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Portrait Assignment “You Can’t Judge a Book By Its Cover”
Objectives: - to learn how to use interview skills and work with a
model/subject
- to practice using a variety of camera angles
- to learn how to use symbolism and lighting to effectively portray
the personality, character, cultural background, talents and
interests of an individual
- to apply art elements and design principles (eg. value, texture,
pattern, balance, space, shape, juxtaposition and contrast) to
create a unified interesting composition with a clear focal point
- to learn how to effectively set up a studio shot with props,
lighting etc
- to learn the potential of a variety of lighting styles.
- to learn how to create a narrative composition in photography
- to practice using Photoshop to create a collage
- to learn how to employ special effect filters in Photoshop
Assignment:
Part 1 Interview
Inspired by the Toronto Library system which has human books, choose a
model/subject in the same way you might select a book from the library.
This person can be a class mate or EVEN BETTER, friend or relative, neighbor
or family member. Seniors are particularly good choices. Read and learn about
that person by asking your subject questions about something that
interests you. Inspired by Annie Liebovitz, ask “What makes this person special
or unique?” It could be about where they are from (using the book like a
geography book). You might ask them about their family history or experiences
raising a family (biography or parenting book). You might ask them about their
cultural background (travel book) or their experiences immigrating to a new
culture. You might also question them about their unique knowledge about
something. This might be related to their work or a hobby eg. How to knit a pair
of mitts. In this case, your subject will become similar to a “how to book” or a
reference book. Your final photographic images will tell a story about your
subject. Determine what kind of story you want to tell about your subject.
Part 2 Photo Shoot
By referring to the dramatic lighting style of Yousef Karsh, and the
environmental portraits of Arnold Newman, photograph
a) a close up of your model or his/her props
b) the entire figure of the model including the background context
c) a portrait of your model’s face employing in a particular lighting style
eg. butterfly, short, broad lighting, Rembrandt, rim (lighting can be set up with
spot lights or lamps at home.
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Part 3 Creative Narrative Collage
Using the selection tools, copy/paste and layers, create a collage based on your
three images which tells the story of your human book. Use opacity and
Photoshop tools and applications to create an area of emphasis and secondary
areas of interest. You may also download COPYRIGHT FREE images of
maps for your background etc but keep track of all reference sites.
Step 1 Brainstorming & Interview Questions
Due:_Nov14____
Find a subject. Brainstorm aspects of your subject’s story ie their
biography, talents, athletic pursuits, interests or cultural background
which you find interesting. Compose a minimum of 10 interview
questions.
Step 2 Interview & Descriptive Paragraph
Due: _Nov 16
Interview your model. Later you will summarize this interview in a
descriptive paragraph.
Step 3. Planning
Due: _Nov 14-16
Plan your photo shoot. After consulting with your subject, decide which
props, etc you could use to tell the story of how your model is a unique,
special individual. If you do not have your own digital camera you will be
photographing your model in the classroom. You will be creating a
photographic shooting environment using not only your props, but also
spot lights and camera angle to create a dramatic emotionally moving
image.
Step 4 Thumbnail Sketches
Due: _Nov 17
Create a series of 10 thumbnail planning sketches of how you plan to
set up your props, spot lights and well as how you plan to position your
model and camera angle to create an effective composition.
Step 5 Photo Shoot
Due: Nov 17,21,22
Shooting Day On shooting day you and your model should bring props
etc to school. Set up your lighting spot lights so that they
dramatically create “modeling” and an effective mood in a lighting
style. Set up your shots and shoot a variety of photos from full body
shots, head and shoulder shots and close up shots using effective
camera angles. Your close up shots do not have to be of the model,
they can be of the model’s props but they should relate to your
model’s identity and the story you want to tell about your subject.. For
eg. you might photograph a musician’s hands playing his/her musical
instrument or an athlete holding a soccer ball.
Step 6 Contact Sheet & Editing
Due:____Nov 23_
Create a digital contact sheet. Edit and crop your shots in Photoshop.
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Step 7 Oral Critique 3 Photos
Due: _Nov 24
Oral critique. Present your final 3 prints to the class. a) one full body or
head and shoulders AN b) close up shot. c) one portrait shot in a lighting
style. Using the feedback you receive from your peers and teacher,
revise your image.
Step 8 Final Framed Prints
Due: _Nov 28
Print and frame your final 3 shots in 8 x 10 inch 300 dpi format.
a) one full body or head and shoulders AND
b) close up shot.
c) one portrait shot in a lighting style.
Step 9 Digital Collage
Due: _Dec 2_____
Digital Collage. In Photoshop create a digital collage where you
combine all three images. Make one area in emphasis and use selection
tools and Edit>Transform>Scale and the opacity tools to create
secondary areas of interest. Compose your image to tell the story of your
subject. In addition to your three final images, you may also use
copyright free images to supplement your story. For example, for an
immigrant’s story, you could also use a reference to their homeland (eg
flag or map) in the background.
Step 10 Oral Critique of Collage
Due: _Dec 1
Oral critique of your final collage. Revise your final product after you
reflect on the class’ feedback on your image. Print your final collage.
Mount and frame your final work.
Step 11 TWO Written Critiques
Due: Nov 25, Dec 2
Create a written critique which summarizes your three initial
images. Create a second critique for your photo collage. Analyze your
use of spot lighting, range of value (especially as it relates to mood)
as well as the composition: entry points, focal point, and use of
positive/negative space. Identify how you are also using other art
elements and design principles (eg line, texture, shape, depth,
contrast, movement, pattern and repetition) to help you tell the story
about your subject Identify your symbolism for all photographs and
how each photo helps to tell the story of your subject. Finally, make a
judgment. Were you successful? What would you do differently next
time?
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Evaluation
Step 1 Brainstorming & Interview Questions
1.
Planning - brainstorming, interview questions, thumbnails outlining
camera angles, props, composition, lighting and any necessary
preparation and time planning
Due __________Thinking/Inquiry ____/10
1. Planning Brainstorming/Interview Questions ___ /10 Thinking/Inquiry
Learning Skills
Organization (N,S,G,E)
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3 70 - 79
Level 4
( 50 – 59%)
(60 – 69%)
( 70 – 79%)
( 80 – 100%)
Inadequate
Some planning ie
Good planning ie
Excellent planning
planning ie of
insufficient
sufficient
ie extensive
brainstorming,
brainstorming of
brainstorming of
brainstorming of
interview
different aspects
subject, some
subject, thoughtful
questions
of subject, some
thoughtful
interview
& preparation 5camera angles,
interview
questions,
5.5
props, lighting and questions &
consideration of
preparation
consideration of
props, lighting &
6 – 6.5
camera angles,
preparation
props, lighting &
8 - 10
preparation
7 – 7.5
Thumbnail Sketches
Inadequate
planning &
visualization ie of
camera angles,
props, lighting and
preparation 5- 5.5
____/10 Thinking
Learning Skills
Organization (N,S,G,E)
Some planning ie
Good visual
Excellent planning
insufficient
planning ie
ie extensive visual
visualization of
sufficient
planning of
camera angles,
visualization of
camera angles,
props, lighting and camera angles,
props, lighting and
preparation
props, lighting and preparation
6 – 6.5
preparation
8 - 10
7 – 7.5
5
Step 2 Descriptive Paragraph
Weak topic &/or
Topic sentence
concluding
but not very well
sentences. Not
concluded. Ideas
very well
are not well
organized. Many
organized.
spelling or
Several spelling
grammatical
and/or
errors
grammatical
errors
Step 3
____/10 Communication
Good topic &
Excellent topic &
concluding
concluding
sentences. Well
sentences. Well
organized. Only a organized. No
few spelling or
spelling or
grammatical
grammatical
errors
errors
Contact Sheet & Image Editing for Final 3 Shots
_____/20 Knowledge
Inadequate
cropping, image is
floating in too
much negative
space
Some cropping
but insufficient
use of
positive/negative
space
Good cropping &
use of
positive/negative
space
Excellent cropping
& use of
positive/negative
space
Inadequate
application of
image editing
tools for value &
repair: image is
under/over
exposed, dust
marks etc.
Sufficient
application of
image editing
tools for value &
repair. Adequate
print quality,
reasonable
exposure, poor
detail
Good application
of image editing
tools for value &
repair. Good print
quality, good
exposure, clean,
good detail
Excellent
application of
image editing
tools for value &
repair Excellent
print quality, dark
darks, light lights,
clean, crisp detail
Step 4 Final Prints
1.
Full Body Portrait 8 x 10 Print Due _______ Application _____/50
Symbolism /10
Poor employment Adequate
Good portrayal of Excellent , clear
and choice of
portrayal of
symbolism in
use of symbolism
symbolism in
symbolism in
props, costume & in props, costume
props, costume
props, costume
composition
and composition
and composition
and composition
Depth of Field
/10
Poor depth of
field, most of
picture not in
focus
Adequate depth of
field, focal point in
focus
Good depth of
field, majority of
zone in focus
Excellent depth of
field, clear zone in
focus
6
Lighting
/10
Poor lighting to
convey form and
detail in shadows.
Adequate lighting
to portray texture
and form
Good use of
lighting to portray
mood, texture and
form
Excellent use of
lighting to create
modeling, mood,
texture and form
Adequate focal
point and entry
points 6 – 6.5
Good use of
positive/negative
space, clear focal
point
Excellent use of
pos/negative
space, clear focal
point & entry
points
Camera Angle
/10
Unimaginative
camera angle
Adequate camera
angle
Good effective
camera angle
Excellent creative
camera angle
2. Close Up
Due _______________
Symbolism To
Portray Identity
& Narrative /10
Poor employment
and choice of
symbolism in
props, costume
and composition
to convey
narrative &
character’s
identity
Adequate
portrayal of
symbolism in
props, costume
and composition
to convey
narrative &
character’s
identity
Good portrayal of
symbolism in
props, costume &
composition to
convey narrative &
character’s
identity
Excellent , clear
use of symbolism
in props, costume
and composition
to convey
narrative &
character’s
identity
Adequate depth of
field, focal point in
focus
Good depth of
field, majority of
zone in focus
Excellent depth of
field, clear zone in
focus
Composition
/10
Poor composition,
unclear focal
point, poor use of
space
Depth of Field
/10
Poor depth of
field, most of
picture not in
focus
Application _____/50
7
Lighting
/10
Poor lighting to
convey form and
detail in shadows.
Adequate lighting
to portray texture
and form
Good use of
lighting to portray
mood, texture and
form
Excellent use of
lighting to create
modeling, mood,
texture and form
Adequate focal
point and entry
points 6 – 6.5
Good use of
positive/negative
space, clear focal
point
Excellent use of
pos/negative
space, clear focal
point & entry
points
Adequate camera
angle
Good effective
camera angle
Excellent creative
camera angle
Composition
/10
Poor composition,
unclear focal
point, poor use of
space
Camera Angle
/10
Unimaginative
camera angle
3. Portrait in a Lighting Style
Symbolism To
Portray Identity
& Narrative /10
Poor employment
and choice of
symbolism in
lighting, props,
costume and
composition to
convey narrative &
character’s identity
Depth of Field
/10
Poor depth of
field, most of
picture not in
focus
/50 Application
Adequate portrayal
of symbolism in
lighting, props,
costume and
composition to
convey narrative &
character’s identity
Good portrayal of
symbolism in
lighting, props,
costume &
composition to
convey narrative &
character’s identity
Excellent , clear use
of symbolism in
lighting, props,
costume and
composition to
convey narrative &
character’s identity
Adequate depth of
field, focal point in
focus
Good depth of
field, majority of
zone in focus
Excellent depth of
field, clear zone in
focus
Adequate lighting
style to portray
texture and form
Good use of
lighting style to
portray mood,
texture and form
Lighting Style
/10
Poor lighting style
to convey form and
detail in shadows.
Excellent use of
lighting style to
create modeling,
mood, texture &form
8
Composition
/10
Poor composition, Adequate focal
unclear focal point, point and entry
poor use of space points 6 – 6.5
Camera Angle
/10
Unimaginative
camera angle
Digital Collage
Composition
/10
Thinking
Poor composition,
unclear focal point
or area of
emphasis. Little or
no visual
movement. Weak
use of opacity
Good use of
positive/negative
space, clear focal
point
Excellent use of
pos/negative
space, clear focal
point & entry
points
Adequate camera
angle
Good effective
camera angle
Adequate
composition, some
emphasis, little or
no visual
movement
Adequate
application of
opacity
Good
composition,
effective
emphasis, clear
focal point. Some
visual movement.
Effective use of
opacity.
Excellent
composition in a
clear area of
emphasis,
effective entry
points, visual
movement and
use of opacity to
create secondary
areas of
subordination.
Good use of
Photoshop ie
Resizing, Merging,
Using Layers,
Using Selections &
Opacity to create a
creative unified
composition
Excellent use of
Photoshop ie
Resizing, Merging,
Using Layers,
Using Selections &
Opacity to create a
unified creative
composition.
Resizing,
Merging, Using
Layers, Using
Selections &
Opacity
Insufficient use of
Adequate use of
Photoshop ie
Photoshop ie
Resizing, Merging, Resizing, Merging,
Using Layers,
Using Layers,
Using Selections & Using Selections &
Opacity to create a Opacity to create a
unified
creative unified
composition
composition
Excellent creative
camera angle
Use of
Photoshop tools
to Create Collage
/10
9
Use of
symbolism &
image choice &
placement to
create a narrative
/10 Thinking
Inadequate
selection of &
placement of
images to create a
clear narrative
Use of
Typography
10 Thinking
Inadequate,
inappropriate
choice and
placement of
typography
Written Critiques
Content
__/ x 2 = ___/20
Communication
Content:
Insufficient
evaluation of
lighting
design and
symbolism using
the critical process
(description,
analysis,
interpretation,
judgment)
Style:
Has not been
proofread
adequately. Many
spelling and/or
grammatical
errors.
Incoherently
organized.
Adequate choice &
placement of
images to create a
generally clear
narrative
Good, choice &
placement of
images to create a
generally clear
narrative
Excellent, choice
& placement of
images to create a
clear narrative
Adequate choice
and placement of
typography
Good choice and
placement of
typography
Excellent choice
and placement of
typography
Adequate
evaluation of
lighting
design and
symbolism using
the critical process
(description,
analysis,
interpretation,
judgment)
Good evaluation of
design, lighting
and symbolism
using the critical
process
(description,
analysis,
interpretation,
judgment)
Excellent well
written evaluation
of lighting & studio
lighting, design &
symbolism using
critical process
(description,
analysis,
interpretation,
judgment)
Adequately
organized. Several
spelling &
grammatical
errors.
Good, well
organized,
proofread. Little or
no spelling or
grammar errors.
Very well written,
proofread and
organized.
10
Oral Critique for Final Collage
/20 Communication
1. Content
1
a. Description of symbolism/imagery
b. Reference to lighting style
2. Composition/Format
1. Indication of how it relates to subject
& narrative theme
2. Use of visual movement
3. How composition is unified
2
1
3
2
4
3
4
3. Photoshop Process and Technique
1
Explanation of process and use
of tools and Photoshop applications to convey ideas
2
3
4
4. Use of Art Elements and Design Principles
Reference to focal point/areas of emphasis
Use of value, positive/negative space
How design has been used to convey mood
1
2
3
4
5. Communication/Presentation Skills
Eye contact
Audible volume
Language use
Uniform
Poise, i.e. physical presentation
1
2
3
4
Checklist
Package to Hand in with Rubric
____Brainstorming
____10 Interview Questions
____Descriptive Paragraph
____Contact Sheet (Digital Version on Desktop) with References for any Clip Art
____Final Print Framed Full Figure ___
____Final Print Close Up ___
____Final Print - Lighting Style ___
____Critique summary for Close Up, Environmental and Lighting Style Photos
____ Final Narrative Collage
____Critique for Narrative Collage
Learning Skills
Independent Work: Completing work not completed in Class
Responsibility: having brainstorming, interview questions, descriptive paragraph,
contact sheet, three final photos and collage handed in on time ( E.G.S, N )
Organization: use of class time to effectively and efficiently complete the studio project
on time, (E, G, S, N)
Initiative: punctuality, uniform, coming prepared with props and memory key ready to
work ( E,G,S,N)
Collaboration: participation in class critiques (E, G, S, N)
Self Regulation: effective use of class time to be focused and stay on task.
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