GDS 73 - Digital Photography Online - Weekly Instructions
Spring 23 - Section 31394

Back to Canvas

Jan. 30 - Week 1 Instructions: Introductions

  1. Important Note: Some of the material is optional, extra credit, or highly suggested, for those who may have more time to get into things. I will indicate whether something is optional, extra credit, or highly suggested on the individual items. If an item is NOT marked optional, extra credit, or highly suggested, you can assume it is required. Please post questions in the Question discussion forum if you have questions about individual items. Thanks. It will be fun, I promise :)
  2. Note: If you have not done this already, try to figure out a regular(maybe daily)time when you can work on the class. It can help in online classes. Procrastinating is not advised ;)
    There are some other good tips for online learning here at
    8 STRATEGIES FOR GETTING THE MOST OUT OF AN ONLINE CLASS
  3. Login to Canvas (https://wvm.instructure.com) and download the syllabus in Canvas from the class home page near the top if you don't have it.
  4. See the class links sidebar on this page for Canvas and online learning related links.
  5. Watch the Orientation for the class. Make sure to refer to the current version of the syllabus when viewing the orientation. The syllabus can be found in Canvas from the class home page near the top. The link to all video lectures is near the top of this page. The books or other details may have changed from the video. The current syllabus has the most up to date information. Note: Some videos might be in Panopto in Canvas, and some might be on Youtube.
  6. Read the General Class Information in Canvas (https://wvm.instructure.com). It may be slightly different than the video or syllabus.
  7. Please let me know if you are confused or having trouble with the material. Post most or all of your questions in the question discussion forum in Canvas under the discussions link. If your question is more personal, you can message me through Canvas (https://wvm.instructure.com), by logging in, clicking on the class, clicking on the inbox link on the left, and creating a message. It's like email inside the class.
  8. Office hours for Spr 23 Generally MON 1:00PM - 2:00PM(online only) and WED 10:00AM - 12:30PM(in-person and online), unless otherwise noted. Check the Home Page for the class in Canvas for links to the zoom office hours. You can talk to me live at those times to ask questions, etc.
  9. Assignment: Post text and an image in the "Introductions"discussion forum in Canvas.
    1. Give a short introduction to yourself, and about your expectations for the class.
    2. Post an image you have already taken, and tell us why YOU like it. You can post an image from a phone if you don't have a camera yet. You can email the image to yourself if necessary to get it on a computer, or plug your camera or phone into your computer. Here are 2 short videos and instructions that can help.
      1. Watch Getting an Image off of Your Camera - Duration 2:27
      2. Watch Resizing, Exporting and Posting an Image in Canvas using Photopea and Adobe Bridge - Duration 9:51
      3. The instructions to post an image in a Canvas Discussion are here. It's basically drag and drop into the discussion.
    3. You can find the discussion forums under the Discussions link in Canvas on the left, or in the Week 1 Module under the modules link. I will check this to verify you are in the class. Make sure to reply to the post as soon as possible so I know you are able to access the class easily.
  10. Mission College tutoring is now online, and there is tutoring for some of our classes if you need it.
  11. Note: We do use Photoshop and Lightroom Classic in the class.
    Many things can be done in both Lightroom and Photoshop, and photographers use both. Lightroom is better for organizing and processing lots of images, while Photoshop can do some image manipulation that Lightroom cannot, such as compositing images(assembling multiple images into one). So, we will talk about and use both, sometimes for similar functions. You can decide later which program you want to use for certain functions, situations or workflows.
    For this class you can use either the full Creative Cloud plan or the Creative Cloud Photography plan.
    1. You can also find current the Adobe Creative Cloud for Semester License at http://store.collegebuys.org/. This might be the best deal right now at $39.99 for 6 months. 
    2. Adobe software like Adobe Photoshop, Bridge and Lightroom Classic are usually available in the Academic Support Center on Campus. Check their web site for current hours. https://missioncollege.edu/depts/academic-support/
    3. Please let me know if you do not have adequate computer hardware, internet access, or can't afford the $40 for the Adobe software. Mission College may be able to help with the Adobe License for the semester if you are unable to afford the $40.
  12. Highly suggested Reading: Check out this page on Exposure Modes, which are important in the class(your camera needs to have these modes). We will talk a lot more about these modes in the class.
  13. Assignment: Take the Opening Day Survey in the Week 1 module in Canvas.
  14. Optional: If you are in the market for a camera, watch the video on Camera Features.
    1. Note: The main criteria for a camera to use in this class is one with manual exposure controls like Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, etc. You could get by without these controls, but you will be limited. See below for more details and recommendations.
    2. Here is a page on with camera buying guides by budget, camera type, etc.
    3. There is a guide here with cameras that have manual controls that would work for the class.
    4. A cell phone is not really good enough for SOME things we will be doing, but if you need to start with a phone camera, you can.
  15. Optional: Check out these sites for more camera suggestions

Feb. 6 - Week 2 - Instructions: Exposure, Getting to know your camera, and First Shots

  1. There are a few videos in this section, but many are optional, depending on what kind of camera you have, etc. There won't be this many every week, so don't worry. We want to get going quickly with the photography :).
  2. Reading for the Week: Check out Chapter One. Shooting Natural Light Portraits Like a Pro from The Digital Photography Book, Part 5:Photo Recipes for tips that will help with Assignment 1. This information will be valuable later too.
  3. Important! Watch the video about Exposure (the link to a page with all the video lectures is also near the top of this page). This is one of the most important videos!
  4. For Canon Users. Watch the video Camera Controls 1 - Canon SLR on digital SLR cameras. This one goes over a Canon Camera, which a lot of you have, but it also will help with any digital SLR.
  5. For Nikon users. Watch the video on Camera Controls 3 - Nikon SLR, if that is what type of camera you have. It is not as in depth as the first 2 camera control videos, but covers some Nikon specific things.
  6. Optional: If you are using a small point and shoot camera(not a DSLR), watch the video on Camera Controls 4 - Point and Shoot, if that is what type of camera you have. I think most of you have a larger camera, but some may have a smaller, compact camera.
  7. Highly suggested: Watch the video Importing and Exporting files with Lightroom - Duration 14:49. For this video, you can follow along with your own files if you want. You may use the techniques later to work on images in Lightroom, and export them to turn them in.
  8. Highly suggested: Watch the video Importing with Adobe Bridge - Duration 9:54 . This covers using the import dialogue in Adobe Bridge to perform some functions while importing with Adobe Bridge. You can do things like rename files, save a back-up copy, or convert to a DNG file while you are importing. This is not covered in the earlier short video Resizing, Exporting and Posting an Image in Canvas using Photopea and Adobe Bridge.
  9. Optional: In the discussion forums, there is an optional forum to post images that you are taking that you would like to share with the class. Feel free to share there so we can see what everybody is doing, outside of assignments.
    1. Here is how to embed an image into a discussion.
    2. Here is how to embed an image from your Canvas files into a discussion.

  10. Assignment 1 - First Shots:

Feb. 13 - Week 3 Instructions: Exposure Modes, Exposure Compensation, Tripods, Diagonals, and Making Web Galleries with Lightroom Classic

  1. Important! Watch the video on Exposure Modes - Duration 11:35.
    This one can help with the Locations Explorations assignment below, and in using you camera in general.
  2. Important! Watch the video on Exposure Compensation - Duration 2:22
  3. Important! Watch the video on The Benefits and Use of Tripods - Duration 7:47
  4. Highly suggested: Watch this video on using the histogram on your camera(Youtube video, not by Mark) - Duration 7:53
  5. Highly suggested: Watch the video Web Gallery Export with Lightroom. Please let me know if you do not yet have access to Lightroom Classic. The Adobe Creative cloud with Lightroom Classic is available for $40/six months at https://foundationccc.org/CollegeBuys
    • Important Note:
      You may be wondering why we are talking about importing with both Photoshop/Bridge and Lightroom Classic?
      Photoshop/Bridge and Lightroom Classic are used in the course. Photoshop, Bridge and Lightroom Classic come with either the full Creative Cloud Complete plan or the Creative Cloud Photography plan. Many things can be done in both Lightroom Classic and Photoshop, and photographers use both. Lightroom Classic is better for organizing and processing lots of images, while Photoshop can do some image manipulation that Lightroom cannot, such as compositing images(assembling multiple images into one). So, we will talk about and use both, sometimes for similar functions. You can decide later which program you want to use for certain functions, situations or workflows.
  6. Read this short article on the use of diagonal lines in photographs. Using Diagonal Lines in Photography. Use of diagonal lines is required for Assignment 2 below.
  7. Take a look at the sections on Horizontal Lines, Vertical Lines and Diagonal Lines in Ch. 3 of the Book, The Photographers Eye, by Michael Freeman. This should be available online through your free access to Oreilly.com, like the earlier reading. If you are having trouble getting free access to this content see the instructions here. This is a great book on thinking like a photographer and has lots of good insight on how to be a a better one. We will be looking at this book more during the semester. It does look a lot better in the actual print format vs the online version, so if you have the money, I would suggest getting a print version, but you don't have to.
  8. Highly suggested for Canon Users: Watch the video on Camera Controls 2 - Menus and Quick Control(Canon) , if that is what type of camera you have. I would highly recommend this video if you have a Canon camera, and it can also help with most other digital Cameras, because a lot of the concepts are the same.
  9. Optional this week for Canon Users: If you have a Canon Camera, here is another video on The Q Button – What Every Canon DSLR Photographer Needs to Know
  10. Highly suggested: If you didn't watch it last week, watch Importing and Exporting files with Lightroom - Duration 14:49. You can use this process to make a web gallery out of your images, which is extra credit on Assignment 2 below.
  11. Optional: Review of Renaming Files in Bridge and Submitting Assignments in Canvas. This can help with submitting assignments, but does not cover resizing images.

  12. Assignment 2 - Location Explorations

Feb. 20 - Week 4 Instructions: The Image Frame, What Makes a Good Photo, and Looking at Photos

  1. Highly suggested:Reading for this week.
    Go over Chapter One. The Image Frame from The Photographers Eye
    This will help with framing your subject for Assignment 5(and others)
  2. Watch the video What Makes a Good Photo
  3. Highly suggested: Watch A Master at Work: Sir Don McCullin Kolkata, which shows one of the great photographers at work.
  4. Optional: Optional: Watch the Joel Meyerowitz video on street photography
    • The video quality is not great, but it's a nice intro to street photography
  5. Notes this week:
    • Make sure to check the calendar for due dates. Assignments should also show up under your To Do list on the canvas home page.
    • Also, I usually finish grading within a week after the due date, often earlier, so check the gradebook for grades and comments periodically. I think you may get notifications on grades too, depending on your Canvas settings.
    • If I mention Lightroom in the class, I am almost always talking about Lightroom Classic, which is the desktop version of lightroom, not the one named just Lightroom, which is more mobile oriented. Confusing huh? Adobe did it not me ;)
    • Mission College tutoring is now online, and There is tutoring for this class if you need it. Look under the link ASC/Tutoring in Canvas for instructions and links. The Spr 22 GDS tutoring schedule is here.
  6. Highly suggested: Review the terms page
  7. Optional: Read the files on thinking about photos and the file on critique procedure.
  8. Assignment: Comment on an image from another student's Assignment 1 images
    1. Take a look at the images submitted for Assignment 1 here
    2. Comment on 1 image from the images from the person below you in the folder. The folders are numbered, so if your images are in folder 3, you would comment on an image in foldere 4.
    3. Tell us one image from the images that you liked and why. We are looking for factors that can make a portrait or image more interesting or aesthetically pleasing in some way. It could be lighting, expression, etc. Basically, what can make a portrait "good", whatever that means to you?
    4. Post your comment in the discussion forum called Assignment 1 Discussion
    5. Please DO NOT post your coments in the i the dropbox website, comment in the discussion in Canvas.
    Read the files on thinking about photos and the file on critique procedure for ideas on what to talk about. Here is the link again to the folder with the student images from Assignment 1.
  9. Watch the video on Introduction to Adobe Bridge
  10. Assignment: Complete the Camera Survey Assignment in Canvas
    • Make sure to answer all the questions, using your camera manual when you need to. If you don't have your manual, you can usually download it.
  11. Assignment 3: Collect 5 photos from a photographer of your choice. They can be the work of any kind of photographer(commercial, artist, photojournalist, etc). The work can be straight or manipulated. Check the calendar in Canvas for due dates.
    To Turn in:
    1. Using Adobe Bridge or Adobe Lighroom Classic, Resize your images to a maximum dimension of 1200 pixels wide or 1200 pixels high and save them as jpegs with a quality setting of 7 or higher, or see other methods below.
    2. Make sure your images are named like this:
      photographersfirstname_photographers lastname
      _assign3_imagenumber.jpg
      • Watch the video on Image Processing and Renaming Files with Bridge and Photoshop and/or Importing and Exporting files with Lightroom to rename files quickly. You could also export from Bridge 2020.
    3. Upload your 5 images only to the assignment in Canvas. Do not zip the files this this time, so other students can see later. Upload the images as 5 separate files with your submission.

Feb. 27 - Week 5 Instructions: Depth of Field, Focal Length, and Adobe Lightroom Classic

  1. Important! Watch the video about Depth of Field
  2. Important! Watch the video about Focal Length
  3. Watch the video Introduction to Lightroom Classic
    Important Notes:
    Adobe Lightroom was split into 2 versions around October 2017.
    (We will be using the Lightroom Classic Version)
    Basically the Classic version is more like the previous desktop version. There is also Lightroom CC, which is targeted more for mobile devices. Confusing? Yes. Many people are upset they must now pay a subscription to keep access to Lightroom. They do not want to trust a lifetime of work to software they must rent and cannot "buy" anymore. That being said, we will continue to use Lightroom Classic in the class for at least the immediate future, since it is still kind of a standard. Also, your images are not stuck in Lightroom Classic if you quit the subscription. Since Lightroom edits are non-destructive, your original images are still just fine on your hard drive, but your "edits" are in Lightroom. I will be on the lookout for other possible replacements, however. If you have any suggestions, such as Luminar, let me know. Feel free to use either version of Lightroom in the class if you want, and it makes sense for what you are doing, but the videos are using the desktop version unless noted. Also, the tools in Lightroom Classic are very similar to the tools in Adobe Camera Raw, so you will see a video later with more information on using tools like masks that are in both apps.
  4. Optional: Here is a page from Adobe with many video tutorials on Lightroom Classic. This is the Lightroom we will be using, not the mobile Lightroom, although many thinks are similar.
  5. Optional: Here is a page from Adobe with many tutorials on Lightroom CC. We won't be using Lightroom CC too much. It is a more consumer oriented, cloud based app which might be better for mobile photography, like with your phone. We won't be using Lightroom CC in the class, but you can use it on your own. It's a free country...

  6. Assignment 4 - Shutter Speed and Depth of Field

  7. Assignment: Peer Review of Assignment 3
    Review the images submitted by other students for Assignment 3. Here is the link to the files to use for the discussion. Take a look at all the images. In the Discussion forum called "Assignment 3 Discussion", talk about why you like or don't like one or more images from a certain photographer, or why you think the images are interesting or significant. DO NOT comment in the dropbox.com folder, comment in the discussion forum in Canvas. Try to get your first comment in quickly after the images are available, so others can see, and then reply to someone else's post by the due date. Please reply to someone who doesn't have a reply yet. Check the calendar for due dates.

March 6 - Week 6 Instructions: White Balance, Framing and Composition 1 - Rule of Thirds, Shape, and Texture

  1. Watch the video on White Balance
  2. Highly suggested depending on your camera: Here are more camera specific white balance instructions
  3. Watch at least the minutes 2-10 of Masters of photography - Diane Arbus
    • (The woman who is onscreen at 2:00 is her daughter)
  4. Important! Watch Framing and Composition Tips: Framing an Image and Rule of Thirds - Duration 24:32. This one is in Panopto, so you should be able to see it is you log in to Canvas.
  5. Watch the 2 very short videos below on Using Shape and Texture in Photography that will help with Assignment 5. They are also on the Assignment 5 page linked below.
    1. Elements of Art -- Using SHAPE in Photography
    2. Elements of Art -- Using TEXTURE in Photography
  6. Highly suggested: Here are some additional readings on shape in photography, which will help with Assignment 5 
    1. Visual Design: Using Shape in Photography
    2. How to use shape in photography composition
    3. Elements of a Photograph: Shape

  7. Assignment 5:Object with Shape and Texture

  8. Highly suggested: Watch the video on Keywords and Collections in Lightroom
  9. Optional: Watch the video about Scanning

March 13 - Week 7 Instructions: Visual Weight, Basic Image Processing and Introduction to Camera Raw

  1. Watch this video on Henri Cartier-Bresson - Duration 18:30
  2. Assignment: Discussion
    Write a post by Saturday about something interesting from the video on Henri Cartier Bresson. It could be an idea Bresson mentions about his method, or an image that moved you in some way. The discussion forum is called "Bresson Discussion". Also, respond to at least one other person's post by Monday. Try to reply to someone who has not been replied to yet.
  3. Important! Watch the video on Visual Weight/Point of Emphasis
  4. Important! Watch the video on Raw Files and Introduction to Adobe Camera Raw
  5. Assignment 6: Basic Image Processing Go through Chapter 1 of the Adobe Photoshop CC Book for Digital Photographers - 2017 Version - by Scott Kelby (The Kelby Book from now on). You will turn in 2 Photos for this assignment, one from the book, and one of your own.
    • Image 1: Download the image of the Bridge from the current Canvas Module, and then follow the procedures under the section Putting It All Together on pages 26-27 of the printed book(about 2/3 of the way through Ch. 1). The interface for Camera Raw looks slightly different now vs the pictures in the book, but you are really only using the controls under the Basic controls on the right of the interface. The image I have linked for you is a DNG (Digital Negative) version of the the original jpeg version from the book website. It will allow me to see your edits when you turn it in, since the DNG file saves your editing settings. Go through the procedure in the book, and submit the edited DNG file in the Assignment. You are probably using the online version of the book, and the chapter to look at is Chapter 1 – Raw and Un-Kutt. Look for the image of the bridge the 2nd time it appears.
    • Image 2: Using one of your select images from the Object Assignment, follow the same basic procedure as above, and use Camera Raw to do some basic adjustments to your image.
      • Start with your original image from your camera, preferrably a RAW file if you shot in RAW format, NOT your small exported jpeg you turned in for the Object Assignment.
      • You do not need to use the same settings from the book on your image.
      • Use your best judgement on what you should do on your image.
      • You can also use some of the techniques and adjustments in the Raw Files and Introduction to Adobe Camera Raw video.
      • Turn this in as a jpeg file at 1200 pixels on the longest side.
    • Turn in 3 total images.
      1. The edited image of the bridge from the book linked above
      2. Your original image from the Object Assignment saved as a jpeg 1200 pixels on the longest side.
      3. Your Edited image from the Object Assignment saved as a jpeg 1200 pixels on the longest side.

March 20 - Week 8 Instructions: Framing and Composition 2/Vertical vs Horizontal, More Camera Raw, Processing a Scanned Image

  1. Here is a link to a video review of student submissions for the Assignment 5. There are chapters for each student.
  2. Watch the video Garry Winogrand and his Crooked Horizon Lines [Street Photography Tips] - Duration 13:46
  3. Important! Watch Framing and Composition Tips: Horizontal vs Vertical and Horizons - Duration 15:33. This one is in Panopto. There may be a short quiz about the video posted some time(sorry). You also should think about this when working on Assignment 7 below.
  4. Check out the page on Landscape and Cityscape Photography Tips Page and watch the video on Landscape/Cityscape Photography Tips
  5. Watch Editing a Landscape in Camera Raw It will help with Assignment 7(and others)
  6. Optional: Other Landscape Photography videos are here
  7. Highly suggested:Rule of Thirds: Read the 2 articles below to get more acquainted with the Rule of Thirds and see examples of it's use. You will use it on Assignment 7.
    1. Rule of Thirds in Photography: The Essential Guide
    2. Rule of Thirds: How to Use It in Your Photography
    3. Also see the earlier video Framing and Composition Tips: Framing an Image and Rule of Thirds - Duration 24:32.
  8. Optional: Watch How To Improve Your Photos With The Rule Of Thirds - (for help with Assignment 7)
    Duration 9:04
  9. Assignment:Go through as much of the first 2 Chapters of Scott Kelby's Lightroom 7-point System. I will not collect these finished files, but you should know the material, which is similar to some of the content from the class videos. You can download the files for this book here. You will notice that this book is about Lightroom and not Adobe Camera Raw, but as we said earlier, many of the tools and adjustments are the same, so you could use either one much of the time.
    • You can downlod the files for the exercises in the book here.
  10. Assignment 7: Shoot Landscape or Urban Landscape Photos and add to a Discussion:
    • First, photograph a Landscape or Urban Landscape scene
    • By Urban Landscape I mean a city or town, a steet scene, or even a building or part of a building.
    • By Landscape, I mean a scene in 'nature'.
    • Utilize the Rule of Thirds in at least 2 of the 4 images
    • Shoot multiple versions of your scene
      • Shoot both horizontally and vertically
      • Shoot it moving the horizon up and down in the frame
    • See basic examples of Landscape and Urban Landscape
    • If you haven't already, Look at the page on Landscape and Cityscape Photography Tips Page and watch the video on Landscape/Cityscape Photography Tips
    • You will post 4 small images showing different framing of the same scene, with vertical and horizontal framing, changing of the position of the horizon, and using the Rule of Thirds on at least 2 images.
    • By Sunday, post your small images of 4 versions in the discussion called Horizontal vs Vertical and Horizons. Please size the images to 600 pixels on the longest side and medium quality so they will not slow down the Canvas discussion. You can resize in Bridge or Lightroom Classic.
    • By Tuesday, comment on 1 other persons images, indicating which version you like, and why. Try to reply to someone who has no replies yet if you can.
    • There is an example post in the discussion.
    • This exercise is intended to get you thinking about framing, horizons and the Rule of Thirds.
    • Extra Credit! Edit your images using the techniques in Editing a Landscape in Camera Raw and/or the techniques in Scott Kelby's Lightroom 7-point System. If you do the extra credit, post the original and edited version of at least 1 image. You can do one or all 4 for variable points! That means you will be posting 5-8 images.
  1. (More) Extra Credit Assignment 8: Watch the video Processing a Scanned Image in Photoshop or Lightroom. Recreate the 1st version of the final image in the video by following the same procedure in Photoshop.
    Recreate the image with the cat(you'll know what I mean when you see it ;) using Photoshop, not the second demonstration in Lightroom. The original starting file is here. After you are done, save the file as a jpeg and drop it into the assignment drop box in Canvas.
    Note on the video: If you have a newer version of photoshop, you can use Smart Sharpen or the Unsharp Mask filter as used in the video to sharpen your image. More videos on sharpening in Adobe CC can be seen here.
  2. Please Take the Midpoint Survey in the weekly folder

March 27 - Week 8.5 - Spring Break! There are some optional things this week.

  1. Optional this week: Read Chapter 1, The Five Characteristics of Light, from Lighting for Digital Photography:From Snapshots to Great Shots.
    1. You should be able to get free access to this material by signing up using the instructions here:
      Here are the instructions for obtaining a free Oreilly Safari Books online account.
  2. Have fun, relax if you can, and take a break this week. We will continue next week.

April 3 - Week 9 Instructions: Characteristics of Light, Bounce Lighting, and More Camera Raw and a Quiz

  1. Reading this week (if you didn't read it already). Read Chapter 1, The Five Characteristics of Light, from Lighting for Digital Photography:From Snapshots to Great Shots.
  2. Important! Watch the video Characteristics of Light. It will show you how to do one of the options for Assignment 9 while looking at how to control light.
  3. Important! Watch the video The Effect of Focal Length on Portraits. It can help with Assignment 9
  4. Important! Watch the video Bounce for Portrait Lighting on using reflectors. It can help with Assignment 9
  5. Highly suggested: Watch the video Editing in Camera Raw Using Masks
    Duration 14:17     This one can help with Assignment 9 too. Note: Masks have changed a little bit recently, and some AI tools have been added, but the process of using masks is very similar.
  6. Highly suggested: For more tips, watch these additional videos on shooting portraits with bounce.
    1. Using reflectors and diffusers outdoors(Lastolight Video)
    2. How to bounce light with Foam Core - Lighting Techniques
    3. Using Reflectors in Photography(Youtube video)
  7. Watch this video on shooting portraits with on camera flash.
    1. Using fill flash(Youtube video)
  8. Highly suggested: Make sure you have read tips for photographing people with natural light located here. and More Tips for Portraits located here.
  9. Highly suggested: Check out the file The_dPS_Ultimate_Guide_to_People and_Portrait_Photography.pdf in the Canvas weekly module for more tips on portraits to use on the Portrait Assignment.
  10. Watch this quick video about photographer Weegee.
  11. Optional: Here are the sessions for Photographers from the Adobe Max conference.

  12. Assignment: Take the Midterm Quiz in Canvas which covers the reading and videos.
    The Quiz is open video, open book and open note, but do not collaborate with anyone on the quiz. There is no time limit. It is in the weekly module in Canvas.

    You have 2 choices for Assignment 9, Still Life or Portraits

April 10 - Week 10 Instructions: Basics of Photoshop, Selecting in Photoshop, and Intro to Compositing

  1. Reading this week. Read Chapter 7, Shooting Landscapes and Nature Like a Pro from The Digital Photography Book, Part 5:Photo Recipes.
  2. Assignment: Discussion
    Write a post about something interesting you learned from Chapter 7, Shooting Landscapes and Nature Like a Pro from The Digital Photography Book, Part 5:Photo Recipes book, and post it in the discussion forum called "Post on Landscape and Travel Photography here" in the weekly module in Canvas. Also, comment on at least one other person's post. Please post your initial post by Friday and your reply by Monday. Try to reply to someone who has no replies yet.
  3. Check out these videos, galleries and articles by Street Photographers Jack Simon and Boogie
  4. Make sure you watched this video on using flash to fill shadows(fill flash)
    1. http://youtu.be/-9_D_rDcWQ4
  5. Highly suggested: Watch the video on Basics of Photoshop if you are not already comfortable with it.
    I know some of you are new to Photoshop, and some know it pretty well, so this one is for those who need it. Follow along with the video using the file located here. You don't have to turn anything in for this one.
  6. Highly suggested: Watch the video on Selecting in Photoshop.
    If you wish, follow along with the video using the files located here.     You do not have to turn this in. This one is also for those who do not already know about selections in Photoshop.
  7. Read the web page on History of compositing
  8. Assignment 10: Watch the video on creating Frankenfaces here. Create your own Frankenface by photographing 2 people you live with(or yourself)and combining using the techniques in the video. Make sure you photograph the 2 people in exactly the same way, so they will combine easily, similar to the images in the demo video. If necessary, you can be one of the people used in the image. If you don't have access to one more person besides yourself, you can use yourself and an image of a person you shot earlier(before shelter in place). Try to use 2 OTHER people, however. DO NOT TAKE ANY RISKS WITH PEOPLE WHO MIGHT BE AT RISK(FOR YOU OR THEM)AS FAR AS COVID OR OTHER RISKS!
    1. To turn in:
    2. After you are done combining the faces, save your file as a PSD file.
    3. Then, reduce the image size to 1200 pixels on its longest side. You can do this by going to the image menu in photoshop and choosing image size, and then changing the pixel dimensions at the top. Make sure re-sample image and constrain proportions are checked at the bottom of the dialog box.
    4. Save this as a new PSD file with layers(so you don't lose your original).
    5. Drop the smaller psd file into the assignment drop box in Canvas.
    6. Use Save As to save a jpeg version of your file
    7. Have Fun!

April 17 - Week 11 Instructions: More Composition and Compositing

  1. Assignment 11: Composition Experiments
    • Important! Watch Framing and Composition Tips: Aspect Ratios and Frame Within a Frame - Duration 17:37. This one is in Panopto. This video will help when working on Assignment 11.
    • Important! Watch Framing and Composition Tips: Leading Lines, Balance and Symmetry - Duration 19:45. This one is in Panopto. This video will also help when working on Assignment 11.
    • After watching the videos, post 7 images in the discussion called Composition Experiments.
    • 1 image is square(1:1) in Aspect Ratio. You can shoot it that way, or crop it that way in Camera Raw or Lightroom. Try to think about the square format when choosing you composition in the camera. 
    • 1 image is 16:9 in Aspect Ratio. You will need to crop this one to that shape.
    • 1 images utilizing the principal of Frame within a Frame
    • 1 images utilizing the principal of Leading Lines
    • 2 images utilizing the principal of Balance
      • One image showing Symmetry or Static Balance
      • One image showing Asymmetric or Dynamic Balance
    • You should also see Chapters, 1, 2 and 4 in The Photographers Eye, by Michael Freeman, for help with these concepts.
    • By Saturday, post your 7 images in the discussion called Composition Experiments. Please size the images to 800 pixels on the longest side and medium quality so they will not slow down the Canvas discussion. You can resize in Bridge or Lightroom Classic.
    • By the Due Date, comment on 1 other persons images, indicating which version you like, and why. Please try to comment on someone's image that has no replies yet.   
    • There is an example post in the discussion.
    • Bonus! I may post the best images on the department Instagram account!
  2. We will be looking at compositing a little bit the next couple of weeks. Compositing is combining multiple images into one (some call it Photoshoping). There are some assignments and some extra credit work that utilize compositing over the next couple of weeks.
  3. Optional: Work through the exercises in Chapters 7 in the Kelby Book. This chapter is about layers and selections, which are key to compositing. I will not collect the finished files, but it will help with later assignments, like Assignment 13. Selecting in Photoshop now includes the object selection tool. Here is a page on using this tool.
  4. Assignment 12: Watch the video Refining Selections and Masks for Compositing(with the bear). This one would definitely help with Assignment 13. Recreate the image in the video by following the same procedure. The starting files from the video of the bear and dune are located here. Save the file as a PSD file with layers. You do not need to resize this image to turn it in. Turn in your finished .PSD file in the assignment drop box in Canvas.
  5. Optional: Watch the video on Compositing with Shadows in Photoshop(with the priest). Recreate the image in the video by following the same procedure. The original starting files are here.
    Save the file as a PSD file with layers. You DO NOT have to turn this in, but this one can also help with Assignment 13. This is an older video with a technique for making a shadow follow a texture.
  6. Optional: Check out this page on early examples of compositing.
  7. Highly suggested:Here are some links to Artists/Photographers who worked in Montage/Compositing/Photoshoping(like Assignment 13). I would recommend taking a look at the ones in bold.
  8. Optional: Here are some videos from Adobe Max 2021 and 2022 on Compositing with Photoshop. They could help with Assignment 13 below.
    1. Getting Started with Compositing - 2021
    2. Creating Compelling Composite Images in Photoshop - 2022
    3. Creating Unique and Compelling Composites in Photoshop 2021
    4. Essential Editing Techniques for Creating Realistic Composites - 2021
    5. Compositing in Photoshop from Anywhere in the World - 2021
    6. Advanced Compositing for Brands, Photography, and Type - 2021
  9. Optional: Post an image to the discussion called Weekly Image Share. Post whatever you want that you took during the week, and we can all see and comment. This is not for Assignment images, and it is not required, but it may count to participation points, and it would be great to see things that you all are interested in photographing.

  10. Assignment 13 Extra Credit: 2 Composite Images
    Make 2 different composite images(not faces) on the subjects of your choice, with at least 1 being as believable as possible. Use at least 2 original(shot by you) images in each composite. Try to match lighting, color, f-stop, focal length, etc when shooting your original files to make the final images blend more realistically. Turn in as as a layered photoshop file(PSD) with a maximum dimension of 1200 pixels wide or 1200 pixels high. You can go to the image menu in photoshop and select image size to resize. Change the pixel dimensions at the top of the dialog box. Make sure resample image and constrain proportions are checked at the bottom of the dialog box. If you have a lot of layers and your final file size is above about 4 or 5 MB, you may need to reduce the dimensions of your file further. You could try 1000 pixels instead of 1200. Do not try to turn in the assignment with smart objects in it as it will probably be too big. You probably will have to use regular layers. Download compositing assignment examples here.
    Make sure to check the calendar for the due date.

    • Requirements:
    • Make sure you turn in 2 completely different final images that were made by combining 2 or more images for each final image.
    • Make sure to shoot new photos for each final image if possible. Do not use old photos or found images if possible.
      • You can composite things in your house or that you have safe access to.

April 24 - Week 12 Instructions: HDR and Retouching

  1. Highly suggested: Watch the video The silent drama of photography | Sebastião Salgado - Duration 16:53. He is one the worlds most respected documentary photographers.
  2. Highly suggested: Take a look at Ch. 8 in the Kelby Book on HDR. This goes over processing HDR images in Photoshop/Camera Raw
    • If you would like to check out how to do HDR in Lightroom look at Ch. 7 in The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic CC Book for Digital Photographers, which you should have access to at oreilly.com with the same access you use for the Photoshop book. Here is a direct link to Ch. 7.
    • A few things may have changed in Photoshop and Lightroom since the books were written, like the way the adjustment brish works, but you should be able to figure it out.
  3. Important! Watch the videos HDR and How to Shoot It, and Processing HDR Images. They will help with Assignment 14.

  4. Assignment 14: HDR Shoot bracketed images of 2 different high contrast scenes and create HDR images from them using Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, Photomatix or a newer app, Luminar Neo. Photomatix and Luminar Neo offer student discounts.
    Download HDR assignment examples here.
    Check the calendar for due dates.

    • To Turn in:
    • Turn in your 2 final images and your original bracketed shots that you used when making the final images.
    • Put your final images into a separate folder.
    • Resize all images to a maximum dimension of 1200 pixels wide or 1200 pixels high.
      • Save them as jpegs with a quality setting of 7 for the image processor in Photoshop, or 70 in Lightroom.
    • Make sure your images are named like this:
      firstname_lastname_assign11_
      datecreated_imagenumber.jpg
      • Watch the video on image processing to rename files quickly
      • Use your own name and date of course.
    • Put your images in a folder named firstname_lastname_assign11(use your name), zip the folder and drop them into the Canvas drop box for the assignment.
  5. Highly suggested:Watch the video on Retouching tools. It can help with Assignment 13. If you wish, follow along with the video using the file located here.

  6. Optional: Watch the video on Blending Modes and Blend if Sliders in Photoshop. It can help with Assignments 13 and 14. Follow along with the video using the files located here. You do not have to turn anything in for this video.

    Finish Assignment 13 Extra Credit: 2 Composite Images
    Make 2 different composite images(not faces) on the subjects of your choice, with at least 1 being as believable as possible. Use at least 2 original(shot by you) images in each composite. Try to match lighting, color, f-stop, focal length, etc when shooting your original files to make the final images blend more realistically. Turn in as as a layered photoshop file(PSD) with a maximum dimension of 1200 pixels wide or 1200 pixels high. You can go to the image menu in photoshop and select image size to resize. Change the pixel dimensions at the top of the dialog box. Make sure re-sample image and constrain proportions are checked at the bottom of the dialog box. If you have a lot of layers and your final file size is above about 4 or 5 MB, you may need to reduce the dimensions of your file further. You could try 1000 pixels instead of 1200. Do not try to turn in the assignment with smart objects in it as it will probably be too big. You probably will have to use regular layers. Download compositing assignment examples here.
    Make sure to check the calendar for the due date.

    • Requirements:
    • Make sure you turn in 2 completely different final images that were made by combining 2 or more images for each final image.
    • Make sure to shoot new photos for each final image if possible. Do not use old photos or found images if possible.

May 1 - Week 13 Instructions: Sports Photography, Blending Modes and the Final Project

  1. We are in the home stretch! There has been some good work from this class this Semester so keep it up.
  2. Assignment: Family of Man Discussion
  3. Assignment: Watch the short video Making of Migrant Mother , about one of the most famous images ever made in America by Dorothea Lange
  4. Optional: Watch this short Video on Julia Fullerton Batten
  5. Check out this page on Sports and Action Photography. It is the page referenced in the video below and has tips and links about shooting sports. We are not doing any sports photography this term because of the virus, but you can use the information later and there may be some related questions on the final exam.
  6. Highly suggested:Watch the video GDS 73 Sports and Action Photography 1 - Basic Tips and Canon Settings
  7. Highly suggested:Watch the video GDS 73 Sports and Action Photography 2 - Nikon Settings and Basic Processing
  8. Important! Make sure to watch the video on GDS 73 Abstract Images and Self Portraits with Blending Modes before you do Assignment 15.

  9. Assignment 15: Create an image combining at least 3 images you took, using using blending modes and masking. This is not a realistic scene or composite image like Assignment 12, this can be very abstract.

    See Requirements and Instructions here

  10. Assignment: Start The Final Project
    Do a series of photos on the subject of your choice with 10 quality images. Edit some or all of the images for extra credit.

    • Each image should able to stand on its own, as well as work as a group with the other images.
    • Extra Credit: Edit at least 5 of the images in Photoshop, Camera Raw or Lightroom Classic.
      • If you do the extra credit, turn in before and after versions of the images you worked on.
      • Anything you do change the image significantly from the original will be considered editing. Examples of editing would be doing things like cropping, adjusting the contrast, adjusting the white balance, adjusting the vibrance etc.
    • Download assignment examples here.
    • Check the calendar for due dates.

    Examples

    • Do some Street Photography
    • Do a series of more tabletop still life images.
    • Photograph a sporting event, using some of the techniques from the videos this week
    • Do a series of landscapes or cityscapes with a common theme or style
    • Tell a story with images, like you are providing the images to go along with an article or story
    • Document someone's life or an event

    To Turn in:

    • Resize all your images to a maximum dimension of 1500 pixels wide or 1500 pixels high(watch the video on image processing.)
    • Make sure your name is on each image.
    • Save them as jpegs with a quality setting of 8.
    • Put your final 10 images in a folder, zip the folder and drop them into the drop box for the assignment.
    • If you edited some of the images for extra credit, put the originals(resized like the final images) into a separate folder called "Originals" and submit them with your final images.
  11. Optional: Watch the older video on Color Correction in Photoshop. It covers some of the material from the Bonus Chapter on the Kelby book website at http://kelbyone.com/books/cc17/.
    Follow along with the video using the files located here.

May 8 - Week 14 Instructions: Portrait Lighting Styles, Lens Corrections and Converting to Black and White

  1. Important! Watch this video on shooting with studio strobes and classic lighting styles Portrait Lighting for Photography and Video!
  2. Optional: Here are some notes on Lighting
  3. Highly suggested:Take a look at Chapter 4 of the the Kelby Book. It covers correcting for lens problems.
  4. Watch the video on Lens Corrections in Camera Raw.
    Follow along with the video using the files located here.
    You do not have to turn these files in, but you may use the techniques on Assignment 14.
    Important Note: The lens corrections in the video are now under the Optics and Geometry panels in Adobe Camera Raw, instead of under Lens Corrections. The functions are pretty much the same, however.
  5. Watch the video on Converting Images to Black and White in Camera Raw and Lightroom.
    Follow along with the video using the files located here.
    You do not have to turn these files in, but you will use the techniques on Assignment 14.
  6. Important! O'reilly just added access to a new version of one of the Scott Kelby bookss we've been using, The Adobe Photoshop Book for Digital Photographers, 2nd Edition - so check it out fro up to date tutorials. We are starting to refer to it this week!
  7. Converting to Black and White for Assignment 16 below: Look through the exercises in Chapter 7 in the New Scott Kelby Book "The Adobe Photoshop Book for Digital Photographers, 2nd Edition". It covers converting images to black and white and toning. The start files can be found on the website for the new edition of the book, http://kelbyone.com/books/ps23. I will not collect the finished files, but you do need to know the material for the next assignment.
    Chapter 7 of older The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic CC Book for Digital Photographers     also has information on converting to black and white using Lightroom. You should have free access to both of these books through your oreilly.com account.
    Other Notes:
    The method using Profiles to convert to BW was added in version 10.3 of Adobe Camera Raw. You can see details on the blog here, and BW conversion profiles are described in this video. Black and white is discussed at about 5:30 into the video. Here is a short video called "NEW Panel To Apply Epic Color Grades in Photoshop" on using the Color Grading Panel to do Duotones or Split Tones, if you want to do that for Assignment 16 below. Here is the article that goes with the video, and you can download the images. The start files can be found on the book website(http://kelbyone.com/books/ps23). I will not collect the finished files, but you do need to know the material for the next assignment.
  8. Watch the short clip from War Photographer - James Nachtwey - Duration 3:39

  9. Assignment 16: Use lens correction techniques on one of your own color images, AND then use the corrected image to create a black and white version of your image.

    Steps:
    1. See the additional resources above for help in doing lens corrections and converting to black and white.
    2. Look at Chapter 7 in the Kelby book, The Adobe Photoshop Book for Digital Photographers, 2nd Edition
    3. Look at Chapter 4 on lens corrections in the 2023 Kelby Book
    4. Watch the video on lens corrections
    5. Watch the video on video on converting to black and white
    6. Watch the short video on using the new Color Grading Panel (You get to listen to someone else for a change ;)
    7. Apply lens corrections to one of your own color images
    8. Convert the image to black and white OR tone it using one of the techniques in the videos
    9. You can do this in either Camera Raw or Lightroom.
    10. Save the before and after versions as JPEGs with a maximum dimension of 1200 pixels wide or 1200 pixels high with a quality of 7, and drop the 2 files into the assignment drop box in Canvas. To save a single image as a jpeg, you can go under the file menu in photoshop and look for save as, and change the file type to jpeg. Drop your before and after images into the drop box in Canvas.

  10. Finish The Final Project

    See the description above.

May 15 and May 22 - Weeks 15 and 16 Instructions: Mobile Photography, Retouching and Panoramas

  1. Optional: Here is a whole book on iPhone Photography that you have free access to, The iPhone Photography Book by Scott Kelby. There are more books on mobile Photography in the O'Reilly bookshelf.
  2. Optional: Check out some camera apps with manual controls
  3. Highly suggested: Look at Chapter 9 of the 2023 Kelby Photoshop Book. It coveres techniques for retouching portraits that can be used on the extra credit project below.
  4. Optional: Take at least a quick look at Chapters 10 and 11 of the the Kelby Book. They cover
    • Removing distractions
    • Photoshop Special Effects
  5. Optional: Watch the video Retouching in Photoshop
    (the files used in the video are here)
  6. Highly suggested: Watch the video Shooting and Processing Panoramas
  7. Highly suggested: Check out these readings and videos on Masking in Lightoom Classic and Camera Raw for more in-depth infomation on masking. They allow you to use photoshop style masks to edit precise areas of your images. Hopefully you know some of this already.
    1. Ch. 3 of the 2023 Kelby book, Masking Miracles
    2. Help Article: Adobe Masking Tool
    3. Video :Masking in Lightroom Classic - Duration 31:09 - Late 2022
    4. Video: Lightroom Masking... Biggest Change EVER! (What's New in Lightroom Oct 2021) - Duration 23:55
  8. Assignment 17 - Extra Credit: You have 2 options for this assignment
    1. Shoot 2 new, close-up portraits, and retouch them using the techniques in this week's videos, previous videos and/or the Kelby Book. Do not use the files from the video. You can read Chapter 9 of the the 2023 Kelby Book for tips on retouching portraits.
      To turn in, resize your images to a maximum dimension of 1200 pixels wide or 1200 pixels high and save as jpegs with a quality of 8. Turn in the 2 before images and 2 after images into the drop box in Canvas.
    2. After watching the video on panoramas and looking at the resources below, create your own panorama by using the procedure in the video. After you are done creating the image, resize to 2000 pixels wide and save the file as a JPEG with a quality setting of 7. After you are done converting, drop it into the assignment drop box in Canvas. Download Pano Tips here.
  9. Assignment 18: Critique 1 image from the Final Project of another student. After the due date for the Final Project, evaluate one image from another student in the class using the file gdes73online_photo_critique_assignment1.doc (Download here). The projects are numbered. Critique the persons submission who is in the folder number after yours. If you are at the bottom of the list, do the person's at the top. Here is the link to the final project to use for the critique. Fill out the form following the instructions on it, and drop it into the drop box in Canvas. More may be added as they come in.
  10. Check out the final exam info below.
  11. More, easy Extra Credit :) Take the class exit survey in the weekly module for more extra credit.
  12. Any late assignments must be turned in by May 26.
  13. Take a look at our Degrees and Certificates on the GDS Website. We have classes on Photoshop, video, motion graphics and more.
  14. Follow us on Instagram at:
    https://www.instagram.com/designatmission/ I may post some of your images there!
  15. We are on Twitter too. https://twitter.com/designatmission
  16. If anyone still uses facebook, see our page at:
    http://www.facebook.com/missioncollegedesign.
  17. Make sure to review this page on terms here before the final exam:
    gdes_073_terms.htm
  18. Take the Final Exam (see below).
  19. Thanks for taking the class, and I hope you enjoyed it.

  20. The Final Exam

    • The Final Exam will be taken in Canvas Thursday, May 25th at 12AM and Friday, May 26th at 11:59PM(open for about 48 hours). You can take it at any time in that time window. Let me know if you cannot take it in that period.
    • The test is open book and open internet(no AI), but it is timed(2 hours from when you start)!
    • Do NOT collaborate on the exam or get help from another person or AI :)
    • There are about 60 questions.
    • The questions are multiple choice, multiple answer and true false.
    • The questions will cover information found in the videos, exercises and files used throughout the course. Mostly they are from the videos.
    • Important note: There probably are questions on the exam that were from videos marked "Optional".
    • Also make sure to review this page on terms here:
      gdes_073_terms.htm
    • Login to Canvas and look under the Modules link for the exam and instructions.
    • You have 2 hours to complete the exam.
    • Click the submit button only when you are finished.