Friday, April 29, 2011
Editing
While I DO NOT approve of over-editing, there is always a use for editing software such as Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, iPhoto or any other software. When you are looking at your photos before turning them in, feel welcome to use these for some simple editing, especially cropping and maybe adding brightness or darkness. Those things are the most difficult to manage with a camera, especially when you don't know how to control all of your settings. This can help take away small distractions so that when someone looks at your photo, all they see is what you wanted them to see. Please DO NOT turn in photos with heavy photoshopping and filters. If you took a photo with the intention that it should be black and white, that is acceptable.
Two days!
There are only 2 days left and I've had NO new submissions! Get on it people! info@pbkpix.com
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Critique instructions
I have already posted two images from the assignment. The way I would like critiques to go is as follows:
Step 1: Indicate which images you are referring to by using their number. This way we don't have to try to figure out which is the one you are talking about.
Step 2: Give your critique with at least one positive note about the image as well as an overall impression. Negative comments are welcome too, as long as they are constructive (such as "the image is too dark" or "the main subject is out of focus").
Step 3: Submit your comment! Make sure you comment on as many images as you can. I would prefer that everyone comments on every submission, including their own. This way each person can get as much feedback as possible.
Happy commenting!
Step 1: Indicate which images you are referring to by using their number. This way we don't have to try to figure out which is the one you are talking about.
Step 2: Give your critique with at least one positive note about the image as well as an overall impression. Negative comments are welcome too, as long as they are constructive (such as "the image is too dark" or "the main subject is out of focus").
Step 3: Submit your comment! Make sure you comment on as many images as you can. I would prefer that everyone comments on every submission, including their own. This way each person can get as much feedback as possible.
Happy commenting!
Assignment 1 Submissions
1.
To get everyone started, I'm going to post my two pictures. Generally, I won't say which ones are posted by which person so that nobody feels that they should or shouldn't critique individual images. This way I can also show you the format I am going to use.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Halfway
It's the halfway mark between when our first assignment was given and when it is due! Don't forget to send in your pictures! I am happy to start posting images as soon as they come in!
Friday, April 22, 2011
Reminder
Don't forget! Your first assignment is due MAY 1 by 12 noon!!! Please email all images to me at info@pbkpix.com before that time! I want to be able to post them so that everyone can comment. I will also post the new assignment on or around that time.
New Blog
I created this off-shoot blog to allow the posting of our assignments without them getting caught-up within my main photo blog. I will link this page from the other, so it will be easy enough to find, however it will be just for these photo assignments. I will also post teaching tools and information on this blog rather than the main one. Happy Photographing!
Photo Assignment 1
I have had some interest in my Photo Assignment idea. What I think would work best is for us to start and, as we get started, everyone can share the link and photos with others. Hopefully this will grow!
The Assignment:
(1) Take some pictures based on the theme. Everyone will choose their top one or two favorite pictures and email them to me. I will then upload them (so that others don't know who submitted each photo).
Photos MUST BE taken within the assignment time period. No pictures that had been taken a month ago that you love and think would go well with the assignment. This can't be a learning experience if you aren't directly participating in this way.
(2) Once the photos have been uploaded, each person will need to provide one critique on a photo. I will provide a better description on how to critique photos.
(3) After each assignment, everyone can look at the site and see what was said about his/her photos and hopefully will be able to take a lot from this. The next assignment will be posted shortly after and we will start over so that everyone can work on the places where they were critiqued.
Our First Topic:
"A Few of my Favorite Things" DUE: May 1st no later than 12:00pm (noon)
I thought I would start off with something relatively easy. Instead of assigning a certain subject matter, I want everyone to just go out and take pictures of some of your favorite things! This is limitless (and we won't even know if this is really one of your favorite things anyway). Remember to keep in mind any pointers I may post up here when you are taking pictures. I plan to make a small post after this one with a few tips and pointers.
Email photos to info@pbkpix.com
The Assignment:
(1) Take some pictures based on the theme. Everyone will choose their top one or two favorite pictures and email them to me. I will then upload them (so that others don't know who submitted each photo).
Photos MUST BE taken within the assignment time period. No pictures that had been taken a month ago that you love and think would go well with the assignment. This can't be a learning experience if you aren't directly participating in this way.
(2) Once the photos have been uploaded, each person will need to provide one critique on a photo. I will provide a better description on how to critique photos.
(3) After each assignment, everyone can look at the site and see what was said about his/her photos and hopefully will be able to take a lot from this. The next assignment will be posted shortly after and we will start over so that everyone can work on the places where they were critiqued.
Our First Topic:
"A Few of my Favorite Things" DUE: May 1st no later than 12:00pm (noon)
I thought I would start off with something relatively easy. Instead of assigning a certain subject matter, I want everyone to just go out and take pictures of some of your favorite things! This is limitless (and we won't even know if this is really one of your favorite things anyway). Remember to keep in mind any pointers I may post up here when you are taking pictures. I plan to make a small post after this one with a few tips and pointers.
Email photos to info@pbkpix.com
How to Critique
Here is a brief(ish) description of critiquing, and a few steps you should go through and questions to answer when critiquing.
First off, a critique is different than a criticism. When you critique anything (usually a term used for talking about art) you will describe what you do and don't like about an image using specific points to back up your thoughts. For example: "I don't like the way her hat sits" is not a critique, but "Her hat is casting a shadow over her eyes, which makes them difficult to see" is a critique. Sometimes you can add on a suggestion such as "Next time, have her tilt her head up a little more to let light into her eyes." There should never be a time that you simply say "I don't like this picture." There are always positives and negatives in a critique.
Here are a few points/questions that should be covered in a critique. Others are always acceptable, but this is a general listing.
(1) What is your favorite thing about this image?
(2) What is your least favorite thing about this image.
(3) Using specific techniques, what would you do to change the image? This cannot include "I would have taken a better picture," and also cannot be something like "I would have made them change their clothes." The first is not a critique and the second is most likely something that the photographer couldn't help (most clients have an idea what they want to wear and don't ask for feedback).
(4) What technique did you notice that the photographer used? For example, did they use a fill-flash, the rule of thirds, negative space or depth of field in a way that enhanced the image?
(5) Finally, try to critique as many images as you can. The more feedback a person gets, the better they can be the next time. Also, don't be afraid to critique your own image. You don't have to say it is yours, just treat it with outside eyes. That way the photos stay anonymous, but once the photo is put up alongside others, it is much easier to look at with unbiased eyes.
Happy critiquing!!!
First off, a critique is different than a criticism. When you critique anything (usually a term used for talking about art) you will describe what you do and don't like about an image using specific points to back up your thoughts. For example: "I don't like the way her hat sits" is not a critique, but "Her hat is casting a shadow over her eyes, which makes them difficult to see" is a critique. Sometimes you can add on a suggestion such as "Next time, have her tilt her head up a little more to let light into her eyes." There should never be a time that you simply say "I don't like this picture." There are always positives and negatives in a critique.
Here are a few points/questions that should be covered in a critique. Others are always acceptable, but this is a general listing.
(1) What is your favorite thing about this image?
(2) What is your least favorite thing about this image.
(3) Using specific techniques, what would you do to change the image? This cannot include "I would have taken a better picture," and also cannot be something like "I would have made them change their clothes." The first is not a critique and the second is most likely something that the photographer couldn't help (most clients have an idea what they want to wear and don't ask for feedback).
(4) What technique did you notice that the photographer used? For example, did they use a fill-flash, the rule of thirds, negative space or depth of field in a way that enhanced the image?
(5) Finally, try to critique as many images as you can. The more feedback a person gets, the better they can be the next time. Also, don't be afraid to critique your own image. You don't have to say it is yours, just treat it with outside eyes. That way the photos stay anonymous, but once the photo is put up alongside others, it is much easier to look at with unbiased eyes.
Happy critiquing!!!
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