Visual journal assignments
You will be required to keep a “visual journal.” This is simply a place where you can record ideas as they come, write down notes on your photos and collect photos from which you can get your own ideas. Anytime you see a visual image (photograph, magazine article, advertisement)that catches your eye, cut it out and place it in your journal. Throughout the year, you will be graded on your journal. You will be using it to also learn more about how to incorporate the elements and principles of design into your photos. It can be a spiral sketchbook or bound journal/sketchbook.
You will also write and research about different photographers, record notes from the class and write any reflections given in class or as homework.
Use the Breadth and Concentration Charts for due dates; complete the following in your journal. Each assignment should be at least a 2-4 page spread, utilizing all the space on the pages. A ground/color should be placed on the paper before beginning. Give serious consideration to the design of your pages.
- Review the Rule of Thirds using an online source. Find your photos and others; place a grid over the photos and examine the results in a written reflection.
- Color: Read pg 71 in Launching the Imagination. Research photographer Sandy Skoglund and her use of color in photos. Find examples of her photos. Reflect on her use of color. Define visually 10 keywords in Ch. 2 in LTI (Launching the Imagination).
- Value: Read LTI, pp 47-48. Recreate in B&W the lighting shown in a studio setting in class. Explain the effects of lighting with the results of your photos.
- Line: Read LTI pp 18-21. Use an online source to find references for uses of lines in photography. Record findings in your spread.
- Shape: Read LTI pp26-29. Create two 2 page spreads illustrating the concept. Find two photographers whose work represents shape.
- Texture: Read LTI pp 37-40. Create a visual spread with photographers who work with texture.
- Space: LTI pg 46. Illustrate the concept of space using any method.
- Read pp 110-112 in Learning to See Creatively; create a contact sheet of your photos utilizing horizontal and vertical formats.
- Resource: The Lens Work periodical and Lens Work Extended CD periodicals. Study the following photographers and the body of work they’ve produced: Chris Raecker, Peter Steinhauer, Kim Weston and Jenny Ellerbe.
- Student Choice based on Concentration.
- Student Choice based on Concentration.
- Student Choice based on Concentration.
- Student Choice based on Concentration
- Student Choice based on Concentration
Supplies:
- Camera – while this is not mandatory, it is HIGHLY suggested, as you will be shooting images both inside and outside of class. You may have a combination of film and digital images.
- Binder – to keep negatives and photos in.
- Mats – These will be needed when submitting your five quality pieces. We will discuss purchasing options at the beginning of the year.
- Visual journal – This is in addition to your binder for negatives and photos.
- Flash Drive & CD – These items will be needed when you are working with digital files.