ATPI Contest - or not

Some of you may choose to submit a photo to the ATPI contest. Even if you do not, you will send a photo to me with the specifications listed on the ATPI website.

This means that you must also choose a category for your photograph even if you do not apply for the Fall Contest.

If you wanted to submit to the contest, you must notify me by October 30th and submit by October 31st. Your grade will not be affected by your decision to submit.

Happy Halloween.

Self Portrait Project

Self-Portraits

Due October 10

The self-portrait has been part of the artist tradition for hundreds, or perhaps thousands, of years. Before cameras were invented, painters created self-portraits. Rembrant, Van Gogh and Frida Kahlo provide a few examples of artists who painted self-portraits. Musicians, writers and other artists created self-portraits.

Photo from Fathers Day 2014

I have my own version of self-portraits that I call Awkward Self-portraits. Sometimes I take casual pictures; other times I spend more time taking these images than it appears. I have many reasons for taking these pictures. I do it for fun, as a way of expression. I also figure that if my students are expected to reveal something about themselves, I might as well do the same.

Your teacher is not cool, but other people can show you an alternative. Here are some cool examples from the Photoshelter blog. I also encourage you to study Wendy Alas and her project. She shot many different self-portraits on different days. Every person feels different on different days and in different situations, so this is normal. Doing this type of project also help you learn about the project. Two days ago, we looked at the NY Times Lens gallery called "Selfies Against the Death Penalty." These images can provide further inspiration.

By Friday, submit a blog post with a photo that could be used for the ATPI self-portrait Contest. See the photo gallery. Save the photo in a SAFE PLACE so that you can submit if you wish.

depth of field - shallow

Shallow Depth of Field

On September 29th, 2014, all four photography classes took pictures of me using a shallow depth of field. (I set the f/stop at 2.8) Due October 10, 2014.

Here are some examples from the day.

photo by Aileen Hsu

Photo by 2nd period, Shagun Srivastava

Photo by 4th period

In your (new) groups, take pictures with a shallow depth of field. If you can adjust the f/stop, change it to the lowest setting. If you have a point and shoot, use the macro or portrait. Some camera phones allow you to select the focus.

Upload the photo to Camera Raw for any edits. Post the photo on your blog and list/ explain any of your edits. DUE October 10.

Another note: if "you have nothing else to do,"


Watch online lessons about depth of field, such as this one from Adorama Video or read this article from Digital Camera World.
You may study composition (search "photography" and "composition")
You may almost always research "the masters of photography." The Hall of Fame is a good place to start.
Please review the ATPI competition. Whether we submit to contest or not, you should know how to submit a photo to the competition. What are the categories? What file size would you submit? What dpi? What is dpi?