3. Photography Projects

LIST OF PROJECTS

I.  THE 365 DAY PROJECT—OR THEREABOUTS!

There are multiple variations of the 365 project, all of which can create an interesting portfolio of pictures.  Typically, it involves taking a self-portrait every day for a year – the only rule is that you have to hit the shutter button (or remote) and at least some part of you must be in the photo.  It doesn’t sound so bad at first, but believe me, there’s only so many photos you can take holding the camera at arms length before even you get bored.  Suddenly you find yourself doing things like wrapping yourself in Christmas lights, jumping in piles of leaves, or taping your mouth shut.  For inspiration, check out the “365 Days” group on Flickr.

Realistically, I expect TWENTY photographs from you in this project–all focused on a similar theme or ‘Day in the Life” of someone or something.

II.  A-Z PROJECT

Once again, there’s a couple ways you can go with an A-Z project.  You can pick a place and try to get a picture of objects that start with or represent each letter of the alphabet. (For instance, it might be easy to take a photo of the grass for G, but Q is going to be harder, maybe a picture of a kid running around could be Quick, or a picture of a completely still pond could be Quiet).

You can also try this with numbers, too – take a photo of one acorn on the ground, two ducks by a pond, three trees grouped together, etc.

The other interpretation of this project is to take pictures of things that look like the letters A-Z.  Take a look at the photo to the above-right: it’s actually a chain to a porch swing, but the one piece looks like a letter S.  Once you start this project you’ll start looking at ordinary things – buildings, cloud formations, playground equipment, etc. in a complete different way, giving you a new perspective on things to photograph.  I expect TWENTY-SIX photographs from this project.

III.  MOTIF/PATTERN PROJECT

Pick something and try to get a collection of photos representing it.  For instance, pick a color and try to go all day photographing only red things, or try only getting pictures of things that are square when you’re on a walk.

The upside of this project is that it, once again, gets you to start seeing ordinary things in different way.  For example, taking a snapshot looking down at everyone’s shoes is going to start to get boring, so it forces you to start thinking creatively.  The downside of this project is that people are going to start giving you weird looks for crawling around on the ground taking pictures of shoes while everyone else is enjoying hamburgers and potato salad.  I expect TWENTY photographs in this project.

IV.  GO MONO PROJECT

In this project you will shoot nothing but black-and-white (or possibly sepia) photographs.  You will probably find yourself thinking differently as you compose your pictures, as black and white pictures are particularly affected by light and shadow.  I expect TWENTY photographs in this project.

V.  CREATIVITY GONE WILD PROJECT

Here you will simply let your imagination get the better of you, as you try to compose and arrange the most creative pictures possible.  Manipulate objects; manipulate light; manipulate the settings on your camera—anything to create something extraordinary!  You will want to go online first and conduct some research for interesting photographic tips.  I expect TWENTY photographs in this project.

VI.  SECRET MESSAGE PROJECT

In this project you will compose a photograph that somehow incorporates a “secret message”.  Examples include pictures that include a reflection with a message, or shots of books where the first letter of the title gives a message.  Be creative!  It should not be so obscure that it is impossible to decode, but it should also be not so obvious to remove interest!  I expect FIVE photographs containing such hidden messages.  NOTE: This project takes some careful thought and setup!

VII.  MAGAZINE COVER PROJECT

Create a series of THREE magazine title pages for a recognized magazine such as People, Forbes, or Sports Illustrated. You will have to exercise some Photoshop skills as you create the overall look of an actual magazine cover.  All images on your document must be original, and all corresponding text should be appropriate and creative.  (You can change the captions and story titles as you wish).  You are responsible for all of the photographs that populate your magazine cover, and you should also include the original image of the cover you are trying to emulate.

 

 

VIII.  MACRO PROJECT

Macro photography involves extreme close-ups of subjects, and often demonstrates shallow depth-of-field.  In this project, take a series of close-up macro shots of a variety of subjects.  It is recommended you use the MACRO setting on the Nikon cameras to achieve the maximum potential of these pictures.  You must take TWENTY photographs for this project.

 

IX. LENS BABY PROJECT

Photographers will often switch lenses to achieve particular effects.  In this project you will use the “Lensbaby” lens and take some special effect shots.  This lens is a creative model designed to purposely manipulate focus, where you can keep one part of the subject in sharp focus, while the rest of the photo falls away into blur.  (See the sample images).

To use the Lensbaby, simply bend the lens to move the “Sweet Spot” and then focus. The lens will stay in its bent position without needing to be locked. If you want to ensure the lens will not move during an extended shooting session, you can lock the lens’s position by rotating the locking ring.  Take 10+ shots per 5 separate subjects (total of 50 photos), then import the best and most interesting shots into your ongoing keynote document.  You must submit 20 photographs for this project

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Some Tips:

The Lensbaby is built for experimenting and expanding the boundary of creative possibilities in photography.  Think of the Lensbaby as an extension of your “creative eye” that allows you to see in ways you never thought were possible. Don’t get too caught up in the technical aspects, but instead focus on how you can best convey the essence of your subject. Eliminate all pre-conceived ideas. Practice often and stick with one particular model you feel most comfortable with.  Try switching from Portrait to Landscape settings and see what feels best.  See http://lensbaby.com/lenses-composer for a video tutorial.