3 Flavors of Post Processing

Hello Students,

For this assignment you will take your favorite portraits from your recent portrait projects and create 3 different post-processed versions of each of the images. The 3 techniques are cross-processing, tilt-shift and the Dragan effect, named for Andrzej Dragan.

Portrait Post Processing Assignment:

Take your favorite images from your recent portrait/landscape assignments and create different versions of each image by working through the online tutorials posted below. Post your 3 post-processed images to your blog when complete along with the originals:

Choose 1 or 2 of your portraits and process them using the Cross-Process and Dragan Process. Post to your blog with before and after images.
Choose a landscape or other appropriate image and "miniturize" it with the Tilt-Shift effect (we are faking a real tilt-shift look). Post to your blog with before and after images.
Have all images under one blog post titled "Post Processing Exercise"

Check out the links below to get started!

Cross-Processing:

Cross processing is an effect where the film is developed with the wrong mix of chemicals. Work through the tutorial to recreate this effect and make your photo look like it's source was film and not digital. The border around the film is called the "film rebate". Search for one on google images to use on yours.

Tilt-Shift:

Tilt shift photography is a technique where the lens angle is changed to create a focused center area. This tricks the brain into thinking it is seeing something very small. This is the effect we see when we squint our eyes at a small object.


Dragan Effect:

The Dragan Process works with B&W imagery as well....

Andrzej Dragan's photography is known for having an intensity in detail and tonal depth. Try to mimic his technique with photoshop by working through the video tutorial.
Prefer a plain tutorial? Check out this link: Dragan Effect in 5 steps



Have fun!
 - Mr.W

Rule of Thirds Composition Project

Hello Students,

After reviewing the use of the Rule of Thirds in composition team up and tackle these subjects and use the Grid System to align your subjects. Shoot many images and choose your best to display.

Links:

Tutorial: How to Crop an Image in Photoshop with the Rule of Thirds

Reading: Cambridge in Colour - Rule of Thirds

Rule Of Thirds Project:

Create 10 Photographs using the rule of thirds. You must properly compose, expose and capture pictures of the following subjects, then choose 5 subjects/images of your choice (free choice):

Subject Specifications:

1. A portrait/person facing the camera, closeup on head
2. A person facing the camera, closeup on face, looking to the upper right or upper left
3. A person facing the camera, closeup on head but turned 45 degrees from camera and not looking at camera
4. Two people, one in the foreground, one in the background out of focus (depth of field)
5. An object or objects

Assignment Specifications:

• Shoot at least 10 images of each subject to obtain the best composition, exposure and quality
• You must shoot with manual focus in manual mode
• Using Photoshop, crop your photos appropriately if you need to
• Post a contact sheet of all your images (look up online, there are many easy ways to create one)
• Choose 3 of your best images and overlay a rule of thirds grid on top. Use the line tool or pencil tool to draw the simple grid

Quick visual preview of what you are expected to turn in for this assignment...

To See A Rule Of Thirds Grid in Photoshop:

1. View > Show > Grid
2. Go to Photoshop > Preferences > Guides, Grids and Slices
3. Set: Gridline to 33.3333 Percent
4. Set: Subdivisions to 1

Grading Rubric:

2 Points: Images properly exposed and in focus

2 Points: Images show proper mode and focus use (manual

2 Points: Contact sheet is included to show multiple shots for each subject

2 Points: Images utilize rule of thirds and capture each subject properly

2 Points: 3 Best images shown with and without Grid Overlay lines

Student Work Examples:

Static and Dynamic Composition Project

Students,
To further our comprehension of photographic composition we will strive to develop an understanding of  the use of static and dynamic compositions with attention paid to creating a center of interest.

To summarize, static composition means that the majority of he lines and elements in the frame are horizontal or vertical. Theory dictates that the horizontal and vertical lines have a calming and soothing effect on the observer. Static compositions can be symmetrical or asymmetrical.

Conversely dynamic compositions occur when the elements in the frame are arranged in diagonal lines, which can have the effect of being somewhat unsettling on the observer. Dynamic compositions can denote movement, energy, excitement, vibrance.

To paraphrase: when the primary line of movement is horizontal or vertical the composition is static. When the primary movement is diagonal the composition is dynamic.

When it comes to composition each photo should have only on principal idea, topic or center of interest to which the viewers eyes are attracted. Subordinate elements within the picture must support and focus attention on the principle feature so it alone is emphasized. A photo without a dominant center of interest or one with more than one dominant center of interest is puzzling to the observer. Strive to frame your composition with a dominant "point of interest".

Static and Dynamic Composition Assignment:

Part 1: Create a series of static compositions that emphasize a point of interest, with other elements maintaining a supporting or subordinate roll 

Create 2 static photo compositions: Still life and portrait

• Create a still life of objects found in your home/classroom and arrange them into a static composition. Focus on creating parallel planes through the use of space between your objects while maintaining emphasis on a dominant subject
• Create a portrait of 2 people and pose them into a static composition. Pay attention to light, background, foreground and strive to emphasize vertical and horizontal alignments while maintaining emphasis on a dominant subject

Create 2 static photo compositions: Landscape and architecture

• Create a landscape photo showing natural features in your local area framed as a static composition. Strive for horizontal and vertical lines and elements while maintaining emphasis on a dominant subject
• Create a static photo composition using local architecture. Strive for horizontal and vertical elements while maintaining emphasis on a dominant subject

Part 2: Create a series of dynamic compositions that emphasize a point of interest, with other elements maintaining a supporting or subordinate roll.

Create 2 dynamic photo compositions: Still life and portrait

• Create a still life of objects found in your home and arrange them into a dynamic composition. Focus on creating parallel planes through the use of space between your objects
• Create a portrait of 2 people and pose them into a dynamic composition. Pay attention to light, background, foreground and strive to emphasize vertical and horizontal alignments

Create 2 dynamic photo compositions: Landscape and architecture

• Create a landscape photo showing natural features in your local area framed as a dynamic composition. Strive for diagonal lines and elements, or elements to recede or advance to create a diagonal compositionwhile maintaining emphasis on a dominant subject
• Create a dynamic photo composition using local architecture. Strive for dynamic angles while maintaining emphasis on a dominant subject

Part 3: Written Essay

Write 2-3 Paragraphs about your images and attempt to cover these topics, include this with your blog post:

• Explain how your static images achieve composition
• Explain how your dynamic images achieve composition
• For each image describe the dominant element or point of interest
• Describe how the subordinate elements support the dominant elements in each image
• For each image describe at least 2 elements or principles of art that or being utilized, or any other compositional concept
• Post your essay with your favorite image

Due by thursday...

Student Examples: Static

Student Examples: Dynamic

Principles of Exposure: Understanding Light Sensitivity and Noise through ISO Control

Assignment: Create an ISO Test Strip

Students, your new assignment is a challenge for you to demonstrate an understanding of ISO and how to adjust both Aperture and Shutter Speed to maintain proper Exposure Values (EV) across multiple ISO settings. In this assignment you will find/create a still life subject and shoot 4 images that have similar exposures but increases in ISO. Little to no change should be seen in light/dark values, only additional grain/noise should be noticed as increasing. Overlay your images as shown below using Photoshop layers and document your exposure settings.

This image was created in our studio/classroom with our class cameras. Strive to create an ISO test image of equal quality. Image should be properly exposed to begin with, show a range of ISO from low to high and be composited in Photoshop to resemble the sample above.

Assignment Deliverables:

This excellent student example was taken outside, use a tripod for best image alignment. Work quickly when outside, clouds or changes in light can affect your final results.

Part A -  ISO Test Image:

1. Produce a series of images (4) that demonstrate the impact that ISO has on the noise in an image while maintaining consistent exposure. Choose a creative still life subject and produce 4 images showing the range of ISO settings from low to high. Mimic the ISO Comparison images above. You will need to adjust either shutter speed or aperture to keep even exposure, don't let the different examples get darker or lighter.
2. Compile the images in slices to show the even exposure levels, as illustrated above. Use the selection tools to reveal each slice and add text details and focus on quality of presentation for your test image

Part B - Written Synopsis of Exposure Principles: 

1. Written Synopsis of the Exposure Principles. Write a short 3 paragraph description of the three principles of exposure, shutter speed, aperture and iso, what they mean and how you utilize them in photography, how to they alter your images, etc... 
2. Post your essay to your blog with 1 image you have taken that demonstrates each exposure principal (use your ISO test image you created for ISO demonstration)...

Difficulties?
Try this exposure calculator to find your equivalent exposure across a range of ISO's

Have fun and ask questions if you get stuck! - Mr.W

Principles of Exposure: Aperture Control and Value

Exposure: Aperture

Notice in this chart that the wider apertures have a narrow DOF, while the smaller aperture has a larger DOF. Additionally the shutter speed must be sped up or slowed down depending on aperture setting.

Aperture is a mechanical feature on the camera lens that adjusts the amount of light that is let into the camera. The size of the aperture also changes the depth of field range, a term for the area of an image that is in focus. 

A larger aperture will create a narrow depth of field and allow the maximum amount of light in the camera, so a faster shutter speed may be used. This is great for artistic images, street photography, portraiture and still life. The depth of field can be very slim with a wide open aperture resulting in more emphasis on the subject.

A smaller aperture is used when the depth of field must be wider. This also allows a sharper image to be captured because the flatter part of the lens is being used... resulting in less distortion fringing of details. Great for images that need increased detail, landscapes, nature photography, architecture.

When a smaller aperture is being used to control depth of field, adjusting the focus on the lens can change the position of the DOF. You can move the DOF closer or farther away. Many lenses will focus automatically, but you can disable that to adjust the focus yourself.

Our artistic element of the week is "Value". Value refers to the tonal quality of an image, tonal quality is, IMHOP best evaluated through a black and white image. If you shoot in black and white or experiment with black and white conversion with an image editing program, you will learn to see opportunities for good value in b&w photography. Good tonal quality should show as many levels of value as possible, from bright to dark and everything in between.

Key Assignment 2: Aperture and Value

Students, your new assignment is to develop an understanding and demonstrate control of depth of field. Additionally we are focusing on value in photography by shooting black and white imagery.

All elements due in 1 week.

Assignment: 

1- Depth of Field Portraits: Create 2-3 portraits that demonstrate depth of field. Use a wide open aperture setting and look for good backgrounds for your subjects.

Portraits should be:

• Taken with the camera in Portrait orientation
• Show full face in the frame
• Can be taken with creative angles and perspective
• Should show the character of the person
• Be in focus, properly exposed (not too bright or dark) 
• Use Aperture Value (AV) mode to achieve the widest aperture possible with ISO and Shutter Speed on Auto.

2- Near/Far Focus: Arrange 2 people 10 feet apart from each other. Produce 1 image that shows the subject closest to you in focus, then change your focus to show the subject farthest away from you in focus.

Near / Far Process: 

1. Pose two subjects in the frame roughly 15-20 feet apart. 
2. Use the widest aperture possible on your lens.
3. Set the lens to MANUAL focus (switch on side from AF to MF).
4. Roll the focus element to focus on subject in foreground and take a photo.
5. Roll the focus element to focus on subject in background and take a photo.
6. Photo should be properly exposed, not too light or dark.
7. Put both images side-by-side in photoshop before posting.

3- Value/Contrast through B&W: Set your camera to shoot in Black and White only. Take 1 photo each day of the week that captures "value". Look for interesting compositions, light, contrast, patterns. You will need to shoot many images and experiment so you can learn to "see" in B&W value. This is the time to get "artsy" with your photos. Post your best 5 images to your blog.

Notify me when all work is posted and ready for review....

- Mr.W