Down the Shore Photography Guild 2014 Winter Project Mastering Photography ©Sue Schwer, 2013

Winter Project Objectives Obtain knowledge and skills that will bring you to the next level of photography. Three things to identify upfront: What do you want to get better at by the end of the winter? What topics should you study? How will you measure your progress?

“Mastery is the use of previous learning with ease” Identifying and applying concepts to obtain knowledge. Understanding processes Knowing Knowing is the goal of learning Ability to recall data, concepts and meaning Owning Putting knowledge to use intuitively

Photography Skill Levels – Suggested Learning Objectives 4 major groups Novice Level I – “I don’t even know what I need to know” Technical Foundation – Know your camera exposure focus depth of field shooting in creative modes - aperture, shutter, manual understanding light histogram

Photography Skill Levels – Suggested Learning Objectives Novice Level II – “I want to make my images look better” Expand camera skills and develop workflow skills – Composition  Understanding lenses Flash and other equipment Basic processing work flow Computer Best Practices -backing up your work

Photography Skill Levels – Suggested Learning Objectives Intermediate Level I – “I want to develop a style” Learn about the art of Photography The types of photography Well known photographers and styles Developing a photographer's eye Image critique Finding a style Improving photos through work flow and processing software Lightroom Photoshop Elements Photoshop NIK Suite Topaz Suite Photomatix Printing HDR

Photography Skill Levels – Suggested Learning Objectives Intermediate Level II – I want to do something with my photography Portfolio Building and presentation Selecting photographs for a portfolio Portfolio presentation Advanced Printing Matting and Framing Presentation Venues Professional Photographer Wedding Studio Commercial Published

Photography Skill Levels – Suggested Learning Objectives Types of Photography to explore Portraiture Landscape Nature Street Travel Infrared Sports Photojournalism Macro Low light Photoart

Collaborative Learning Complete and Share Goal Sheets Identify and schedule demonstrations/hangouts Form Study Groups

Goal Sheets Identify Goals Examples: Be able to shoot sporting events Shoot in manual mode Sell my photos Photos are focused and exposed correctly Become a certified expert in Lightroom Become proficient at post processing

Goal Sheet Identify topics required to achieve goal Identify exercises to gain experience and develop skills Identify resources Start before and after journal

Information Exchange Share Goals Provide Feedback Recommend exercise / assignments Recommend resources

Form Study Groups 6- 8 People in a group Develop Rubik matrix Make assignments for data collection Schedule hangouts and meetups to share information and show progress Identify meetups for the Guild Produce reference for Guild Library

Rubik example Photo Grading Rubric Below is our Photo Grading Rubric for our class. Category Exceeds Grade Level Standards – 5 points Meets Grade Level Standards – 4 points Approaching Grade Level Standards– 3 points Not Meeting Grade Level Standards – 2 points Score Composition — Camera angle, subject placement, background supports subject, appropriately cropped All parts of the photograph are extremely well done. All parts of the photograph/s look good, just not at the higher level. Parts, but not all of the compositonal elements support the subject in the photograph Most of the compositional elements not exhibited 5 Camera Skills — appropriate use of focus, depth of field, shutter speed Extremely proficient use of focus, depth of field, shutter speed that enhances the message of the photograph. Proper use of focus, depth of field, shutter speed. Not all camera skills are apparent in the photograph, a little out of focus, camera shake, etc. Camera skills need developing, unfocused, blurry, inappropriate depth of field Photoshop/Software Enhancement/Effects Techniques Photoshop enhancements/color correction, use of filters, effects, totally supports and enhances photograph. Proper use of Photoshop tools/enhancements, filters, etc. Use enhances photograph positively. Not all photoshop tools used enhanced photograph, underused or overused. Photoshop tools used detracted from the photograph. Presentation/File management — appropriate file size, file name, file format (web, print, storage.) File name, file size, file format, appropriate for assignment. Original image backed up and not used as working image. Almost all File name, file size, file format, appropriate for assignment. Original image backed up and not used as working image. Some of the file presentation/management protocals not followed. Most file presentation/file management protocals not followed. Creativity/Time/Effort — appropriate use of time, effort, trying to get a unique, interesting photograph — Photograph fulfills assignment specifications Photograph/s shows the student made great effort, spent time making or conceptualizing the idea to make a great photograph. Photograph/s shows the student made a good effort, spent time making or conceptualizing the idea to make a very good photograph. Photograph/s shows the student made some effort, but could have spent more time making or conceptualizing the idea to make a better photograph. Photograph/s show no effort was made to make interesting photographs. Just turned something in.   Photograph/s points 25 Project Factor: 4, 8, 12 or 16 8 Total Score 200

You will contribute to your study group by sharing resources and presenting what you learned.

Winter Project Meetups Demonstrations Software – Purpose is to show functions, know what it can be used for. Practice Shooting or processing meetups to experiment with new concepts or techniques. Class and Workshops Formal instruction

We will have meetups to introduce new concepts and techniques and to share knowledge

Guild Mentor Program Our mentor program is based on a pay it forward concept – if you receive mentoring you are expected to be a mentor or share a “how I learned” document when you reach your desired level.

Mentoring will reinforce and expand knowledge

Mentor Program Mentor Levels Buddy - Help Novice I Learn Basics Shooting Buddy works with Novice Match with camera type/model Goal is to get Novice to manual mode Processing Buddy works with Novice Match with software type Goal is to get Novice to a level where they can correct exposure / crop and understand major functions of software Recommended time contribution Minimum of 3 assignments with meetings or conversations to answer questions and provide feedback.

Mentoring Program Mentoring Levels Guide – Move Novice I to Novice II Shooting Guide – Works with Novice II in understanding elements of composition and light conditions. Provides critique of work and recommends assignment to improve skills. Processing Guide - Works with Novice II in processing image, may rework image to show techniques. Provides critique of work and recommends assignments to improve skills. Recommended time contribution: 6-8 assignment and review sessions.

Mentor Program Mentor Levels Mentor – Works with Intermediate Photographer to develop a style and sharpen a specific workflow skill Seeing Mentor – works on aspects of photographic eye Specialized Mentors for a specific software and or function in a package – explain workflow and techniques makes assignments and provides a critique. Light Mentor – works on advance lighting techniques. Photography Type Mentor – For a specific type of photography discusses techniques, outlines a series of assignments and provides critiques. Printing Mentor – discusses techniques, outlines a series of assignments and provides critiques. Recommended time requirements – Minimum 6-8 assignments and review sessions.

Mentor Program Master Mentor – works with Intermediate level provides in-depth critique and advice on images and portfolio teaches advanced skills

Volunteers Need Demonstrations – software, Presentations on exposure, composition, photography types Study Group Scheduler Mentors Hangout Trainer- how to have a hangout

Mentoring Program Mentoring Types Master Mentor – Move Intermediate Photographer to Advanced Photographer Critiques photographers portfolio Identifies areas of improvement Can provide advance instruction in specialized techinques.

Before and After Journal Assignment Activity Images that show improvement What I learned Resources Used

Next Steps Complete and Submit Goal Sheet Complete volunteer sheet Study groups will be announced on Google + Meetups will be scheduled by January 1st