DP; Portfolios

Digital Photography students will compile a portfolio of no less than ten and no more than 20 images. This portfolio should include at least one example of each of the following:

1. Abstract- Shapes/patterns of buildings or still life objects that emphasize the elements and principles of design, but do not necessarily reveal objective images.
   
2. Portrait- Head and shoulders or close-up of face, preferably 3/4 view than profile or straight-on, although those will also be accepted. (see pp. 194-196)
   
3. Action/Motion- Successfully freezes action or communicates a sense of time of motion. (see p. 189)
   
4. Landscape or townscape- Should reveal an understanding of foreground, middle-ground, and background, as well as the rule of thirds (see pp 198-201).
   
5. Framed- Use objects in foreground to draw attention to your main subject (see p. 182-183).
   
6. Depth of Field- Objects/areas of either or both the foreground and/or background are out of focus while your main subject matter is in crisp focus (see pp. 186-187).
   
7. Composite- Invent a new image or reinvent another one in Photoshop, be sure to utilize layers, selection tools, and a variety of retouch tools (see pp. 172-173).
   
8. Retouching- Find an older or damaged print and "clean it up" in Photoshop. Please "save as" so that you can keep an original (untouched) version of the picture for comparison (see pp. 170-171).
   
9. Macro- Tightly cropped close-up, could be a flower, some other still life object or a detail of something larger (see pp. 48-49).
   
10. Photo Essay- Between three and seven images which convey a story. See examples here.
    

Portfolio photos should demonstrate good contrast, clear focus and quality composition (students should show that they understand and can apply the rule of thirds). A variety of angles and lighting conditions should be evident. At least three images should be grayscale (black and white).

Students must have a copy of their portfolio saved in their subfolder at "\\Server1\photography" but should also present them in in a three ring notebook. Copies printed from school laser printers will be accepted, but actual prints would be preferable. Laser prints should be 8x10. Store or home photo-quality prints may be either 4x6 or 5x7.

Dig.Photo. students should begin taking these pictures immediately, but the portfolio as a whole must be turned in by no later than Friday May 9. Students are welcome to turn in their notebooks beginning on Monday, May 5.

This portfolio is comparable to a final exam (although there will still be a written post-test) and may constitute up to 10% of your semester grade. So please, take it seriously. If you need explanation or direction, please read the "Project" boxes on the pages suggested for each picture. You're not required to follow these assignments' directions, but you may find them helpful.