AP PORTFOLIO: AP PORTFOLIO ASSIGNMENTS

AP PORTFOLIO 2017 – 2018

ASSIGNMENTS:

Project 1— Composing: Creating an Abstract or Geometric Composition

Part 1: Journal

You should compose each picture so that its parts work together to create a work of beauty. Each item in a picture has an effect on the whole, so don’t just point and shoot. Take a little time to compose each picture into the masterpiece it could be. Remember that you are trying to develop mastery in concept composition as well as in technique.

The challenge is to compose by controlling how the subject is seen and what emotions are felt by the viewer. This is done through composition—the relationship of the elements in an image with each other and with the frame. You know that good feeling you get when you snap a great shot? Well, just follow these guidelines, and you’ll start to see things differently through the viewfinder—and take great shots more often. Take a little time to compose each picture into the masterpiece it could be. Remember that you are trying to develop mastery in concept composition as well as in technique.

PLEASE REVIEW LAST YEAR NOTES ON COMPOSITION!

1. Be a picture director
Take an extra minute to compose your photograph so that the reason you are taking it is clearly evident. Control your canvas by moving subjects, props, or your angle to add context and see things in a better way.

2. Focus on good stuff/ eliminate unimportant
Don’t include too much. Extra elements can confuse things. Strengthen your subject by eliminating all unimportant components and background clutter.

3. Choosing a main point of interest

4. Experiment with Different Vantage Points (Angles of View)
Experiment with different angles. Eye level is great for a lot of shots. But if you want more from your photos, you have to explore. Get close and fill the frame. Crouch down and shoot up at your subject or shoot along the floor. Get up on a chair or table and shoot from above. Just be careful or you might be icing your ankle while viewing the results.

5. Placing the subject off-center or follow the Rule of Thirds.
Placing the subject in the middle of the frame makes a picture more static and less interesting. Imagine a tic-tac-toe board over your viewfinder and position the subject toward one of the intersections. With landscapes, keep the horizon along the lower third to give a feeling of spaciousness. Position the horizon along the upper third to give a feeling of nearness or intimacy.

6. Using leading lines
Lines are everywhere around us. In people, trees, walls, shadows—you just have to look for them. These natural lines can strengthen composition by leading the viewer’s eyes toward your subject. Diagonal lines can add energy. Curved lines can add soft elegance. Using a road or path as a leading line can add depth.

7. Avoiding distracting backgrounds
Before you shoot, take a look around for an uncomplicated backdrop that complements the subject instead of competing with it. Beware of trees or poles sprouting from your subject's head. Even better: Find a background that draws the viewer's eye to the most important part of the picture.

8. Include foreground objects
Framing your subject with elements in the foreground can also add scale and depth to pictures. Overhanging tree branches, doorways, anything that covers at least two sides of the photo can give a three-dimensional effect that invites viewers into the image.

9. Go vertical.
Rotate the camera 90 degrees to compare the different effects on composition, even when you might not think it necessary. A composition that naturally lends itself to horizontal can make a stunning vertical picture.

10. Framing - Watch the edge!
Place your subject close to the edge of the frame and experiment with radical crops. If your subject is in motion, give them plenty of space within the frame to move into.

11. Balance – Use Asymmetry & Geometry
Off-center subjects can be balanced on the opposite side of the frame with leading lines, shadows, and objects in the foreground or background.

Balance can also be achieved by creating simple geometric shapes. This makes images naturally easier to decipher and more pleasing to the eye. This photo is a good example of subjects creating a triangle, which brings strong balance and unity to the image.

12. Leave something to the imagination.
Sharp, detailed images are the norm. Purposely leave part of your main subject out of focus. Just focus on something in front of or far beyond the subject to create a dream-like effect.

Project:

After reviewing the rule of thirds, composition guidelines and visiting various websites, you are to photograph the following (refer to examples you have found and placed in your sketchbook):

Plan Your Photo Composition (36 works): FILM

1. Hands (such as braiding hair, holding something, working on something) (four works)

2. Feet/Shoes (4 works)

3. Geometric Shadows (five works)

4. Organic Forms (five works)

5. White on white (four works)

6. Lines (four works) - must use different types of lines

7. Glass/transparency (five works)

8. Rule of Thirds (five works)

You will turn in darkroom contact sheet to receive credit. We will have a class critique on the prints to help you determine which compositions work best in regard to the rule of thirds and how to photograph your subject with more interesting view points to attract viewers to your compositions. Print one 8" x 10" of each of your best FIVE photos for your portfolio.

Project 2 — Artist as Mentor: (Concentration# 1)

Choice of Mentor and Theme for Concentration Portfolio:

Review your concentration. You will choose a mentor that best fits that area of focus. After completing a short research report on that photographer, you will create some work that basically replicates one of your favorite images by them. (Remember, under AP guidelines that one photo is not submissible in your portfolio.) Then, you should create a body of work that will be inspired by that photographer or that style where you add your own twist and go in your own direction. The continuation of this process will become your most important homework for the next several months. Once you have mastered this process, you are free to choose another mentor and continue the journey.

Sketchbook:

Find a mentor from any of the resources found on Reagan Aperture and complete “Artist As Mentor Research Sheet.” Please review your mentor with me.
Please include at least 10 images from you mentor photographer. - in your sketchbook
Please look at sample portfolios. You may find the link for AP College Board at the Reagan Aperture site.

Project: Digital

You are to shoot a concentration roll according to the mentor you have research. You will turn in a digital contact sheet with 36 images. File folder with 36 images, 10 working, and Final 5. You will rename your files Mentor1_(file number). You will print one 8" x 12" of each of your best FIVE photos for your portfolio.

Project 3 – Designing in Black & White (Elements & Principles of Design)

Principles: Balance, Pattern, Rhythm, Contrast, Unity, Emphasis, Movement.

Elements of Art:

Line - is a mark on a surface that describes a shape or outline. It can create texture and can be thick and thin. Types of line can include actual, implied, vertical, horizontal, diagonal and contour lines. (note: Ken does not list "psychic line" - that was "new term" to me)

Color - refers to specific hues and has 3 properties, Chroma, Intensity and Value. The color wheel is a way of showing the chromatic scale in a circle using all the colors made with the primary triad. Complimentary pairs can produce dull and neutral color. Black and white can be added to produce tints (add white), shades (add black) and tones (add gray).

Texture - is about surface quality either tactile or visual. Texture can be real or implied by different uses of media. It is the degree of roughness or smoothness in objects.

Shape - is a 2-dimensional line with no form or thickness. Shapes are flat and can be grouped into two categories, geometric and organic.

Form - is a 3-dimensional object having volume and thickness. It is the illusion of a 3-D effect that can be implied with the use of light and shading techniques. Form can be viewed from many angles.

Value - is the degree of light and dark in a design. It is the contrast between black and white and all the tones in between. Value can be used with color as well as black and white. Contrast is the extreme changes between values.

Size - refers to variations in the proportions of objects, lines or shapes. There is a variation of sizes in objects either real or imagined. (some sources list Proportion/Scale as a Principle of Design)

These elements are used to create the Principles of Design. Principles are the results of using the Elements. When you are working in a particular format (size and shape of the work surface) the principles are used to create interest, harmony and unity to the elements that you are using. You can use the Principles of design to check your composition to see if it has good structure.

Principles of Compositional Design

The principles of design are the recipe for a good work of art. The principles combine the elements to create an aesthetic placement of things that will produce a good design.

Center of interest (Emphasis) - is an area that first attracts attention in a composition. This area is more important when compared to the other objects or elements in a composition. This can be by contrast of values, more colors, and placement in the format.

Balance - is a feeling of visual equality in shape, form, value, color, etc. Balance can be symmetrical or evenly balanced or asymmetrical and un-evenly balanced. Objects, values, colors, textures, shapes, forms, etc., can be used in creating a balance in a composition.

Harmony (unity) - brings together a composition with similar units. If your composition was using wavy lines and organic shapes you would stay with those types of lines and not put in just one geometric shape. (Notice how similar Harmony is to Unity - some sources list both terms)

Contrast - offers some change in value creating a visual discord in a composition. Contrast shows the difference between shapes and can be used as a background to bring objects out and forward in a design. It can also be used to create an area of emphasis.

Directional Movement - is a visual flow through the composition. It can be the suggestion of motion in a design as you move from object to object by way of placement and position. Directional movement can be created with a value pattern. It is with the placement of dark and light areas that you can move your attention through the format.

Rhythm - is a movement in which some elements recur regularly. Like a dance it will have a flow of objects that will seem to be like the beat of music.

The Principles of design are the results of your working with the elements of art. Use them in every piece of art you do and you will be happy with the results.

Project:

Select four themes from the list below and photography in Black + White (film) – THINK IN BLACK + WHITE

1. Reflections in chrome or other reflective surface

2. Store window reflections (e.g., an antique or consignment store)

3. Passageways

4. Light through a window

5. Bicycles, cars & other modes of transportation (close-up, fill in the frame)

6. Architectural detail

7. Abstracting objects in an everyday environment

8. Lines and patterns

9. Foreshortened Image

10. Close up of texture

11. Silhouette

12. Motion/Panning

13. Perspective

14. Food/markets

15. Billboards, street signs & messages

16. People or objects submerged in water

17. Colored liquids in water

18. Milk water with objects or people

Project 4 — Artist as Mentor: (Concentration #2)

Continue photographing for Artist as Mentor. You will shoot 36 Digital Images. Please note, while tempting to take them at the same time, please make sure you are using different locations, time of day, models, etc….

Sketchbook:

Please include an additional 10 images from you mentor photographer.

You will turn in a digital contact sheet with 36 images. File folder with 36 images, 10 working, and Final 5. You will rename your files Mentor2_(file number). We will have a class critique on the prints to help you determine which compositions work best in regard to the rule of thirds and how to photograph your subject with more interesting view points to attract viewers to your compositions. You will print one 8" x 12" of each of your best FIVE photos for your portfolio.

Project 5 — Artist as Mentor: (Concentration #3)

Continue photographing for Artist as Mentor. You will shoot 36exp B+W Images.

Journal:

Please include an additional 10 images from you mentor photographer.

You will turn in a darkroom contact to receive credit. We will have a class critique on the prints to help you determine which compositions work best in regard to the elements and design principles and how to photograph your subject with more interesting view points to attract viewers to your compositions. Print one 8" x 10" of each of your best five photos for your portfolio.

Project 6 — Digital Studio Portraiture (color, contrast) – Digital

For this assignment you will find a model(s), use the lighting equipment that is available and set up a schedule with your group to check out the light appointment to come after school and set up your photo shoot. It is your responsibility to set up lights. You may look up ideas and how to set up lights for different moods. You are also responsible to bring a model and provide all the props necessary for your assignment. You will be shooting and working with color and model. You are to meter and custom white balance.

You must set up a date with Ms. Seijas to check out the lighting equipment.

Don't have your subject look directly at the camera. Try to capture a natural expression which may mean talking to your subject as you're photographing them to relax them.
Don't just stand there—sit, squat, lie down. The angle from which you make a photograph can make a dramatic difference.
Every time you hold your camera to your eye, look for leading lines, foreground elements, frames—anything you can use to lend dynamism to your image. Photographs are two dimensional but it helps if they look and feel three dimensional.
Create a catch-light in the subject's eyes with a small reflector.
Don't be satisfied with just a wide shot. Think about the essence of what you are photographing and work closer and closer until you have isolated and captured it. Don't be shy. People are usually happy to show you what they do well.
If you use objects other than your main subject in the foreground, be careful of placement. You don't want to obscure or detract from your subject.

You will turn in a digital contact sheet with 36 images. File folder with 36 images, 10 working, and Final 5. You will rename your files StudioPortrait_(file number). We will have a class critique on the prints to help you determine which compositions work best in regard to the elements and design principles and how to photograph your subject with more interesting view points to attract viewers to your compositions. You will print one 8" x 12" of each of your best FIVE photos for your portfolio.

Project 7 — Patterns & Rhythm with Light on People or Objects (value, contrast, lines, shapes, pattern, rhythm, emphasis) - Film

You will photograph a variety of portraits and/or objects using natural light to create patterns, rhythm and designs using light and shadows on your subject. Try to think of different variations for you portraits and/or objects. Use the shadows almost as textures.

You will turn in a darkroom contact sheet. We will have a class critique on the prints to help you determine which compositions work best in regard to the rule of thirds and how to photograph your subject with more interesting view points to attract viewers to your compositions. You will print one 8" x 10" of each of your best FIVE photos for your portfolio.

Project 8 — Emphasis/Color Theory – Selective Use of Color

Journal:

Review your notes from Color Theory from last year.

Project – DIGITAL:

Select 4 different themes from the list in Project 3 and photography in color – THINK IN COLOR!!! Limit the color in your photos to complementary colors, tertiary colors, etc… MUST USE COLOR: BLACK, WHITE, GREY, BROWN ARE ALL NEUTRALS! DO NOT USE THE SAME ONES FROM PROJECT #3.

You will turn in a digital contact sheet with 36 images. File folder with 36 images, 10 working, and Final 5. You will rename your files ColorTheory_(file number). We will have a class critique on the prints to help you determine which compositions work best in regard to the elements and design principles and how to photograph your subject with more interesting view points to attract viewers to your compositions. You will print one 8" x 12" of each of your best FIVE photos for your portfolio.

Project 9— Artist as Mentor: (Concentration #4)

Continue photographing for Artist As Mentor. You will shoot 36exp B+W and 36 Digital Images. Please note, while tempting to take them at the same time, please make sure you are using different locations, time of day, models, etc…. If you feel you have mastered your mentor you may choose another mentor. When you change mentors, you must complete “Artist As Mentor Research Sheet.”

Journal:

Please include at least 10 images from you mentor photographer.

Project 10 — Composition Scavenger Hunt – Digital

Project

Using these SIX elements, you will shoot photographs that best express their principles. You will shoot at least SIX photographs for each of the areas. Keep in mind your elements of composition: rule of thirds, balance, emphasis, etc…

Light and shadow – Use dramatic lighting to create shapes or forms or use light and shadow to make your subject three-dimensional.
Reflections - Your photographs should emphasize pattern being reflected in objects. Play with using different fabrics & different patterns reflected in different objects.
Liquids – Organic shapes, transparency, abstract
Fragments – it is always not necessary to include your entire subject. You can fill the frame or think of abstract shapes.
Rust/Dust – Texture and Color, abstract
Different Perspective - worm's eye, bird's eye or equal to

You will turn in a digital contact sheet to receive credit. You will shoot 36 images in digital. We will have a class critique on the prints to help you determine which compositions work best in regard to the elements and design principles and how to photograph your subject with more interesting view points to attract viewers to your compositions. File folder with 36 images, 10 working, and Final 5. You will rename your files Composition_(file number). You will print one 8" x 12" of each of your best FIVE photos for your portfolio.

Project 11 — Texture and/or Abstractions from the Natural World or Urban Environment - FILM

ABSTRACT – of or pertaining to the formal aspect of art, emphasizing lines, colors, generalized or geometrical forms, etc., especially with reference to their relationship to one another.

You will be looking for textures and/or abstractions that are found in the natural world along with an urban environment. Remember your Elements of Art (line, texture, color, shape) and Principles of Design (contrast, pattern, rhythm, balance).

Flower/nature macros – abstract composition : color, value form/pattern
Linear – landscapes – simplicity, abstract
Abstract compositions – Shadows
Macro abstract – organic vs. geometric shapes
Shape or pattern – diptychs and tritychs

Be especially aware of:

Balance - create asymmetrical balance as much as possible - stay away from symmetrical balance as much as possible. It can be very boring.

Always be aware of:

edge of your frame
color
shape
line
sense of mystery***

***You should be striving for a sense of mystery so there should be something about your shadow that cannot be figured out, is composed beautifully and is mysterious -NOT literal!

Project 12 — Artist as Mentor: (Concentration #5) - Digital

Continue photographing for Artist as Mentor. You will shoot 36exp B+W and 36 Digital Images. Please note, while tempting to take them at the same time, please make sure you are using different locations, time of day, models, etc….

Journal:

Please include an additional 10 images from you mentor photographer.

Project: Digital

You are to shoot a concentration roll according to the mentor you have research. You will turn in a digital contact sheet with 36 images. File folder with 36 images, 10 working, and Final 5. You will rename your files Mentor5_(file number). You will print one 8" x 12" of each of your best FIVE photos for your portfolio.

Project 13 — Artist as Mentor: (Concentration #6) Film

Journal:

Please include at least 10 images from you mentor photographer.

You will turn in a darkroom contact sheet (#6) and a digital contact sheet with 36 images. File folder with 36 images, 10 working, and Final 5. You will rename your files Mentor7_(file number). We will have a class critique on the prints to help you determine which compositions work best in regard to the rule of thirds and how to photograph your subject with more interesting view points to attract viewers to your compositions. You will print one 8" x 10" of each of your best FIVE photos for film and print one 8”x12” of each of your best FIVE digital photos for your portfolio.

Project 14 — Studio Series - Digital

You will be working with studio lighting and composition for this series. You will turn in 12 images for each subject: 1. flowers 2. produce 3. ink

Keep in mind your Elements of Art, Design Principles and Composition Guidelines when shooting this assignment. Contrast, Line, Shapes, Emphasis, Texture, Rhythm, Pattern, Color, Value, Rule of Thirds, Balance, etc...

Sketchbook:

You are going to research the following 2 photographers in your sketchbook and include 5 images for each one. Edward Weston, Robert Mapplethorpe

You will turn in a digital contact sheet. File folder with 36 images, 10 working, and Final 5. You will rename your files StudioSeries_(file number). We will have a class critique on the prints to help you determine which compositions work best in regard to the rule of thirds and how to photograph your subject with more interesting view points to attract viewers to your compositions. You will print one 8" x 12" of each of your best FIVE photos for your portfolio.

ONGOING PROJECT – ONLINE PORTFOLIO

You will create an online portfolio. You will be updating your website at the end of each grading period.

Go to Carbonmade.com, wix.com, squarespace.com, zenfolio.com, etc....
Make your FREE portfolio site
Send you site address/link to Ms. Seijas’s email: bseijas@dadeschools.net
You MUST name it : FirstLastnameRRDSH.carbonmade.com
You MUST name your portfolios like this:

Concentration – 12 best (min. no more than 20)
Variety - 12 best (min. no more than 20)
Additional works

AP PORTFOLIO

Sunday, September 17, 2017

AP PORTFOLIO ASSIGNMENTS - 2017-2018

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