Figure Photo Shoot

This next photo shoot is to be done outside of class as homework. Like the first two photo shoots, it should not take long and frankly should not seem like homework as much as it should be enjoyable to do. If you do not have a camera, obviously, you will need to borrow mine. Make arrangements with me to do this outside class time, during the school day (or immediately before or after school). Do not wait until Wednesday!!!! You should have your pictures completed by Tuesday, (Oct. 11), when you come to class. Failure to do so will result in a 25% grade reduction of the final score.

Background: Photographing a person, or group of people is something everyone in this class has done one time or another in their life. But what is it that makes a great photo? Frankly, a lot of practice and a whole lot more photo shots then you probably care to do. As you may already know, the people who photograph the Sports Illustrative- swim-suit girls- literally take thousands of shots… and narrow them down those shots to just one image. A subtle bend in the arm or tilt in the head may cause the composition to be “just right”. These subtle things are sometimes not noticed as you look in the camera. The artist may be too occupied on compositional balance and contrast to be noticing. This is why they take a lot of shots.

I would like you to shoot a roll of 36 shots of one figure (or a couple). I want all 36 shots to be of the same person (or persons). Experiment with various angle shots and lighting.

Specific directions:

 If you have a camera that has manual capabilities, use it. Manipulate the shutter speed (1000, 500, 250) and adjust your armature according to the lighting conditions.

 Be sure to focus

 Look closely at your figure(s)

 Zoom in

 No snap shots… (really think about the composition… expression of the figures…etc.)!!!!

 Use extreme angles

 Try to capture the personality of the person… or their mood. Don’t try to create it, rather freeze a glimpse of what it was at the moment…. create personality through angles, lighting and cropping

 Create a contact sheet in grayscale and adjust the levels…. and choose one final image. (Do not crop the final photo)

 A print of the contact sheet and the final photo (in grayscale) are required for this assignment

Your image will be graded against the following criteria:

 Final print’s compositional strength (following the rules)……………………… {5 points}

 The creation of a contact sheet and a final print……………………………………. {5 points}  Project completed on time (due Tuesday … Oct 11)………………………..…….. {5 points}

 Use of contrast (strong use of lights and dark tones, including a wide range of gray tones) ……………………………………………………………………. {5 points}

 Creativity (uniqueness as well a personality captured) …………………………. {5 points}

(See back for examples)