Photojournalism is a course designed to introduce students to the basic principles of photography and to provide them with opportunities to apply those skills to the more specific practice of journalistic photography. Although the class will cover core concepts associated with traditional SLR and print photography, (composition, focus, exposure, etc.) the student’s practical experience will be exclusively with digital photography and its applications to the field of journalism.
The photos they take during the school year may appear in the school publications.
The photos they take during the school year may appear in the school publications.
Photojournalism
scroll down to find Digital Portfolio information and rubric handouts
unit 1: Composition
Composition is the arrangement of objects in the frame so they are aesthetically pleasing. We will talk about 5 "rules" of composition throughout the semester and you will be practicing these composition rules in your own photos. For more information on the 5 Composition Rules see the "Composition Rules Notes" document below.
In the photo gallery below, click on the photo to see the composition rules used. These photos were taken by former students in Photojournalism. See photo credits at bottom of photo gallery.
In the photo gallery below, click on the photo to see the composition rules used. These photos were taken by former students in Photojournalism. See photo credits at bottom of photo gallery.
Composition Rules Notes | |
File Size: | 24 kb |
File Type: | doc |
Top Photo By Savvi Long. Top to Bottom/Left to Right Row 1: Photos by Emerson Zalpalta. Emily Guerra, Gage Serrano. Middle Row: Jack McKee, Jackson Clemons, Juliet Braun. Bottom Row: Mateo Salado, Savvi Long, Keller Kosub.
Class Handouts
first_day_survey_reg.doc | |
File Size: | 26 kb |
File Type: | doc |
camera_part_and_functions_review_notes.docx | |
File Size: | 13 kb |
File Type: | docx |
exposure_is_about.doc | |
File Size: | 30 kb |
File Type: | doc |
picture_worth_1000_words.doc | |
File Size: | 24 kb |
File Type: | doc |
learning_the_shutter_speeds_and_iso.doc | |
File Size: | 26 kb |
File Type: | doc |
creating_your_powerpoint_for_your_famous_photographer_short_version_6_slides.docx | |
File Size: | 12 kb |
File Type: | docx |
digital_portfolio_information_spring_2016.docx | |
File Size: | 15 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Frequently Asked Questions about the Home Portrait
What is the Home Portrait Assignment?
The Home Portrait Assignment is an assignment where you are going to take a series of pictures of someone at home (or in your neighborhood). Select just one of the 8 different types of portraits to photograph. Remember the tips to taking portraits we discussed in class: talk to your subject and help them feel comfortable in the camera, pay attention to the background (keep it clean from distractions), fill the space with your subject (use good positive negative balance), and remember to turn the camera vertically. This will help with the positive negative balance.
What are the 8 types of Portraits?
1) Elderly - 70 years +
2) Children - 7 years and younger
3) Hands - engaged in an activity (but not too much action) or showing something about the hands that tell us about the person
4) Side Lit - light source comes from side of subject, window lighting.
5) Back (soft) Lit - light sources comes from behind subject.
6) Prop - subject with prop that tells us something about person; shows the face
7) Detail - part of subject that tells us something about person but does NOT show the face.
8) Mood - series of head and shoulder shots showing different emotions (sad, happy, bored, fearful, etc.)
How many photos do I need to take?
You should take at least 5 pictures of your subject. If you really want to succeed at getting a good portrait, shoot until you know you have some good shots. Most portrait photographers will shoot between 30-50 pics to ensure they have 1 good shot. You will only be turning in your best portrait.
How do I turn in my portrait for a grade?
There are several ways to turn in your portrait. The first way is by email. Feel free to email me your best portrait. My email address is [email protected].
Another way to turn in your portrait is to bring the memory card (or SD card) to school and I will help you download the pics you took. You can then print out your best pic and turn it in to me for a grade.
The last option would be to print out your best portrait at home and bring it to class to turn in to me.
What is the Home Portrait Assignment?
The Home Portrait Assignment is an assignment where you are going to take a series of pictures of someone at home (or in your neighborhood). Select just one of the 8 different types of portraits to photograph. Remember the tips to taking portraits we discussed in class: talk to your subject and help them feel comfortable in the camera, pay attention to the background (keep it clean from distractions), fill the space with your subject (use good positive negative balance), and remember to turn the camera vertically. This will help with the positive negative balance.
What are the 8 types of Portraits?
1) Elderly - 70 years +
2) Children - 7 years and younger
3) Hands - engaged in an activity (but not too much action) or showing something about the hands that tell us about the person
4) Side Lit - light source comes from side of subject, window lighting.
5) Back (soft) Lit - light sources comes from behind subject.
6) Prop - subject with prop that tells us something about person; shows the face
7) Detail - part of subject that tells us something about person but does NOT show the face.
8) Mood - series of head and shoulder shots showing different emotions (sad, happy, bored, fearful, etc.)
How many photos do I need to take?
You should take at least 5 pictures of your subject. If you really want to succeed at getting a good portrait, shoot until you know you have some good shots. Most portrait photographers will shoot between 30-50 pics to ensure they have 1 good shot. You will only be turning in your best portrait.
How do I turn in my portrait for a grade?
There are several ways to turn in your portrait. The first way is by email. Feel free to email me your best portrait. My email address is [email protected].
Another way to turn in your portrait is to bring the memory card (or SD card) to school and I will help you download the pics you took. You can then print out your best pic and turn it in to me for a grade.
The last option would be to print out your best portrait at home and bring it to class to turn in to me.