Art with Ms. Djordjevic
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    • Photo I
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    • Photo III :: Semester I
    • Photo III :: Semester II
    • Photo IV :: Advanced Photo
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  • Home
  • Contact
  • Classes
    • Photo I
    • Photo II
    • Photo III :: Semester I
    • Photo III :: Semester II
    • Photo IV :: Advanced Photo
  • Resources

Photo I

This class explores the basics of traditional black and white photographic printing as well as digital photographic processes using Adobe Photoshop. We will examine both the aesthetic and technical aspects of the photographic process through several method based assignments. The uses of metering, lighting, composition, and technical aspects of the camera will be reviewed during class to give students a basic understanding of the art of photography.

Photo i Course expectations

Photogram

1/12/2023

 
Picture
© Anna Atkins
Photograms (also called rayograms) were made famous by photographer Man Ray but they were actually invented in 1843 by Anna Atkins, who illustrated the book, British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions which was the first book illustrated with photographs. All photographs in the book were solely photograms of botanical specimens (an example can be seen here to the left). A photogram is actually a photograph created without the use of a camera. Objects are placed in a pleasing manner on the surface of photographic paper and exposed using an enlarger. The final product is a very design-oriented image of blacks and whites. 

Assignment:
For this assignment you must study photograms and create two interesting compositions with objects (both transparent and opaque--natural and man-made) and cut paper.

2 Photograms must be passed in. They must contain different objects and look like two different compositions.

Steps:
  1. Study photograms from master artists.
  2. Compile objects to experiment with photograms.
  3. Play with your objects in order to find a pleasing composition.
  4. Place your paper under the enlarger.
  5. Place your objects on the paper.
  6. Run the enlarger for about 4-8 seconds depending on your objects.
  7. Develop using the normal chemistry.

Tips:
  • Before you begin in the darkroom, be sure to play with the placement of objects on your paper. What makes the best photogram?
  • Remember, no cheesiness. We are striving for fine art.
  • Think graphic patterns and clean design.
  • Plants work really well. Try them.
  • Transparent objects also work well (cellophane, clear plastic, glass paper weights,tulle fabric,etc.)

Letters In Nature

9/28/2022

 
Picture
How do we see the world around us? If we start looking at the shapes created around us, we can start to see the letters of the alphabet emerge. This project will stretch your creative outlook on the "normal" world around you. Some letters are easier than others to see—I's and X's and T's are very common, but where can you see curved letters like C and S and M, or even O? For this project you are going to create an alphabet grid and spell out your name using the natural world as your alphabet.

Assignment:
You must first photograph the entire alphabet, A-Z, in nature. The natural elements can be man-made but cannot be actual letters written on a sign or wall. You will be creating an alphabet grid like the one pictured above using Adobe Photoshop, you will then create a poster of your name using the letters of your alphabet. 
Picture
You will be passing in the following to the class google drive folder:
- 1 alphabet grid
- 1 name poster using your alphabet letters

Steps:
• Think outside of the norm and consider helping nature to create some letters—for example, S is very hard to find in nature but your shoelace is a perfect tool to make an s-shape. 
• Shadows can help to enhance a letterform, think of how this either adds to or takes away from the overall composition
• If your name has two of the same letter you may want to consider photographing different options to make your name poster more interesting
• I'd like to see natural elements but you can use man-made objects (i.e. bike wheels, lamp posts, brick buildings, etc.)

Pinhole Photography

9/8/2022

 
Picture
A pinhole camera, also known as camera obscura, or "dark chamber", is a simple optical imaging device in the shape of a closed box or chamber. In one of its sides is a small hole which, via the rectilinear (straight lines) propagation of light, creates an image of the outside space on the opposite side of the box. Aristotle wrote about a rudimentary concept of the pinhole camera. Today, photographers continue to use pinhole cameras for artistic purposes. Many pinhole cameras can be bought (even pinhole kits can be purchased), but we are going to make ours from scratch!
Assignment:

This week we will be making real working cameras out of a can of oatmeal, a piece of aluminum with a tiny hole poked into it, some paint, and a whole lot of tape. I promise these are real working cameras and they give a very nostalgic, almost dreamlike quality to the images. 
Steps:
  1. Obtain an oatmeal canister (or something like it)
  2. Paint interior of the canister and lid black (paint the outside if it is white or thin cardboard)
  3. If your box has a clear plastic lid, cover exterior with black tape, paint interior black or cut a circle of black construction paper to place on the inside & glue in with elmer’s glue.
  4. Carefully cut out a small square (about 1 in x 1 in) on one side of the oats box. It should be middle of the container.
  5. I have precut aluminum squares from pie tins for you
  6. Poke a pinhole in the aluminum (we will do this together)
  7. Tape the aluminum on the inside of the box with black masking tape
  8. Let it all dry! (tip: use the hairdryer for quick dry)
  9. In the darkroom, "load" camera with a precut piece of 4x5" RC paper by making a tape loop on the backside of the paper (non shiny side) and pressing it against the interior of your canister
  10. Place the paper inside the pinhole camera so it faces opposite the pinhole "lens." and put the cover on tight
  11. Carefully holding the pinhole with your finger, go outside and find a great shot, set up your pinhole camera on a solid surface, and take your finger off of the pinhole.
  12. Expose for about 10 seconds depending on the amount of light (see time chart below)
  13. Come back into the darkroom and put the paper through the darkroom chemistry. Now you have a NEGATIVE.
  14. Once dry, make a POSITIVE image by placing the negative face down on top of a new piece of b&w paper (we will do this process together).
  15.  Mount your prints side by side
    1. Prints must be cut evenly and straight
    2. Prints must be centered (use a ruler)

Start timing your exposures using this chart:
  • Bright Sun with Distinct Shadows
    8-12 Seconds
  • Cloudy and Bright, No Shadows
    15 Seconds
  • Heavy Overcast, Open Shade, rainy
    25 Seconds
  • Indoors- Bright
    5-15 Minutes
  • Indoors- Average light
    30 minutes to 1 Hour

Resources: https://www.pinhole.cz/en/pinholecameras/whatis.html
Justin Quinnell is a great pinhole photographer who has been working solely with pinhole photography for the last 22 years—he's even made a pinhole camera out of his mouth! 

Light & Shadow

2/9/2022

 
Via Wikipedia: The word "photography" was created from the Greek roots (phōtos) "light"and (graphé)"drawing"; together meaning "drawing with light". The root of photo means "light" while graphos means "drawing".
PictureAndré Kertesz "The Fork"
Light is the very basis of photography; everything we do with photography is related to light and how it is captured. Good light, interesting light, needs to be discovered. In this project you are going to explore the differences between light and shadow or reflections. I want you to focus on strong contrasted light and the resulting deep shadows that are produced. Use the natural effects of light and shadow to either enhance or remove the actual object that is creating the shadow to bring us out of context. These images should be interesting in composition and even slightly abstract in their final printed version. Because we must have a sunny day to create the contrasted light for light and shadow you may also focus on reflections if the day is overcast. Think about interesting reflections—like the way the light reflects in the window, or your reflection in a spoon or shiny metal object. You can not use a mirror in a traditional manner. 

Assignment:
You must photograph 24 film frames that focus on light, shadow ,and reflections. Think about how to make your compositions interesting using only strong light or reflected imagery. You can photograph people, objects, or even just the design that is created by shadows. Take multiple images of different designs of light, shadow, or reflection. Use your imagination and think about how the final image will look. 

Steps:
  • Think about making an ordinary scene look different with the way you photograph it.
  • When you want the shadow to be dark you should meter for the light part of the image. When you want the light part to blow out you should meter for the dark (or shadow) part of the image. 
  • When photographing reflections be sure that you can see what you want in the frame of the camera.

Resources: Light & Shadow Pinterest board and Reflection Pinterest Board

Patterns & Texture In Nature

11/15/2021

 
Picture
Your assignment is to find the beauty in nature through the use of pattern and texture. Pattern is identified as a repetition of a certain element or elements. Texture refers to the properties held by an external surface. Although we cannot actually feel the texture in a photograph, implied texture will give the viewer the feeling that they can actually reach in and touch the image.







Assignment:
  • Shoot 24 photos of texture and pattern—12 textures and 12 patterns—find both repeating patterns and textural elements outside the school
  • create a contact sheet of your film 
  • print your 2 best images in the darkroom


Tips to Get Started:
You should decide how you are going to frame your subject. Use the rule of thirds. Consider your outdoor lighting. Is it sunny or cloudy? How can we zoom a little closer to take a better photograph. Fill the frame with your pattern or texture. Watch your backgrounds (no cars or random people).

Resources:
  • Pinterest board for Patterns & textures
  • ​http://char.txa.cornell.edu/language/element/pattern/pattern.htm

Symmetry & Asymmetry

10/22/2021

 
Picture
One of the most common compositional elements that all artists use is symmetry and asymmetry. Symmetry is when all of the compositional elements are equally pleasing on either side of the frame, and asymmetry is the lack of symmetrical elements or when the framing tends to favor one side over the other. The other piece to think about with symmetry/asymmetry is the use of negative space and balance—allowing the negative space to actually become a compositional element to balance out your photograph. 
Assignment:

You must photograph 50 digital frames focusing on symmetrical and asymmetrical elements. You can photograph architecture, people, still life, or anything you see that is either balanced or not. Think about shapes and arranging objects in a pleasing manner if you cannot locate naturally occurring symmetry.

Steps:
  • Our living spaces are filled with symmetry and asymmetry, take a look around the room
  • Think about using the rule of thirds and allowing negative space to be an important element in your composition
  • Take both symmetrical and asymmetrical images in your images, I'd like to see both. 

*Check out the Pinterest symmetry/asymmetry board for more inspiration 

Composition :: The Rule of Thirds and the Golden Ratio

10/14/2021

 
Picture
There are several ways to create interesting images, even if you are using a point and shoot camera or your phone. Most of what makes an image wonderful, impactful, and interesting has nothing to do with the tool (the camera or the lens) but everything to do with the artist who is taking the image and how they composed the image. Here are a few quick compositional tools to help create stronger compositions in your photographs. Starting with the rule of thirds and the golden ratio we can explore these fundamental compositional elements. 
In photography, there are several ideas behind the creation of a strong composition. The first of these is called the rule of thirds, which refers to breaking your frame into three parts either horizontally or vertically and weighting the composition along one side or the other and not fully centering every image. The second is called the golden ratio or golden spiral, putting more focus in the corners of the image and spiraling outward. Both are extremely successful but should be considered while photographing and not after the fact.
Another major compositional technique is called leading lines—this refers to perspective or actual lines in the image leading to the part of the image you want your viewer to notice. It is essentially highlighting the important subject of your photograph. Last is framing--use natural framing (windows, doors, etc.) or make sure to compose your image how you want it to look while taking the photo and not later in post-production. Cropping is an option but it is always better to frame the image with intent.
 Assignment:
Shoot 50 images showing off the rule of thirds and a second compositional element from the above video (there are 8 more). You should be shooting brand new photos using manual mode on the digital camera. You will be editing and passing in your best 10 photographs.

Steps:
  • Go outside, starting your shoot with outdoor lighting is very helpful
  • Consider the compositional challenge each time you take a photo "does this show the rule of thirds?" "Does this show the composition in an interesting way?"
  • Sometimes photographing nature and natural elements is easier than people to start
  • Once you're done shooting for the day, be sure to import photos into Lightroom a new folder

Pinhole Project

9/10/2021

 
PictureEleni Nacopoulos, class of 2011
Project Description:

A pinhole camera, also known as camera obscura, or "dark chamber", is a simple optical imaging device in the shape of a closed box or chamber. In one of its sides is a small hole which, via the rectilinear (straight lines) propagation of light, creates an image of the outside space on the opposite side of the box. Aristotle wrote about a rudimentary concept of the pinhole camera. Today, photographers continue to use pinhole cameras for artistic purposes. Many pinhole cameras can be bought (even pinhole kits can be purchased), but we are going to make ours from scratch!

Objectives:
  • Study pinhole photography and construct a pinhole camera
  • Study the application of pinhole camera to create a negative image
  • Employ darkroom techniques to develop your prints

Materials:
  • Black tempera or acrylic paint
  • Oatmeal containers
  • Tin
  • Pin (to poke hole)
  • Black & white photographic paper
  • Mounting tissue
  • Black board

Steps:
  1. Obtain an oatmeal canister
  2. Paint ENTIRE the canister black (inside and outside)
  3. If your box has a clear plastic lid, cut a circle to place on the inside of the lid and paint it black, glue in with elmer’s glue.
  4. Carefully cut out a small box (about 1 in x 1 in) on one side of the oats box. It should be about half way up the container.
  5. I have precut aluminum squares for you
  6. Poke a hole in the aluminum (we will do this together)
  7. Tape the aluminum on the inside of the box with masking tape
  8. Paint the masking tape black
  9. Let it all dry!
  10. In the darkroom, cut a 5x7 piece of paper in half
  11. Scroll a small piece of tape on the back side (non shiny side)
  12. Place the paper inside the pinhole camera so it faces opposite the pinhole "lens."
  13. Go outside (carefully holding the pinhole with your thumb), find a great shot, set up your pinhole camera on a solid surface, and take your thumb off of the hole.
  14. Expose for about 10 seconds (depending on the amount of light)
  15. Place the paper through the darkroom chemistry. Now you have a NEGATIVE.
  16. Place the negative face down on top of a new piece of b&w paper.
  17. Expose with white light on the enlarger for 10 seconds.
  18. Dry mount your prints
    1. Prints must be cut evenly and straight
    2. Prints must be centered (use a ruler)
Grading Criteria: *always refer to the BHS art department grading rubric
Content
  • Effectiveness in communicating the idea within each design
  • Subject/idea is uniqueInteresting angle/perspective
Composition
  • Quality of positive and negative image?
  • Image is eye catching; has visual impact
  • Uses interesting lines/shapes
  • It is visually balanced
Technical Quality
  • Construction of the pinhole
  • The image is in acceptable focus
  • Images are well exposed/developed
  • No dust, water spots or marks
  • There are no fix stains or tong prints
  • Images are neat and well presented.
Work habits 
  • Working with peers
  • Working with materials
  • Outside behavior
  • Arrives to class on time and fully prepared.
  • Stays on task all period every day of project.
  • Always makes productive use of class time.
  • Always takes the print through the final stage of development, the water wash, and sets prints to dry before leaving the darkroom.
  • Well-organized.
  • Asks questions when help is needed.
  • Re-organizes station. Cleans up thoroughly.

Tips to Get Started:
  • If your image is too dark, decrease the exposure time
  • If your image is too light, increase the exposure time
  • If your image is streaked with gray, check your pinhole camera for light leaks
  • If your image is streaked with black, turn your camera pinhole away from the sun
  • If your image is blurry, make sure your subject and camera do not move during exposure
  • If your image is fuzzy, your pinhole is too large. Make a new pinhole lens or use another camera.

Start timing your exposures using this chart:
  • Bright Sun with Distinct Shadows
    10 Seconds
  • Cloudy and Bright, No Shadows
    15 Seconds
  • Heavy Overcast, Open Shade
    25 Seconds
  • Indoors- Bright
    30 Minutes to 1 Hour
  • Indoors- Average
    1 to 2 Hours

Vocabulary:
  • Pinhole
  • Enlarger
  • Developer
  • Fixer
  • Stop bath
  • Negative
  • Dry mount
  • Camera Obscura (dark chamber)

Resources:
http://www.pinhole.cz/en/pinholecameras/whatis.html
*Borrowed and adapted from Mr. Mistler's blog

Fashion or Advertising

6/4/2021

 
Picture
Flipping through the glossy pages of magazines, how many images do you see of fashion and products being sold? What do you think of when you hear the word “fashion”? Chances are, images of catwalks, models, and couture clothing fill your head, but fashion is so much more. Fashion photography has been around since the advent of the camera. Fashion, like photography, is an ever-changing and evolving art form. There are many different types of fashion in America alone, leaving this assignment very broad. 

Artists to consider: Richard Avedon, Helmut Newton, David LaChapelle, Mario Testino, Ellen Von Unwerth


Brands to consider: Forever 21, GQ, Free People, Louis Vuitton,  J. Crew ​
Assignment
Your assignment is to photograph either a fashion shoot or an advertising shoot. You'll be submitting 3 fashion photos or 3 product photos that could be printed in a magazine. You will mount one 8x10 on board (your best one). You will be mounting on black board or matting the images in a professional manner. This is your last project so show me everything that you’ve learned throughout the year. This project is a culmination of your EXCELLENT photography skills. Be sure to place all 3 photographs in Google Classroom. You may print your image in the classroom but it is your responsibility to have it printed and mounted by the exam day. If you cannot print at school then you may print them at CVS or another photo lab. 

Tips:
  • Look around you. What kind of fashion surrounds you? Then think about what kind of fashion you want to photograph (vintage fashion, couture fashion, teen fashion, men’s fashion). You may use anything that has to do with fashion (heels, purses, accessories).
  • When photographing a product, think about something that really interests you and find a way to make that product pop. Set up a studio if need be in order to get those crisp shots. Are you photographing an organic face lotion? Perhaps place rose petals with your shot. Want to sell makeup like a magazine? Make your own tabletop and photograph from above with clean even light. Make it APPEALING. 
  • Think about your subject and how you are going to frame it. You are going to be selling this fashion design or this product so you want it to look fantastic. Think about your model-will there be one? Think of what background you choose. Are you going to use a studio setting or outdoor setting? The rest of the photograph should complement your product.
  • Edit your photo. No digital photographer shows unedited photographs. Use Photoshop to make your photo pop. Online tutorials are great resources to find out how to edit photographs if there is something specific that you want to do that we did not learn in class. I suggest you do some research for Photoshop tutorials—especially if you want to make perfect skin, or lens flare, or any other specific element to add to you image. 
  • Our cameras have an aspect ratio of 8x12. You need to crop 2 inches off the 12" side to make a photograph be 8x10. 8x12 mats are difficult to find, most are sold as 8x10 so keep this in mind while printing.

Resources: Pinterest fashion pin board

Panorama cloning

4/12/2021

 
Picture
Ever see these photos and wonder how they are done? Easy, using the panorama setting on your cellphone you can create an easy cloning effect by "cheating" the panorama and cloning yourself (or your friend, or your dog). You start the panorama and run behind the camera and show up in a different spot on the panorama. You want to have fun with this though. Are these showing different versions of your personality? Or maybe you are interacting with yourself? How about multiplicity—having yourself in more than just two places? 
Assignment:
For this assignment you will photograph 5 cloning panoramas, and make them creative!  Check out the resources and youtube videos on how to create a panorama clone. You only have to have 2 of yourself in the panorama, but it is more fun when you think more about it and try to clone yourself more than once. You will need someone to be your model, or to hold the camera and do the panorama technique while you are the person in the frame. You can use groups as well, but it is a bit easier with one person. Most important is to keep the camera still while the person runs behind the camera, that way you aren't across the frame and don't disappear. It will take several attempts to get 5 really good ones. If you have a successful panorama, take the next chance to try something different—maybe you are interacting with yourself, maybe you are playing with the idea of a reflection (as seen above), maybe you change outfits (very quickly add a hat or take off a layer), or maybe you are representing different sides of your personality or mood. Once you complete your panorama you will take it into photoshop and do a quick edit on it. These should be created in camera though, not in PS. 

Steps:
• This takes a little practice to get it right, but once you have it down it moves quick
• Set camera to panorama mode, put model in left side of frame and move until they are out of the frame then stop moving
• Once they are out of the frame have them run behind the camera and set up in the next spot
• When they are in place start moving the panorama again...tada! 

• Once you have the 2 person panorama cloning down, try for a third clone in one frame!
• Try changing outfits in between (you have to be quick so little things like hats, sunglasses, or adding or taking off a jacket work well)
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