Photo 11: Introduction
to Digital Imaging
Instructor: Sue Leith, sleith@csus.edu http://www.csus.edu/indiv/l/leiths/
Office Hours, MondayÕs 1-2 MRP 2011.
photo requirements
& Suggestions
Photo
11 requires the creation of 12 original photographs, 5 must combine more than
one image or part of an image. In order to have enough images to work with,
expect to take the equivalent of at least 8 rolls of film.
All
photos must be original and photographed by you. You may also combine your
illustrations with your photos, but using copyrighted images belonging to
others is illegal and unethical. Do not use them. Do not use clip art or images you find online either.
If
you find something worthy of a photo donÕt stop; keep shooting. Try it from
different angles, under different lighting conditions, from different
directions and with different shutter speeds and apertures to get the strongest
possible image. For portraits, get different expressions and poses too.
Interesting, imaginative, well-exposed, original images will be graded higher.
You should be standing on chairs, sitting on the ground and looking up at or
down at your subject occasionally – do not always shoot from a standing
position.
Before
starting any project check the ŌhealthÕ of your image by looking at the
histogram. Do not spend a lot of time working in Photoshop on weak images. Go
to Window > Histogram and check for spikes on the far right and left. If you
arenÕt sure, ask me – I am here to help.
Check
the image size. Go to Image >
Image size and look at the top of the dialog box to see pixel dimensions. A 5x7
color image must be about 9 MB to print well, so your image should start at 9
MB or larger. If your image is smaller, find a larger image or re-shoot. If
itÕs on film, scan it larger.
Flash
is difficult to use well and often washes out skin tones and creates
distracting shadows. Unless you know how to use it, donÕt use flash indoors.
Flash outdoors works well to fill in shadows and is acceptable.
A
strong concept usually means less work for you. Spend some time thinking about
what you want to do. Originality will be recognized, appreciated and rewarded
with a higher grade.
One
last reminder: Deadlines are a fact of life and strictly adhered to in this
class. Disk errors, computer problems and dogs eating your homework are not
acceptable explanations for late assignments. Late work will be graded down at
least one letter grade, maybe more, depending on how late it is. Back up all
your work carefully and often.
For
naming and sizing guidelines see separate handout.