Monday, January 6, 2014

Yeah!!! Media Art Class Returns

We are back at it again and I am so excited about the new group of students.  Our first lesson starts in a similar manner everytime but we will infuse the group with more inspiring photographers.


What to do with all your photos?
Here is a step by step guide to help you get the most from your captured images.
·         Name batch all your photos based on the assignment.  Example- name focus
·         Evaluate your images into groups of the best 10 images.
Answer these questions when deciding on your photos.

1.   Does the image satisfy the requirements of the lesson?
2.   Is the image clear in the message or design?
3.   Is the image “strong”?  Does the image grab the attention of the viewer, and communicate an idea, or share an experience?

The strongest images are those that are simple and present the subject matter in a clear, uncluttered way.
Photographers work with line, shape, texture, color, and pattern.
Each photo shoot you are assigned will emphasize one or more of these elements.

Delete all unnecessary images to prevent your computer from slowing down.  (Have a flash drive for Media Art Images if you wish to keep more than the required photographs.)
Reminder: Set your digital camera to the M1 setting or the
8.5 x11 setting. 
Do not use the Large Format setting.

First lesson-
Find your Aesthetic-“What do you find fascinating?”

·        You are to take as many photos that you like on the auto setting.  Take pictures of people, places, landscapes, and objects.
·        Capture the subjects that captivate you – impulse.
·        Take the same image from different points of view.
·        You will select only TEN and save in your Media Art folder for a class preview, but you will be capturing a lot of images.
·        Make sure you rename all photographs with Name-Lesson
Example: Schultz-Aesthetic
·        We will learn how to upload images to the Media Art SkyDrive in class for critique.
·        Write a paragraph explaining your choices for the collection you will be presenting in class.  You can email the document to me and also attach it to the BlendSpace folder with the best images from the critique. 
·        You will only place the very best images for your digital photography portfolio on BlendSpace.
You will present your photos and justification for your selection.  You will get feedback on your choices from your peers in class.  This process will give you insight into your personal aesthetics and we will build on this experience to help guide you through your future photo sessions.


 Great TedX for you to review


Wednesday, May 15, 2013

End of the year assessments- Walk About with Little Friend

Zack Farrar

Every year we wrap up the semester with a photo shoot on campus with verbal prompts.  The verbal prompts are to demonstrate a technique, rule, or specific problem.  The little friend adds a new twist and sets up challenges for the photographer to help their creativity.  
I am pleased with the outcome of the photo shoot- clever, creative, and stunning images.  When assessing the final photo submissions I found myself laughing at the imagery.  Here are a few and a link to the gallery of the students works.

Walk About with Verbal Prompts

Excited for next years new photographers!  They have big shoes to fill.
Anna Daerr

Ivy Cox

Anna Toepfer

Friday, May 3, 2013

Face as Canvas

This semester is coming to a close so a lesson was planned around the popular motifs discovered through the students photo shoots.
Portraits are the popular subject so a lesson was created to use a Face as a Canvas.  Students selected a portrait to use as a canvas for other textures and imagery.
Anna Daerr
Mary Hannah Madigan


Anna Toepfer

Students merged images, selected filters and opacity, arranged orientation of images, and style of coloring. The final compositions exhibit the students understanding of the Photoshop tools and their level of artistry.  Original compositions- amazing results.
  Follow link to the rest of the classes works- http://www.edcanvas.com/lessons/RXJdIwNJve_-oA/edit#play



Saturday, April 27, 2013

Creating Some Band Album Covers

Alyssa Davis


Band Album Cover- Class Works- Check It Out
Natalie Zolten

We have learned several ways to manipulate our original photography and how to use different techniques using Photoshop. We are getting better at exploring what we can do on our own more and more.  Photoshop is a powerful tool and I am always proud when my students learn some new technique by self discovery.  Learning by intrinsic motivation is so much more rewarding.
Here are some wonderful ideas-



Julianna Williams

Ivy Cox


Monday, April 22, 2013

CLONING- the wonderful things we can do!

Katie Hadden
     Follow this link to view more student works: 
http://www.edcanvas.com/lessons/aBrGZ_v1_v8uWg/edit#play

Saturday, April 13, 2013

Name Project






Clever ideas by creative students- Name Project