Project #3: Flowers, Trees & Plants

People often neglect simple photographs [like plants or trees] because they are so abundant.  But at various times of the year, a tree [for example] will look very different.  In the Summer it can be bushy and full of green leaves... only to give way to oranges and reds in the Fall... and then stark, cold and empty branches in the Winter.  Sometimes you may consider making the choice between color or black and white based on your image -- a beautiful Fall picture should be in vibrant color while a foggy field with a lone dead tree might be awe-inspiring in sharp black and white.

Plants can be interesting as well.  Simple things like ivy growing on the wall of a building might look cool, but a close-up of the vine grabbing onto the brick might be cool as well.  You may even want to use plants or trees as your "frame" for other photos.  Even a potted plant or dirt, seeds and a trowel can be a cool subject to try out.  Be creative.

Project #4: Fall Colors

It's that time of year when nature provides a huge variety of colors.  It only happens once per year, so it's time to get out there and get some pictures.  Look for Fall colors in leaves, grass, orchards, vineyards, and pumpkin patches.  There's really no wrong way to do this assignment, but try to capture a series of images which would display the season.

And speaking of the time only coming once per year, I took this snapshot (below) several years ago in a pear orchard in Ukiah, California.  I planned on coming back in a week or so to get the full color spectrum, but the orchards were all sold and the trees were all torn out and later replaced by grape vineyards.  You never know how long something you love will be around, so capture those memories.

Sometimes when you hear "Fall" you think of brightly colored leaves and the return to school.  These pictures are typical "Fall" scenes, but I think they are beautiful:

Sometimes you can focus on a single leaf or even a more abstract view:

Upcoming Photo Challenges

We are looking forward to a variety of projects coming up in Photography Club.

Core Photo Challenges:

1. Vantage Points (6 images)
2. Found Alphabet (26 photos)
3. Flowers, Trees & Plants
4. Fall Colors
5. Weather & Sky
6. Now and Then / Dear Photograph
7. Leading Lines
8. Abstract
9. Shadow World
10. Forced Perspective
11. Reflections
12. Pets & Companions
13. Unconventional Framing:
1. Framing (Natural)
2. Framing (Artificial)
3. Framing (Actual)
14. Country Life
15. Bridges
16. Architecture
17. Farm Animals
18. Statues & Monuments
19. Wildlife
20. Props
21. Losing Gravity
22. Blue & White
23. Industrial
24. Sporting Event
25. Waterscape
26. Landscape
27. Transportation
28. Body Art
29. Food
30. Silhouette
31. Narrow Focus:
1. Hands
2. Eyes
3. Lips
4. Skin
32. Flags & Patriotic
33. Theme: Trust
34. Theme: Cold
35. Theme: Strength
36. Theme: Childhood Memory

Holidays:

1. Halloween
2. Thanksgiving
3. Christmas

Begin Your Digital Portfolio

Next, we will set up a Photography Web Page (Blog) to begin our digital portfolio.  This will be your showcase so your fellow club members (or friends) can see the pictures you're taking.

Blog: Title "Same Subject: Different Points of View"

• Choose the subject that works best for you
• Post your set of pictures to one blog post
• Describe the experience of creating the pictures
• How does a different vantage point change the way the subject is portrayed
• What is your favorite picture from this set?  What qualities do you like about this photo?
• What did you have trouble with?  What would you do differently if you had this assignment again?

Getting Started: Take Pictures and Keep a Journal

I would like you to take several pictures following the good design, composition and layout principles we discussed in club last week (which we can revisit today).  Try to keep your subjects as the "center of attention" (i.e. simplicity, rule of thirds, powerful, meaningful, etc.).  You are welcome to do color, black & white, or both.  I'm looking for composition here more than anything else.

I also want you to begin a notebook (spiral is fine) to take notes on photo ideas, useful web sites, etc.  You should also use that notebook to begin scouting for good locations to take pictures.  These can be good subjects, good backgrounds, or even places with open air without power lines or busy roads.  You may even want to keep a photo journal to keep track where, when, and who you photographed.

Peripheral Vision Exercise

Before you begin, notice that the faces are all normal -- until you begin watching the cross.

Watch the cross in the center of the image:

Starting Gmail and Blogger

Our assignment for today is to get set up with a Gmail account and then email Mr. Griffith.

• First of all, let's open Gmail:  Go to http://www.gmail.com/ and register for a new account.  
• Write down your Gmail username and password somewhere!  We will be using these accounts with various online tools (including places to store your documents) so if you lose/forget it, you will have to start your portfolio over.

I will walk you through all of the steps in class to complete this, but there are instructions available here if you would like to complete this at a later time.

Next, go to Blogger (www.blogger.com) and sign in with your Google/Gmail username and password.  Select your style, theme, etc.  We will modify these later, but get them ready to begin sharing your work.

Now click on "New Post" and give it the title "Photography".  Answer the following questions:

1. Where do you see photography used?
2. Why does a photographer take [and share] photographs (on Facebook, in a magazine, etc.)?
3. Are photographers trying to share who they are?  What they see?  How they feel?
4. Are they trying to influence people?
5. Why are you interested in photography (and/or why did you take this class?)

After completing the Gmail and Blogger setup, please email me at my work email (askgriff@gmail.com) and include the following:

• The subject of the email should be "Photo/Video: " and your first and last name.  (i.e. "Photo/Video: Joe Jones")
• My Blog Address: _________.blogspot.com (Click "View Blog" and look at the URL)
• What you hope to get out of this class.
• Your hobbies (besides "chillin' with friends").
• Something interesting about yourself.

Keep your Google username and password handy -- write them down somewhere if you think you might forget.  If you forget your login information, you will have to start over.

We will be setting up a deviantART account in the near future as well, but for now we will be working with Blogger.

REMINDER:  Try to get access to a camera for homework and in-class projects.