too harsh of lighting for your photo? Are you going to be photographing into light that will blow out your photo, or make it too dark?
Tips for picking a place to set up your scene.
1. Check out the light first. Ideally you want shade with no sun creeping though. (small amounts of sun will throw off your white balance and your camera will be confused as to whether it should photograph for the darker areas or light areas, so it will over compensate one way or the other)
2. Be aware of the back light (being in the shade and photographing towards the sun) this will create silhouettes of you scene which will be dark.
3. If you are having trouble with blur consider turning on your flash. More light, less blur. Although in an outside setting you shouldn't have issues with blur. And if you can avoid using flash it is always more aesthetically pleasing.
Good luck!
Point and shoot cameras generally photograph with small aperture. Meaning they keep most of the what you photograph in focus. This comes in handy when trying to photograph large groups or photos where you want to show off the landscape. On the other hand this is why many point and shoots have difficulty photographing interiors without blur, this small aperture requires lots of light, hence the blinding flash produced by these small cameras.
With an SLR camera it is more about what type of lens you have because that determines the amount of light let into your camera and you can control the blur of a background as well as how much you can keep in focus. The problem when it comes to photographing with a small aperture is that you are allowing less light in your camera so the shutter speed needs to slow down to compensate. The slower the shutter speed the more likely your result will be blurry.
Here are some tips on taking a small aperture photo without blur.
1. Photograph a still object. (moving objects will almost always be blurry)
2. Use a trip-pod or stabilize your camera
3. Photograph in a location with lots of light. (outside is going to yield the best results and the least amount of blur. Naturally the camera lens will have more access to light which means you can use a higher shutter speed)
The second element to consider in setting up your scene. Where is the light. Is the sun overhead and going to produce too harsh of lighting for your photo? Are you going to be photographing into light that will blow out your photo, or make it too dark?
Tips for picking a place to set up your scene.
1. Check out the light first. Ideally you want shade with no sun creeping though. (small amounts of sun will throw off your white balance and your camera will be confused as to whether it should photograph for the darker areas or light areas, so it will over compensate one way or the other)
2. Be aware of the back light (being in the shade and photographing towards the sun) this will create silhouettes of you scene which will be dark.
3. If you are having trouble with blur consider turning on your flash. More light, less blur. Although in an outside setting you shouldn't have issues with blur. And if you can avoid using flash it is always more aesthetically pleasing.
Good luck!
Saturday, February 26, 2011
I SPY with my little eye...
a photograph that is in full focus.
We've spent a lot of time discussing the portrait and macro (face and flower) setting on our cameras. This controls the aperture and creates more of a blur in the background that helps faces and objects stand out in a photograph.
You proved to me on the last Valentine project that you've achieved the ability to take focused portraits and proved that you also understand how it is an important aspect of a photographers job not only take an aesthetically pleasing photo, but to also make our subjects look good.
Since we now know that it is the aperture that controls focus in a photo. For a portrait or close up of an object we want a shallow depth of field (focus on one thing and everything else blurred).
What happens when you want the majority of your photo to be in focus? For example a landscape scene that covers miles or terrain or a large group photo where you want to keep everyone in focus. You use a small aperture or in other words less blur. (on a point and shoot or most cameras this is normally presented by a picture of a mountain)
So how are we going to practice?
Well my kids are obsessed with these I SPY books right now. A genious idea where they photograph a bunch of objects and then list images to search for in the scene. All objects on the page are in focus. This is what creates the challenge because it is really hard to find objects when there is so much going on the page. You don't want blur because that would direct the eye to the foreground and would help distinguish the object being searched for.
Your assignment is to come up with an I SPY scene. (you may work in groups of up to 5 people) together you must design the scene and then photograph the scene in landscape mode (small aperture), working on keeping all of the objects in focus.
(tip for aperture, the more light you have, the easier it will be to use a small aperture. So you will have the best luck photographing these types of scenes outside)
I've attached a couple sample scenes from the books for ideas, but come up with your own and have fun.
Once you have the photograph, we will print them and you can decide on the objects the kids will need to find. We will then take them to the kindergarten classes and you can observe first hand how difficult you made your scene as you watch the kids search.
We've spent a lot of time discussing the portrait and macro (face and flower) setting on our cameras. This controls the aperture and creates more of a blur in the background that helps faces and objects stand out in a photograph.
You proved to me on the last Valentine project that you've achieved the ability to take focused portraits and proved that you also understand how it is an important aspect of a photographers job not only take an aesthetically pleasing photo, but to also make our subjects look good.
Since we now know that it is the aperture that controls focus in a photo. For a portrait or close up of an object we want a shallow depth of field (focus on one thing and everything else blurred).
What happens when you want the majority of your photo to be in focus? For example a landscape scene that covers miles or terrain or a large group photo where you want to keep everyone in focus. You use a small aperture or in other words less blur. (on a point and shoot or most cameras this is normally presented by a picture of a mountain)
So how are we going to practice?
Well my kids are obsessed with these I SPY books right now. A genious idea where they photograph a bunch of objects and then list images to search for in the scene. All objects on the page are in focus. This is what creates the challenge because it is really hard to find objects when there is so much going on the page. You don't want blur because that would direct the eye to the foreground and would help distinguish the object being searched for.
Your assignment is to come up with an I SPY scene. (you may work in groups of up to 5 people) together you must design the scene and then photograph the scene in landscape mode (small aperture), working on keeping all of the objects in focus.
(tip for aperture, the more light you have, the easier it will be to use a small aperture. So you will have the best luck photographing these types of scenes outside)
I've attached a couple sample scenes from the books for ideas, but come up with your own and have fun.
Once you have the photograph, we will print them and you can decide on the objects the kids will need to find. We will then take them to the kindergarten classes and you can observe first hand how difficult you made your scene as you watch the kids search.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Keep on Truckin'
Please continue to work on your cards today. If you need color print outs, use the black and white printer for now and place an FPO (for placement only) copy of your photos for now. I will bring in my printer on Thursday for you to print out the images in color.
I expect your cards to be completed by the end of class today except for items you need to print out in color. All supplies are at the back of the room, feel free to use whatever you need.
We will be handing out your cards on Thursday. If you can not hand out your card by the end of class on Thursday you will not be eligible for the rewards program*.
If you already completed your card, you are free to use the time to study or do homework. Bring your books on Thursday so that when you are finished you can use the time wisely.
*Remember there is a reward for how much effort you put into this project, so the more creative the higher the reward. I will be giving out rewards at next week's class.
If you'd like to check out some of my recent photography blogs you can go to
http://www.withinsightstudio.blogspot.com/
Have a great day!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
You've been hired as an undercover photojournalist...
to capture a photo and special information about two staff members that you will use to create each a personalized Valentine card.
You must collect this information incognito. In other words they must not know you are an undercover agent. You must also find out fun facts about their life outside of school (for example their interests, hobbies, favorite color, favorite animal etc.) Make up a story as to why you are interrogating them because they must not find out the true reason.
Once you have the photos and all the necessary information you will use it to create your Valentine Cards. The more facts and creativity you use to create your cards the more reward you will receive for your accuracy.
Your Valentine Cards are due by the end of class Friday, February 11.
• To receive the minimum payment your cards must have...
- a pleasant photo of your staff member (eyes open, smiling and not blurry)
- at least one fact represented on your card (for example if they like dogs use dog stickers or draw a
dog on your card)
- and they must have no idea that you are creating a valentine card (i will be checking on this)
You will have access to a color printer in class to print your photo.
Paper and glue will be provided, please bring any other materials you need from home.
Good luck!
You must collect this information incognito. In other words they must not know you are an undercover agent. You must also find out fun facts about their life outside of school (for example their interests, hobbies, favorite color, favorite animal etc.) Make up a story as to why you are interrogating them because they must not find out the true reason.
Once you have the photos and all the necessary information you will use it to create your Valentine Cards. The more facts and creativity you use to create your cards the more reward you will receive for your accuracy.
Your Valentine Cards are due by the end of class Friday, February 11.
• To receive the minimum payment your cards must have...
- a pleasant photo of your staff member (eyes open, smiling and not blurry)
- at least one fact represented on your card (for example if they like dogs use dog stickers or draw a
dog on your card)
- and they must have no idea that you are creating a valentine card (i will be checking on this)
You will have access to a color printer in class to print your photo.
Paper and glue will be provided, please bring any other materials you need from home.
Good luck!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Express yourself!
This project is about YOU. You have a distinct personality that no one in this world shares. How do you express your uniqueness? Is it in your backpack, your socks, your bedroom, your interests, the video games you choose to play??? Answers are endless and there is no wrong answer.
By now you should have...
1. Photographed the letters of the alphabet in natural or man-made objects
2. Chosen an all-encompassing word that best describes YOU.
Next step... What objects do you use to express yourself??
You have a choice. You can choose to use your word as the center of your expression as I have below, or you can use your name. Since I am out today, take the time in class to print out the letters in your word or name. They will need to fit on a 12 x 12 paper. I printed mine to be 1" each. you can always print and crop with scissors. See my sample. (if you prefer to have your photos in color you will need to print from home in color or get prints by Thursday otherwise black and white will work great)
Once completed, brainstorm 5 - 10 objects you can photograph to show how you express yourself. These should be things you can photograph outside of class and should be different areas of your interests. You may not photograph 5 different video games as your 5 objects. Try to think of interesting ways to photograph your objects.
For example.
My word is "COLORFUL"
The definition: "FULL OF LIFE, INTERESTING"
My ways of expressing myself...
You are encouraged to bring in photos by class on Thursday but the final deadline for photos will be Monday, January 24.
On Thursday you can work on laying out your project. You will have access to paint, glitter and paper. If you need other accessories please bring from home. You will have two class period to work on the layout. We will be presenting your final expressions to the class.
By now you should have...
1. Photographed the letters of the alphabet in natural or man-made objects
2. Chosen an all-encompassing word that best describes YOU.
Next step... What objects do you use to express yourself??
You have a choice. You can choose to use your word as the center of your expression as I have below, or you can use your name. Since I am out today, take the time in class to print out the letters in your word or name. They will need to fit on a 12 x 12 paper. I printed mine to be 1" each. you can always print and crop with scissors. See my sample. (if you prefer to have your photos in color you will need to print from home in color or get prints by Thursday otherwise black and white will work great)
Once completed, brainstorm 5 - 10 objects you can photograph to show how you express yourself. These should be things you can photograph outside of class and should be different areas of your interests. You may not photograph 5 different video games as your 5 objects. Try to think of interesting ways to photograph your objects.
For example.
My word is "COLORFUL"
The definition: "FULL OF LIFE, INTERESTING"
My ways of expressing myself...
 | ||
| I love fun clips/magnets to display my kids artwork and photos. |
 |
| My wallet and keys. I love symbols, clips and COLOR!! |
 |
| My shoes. I like my shoes to have personality and once again color. Also notice my wall colors. |
 |
| My parents are British so I was brought up on tea. I love fun mugs to drink from. |
 |
| One can NEVER have enough paint colors. I have an addiction to buying paint and markers! |
 |
| Make-up. Another addiction LOVE to have lots of color palettes to play with. |
You are encouraged to bring in photos by class on Thursday but the final deadline for photos will be Monday, January 24.
On Thursday you can work on laying out your project. You will have access to paint, glitter and paper. If you need other accessories please bring from home. You will have two class period to work on the layout. We will be presenting your final expressions to the class.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
The Holidays are here!!
What is the best way to tell your friends and family to have a Merry Christmas? Well Hallmark says the best way is to send them a greeting card of course. :-)
Your next assignment Due Dec 17 is to create a Christmas greeting card.
I am not going to put many parameters on this. Your one requirement will be that it has at least 1 photo taken by you. You can use photos from the past, but you MUST have one photo that is taken for the card between today and Dec 17.
Try to think a little outside your box for your photos. Group objects together that tell a story. Take a photo from a unique angle. Take an extreme closeup and make everyone guess what the object is. Turn your card into a game. If you want to discuss ideas with me please feel free to email me or talk to me during class. I've placed some images in this blog to get your minds working.
What a pretty way to make a statement about the reason for the season. Simple ornaments and a cross.
I will be bringing in Xmas props on December 9. We will spend the class taking photos. You are more than welcome to use this for your card. You can also bring in your own props from home. If your idea involves a photo of your family or a photo that needs to be taken at home please feel free to do so. We will work on the cards in class next week. No need to get prints made.
You will share your card with the class on Dec 17 at our little photography Christmas party.
Your next assignment Due Dec 17 is to create a Christmas greeting card.
I am not going to put many parameters on this. Your one requirement will be that it has at least 1 photo taken by you. You can use photos from the past, but you MUST have one photo that is taken for the card between today and Dec 17.
Try to think a little outside your box for your photos. Group objects together that tell a story. Take a photo from a unique angle. Take an extreme closeup and make everyone guess what the object is. Turn your card into a game. If you want to discuss ideas with me please feel free to email me or talk to me during class. I've placed some images in this blog to get your minds working.
This is a close up of the star tinsel photographed on a red fabric. Unique but simple
Or a pile of ornaments photographed close. You have to be careful when photographing ornaments that you don't get a reflection from your flash. Try this outside in the shade.
Nothing says Christmas like a heap of tangled lights!
You don't always have to include faces. Here The socks, tree and gifts say xmas, and you can tell the legs are children's legs. Can't you feel their excitement without even seeing their faces??
I will be bringing in Xmas props on December 9. We will spend the class taking photos. You are more than welcome to use this for your card. You can also bring in your own props from home. If your idea involves a photo of your family or a photo that needs to be taken at home please feel free to do so. We will work on the cards in class next week. No need to get prints made.
You will share your card with the class on Dec 17 at our little photography Christmas party.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)