GDES 73 - Digital Photography Online - Weekly Instructions
Summer 2018 - Section 52239

Back to Canvas


June 11 - Week 1 - Instructions:

  1. 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.
  2. Watch the video orientation. 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.
  3. Read the General Class Information in Canvas (https://wvm.instructure.com). It may be slightly different than the video or syllabus.
  4. Search online for a deal on Creative Cloud Photography plan, which includes subscriptions to Photoshop and Lightroom, which you can use for the class. We do use photoshop and Lightroom in the class. See the syllabus for other options, like if you would like the student rate for the complete Adobe CC subscription. As far as I know at this time, the best deal for the complete Adobe CC can currently be found at http://store.collegebuys.org/
    For this class you can use either the full Creative Cloud Complete plan or the Creative Cloud Photography plan.
    1. Adobe software like Photoshop and Lightroom is also available in the Academic Support Center on Campus. Check their web site for current hours. http://missioncollege.org/depts/academic_support/
  5. Assignment:
    Reply to my post in the discussion forum in Canvas. Give a short introduction to yourself, and about your expectations for the class.
    You can find the discussion forum under the Discussions link on the left or the Content Links module. It has the title "Introductions". I will check this to verify you are in the class. Make sure to reply to the post as soon as possible to avoid being dropped. Please do not start a new post. It will keep us more organized if you reply to mine.
  6. Take the Opening Day Survey in the Week 1 module in Canvas.
  7. 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.
  8. Read pages 11-39(Getting Ready and Step 1:Meet your camera modes)in the Betterphoto Basics book. If you are buying a camera right now, you could also read pages 208-213(Buyers Guide in Additional References), and see the sites below.
  9. Check out these sites for camera suggestions
  10. Watch the video Introduction to Flickr.
    Note:
    The Flickr interface can change at any time, so the site may be slightly different from the video, but I think you can figure it out ;).
  11. Join our Flickr group https://www.flickr.com/groups/gds73_online_summer18/
    1. Sign up for Flickr.
    2. Go to the link for the group above and click join this group.
  12. Read Step 2 in the Betterphoto Basics book.
  13. Watch the video about Exposure (the link to all video lectures is near the top of this page). This is one of the most important videos!
  14. Watch the video on Camera Controls 1 on compact cameras, if that is what kind of camera you have.
    or
    Watch the video on Camera Controls 2 on DSLR cameras, if that is what type of camera you have.
  15. For the next 3 videos, you can follow along with your own files if you want. You will use the techniques to turn in your first assignment.

    1. Watch the video on Importing with Adobe Bridge. Bridge is used with Photoshop to view and process multiple files.
    2. Watch the video on Importing and Exporting files with Lightroom.
    3. Watch the video on Web Gallery Export with Lightroom.

      Important Note:
      You may be wondering why we are talking about importing with both Photoshop/Bridge and Lightroom?
      Photoshop/Bridge and Lightroom are required for the course. Photoshop, Bridge and Lightroom come with either the full Creative Cloud Complete plan or the Creative Cloud Photography plan. 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.
  16. Assignment 1 - First Shots - Practice Assignment:
    • Go outside and shoot portraits of one person
    • Make sure to shoot original images for each assignment. Do NOT use older images that you shot before the class.
    • Try out manual controls if you have them, and if you know how to use them. Don't worry if you don't. We will go over them later.
    • Try some images posed and some candid
    • Try some images with the subject looking into the camera, and some not
    • Try some close-ups and some wider, full length shots
    • Try some with flash and without flash
    • See example 1 here
    • See example 2 here
    • Shoot at least 30 images
    • The examples have 30 images or so. You will only turn in 10.
    • Download with Lightroom(watch the video tutorials above)
    • Pick your 10 best images
    • Make sure you have watched the 2 videos on Importing/Exporting and Creating Web Galleries with Adobe Lightroom, and create a web gallery with your 10 images only using the same procedure. Please use one of the templates under the section "Classic Gallery Templates" for your gallery. Make sure to include all the whole folder that Lightroom makes, which has all the files inside, not just one file. If you don't include all the files, the website that Lightroom makes will not work on my end.
    • After creating your files:
      To turn in assignments with multiple files or folders, it works best if you put all files in a folder and zip the folder. It is important to name your folder correctly BEFORE you zip it to send, so I know who's folder it is. Please name you folder like this firstname_lastname_assignX where X is the assignment number. To zip a folder on a PC, create the folder with your name on it and put the files needed in it, then right click, select "send to," and finally "compresses (zipped) folder." On a mac, control click or right click on the folder and select compress. Name the folder before compressing it, so I can see whose it is when it is uncompressed.
    • Drop your zipped file in the Assignment 1 drop box in Canvas. Check the calendar for due dates.
  17. Please take this student survey first this week. It helps us in scheduling classes, funding, etc. If you have already filled it out this semester in another class, you don't need to do it again. Thanks.
    1. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GDES2
  18. Watch the video on Exposure Modes(Youtube video)
  19. Watch the video on Exposure Compensation(Youtube video)
  20. Watch the video on Renaming Files and Image Processing in Bridge and Photoshop
    • NOTE: The Image Processor in the video can now be found in Photoshop by going to the File Menu, and then scripts. It is no longer available in Bridge as of Spr 18.
      The export dialog in Lightroom is under the file menu.
  21. Watch the Joel Meyerowitz video on street photography
    • The video quality is not great, but it's a nice intro to street photography
  22. Assignment: Take Quiz 1 in Canvas which covers the reading and videos covered so far

  23. Assignment 2 - Location Scout - Main Assignment:
    Act as a location scout for a movie and document 1 indoor scene and 1 outdoor scene with 5 quality images each. So, you should be showing 2 different locations. Don't worry about people yet. Pay close attention to framing, composition and exposure. Change your perspective. You can turn around, get low, point up or down, etc. Make sure you get 10 images that you like. Always make sure to shoot new, original images for each assignment. Please do not turn in old images that may fit the assignment. Make sure to look at the examples. Download examples here.
    Make sure to shoot original images for each assignment. Do NOT use older images that you shot before the class.

    • Think about the camera settings for each shot(if your camera has manual controls).
      • f-stop(aperture)
      • shutter speed
      • ISO
      • shooting mode(manual, aperture priority, etc.)
      • general focal length(wide angle, normal or telephoto)
      • These terms are in your reading and on the terms page.
    • Experiment with the controls you do have on your camera.
    • Experiment with different angles, focal lengths, f-stops(If possible) and shutter speeds(If possible).
    • Make sure to shoot at least 1 image using each of the following settings(if your camera allows it).
      Check out pages 38 and 147-157 of the Betterphoto Basics book(if you are using the kindle version, look for aperture priority in Step 1 and Step 5), and the terms page for a description of some of these exposure modes.
      • aperture priority
      • shutter priority
      • manual exposure
      • manual focus
    • To Turn in:
    • Do not do a web gallery for this assignment. You will just turn in separate files. (See details below)
    • Resize your images to a maximum dimension of 800 pixels wide or 800 pixels high(watch the video Image Processing and Renaming Files with Bridge and Photoshop) and save them as jpegs with a quality setting of 7.
      • If you don't resize to this size, Canvas might not upload the file.
      • NOTE: The Image Processor can now be found in Photoshop by going to the File Menu, and then scripts. It is no longer available in Bridge as of Spr 18.
        The export dialog in Lightroom is under the file menu.
      • You could also import into Lightroom instead of Bridge, and export from Lightroom, following the procedures in the video Importing and Exporting files with Lightroom. Use the same 800x800 pixel size from above in the export window, but use quality 70 instead of 7(The Lightroom quality slider goes to 100!)
    • Make sure your images are named like this:
      firstname_lastname_assign2_datecreated_imagenumber.jpg
      • Watch the video on image processing to rename files quickly
      • Use your own name and date of course.
      • Make sure your name is on each image.
    • Put your 10 images only in a folder named firstname_lastname_assign2(use your name), zip the folder and drop them into the Canvas drop box for the assignment.
      • To turn in assignments with multiple files or folders, it works best if you put all files in a folder and zip the folder. It is important to name your folder correctly BEFORE you zip it to send, so I know who's folder it is. Please name you folder like this firstname_lastname_assignX where X is the assignment number. Then when you zip the folder, I will know it is yours. To zip the folder: To zip a folder on a PC, create the folder with your name on it like this firstname_lastname_assignX and put the files needed in it, then right click, select "send to," and finally "compresses (zipped) folder". On a mac, control click or right click on the folder and select compress. Remember to name the folder before compressing it, so I can see who's it is when it is uncompressed.
    • Post your favorite indoor shot and your favorite outdoor shot to your flickr account and add them to the group page:

June 18 - Week 2 - Instructions:

  1. Make sure to take the student survey, if you haven't already. It helps us in scheduling classes.
    1. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GDES2
  2. Read Step 5 in the Betterphoto Basics book.
  3. Review the terms page
  4. Watch the video on What Makes a Good Photo
  5. Watch the video on Introduction to Adobe Bridge
  6. 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.
  7. Read the files on thinking about photos and the file on critique procedure.
  8. 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. To Turn in:
    1. Resize your images to a maximum dimension of 800 pixels wide or 800 pixels high using the image processing and save them as jpegs with a quality setting of 7. You can also export at that size from Lightroom with a quality of 70.
      • If you don't resize to this size, Canvas might not upload the file.
      • NOTE: The Image Processor can now be found in Photoshop by going to the File Menu, and then scripts. It is no longer available in Bridge as of Spr 18.
        The export dialog in Lightroom is under the file menu.
      • Again, you could also import into Lightroom instead of Bridge, and export from Lightroom, following the procedures in the video Importing and Exporting files with Lightroom. Use the same 800x800 pixel size from above in the export window, but use quality 70 instead of 7
    2. Make sure your images are named like this:
      photographersfirstname_photographerslastname
      _assign3_datecreated_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
    3. Upload your 5 images only to the dropbox for the assignment. Do not zip the files this this time, so other students can see later. Upload the images as 5 separate files with your submission.
  9. Make sure you have read Steps 2 and 5 in the Betterphoto Basics book.
  10. Adobe Lightroom was split into 2 version around October 2017.
    Watch this video on Lightroom CC or Lightroom Classic CC - Which Workflow is Best for You?

    (We will be using the Lightroom Classic Version)
  11. Watch the video on Introduction to Lightroom(formerly Lightroom CC and now Lightroom Classic)
    The video is a little long, but it covers some ways to organize your images which you could use in the class.
    Important Notes:
    Adobe Lightroom was split into 2 version around October 2017.
    The video covers the version previous to the split, when there was only 1 version(Lightroom CC). It would be most similar to what Adobe is now calling Lightroom Classic CC. 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 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. You can see a comparison of the 2 versions here. There is also an interesting article here about possible Lightroom replacements.
  12. Check out this video from Adobe with more on organizing your images in Lightroom CC (Duration 6:02). You can use either Bridge or Lightroom to organize your images for the class. If you are using Lightroom to organize your images, you could use some of the techniques to organize your assignment images.
    There are more tutorials from Adobe for Lightroom here.
  13. Important! Watch the video about depth of field
  14. Important! Watch the video about focal length
  15. Assignment: Peer Review of Assignment 3
    Review some images posted by other students for Assignment 3. You should see a notification in your Dashboard To Do sidebar. Talk about why you like or don't like the images of a certain photographer, or why you think the images are interesting or significant.
  16. Important! Watch the Shutter Speed/Depth of Field Assignment Intro video
  17. Assignment 4 - Main Assignment - Shutter speed and depth of field:
    Shoot photos of 2 different scenes exploring the effect of shutter speed and changes in depth of field.

    • Make sure to watch the intro video for the assignment.
    • Also, make sure to shoot original images for each assignment. Do NOT use older images that you shot before the class.
    • Look at examples here.
    • Scene 1:
      Shoot images with different shutter speeds. You should have images with a slow shutter speed, like 1/15 second, and a fast shutter speed, like 1/500 second.
      • These 5 images can be of the same scene, or even the same exact composition, just with different shutter speed settings.
      • Set your camera to Shutter Priority mode if it has that setting.
      • The aperture will change to compensate for faster or slower shutter speeds.
      • This part of the exercise will work best on subjects that are moving.
    • Scene 2:
      Shoot images with different apertures. You should have some images where you used a small aperture, and some with a large aperture.
      • These 5 images can be of the same scene or composition, with different depths of field evident in the shots.
      • Set your camera to Aperture Priority if it has that setting.
      • The shutter speed will change to compensate for smaller or larger apertures.
      • This part of the exercise will work best on scenes with objects in the foreground and background.
    • If you do not have direct control of shutter speed and aperture, like on a point and shoot, try to use the controls you do have, like scenes, or factors like the distance to your subject to change the depth of field. Some scenes, like sports for example, might use a faster shutter speed. You will need to experiment. Use your manual to figure out the effect of different scene settings.

    Turn in exactly 5 images that show different shutter speeds and exactly 5 images that show different depth of field.
    Please shoot new images for all assignments. Do not turn in old images you have taken previously.

    • To Turn in:
    • Resize your images to a maximum dimension of 800 pixels wide or 800 pixels high(watch the video on image processing) and save them as jpegs with a quality setting of 7. You can also export at that size from Lightroom with a quality of 70.
    • Make sure your images are named like this:
      firstname_lastname_assign4_datecreated_imagenumber.jpg
      • Watch the video on image processing to rename files quickly
      • Use your own name and date of course.
    • Put your 10 images only in a folder named firstname_lastname_assign4(use your name), zip the folder and drop them into the Canvas drop box for the assignment. It is important to name your folder correctly BEFORE you zip it to send, so I know who's folder it is.
    • Check the calendar for Due dates.
  18. Read Step 4 in the Betterphoto Basics book.
  19. Watch the video about scanning
  20. Watch the video on white balance
  21. Here are more camera specific white balance instructions
  22. Watch the Garry Winogrand video
  23. Assignment: Take Quiz 2 in Canvas which covers the reading and videos
  24. Assignment 5 - Main Assignment - Object photos:
    Photograph 1 object in many different ways. Examples for objects would be a chair or guitar. It can be any object, but not a person or animal. Be as creative as you can. You can move the object, change the lighting, etc. Try to create some abstract images, where the actual object is not recognizable. Think about all the options you have with 1 main subject only. Please do not shoot images of many different objects. Shoot at least 40 images total. Select your 20 best, then select your 5 best images. They can be manipulated or straight. See Examples Here.

    For help, consider the following list of characteristics of images:

    • Composition
    • Framing
    • Focus/depth of field
    • Light
    • Contrast
    • Color
    • Point of emphasis
    • Line
    • Shape
    • Texture
    • Balance
    • Point of view
    • Motion
    • Perspective

    To turn in

    • Resize your 20 best images to a maximum dimension of 700 pixels wide or 700 pixels high(watch the video on image processing) and save them as jpegs with a quality setting of 6. You can also export at that size from Lightroom with a quality of 60.
    • Using the same techniques as used previously, make sure your images are named like this:
      firstname_lastname_assign5_datecreated_imagenumber.jpg
    • Turn in as a folder of 20 files, with your 5 selects(best of the best) in an inside folder.
    • Zip the folder and put the file in the drop box in Canvas.
    • If you have an Instagram account, try to post post 1 of your images there, and tag it with #photographyatmission. To do this, you can email the image you have chosen to yourself, and post from your phone. There are other methods, but this may be the simplest.
    • Post your 5 selects to your flickr account and add them to the group page:


June 25 - Week 3 - Instructions:

  1. Make sure you have read Step 4 in the Betterphoto Basics book.
  2. Write a post about something interesting you learned from Step 4 in the Betterphoto Basics book in the discussion forum, which is in this week's module. The discussion forum is called "Post on Step 4 here". Also, comment on at least one other person's post.
  3. Watch the video on Visual Weight/Point of Emphasis
  4. Watch the video on Introduction to Camera Raw
  5. Assignment 6: Go through Chapter 1 of the Adobe Photoshop CC Book for Digital Photographers - 2017 Version - by Scott Kelby (The Kelby Book from now on).
    Follow the procedures under the section Putting It All Together on pages 26-27 of the book
    . Save the edited file as a jpeg and drop it into the Assignment 6 folder. The original starting file can be found here: http://kelbyone.com/books/cc17/ under Chapter 1 – Raw and Un-Kutt
    If you are using a digital version of the book, the page number might be different. Look for the exercise with this image(minus the text and blur).
    Ch. 6 Image
  6. Read the Portrait Ideas section of Step 3 in the Betterphoto Basics book.
  7. Assignment: Go through Chapter 2 of the Adobe Photoshop CC Book for Digital Photographers by Scott Kelby. I will not collect these finished files, but you do need to know the material. You can download all files for the Kelby Book here.
  8. Assignment 7: Watch the video on Processing a scanned image. 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.
  9. Assignment: Take the Midpoint Survey in the weekly folder
  10. Watch this video on online photo editing with pixlr.com - This is a video on Youtube
  11. Watch the video The Effect of Focal Length on Portraits - Youtube video. It can help with Assignment 8 below.
  12. Watch the video Bounce for Portrait Lighting - Youtube video on using reflectors. You must use bounced light for Assignment 8 below.
  13. For more tips, watch these additional videos on shooting portraits with bounce. These techniques will also help with the portrait assignment below.
    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)
  14. Watch this videos on shooting portraits with on camera flash.
    1. Using fill flash(Youtube video)
  15. Make sure you have read tips for photographing people with natural light located here. and More Tips for Portraits located here. They will help with the portrait assignment.
  16. 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.
  17. Assignment: Take Quiz 3 in Canvas which covers the reading and videos
  18. Assignment 8 - Main Assignment - Portraits:
    Do 2 outdoor portrait series' of 2 different people.
    Read the Portrait Ideas section of Step 3 in the Betterphoto Basics book, and the tip sheets from this week listed above, for more tips on photographing people.

    Requirements:
    Shoot at least some of your images using a reflector of some kind to bounce the light as in the bounce videos above.

    • Try out some of the techniques in this video.
    • Try to position the bounce or diffusuer higher that the subjects head, instead of below.
    • The underlighting position(where the board use under the subject) is probably less useful.
    • You probably could use a third person to hold the bounce/diffuser.

    Series 1:

    One series will be of someone you know. The images can be posed or candid.

    Series 2:

    The second series is of someone you don't know very well or at all. A friend of a friend or acquaintance would work well, or approach someone who looks interesting to you and ask to take their photograph. It could be at an event, a park, on the street, etc. You can tell tell them it's for a school assignment, which can help if they are suspicious of your motives. You can have them look at the camera, or you can capture the person as they are performing an activity or interacting with others. Part of the challenge here for you is working with and talking to someone you don't know very well. Try to fill the frame with relevant information, not a lot of irrelevant background.

    For both series, try to portray the subject's character. Shoot at least 20 images of each person, probably more if possible. Lighting can can be natural or artificial, but try to use the ambient(existing) light as much as possible. You can use flash if necessary to supplement the existing light(fill flash). GET CLOSE for at least some images. Use some of the techniques from the videos above on using bounce light.
    Required:
    Shoot at least some of your images using a reflector of some kind to bounce the light as in the bounce videos above. You can use a reflector like this from Amazon, or it can just be a piece of white foam core board from someplace like Michaels. To show you used it, include an extra photo of the board in use during your shoot. This would be your 11th image.

    Download examples from the portrait assignment here.

    To Turn in(Please read carefully):

    • Pick the 5 best images from each session, 10 images total and resize your images to a maximum dimension of 1000 pixels wide or 1000 pixels high(watch the videos on image processing and importing/exporting in Lightroom.)
    • Save them as jpegs with a quality setting of 7 for the image processor in Photoshop, or 70 in Lightoom.
    • Make sure your images are named like this:
      firstname_lastname_portrait_assignment_datecreated_imagenumber.jpg
    • Make sure your name is on each image.
    • Put only your 10 best images in a folder, zip the folder and drop them into the drop box for the assignment.

July 2 - Week 4 - Instructions:

  1. Read the rest of of Step 3 in the Betterphoto Basics book.
  2. Work through the exercises in Chapter 3 in the Kelby Book. I will not collect the finished files, but you do need to know the material.
  3. Make sure you watched this video on using flash to fill shadows(fill flash)
    1. http://youtu.be/-9_D_rDcWQ4
  4. Watch the video on selecting Follow along with the video using the files located here.
  5. Read the web page on History of compositing
  6. Assignment 9: Watch the video on creating Frankenfaces. Create your own Frankenface by photographing 2 people 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.
    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 1000 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 resample 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. Post your jpeg image to your flickr account and add it to the group page:
    8. Have Fun!
  7. Make sure to take the student survey, if you haven't already. It helps us in scheduling classes.
    1. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GDES2
  8. Work through the exercises in Chapter 7 in the Kelby Book. It covers layers, selections and compositing. It will help with Assignment 12.
  9. Watch the video on refining selections(with the bear).
    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.
    1. You can also watch the Adobe.tv video on refining edges
  10. Watch the video on compositing with shadows(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.
  11. Assignment 10:
    After you are done with your images from the 2 videos above, turn in your finished .PSD file from 1 of the videos. You only need to turn in one of the 2 finished files from the videos. You do not need to resize images before turning them in. Drop 1 PSD file with layers into the Assignment 10 drop box in Canvas. You can turn in either one this time. Freedom!
  12. Write a post about something interesting you learned from Step 3 in the Betterphoto Basics book, and post it in the discussion forum called "Post on Step 3 here" in the weekly module in Canvas. Also, comment on at least one other person's post.
  13. Take a look at Ch. 8 in the Kelby Book on HDR.
  14. Watch the video on Shooting and Processing HDR Images(Youtube video). It will help with Assignment 11.
  15. Assignment 11 - Main Assignment - HDR:
    Shoot bracketed images of 2 high contrast scenes and create HDR images from them using Photomatix and/or Photoshop, or even a newer app, Aurora HDR(not in the video and mac only). Photomatix and Aurora HDR offer student discounts.

    You will make 2 versions of each scene.
    Make 1 realistic version of each scene and 1 painterly/hyper-real version of each for a total of 4 final images. (2 x 2=4, if I remember right ;)
    Download HDR assignment examples here.
    Check the calendar for due dates.

    • To Turn in:
    • Turn in your 4 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 1000 pixels wide or 1000 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.
  16. Watch the video on Retouching tools(Youtube video). It can help with Assignment 12.
  17. Optional. Watch the video on Blending Modes and Blend if Sliders. It can help with Assignment 12. Follow along with the video using the files located here.
  18. Assignment 12 - Main Assignment - Compositing:
    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. Do not use old photos or found images.
    • Post your 2 final images to your flickr account and add them to the group page:
  19. Assignment: Take Quiz 4 in Canvas which covers the reading and videos

July 9 and July 16 - Weeks 5 and 6 - Instructions:

  1. Read Step 6 in the Betterphoto Basics book.
  2. Optional: Watch the video on color correction. 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.

    You do not have to turn these files in, but you should know the material.
  3. 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 (Youtube video).
    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 13..
  5. Work through the exercises in Chapter 5 in the Kelby Book covering converting to black and white(pages 126-132 of the printed version). It covers converting images to black and white and toning. The files can be found on the book website(http://kelbyone.com/books/cc17/). I will not collect the finished files, but you do need to know the material for the next assignment.
    Update:
    The Convert to Grayscale button has been removed from the HSL panel in Camera Raw, so some of the workflow is not applicable from the Kelby Book section on converting to black and white if you are using the newest version of Photoshop/Adobe Camera Raw. A new 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. Balck and white is discussed at about 5:30 into the video. Thanks to Andrew for finding this :)
  6. Assignment 13: 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. After going through pages 126-132 in Chapter 5 in the Kelby book, Chapter 4 on lens corrections, and watching the lens correction video, use the techniques on a color image of your own and then convert it to black and white or tone it. Save the before and after versions as JPEGs with a maximum dimension of 800 pixels wide or 800 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.
  7. Start Final Project Assignment 17:
    Do a series of photos on the subject of your choice with 10 quality images. Each image should able to stand on its own, as well as work as a group with the other images. Download assignment examples here. Check the calendar for due dates.
    • Examples:
    • Tell a story with images
    • Document someones life or an event
    • Create a series of landscapes with a common theme or style
    • To Turn in:
    • Resize your 10 images to a maximum dimension of 800 pixels wide or 800 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 only your 10 images in a folder, zip the folder and drop them into the drop box for the assignment, which will be posted next week in the weekly module.
    • Post your 10 Final Project images to the flickr group and tag with gdes73finalproject
  8. Take a look at Chapter 9 of the the Kelby Book. It covers correcting for common problems.
  9. Watch War Photographer - James Nachtwey
  10. Watch the video on shooting and processing panoramas.
  11. Read the section in the Kelby book on "Stitching Panoramas Right in Camera Raw" on pages 112-115 of the printed book.
  12. Assignment 14: After watching the video on Panoramas. Create your own panorama by using the procedure in the video. After you are done creating the image, resize to 1500 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.
  13. Watch this video on shooting with studio strobes and classic lighting styles
    1. Portrait Lighting for Photography and Video!
  14. Finish Final Project Assignment 17:
    Do a series of photos on the subject of your choice with 10 quality images. Each image should able to stand on its own, as well as work as a group with the other images. Download assignment examples here. Check the calendar for due dates.
    • Examples:
    • Tell a story with images
    • Document someones life or an event
    • Create a series of landscapes with a common theme or style
    • To Turn in:
    • Resize your 10 images to a maximum dimension of 800 pixels wide or 800 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 only your 10 images in a folder, zip the folder and drop them into the drop box for the assignment, which will be posted next week in the weekly module.
    • Post your 10 Final Project images to the flickr group and tag with gdes73finalproject
  15. Watch the video on Retouching (the files used in the video are here)
  16. Check out the page on Landscape Photography Tips and watch the video on Landscape Photography Tips
  17. Assignment 15 - Extra Credit: You have 2 options for this assignment
    1. Shoot 2 new, close-up portraits, and retouch them using the techniques in this weeks video or previous videos. Do not use the files from the video. You can also read Chapters 9 and 10 of the the Kelby Book for tips on retouching portraits. They have tips related to retouching portraits.
      To turn in, resize your images to a maximum dimension of 1000 pixels wide or 1000 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. Shoot and edit 1-3 landscape images. You can see tips and videos on Landscape Photography here, as well as on pages 90-91 of the Betterphoto book. The videos are on different aspects of Landscape Photography, so pick one or more that interests you.
      To turn in, resize your images to a maximum dimension of 1000 pixels wide or 1000 pixels high and save as jpegs with a quality of 8.
    3. For either option, post your single best image to the flickr group at
      https://www.flickr.com/groups/gds73_online_summer18/
  18. Assignment 16: 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 final projects are located here. I will post the projects to review for the critique. Critique the persons submission who is in the folder below yours. If you are at the bottom of the list, do the person's at the top. Fill out the form following the instructions on it, and drop it into the drop box in Canvas. I will also post the critique files after the due date, so you can see the critique of your image.
  19. Check out the final exam info below.
  20. Take the class exit survey in the weekly module for more extra credit.
  21. Any late assignments must be turned in by July 20.
  22. Take a look at our Degrees and Certificates under the Programs link on the GDES Website. We have classes on Dreamweaver, 3D, Photoshop, video, motion graphics and more.
  23. Make sure to like our facebook page at:
    http://www.facebook.com/missioncollegedesign. I may post some of your images there!
  24. Follow us on Instagram at:
    https://www.instagram.com/designatmission/
  25. We are on Twitter too. https://twitter.com/designatmission
  26. Make sure to review this page on terms here before the final exam:
    gdes_073_terms.htm
  27. Take the Final Exam (see below).
  28. Thanks for taking the class, and I hope you enjoyed it.
  29. The Final Exam

    • The Final Exam will be taken in Canvas at 9pm Thursday, July 19. Let me know if you cannot take it at that time.
    • The password is in the test instructions at the top.
    • 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.
    • Also make sure to review this page on terms here:
      gdes_073_terms.htm
    • Login to Canvas at 9PM 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.