Final Portfolio

The final portfolio consists of the very strongest work created in this course. Images can be pulled from projects and/or assignments. All work should be original work created for this course.

The portfolio will be evaluated as a separate entity from the original projects from which images were drawn. So this provides an opportunity for images to be improved for the portfolio. Editing is also important—choose images carefully. Do ask classmates and instructor for feedback on choices. 

The portfolio consists of two parts:

1. Digital.
• 12 images, 1600 pixel jpegs, high quality
• Due 12/5
2. Print. You have a few options here...
• 8 of the above images, high quality inkjet prints, presented in either a portfolio book (plastic sleeve pages), or window matted.
• Images may be printed by you, or purchased from the print lab.
• Print quality is important. Pay attention to tone, color, and problems such as banding. Laser prints or low quality inkjet prints not acceptable.
• Due 12/5

Open/Final Project

The third project is open. Proposals must be approved. Use most appropriate studio lighting techniques.

The proposal should include specific examples from your visual research, including images. How do you contextualize your starting point, conceptually, aesthetically, lighting design?

Create something completely original—really go for it! Creativity will be rewarded.

Grading criteria:

• Originality
• Creative and refined lighting
• Technical (camera and photoshop work)
• Sufficient development of project from preliminary through final critique

Proposal:11/14, 1-2 pages, graded.

Preliminary critique: 11/28, graded.

Final Critique: 12/5. Final files and prints due.

Portrait Exercise, Week 2

Multiple Lights, Ratios.

Group Work

1. Set up main light, for Rembrandt, using a small soft box
2. Set up an umbrella fill
3. Set up two kickers, with grid spots, or barn doors to minimize flare
4. Set up background light

Shoot reference shots sequentially, so there is a record of how the setup is built, recording each addition of a new light. Make sure the exposures and respective intensities of the lights are balanced appropriately. 

Once the setup is optimized, shoot the following ratios:

Main/Fill

1:1, 1:2, 1:4, 1:16, no fill. 

Individual Work:

"Artsy" version. The background must be more than just a convenience—be creative

Human Form

Ruth Bernhard

Create a coherent group of images that use the human figure in some way. The images should be ambitious and sophisticated, using appropriate lighting design. Strobes should be used in one fashion or another, either as primary lighting in the studio, or support lighting when on location.

The work will be evaluated on:

• Proposal—who are your inspirations for lighting, concepts and approaches? Discuss at least three.
• Originality of Idea/Ambitiousness of Imagery
• Arrangement and Design
• Lighting Design
• Photographic Craft and Technique
• Development of Project
• Prints

Prelim Critique: 11/5 (Monday) 

Final Critique: 11/14 (Wednesday) revised

white line / black line glass

From demo...no retouching just yet. You might be able to see all the dirt, if you look closely. Also some odd/weird reflections in the first one. Not sure what created  them. The horizon line on the low-key image is still too pronounced. But these are going in the right direction. Let's see where you all can take it from here...

Windgate $$$ available to support your art project.

Want some money to fund an art research project?

*Includes both Art History and Studio Art

Apply to become a Windgate Research Fellow!

An information session will be held Friday, September 21^st at 1:00 pm in Garland 203

   

For more information, stop by our office in

Garland 103!

Creative "Still Life" Project

What do we mean by "still life"?

There is some room for interpretation within a few ground rules:

• Primarily inanimate objects, or animate objects that are treated as still objects...
• A supportive foreground
• A supportive background
• Creative lighting design that uses techniques covered in class, or that goes even further... 

The project should have some cohesiveness of subject / concept / visual qualities. Look at the work of artists you admire for inspiration.

Turn in a group of 6-10 portfolio images. These should represent both variety and cohesiveness.

What to turn in:

1. 1200 pixel jpeg versions of all your final images
2. 4 high quality prints, that you printed yourself on one of the desktop printers. Using a school printers is recommended as these are color calibrated. Only use your home printer if you can achieve equal quality. Color balance is important.
3. Go through the exercise of preparing a file for an enlarged print. The print should be 16 x 20, 360dpi, enlarged using recommended method. This file needs to be turned in by the end of class on October 1.

Final critique is October 3. All work is due by the beginning of class. The large format print will be made ready by critique, provided your file was turned in on time.

Progress critique: Monday, September 24. 

Projects will be be evaluated on the following criteria:

1. Project explores the subject in an exciting way
2. Project is fully explored/realized
3. Lighting design(s)
4. Still life design(s)
5. Technical skills (camera, photoshop, etc.)
6. Prints