Art Photo Hons.
The Honors Art Photo course expands on the foundational concepts introduced in Art Photo, offering a deeper and more focused exploration of technical and conceptual photography. Honors students will be challenged to create a cohesive body of work demonstrating technical skill and conceptual depth. Advanced topics covered include developing robust conceptual frameworks, mastering studio lighting techniques, creating conceptual portraiture, producing composites and photographic sequences, designing symmetrical abstractions, and professional presentation. Students will also explore the relationship between technique and meaning, emphasizing the communication of ideas through their photographic work. The course culminates in producing and presenting a professional-quality portfolio, which serves as the final exam. This portfolio will showcase the student’s ability to merge technical expertise with creative vision, preparing them for advanced study.
You will be assessed using these four criteria...
Knowledge & Understanding
Developing Skills
Thinking Creatively
Responding
The History of Photography
BIG IDEA:
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A look at art history
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:
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When and where did cameras originate?
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How did photography impact traditional art?
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How have photography styles and subject matter changed over the years?
OBJECTIVES:
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Look at and discuss photography from 400 BC to the late 1870s.
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Look at and discuss photography from the late 1800s to the modern era.
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Take notes during both presentations.
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Complete an artist research activity of modern photographers.
Follow part 1. of our Art History presentation HERE
Take notes using this Google form.
Take notes using this Google form
Follow part 3. of our Art History presentation HERE
Take notes using this Google Form
Abstract
Photography
Color | Line | Shape | Pattern | Texture | Light | Shadow | Symmetry | Angle | Mystery...
Abstract Photography Role-models
Maija Savolainen, Alexander Jacques, Matthieu Venot, Frances Seward, Jackie Ranken, Angie McMonigal, Harry Callahan, Andrew S. Gray,
Ola Kolehmainen, LizNielsen,
Bryan Graf, Pedro Correa, Fabiola
Menchelli, Niko Luoma, Teresa K. Morrison, Luuk de Haan.
Task 1.
You will be assigned an abstract photographer to study.
You'll have 30 minutes to search for them online, select a few of their works, and upload those onto a google doc. in a designated folder.
Find some biographical information on them, as well as, some information on their predominant themes and subject matter.
You will then briefly introduce your abstract photographer to the class.
Task 2.
Your task is to head out around the school and take 3-5 close-ups of interesting building intersections. Areas of wall and ceiling, or wall and roof, wall and floor, which have a clean, simple, and strong aesthetic. You're looking for good angles! Come back after 15 minutes and import your images into PS. Really switch-up color selections and create something bold.
Task 3.
Further abstract photography explorations - the objective here is to use a reflective surface to create a sense of symmetry. Tip: hold your phone (reflective surface) up by your camera lens. Or, use a small mirror if you have access to one. Turn in 3-5 edited images.
Task 4.
The Abstract Object:
What makes an excellent abstract photo?
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Simplicity
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Composition (lines, shapes, colors, pattern, texture)
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Angles
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Lighting
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Mystery & Intrigue
Take a bunch of close-up shots of 3 different objects.
Ensure that the audience can not tell what it is (mystery)!
Select 3 finals to edit. 1 from each of the 3 objects.
Edit one to be black and white, and two in color.
Turn in 3 final images.
Portrait Collage
Key Concepts: Communication, Identity, and Representation
How can we use advanced Photoshop skills to build a portrait of someone that informs us about more than just their appearance? How can a photo tell a story?
Photographer Rolemodel ~ Gordan Parks
Gordon Roger Alexander Buchanan Parks was an American photographer, musician, writer, and film director, who became prominent in U.S. documentary photojournalism in the 1940s through 1970s—particularly in issues of civil rights, poverty, and African Americans—and in glamor photography.
Task 1. Sending an email: You will be assigned a faculty member to collaborate with on the creation of a Collage Portrait. Please send them an email like the example below, and set up a time to meet them to shoot their portrait.
Your name
February 0X, 2024
Hello (teacher's formal name),
First, a big thank you!
We have been paired by my Art Photo teacher so that I can create a collage portrait of you that covers the themes of Communication, Identity, and Representation:
Can you please provide some personal photos that hold significant meaning to you? These will be collaged over a portrait shot. 6 images would be a great number for me to work with. You could use the categories below to assist you in your selection.
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Childhood Photos:
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A photo of you as a child, engaging in an activity or with family members, to explore your upbringing and early influences.
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A picture from a significant event or milestone in your childhood, such as a birthday party or family vacation, to provide insights into your early experiences and relationships.
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Family Portraits:
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A family portrait that showcases your familial relationships and dynamics, highlighting the importance of family in shaping your identity and sense of belonging.
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A photo with extended family members or relatives from a cultural celebration or gathering, illustrating the role of cultural heritage in your identity.
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Personal Achievements:
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A picture from a graduation ceremony, award ceremony, or other significant achievement, capturing a moment of pride and accomplishment for you.
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A photo from a sports event, performance, or competition, showcasing your talents, passions, and dedication to your interests.
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Travel or Adventure Photos:
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A photo from a memorable travel experience or adventure, depicting you exploring new places, cultures, or landscapes, and reflecting your sense of curiosity and exploration.
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A picture from a volunteer trip or community service project, highlighting your commitment to social causes and community engagement.
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Creative Self-Expressions:
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A photo of artwork, crafts, or DIY projects created by you, showcasing your creative talents and modes of self-expression.
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A picture from a performance, dance recital, or artistic performance, capturing moments of self-expression and vulnerability.
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Personal Spaces or Hobbies:
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A photo of your subject in your favorite space or environment, whether it's your room, studio, or outdoor sanctuary, revealing your personal interests and comfort zones.
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A picture of you engaged in a favorite hobby or activity, such as reading, cooking, gardening, or playing a musical instrument, demonstrating your passions and leisure pursuits.
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Community or Social Engagement:
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A photo from a community event, protest, or rally that you participated in, showcasing your activism, advocacy, or sense of social responsibility.
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A picture with friends or peers from a social gathering, party, or cultural event, highlighting your social connections and sense of belonging within your community.
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These specific photos can help me tell a rich and nuanced story about you, covering various aspects of your communication styles, identities, and representations within different contexts and experiences.
If you could please lay the photos flat and in a natural light (perhaps next to a window) snap a photo of them individually with your camera phone. It doesn’t matter if the exposure is a bit too light or dark, or if the image is crooked, but it does matter if it’s not in focus. Please email the photos to me! (Of course, digital photos are acceptable too)!
Lastly, is there a lunchtime or C&C time over the next few days when you can come down to the Art Photo lab room to have your photo taken?
Thank you for your cooperation and willingness to be my portrait subject!
Sincerely,
YOUR NAME
Task 2: Developing Skills
When creating a portrait photo collage with the themes of Communication, Identity, and Representation in mind, it's important for you (the photographer) to ask thoughtful questions that help you understand your subject on a deeper level.
When taking your subject's portrait, here are some questions you could consider asking:
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Communication:
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How do you express yourself to the world?
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Can you share a meaningful conversation or interaction that has shaped your identity?
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What forms of communication do you feel most comfortable with (verbal, non-verbal, written, etc.)?
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Identity:
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How do you define yourself? What aspects of your identity are most important to you?
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Can you share a significant moment or experience that has influenced your sense of self?
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How do you navigate the complexities of multiple identities (cultural, social, personal, etc.)?
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Representation:
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Are there any stereotypes or misconceptions about you or your identity that you would like to challenge?
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What images or symbols do you feel accurately represent who you are?
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By asking these questions, you can gain insight into your subjects' personality, experiences, and perspectives, which will inform the creation of a portrait collage that authentically represents them. You will be provided with a hard copy of these questions, I want you to ask at least one from each category, noting down their responses. Hand it in for a grade for Task 2.
Task 3. Steps to Create a Portrait Collage
Choose the faculty portrait with the strongest profile of the person, 100% in focus, good lighting; a nice close-up headshot.
Prepare the photos that they emailed you. Try to enlighten us on their past, present, and future. As well as, how they communicate their identity (the photo prompts we gave them will have helped with this). Open each of them in Photoshop, go to image - image size. Resize the image as needed: change the width or height to be around 4 inches (the system will alter the other dimension if you just change one, anything around this size will be perfect) - then change the resolution to 300 dpi (that's what we need for printing). Save. Then go to File - Save as Copy - select Jpg. and Save to desktop.
Prepare the headshot photo. Tighten it up (crop it to cut out most of the background). Next, go to Image - Image size - resize it to be able to fit within my largest photo print paper which is 11" x 17", and change the resolution to 300 dpi. Save. Then go to File - Save as - select Photoshop in the format drop-down - Name the File Collage Portrait - Save it to Desktop.
Working on your Headshot Collage Portrait doc. You can use the Ai contextual box to delete background, this will automatically add a layer mask. Ensure that your Layers Panel is visible. Create a new layer by clicking on the + sign, bottom right of the layers panel. Drag this layer underneath your headshot layer so that it's on the bottom of the stack. Select white in your color watch, find your paint bucket tool, and dump the white on the bottom layer.
Need to subtly soften the edges of the portrait? Trying Feathering it. On the portrait layer - make a selection of the person. Go to Select › Modify › Feather. Apply it: Click OK in the dialog box to apply changes.
Open up each photo image, then copy and paste it onto the portrait file - it will open on a new layer. Label it something relevant to the image, e.g. Baby Pic or Travel pic. Copy and paste a minimum of 5 images (faculty were asked to provide you with 6+).
If you need to resize an image to make it more pleasing and suit the composition - go back to the opened image file: Image - Image size - resize it, save. Then copy and paste it to the portrait doc. again.
The Artist Creation (you get to experiment, and follow your own instincts and style here).
Arrangement: Using the Move Tool (top of the tool panel) Place photos around the head so they are aesthetically pleasing.
Add white grid - The next step is adding a white line grid over the face, being extremely thoughtful to make sure you keep a part of the eyes visible, and to outline the images you just copied and pasted in. Create a new layer and call it ‘Grid’. Use the rectangle tool, white fill, no stroke.
On each photo: play with your Layer Modes (drop-down top left on the layers panel) Screen, lighten, or just turn down opacity can assist in seeing the portrait behind the image. Experiment until you find something good.
If needed, mask the photos copied in, so that the edges disappear (good for around the head shape). Consider overlapping images so they fit exactly into the box you want, or cropping them.
To add color boxes: Make a new layer and call it boxes of color. Use a selection tool and choose squares to add color to. Make a selection and use the color paint bucket to fill them in. Fill a few boxes in with the same color (pick colors on purpose, what color expresses their mood, why?). Once they are filled, change the Layer Mode option to Screen or play with the opacity.
Make sure to use and label your layers well!
Look at the images at the top of this unit section for inspiration. Do you want to put the portrait into black and white? Do you want to add some clip art? These are your artistic choices and decisions to make.
At the end of each class hit - File - Save as - and it keep it as a Photoshop file for now. When I have approved it, then we will go to File - Save as copy - Jpeg. and upload it to your Adv. Art Photo Drive folder.
Sequences
Artist Rolemodel: Duane Michals (b. 1932)
Duane Michals (b. 1932, McKeesport, PA) is one of the great photographic innovators of the last century, widely known for his work with series, multiple exposures, and text.
Michals first made significant, creative strides in the field of photography during the 1960s. In an era heavily influenced by photojournalism, Michals manipulated the medium to communicate narratives. The sequences, for which he is widely known, appropriate cinema’s frame-by-frame format. Michals has also incorporated text as a key component in his works. Rather than serving a didactic or explanatory function, his handwritten text adds another dimension to the images’ meaning and gives voice to Michals’ singular musings, which are poetic, tragic, and humorous, often all at once.
Michals received a BA from the University of Denver in 1953 and worked as a graphic designer until his involvement with photography deepened in the late 1950s. He currently lives and works in New York City.
- DC MOORE GALLERY -
Above: Duane Michals
Left: Duane Michals self portrait traditional film double exposure technique.
Below: Contemporary example of doublle exposure using editing techniques in Photoshop with transpiracy filters / opacity slider.
Things Are Queer, 1973. Nine gelatin silver prints with hand-applied text 3 3/8 x 5 inches
Task 1.
Look through this folder here, at some of Michals' photographic work, and find an image or sequence of images that you like. Create a google doc. in your Art Photo folder. Take a snapshot of your chosen image/sequence, and save the image file name as the photo sequence's title. Place the image at the top of your doc. write the title, the year created, and any other relevant information on the sequence (print type, etc.).
Then, answer the following questions...
Why do you think Michals might work in this experimental way? (Consider the era that he created these in, and what was influential at that time).
What other types of visual media does it remind you of?
How do you think the handwritten text adds to his work powerfully?
Looking at the assignment list below by photographer Amy Arbus, brainstorm a list of ideas that you might like to explore. The words can be conceptual; subjects, objects, emotions ~ for example my list might be: Nature & Strength / Beauty & Breath / Lightweight / Paper / Feathers / Flowers / Dreams / Surrealism and golden light / Pinks & Greens / Life and death
Amy Arbus
Not Necessarily to Be Taken Literally
Photograph:
Some in water
Someone intimidating
Someone irritating
Your biggest fear
Your favorite possession
Your biggest loss
Your best friend
Your favorite place
Your dark side
Your dreams
Something you covet
Something you dread
Someone you don’t understand
Something timeless
Somewhere you’ve never been
A celebration
A nightmare
A mundane moment
A fleeting moment
A secret
And what you can’t see
Write your list of words on your Task 1. - Google doc.
Task 2. Creating a Visual Board
This becomes your “Script” for your shoot
First, conceptualizing in words…
Choose three to five keywords from your brainstorming list from task 1. For example, I might choose nature & strength / paper / light / pinks & greens.
Next, consider how you might represent these ideas. Make-up / clothes / the way the model acts / props / colors/ setting.
Using Pinterest, create a new board titled Sequence Photography. Then search for inspiring images using your keywords. Pin approx. 20 images.
Things to consider...
What is your "story" about? What do you want to convey?
What is the subject(s)/object(s) that you choose to incorporate? What is the intention in doing so?
In what ways are you using Duane Michals as inspiration?
Are you using a model: Makeup and style - collect images similar to what you want to convey, don’t copy them but be inspired by them.
Set, location, props - here we try to represent our ideas through the set and location. The background, objects, and elements that we will use in the composition. Usually, a simple background with a good texture will be perfect.
Emotion - this will be shown through the lighting of our project. Light is the element with which we draw in photography. Light can be expressive, strong, or soft, it can be dramatic, nostalgic, or happy.
Editing - warm or cool? Neutral or desaturated
Look and feel - Color palette - harmony
TASK 3. Responding: Now that we have explored our artist role model and gathered visuals for inspiration, it is time to plan and carry out a photoshoot. Your objective is to tell a story through a sequence of still images. Minimum of 5. edited photos (can be more, shouldn't be less). Once individual stills have been edited, the final sequence should be arranged into one document within 17"x11" either landscape or portrait = 11"x17".
Extension task The Polaroid Sequence plus Color Selection
For this task, you are not going to create a series linked by narrative (like your sequence photos) but linked simply by style. You will take one of the polaroid frames, and head out to snap some photos that you find pleasing to your eye. Then back in editing, you will use the selection tool and desaturation filter to create a color selection like the example works. You should aim for a triptych; that's three panels that complement each other. In this case through the use of the frame, and color selection.
Welcome
to Our Future
The A.I Dilemma
Integrating AI into the creation of masterpieces can open up new possibilities for artists and challenge traditional creative processes. When exploring this intersection, artists can ask themselves the following questions to provoke thoughtful consideration:
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How can AI enhance my creative process? Reflect on how AI technologies can be integrated into your artistic practice. Consider whether AI can assist in generating ideas, offering unique perspectives, or augmenting your artistic skills.
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What are the ethical implications of using AI in art? Consider the ethical concerns surrounding AI-generated art, such as intellectual property rights, the role of the artist, and potential biases encoded in the AI algorithms. Reflect on how these considerations align with your values as an artist.
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How can AI be a collaborator rather than a replacement? Explore how AI can be a tool for collaboration, working in tandem with your creative vision rather than replacing it. Reflect on how AI-generated elements can be integrated with your artistic expertise to create unique and compelling works.
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How can AI inspire new forms of artistic expression? Investigate the ways in which AI technologies can inspire innovative artistic techniques or forms of expression. Consider experimenting with generative AI models or exploring AI-generated datasets to push the boundaries of your creative practice.
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How can AI challenge traditional notions of authorship and creativity? Reflect on the concept of authorship in the context of AI-generated art. Consider how AI challenges traditional notions of creativity and individual authorship and explore the potential for collaborative authorship between humans and machines.
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How can I maintain a human touch in AI-generated art? Explore strategies to infuse your personal touch and human sensibilities into AI-generated art. Reflect on ways to ensure that your unique artistic voice shines through, even when leveraging AI technologies.
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How can AI impact the reception and interpretation of my art? Consider how the integration of AI in your artistic practice may affect the reception and interpretation of your work. Reflect on how viewers perceive AI-generated art and how it may shape their understanding of your intentions as an artist.
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How can I stay informed and adapt to evolving AI technologies? Stay updated on the latest advancements in AI technologies and their applications in the art world. Reflect on how you can adapt your artistic practice to leverage new tools and techniques as they emerge.
Remember that these questions are meant to provoke thought and stimulate discussions about the integration of AI in art. The answers will vary depending on the artist's personal perspective, artistic style, and objectives.
AI can be used in various ways to enhance and transform the field of photography. Here are some specific applications of AI in photography:
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Image Enhancement: AI algorithms can analyze and enhance photographs by adjusting colors, improving sharpness, reducing noise, and enhancing overall image quality. They can automatically optimize parameters such as exposure, contrast, and saturation to create visually appealing images.
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Automatic Tagging and Organization: AI can analyze image content and automatically generate relevant tags or keywords, making it easier to organize and search through large collections of photographs. This technology can save photographers valuable time in manually categorizing and labeling their images.
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Object Recognition and Segmentation: AI algorithms can identify and separate different objects within an image. This capability is useful for applications like automatic background removal, creating cut-outs, or even replacing specific objects in a photograph.
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Style Transfer and Filters: AI can apply artistic styles to photographs, transforming them into various artistic representations. Style transfer algorithms can mimic the styles of famous painters or generate unique artistic interpretations. Additionally, AI-powered filters can be used to apply creative effects or enhance specific aspects of an image.
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Automated Editing and Retouching: AI can automate various editing tasks such as skin retouching, blemish removal, or even facial feature adjustments. It can intelligently analyze and manipulate specific image elements while maintaining a natural and realistic appearance.
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Intelligent Composition and Framing: AI can provide composition suggestions by analyzing the content and arrangement of elements within an image. It can help photographers in framing their shots, balancing visual elements, or adhering to specific compositional rules.
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Image Upscaling and Restoration: AI algorithms can upscale low-resolution images, enhancing details and improving image quality. Additionally, they can restore old or damaged photographs by reducing noise, restoring colors, and reconstructing missing parts.
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Scene Recognition and Automated Settings: AI-powered cameras and software can analyze the scene being photographed and adjust camera settings automatically to capture the best possible image. This technology helps photographers achieve optimal exposure, focus, and other parameters for different types of scenes or subjects.
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Image Search and Similarity Matching: AI algorithms can analyze the visual content of images and enable efficient image search or similarity matching. This can be useful for photographers looking for specific visual references or inspiration.
These are just a few examples of how AI can be utilized in the field of photography. As AI technologies continue to advance, we can expect further innovations and applications that will shape the future of photography.
Analyzing to determine if it’s A.I. generated or not.
Technical & Visual Details
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Does anything in the image look unnaturally smooth or overly perfect?
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Are there inconsistencies in lighting, shadows, or reflections? (Do shadows fall in the wrong direction or fail to match the light source?)
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Do textures, like skin, hair, or fabric, look too uniform or overly processed?
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Are there strange distortions or irregularities in finer details, like hands, ears, or eyes?
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Do text elements, logos, or background details appear distorted or unreadable?
Compositional & Contextual Clues
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Does the composition feel artificially staged or overly symmetrical?
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Are there objects that seem to blend into one another or appear unfinished?
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Does the depth of field or focus look unnatural?
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Are reflections and mirrors displaying accurate details?
Subject & Storytelling Considerations
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Do facial expressions or poses seem oddly exaggerated or lifeless?
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Are there elements that seem out of place, surreal, or unlikely in the real world?
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Does the image evoke an emotional response, or does it feel oddly neutral?
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If it’s a portrait, do the eyes look natural, or do they appear glossy, misaligned, or mismatched?
Grow Your Vision
The Movie Still
What's your favorite movie? Here's the trailer from mine...
The Brief: Choose one of your favorite movies and imagine you have been asked to shoot a photograph for a poster to promote the film. You need to produce a striking image that is not only attention-grabbing but can also communicate what the film is about.
Your photograph can be black and white or color, but it's generally best to take your lead from the movie.
Technique: Shoot in both portrait and landscape format (most posters are reproduced in both formats), leaving clear negative space for the designer to add the film title and other text.
You must set up your shot. Consider all elements; environment, model(s), props, and lighting.
You must edit your photographs, submitting two final images (1 x landscape and 1 x portrait) of one scene.
Ready to put your movie poster together? Click here
Hello.
Portfolio!
Advanced Art Photo - Individual Portfolio Brief
The purpose of creating a Photography Portfolio is to showcase your photography skills. It is essential to have a professional portfolio so that you have a tool to apply to Art Schools and/or to show prospective clients what you can do.
Objectives:
Through the creation of this portfolio, you will…
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Demonstrate technical proficiency
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Creative vision
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A range of styles
Requirements:
15-20 final images (aim to take around 100 photos during this time)
A theme
All images should be edited and saved as jpegs at 300 dpi and 11”x17”
Guidelines:
Organize your images in two folders within your Art Photo folder; one for Portfolio RAW and one for Portfolio Final images.
All images should demonstrate editing techniques
Specific creative approaches include: Outside Natural light + Indoor Studio Lighting
Assessment criteria:
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technical proficiency
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creativity, originality,
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how well the images work together as a cohesive body of work.
Timeline for the project: Start of MP4 Monday, March 20th - April 28th (5 weeks)
Feedback sessions: Weekly
Deadline for submitting the portfolio: Friday, April 28th
Resources:
Having a professional portfolio is important for several reasons.
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Showcasing skills: A professional portfolio allows you to showcase your skills and expertise in your field. It is a great way to demonstrate to potential employers, clients, or collaborators what you are capable of and the quality of your work.
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Creating a brand: A portfolio can also help you create a personal brand and establish your professional identity. It allows you to showcase your unique style and approach, which can help you stand out.
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Networking: A professional portfolio can be a powerful tool for networking. It can be shared with potential employers, clients, or collaborators, and can help you make connections and expand your professional network.
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Tracking progress: A portfolio can also serve as a record of your progress and growth over time. It can be used to track your development and improvement, which can be useful for setting goals and identifying areas for improvement.
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Preparation for opportunities: Finally, having a professional portfolio means that you are always prepared for new opportunities that may arise. Whether it's a job opening, a new client, or a collaborative project, having a portfolio ready to share can help you capitalize on these opportunities and take your career to the next level.
Collage, Stamps, Decoupage
Step 1. Choose a portrait image from your Art Photo folder(s) with clear facial features, and email it to me for printing. It will be printed in black and white. Cut out the facial features. Send me any other photos you would like to include as black and white elements within this collage (can be from online, can be illustrations).
Step 2. Choose two pieces of colored paper and two geometric shapes. Cut out a range of sizes of your two geometric shapes.
Step 3. Arrange your block colors on your white A3 paper. (with teacher-led guidance)
Step 4. Arrange the shapes and images thinking about the principles of rhythm, movement, and pattern, and lead the eye around the picture.
Step 5. Layering: apply washi tape, stamping, stickers, and layered colored paper. The more you work into the layering the better the work will look.
Step 6. Doodling: work with a ballpoint pen and doodle into the artwork. Think about mark-making techniques like hatching, cross-hatching, and stippling. If you want to sketch in color use colored pencils. These drawing materials will not bleed when you varnish your artwork.
Step 7. Sign your work somewhere in the bottom right-hand corner and then varnish. Follow the teacher-led demonstration on how to varnish the work successfully.