Portfolio

The final portfolio for this class will be in digital form.

All images should be flattened jpegs (high quality), measuring 1200 pixels in the longest direction.

I will show you how to use image processor to automate this.

Files are due in the drop box (in designated folder(s)) by 1pm, Friday 4/30.

The portfolio shall consist of images from the following categories. These can be drawn from images already shot for the assignment, or reshoots. If you have revised your images, please indicate so in the filename (e.g.: asign1_jordan_resht1.jpg). Again, I will show you a useful techniques to speed up the file naming process.

The portfolio will be evaluated as an independent group of images, separate from the assignments from which they were drawn. Edit group of images wisely. Good idea to get multiple opinions about what to include (its okay to ask me in advance!)

• Creative shooting exercise (submit four strongest images)
• The photo extended - submit strongest image
• Digital photo montage - submit strongest image
• Photo-realistic montage - submit strongest image
• Identity made (in)visible - submit strongest image
• Two additional images may be submitted for extra credit

Blogging; Wrap-up

Blog Entries (total of 10)

• 8 original content entries
• 2 "comment sessions" on 2 other peoples' blog entries
• Extra blog entries will be counted for extra credit (up to 2)

10th blog (2nd "comment session") will be accepted as on-time by this Friday (4/16)

All make-up blogs due by last class (4/29)

Thanks!

Identity made in/visible

Due Dates:

Finalized Piece: Wednesday 4/28

8x10 (approx.), 300 dpi, print, layered photoshop file.

For the following project, create a photographic / digital piece that engages ideas of identity. Some questions to ponder:

1. Is identity something that can be observed or photographed?
2. When does identity seem calculated or constructed?
3. When does identity seem real or authentic?
4. Do social media sites (e.g. facebook) project authentic notions of identity?
5. How does physical appearance / alteration / idealism affect personal identity?
6. Whats the relationship between internal and external? Can this be photographed?
7. Can personal identity be distinguished from cultural identity?
8. What would happen to our personal identity if our outward appearance changed dramatically?
9. What would happen to our outward appearance if our personal identity changed drastically?
10. What exactly do we mean by "normal," "attractive," "weird looking," "different," "hot," "homely," "old,", etc? Who decides these categories, anyway? Who controls them?

In class we will explore some strategies the portrait/commercial/glamour industry uses to dramatically alter appearance. In your hands, these can be used in an almost infinite range of ways to alter physical appearance. Some ideas, not limited to:

1. Face lifts, face "drops"
2. Age regression
3. Age progression
4. Morphing and merging two people
5. Morphing or merging "inner" versus visible identity
6. People merged with places, things, other
7. Doppelganger or alternate /idealized identities
8. Drastic alteration of appearance
9. Revised personal history
10. Revised cultural history
11. Other? These are a few suggestions from me, but please feel free to come up with your own variations or something else altogether. Try to create a piece that works on a few levels... that aspires to something beyond the photoshop gimmick.

Useful artists to consider:

http://www.cindysherman.com/

http://www.tonkonow.com/lee.html

http://www.artnet.com/artist/9898/oleg-kulik.html#

http://www.regenprojects.com/artists/gillian-wearing/

http://www.wendymcmurdo.com/

http://www.kelliconnell.com/

http://www.photomediacenter.org/Sokolowska/ursulahome.html

http://corneliahediger.com/

http://www.galerieperrotin.com/artiste-Mariko_Mori-6.html#

http://www.orlan.net/opereussie.php

Photo Realistic Composite

Important Dates:

3/11; a few possible ideas

3/22 & 3/24; in-class shooting of main character.

4/14; final image and print due. File for printing due prior class

The objective of this assignment is to create a photorealistic impression of an event that never took place. This event can be fictional or have historical, art-historical or pop-cultural references. The finish piece should have a strong subject/conceptual component; it should go well beyond being a photoshop exercise. Be imaginative.

Since you are working in a production/directorial mode, it might help to think of this project theatrically. Who is your main character? What do they look like? How are they costumed? And... what is the "stage" they will occupy? The finished piece should include at least three photographic elements: main subject, secondary subject and background. All photography must be yours -- no appropriated imagery (appropriated themes are okay). It should be convincing as a "photograph."

The main subject (a person) should be captured in the studio, using "white screen" approaches presented in class. Use costumes, make-up, etc. as required.

Photography/photoshop work should demonstrate skills as taught in class. Special care should be given to masking techniques and lighting.

Image specs: 11x14 (approximate) @ 300 dpi. Turn in layered photoshop file and quality print.

Scheduling

3/2

Presentation: Language

In-class production

3/8

Introductory Lecture: Creative Digital Production Project

Finish mash-up projects. Files due for printing.

3/10

Critique mash-up projects

3/15, 3/17

Spring break

3/22

Group A Studio Production Shoot

3/24

Group B Studio Production Shoot

Group Critique Mash-up project

Within your groups of three or four, view and discuss the work of each group member.

Which design seems the most compelling? Why? Evaluate along:

• Overall concept
• Strong design elements (color, texture, composition, etc.)
• Interesting visual interactions between layers / components
• How do the photoshop / layer techniques support the idea?

Which design seems the least compelling? Why?

How could the strongest design be improved? What is the weakest element?

Are there aspects of the lesser designs that could be incorporated into the stronger?

Are there completely new directions / tangents suggested by the work?

-------------------------------------------------------------

Take the feedback into consideration and revise one piece to "completion"

Blog posting #6, for week ending 2/26

For this week's blog entry, take a break from generating your own content (!) and:

1. Thoughtfully comment on at two classmate blog entries (1-2 short paragraphs)
2. Comment on a another student's comment. Do you have something to add? Agree? Disagree?