PH323 - Week 1 - Announcements & Video Intro to Course (NEW)

Hi PH323,

We are currently in Day One of Week One.  I wanted to double check with everyone that we are clear as to what is due this week.  First and foremost - be sure that you have all of the required equipment items listed on the AIO website for this course.  Those who do not have all of their equipment on the first day of class (end of the first week at the latest) will run the risk of failing the course. 

I've created a "video introduction" for all of you to check out! This video goes over the different sections of the classroom, a few of the posts within these sections, and clarifies what I'm looking for as your professor.  Please take a moment to review this video to help you successfully complete (and enjoy) my class: 



I have made a little checklist for you below in regards to this week's readings and due dates:

RE: COURSE HOME

You will find a slew of announcements in the “Course Home” section; a few of these include:
  • “Assignment Due Dates - Clarification" (Follow Due Date listed in the Actual Assignment)
  • "Resubmitting Assignments = Not Permitted" (Grades based off of initial submissions)
  • “Contact Information & Office Hours”
  • “Late Work Guidelines”
There are many more announcements within this section – including the one you are currently reading. This will be where I will post general announcements that will help you throughout each week.  I will also be introducing you to new photographers each week whose work will relate to our field of study. 


RE: QUESTIONS FOR THE PROFESSOR
Be sure to also read the posts within the "Questions for the Professor" area.  These posts could also be looked at as "frequently asked questions" (and answers):
  • "General Questions & Discussions for the Professor - Post Here"
  • "How to Create a Contact Sheet - Must Read"
  • "4 Helpful Video Tutorials for Lighting in the Studio!"
  • "Photoshop Help: Correcting Image Distortion & Noise"
Please be sure to read all of the announcements before proceeding with Week One’s workload.

RE: ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS: 
Under the “Course Home” section, be sure to read the information under “Academic Expectations”.  You are expected to read and understand all of this material. If you have not done this as of yet, please be sure to complete it as soon as possible. Note: You are no longer required to leave a memo stating that you have completed the readings.

RE: ACADEMIC RESOURCES:
Under the “Course Home” section, be sure to read the information under “Academic Resources”. There are many resources available to you!  Maybe this is your first course or even if it is your last, there is a wide variety of resources available to you. Take a moment to review the details of each below. Decide for yourself, if any of these resources could be of help to you as you progress through your online program. Please note the following sections:
  • "Counseling Hotline"
  • "Digital Bookshelf"
  • "Library"
  • "Technical Support"
  • "Tutorial Services"
  • "Web Space Tutorial"

RE: WEEK 1 - READINGS
Be sure to read through each section of Week 1's module thoroughly along with the corresponding assigned readings, noted within the "Readings & Assignments" section. 


RE: WEEK 1 – ASG. #1: “Autobiography”
For Assignment #1 – you were asked to write an autobiography.  This was to be completed by (see assignment for actual date) and should have been at least 300 words long.
By (see assignment for actual date), comment on at least two of your peers' autobiographies. You may ask questions or respond generally to the overall experience.

RE: WEEK 1 – ASG. #2: “Genre Diversity”
In this assignment you will select three genres of portrait photography from the list below and photograph the same subject applying an approach unique to each genre. You will need to vary the key components of each portrait so that it fits within the genre you have chosen.
By (see assignment for actual date), respond to the discussion questions assigned to you by the instructor. Submit your responses to the appropriate Discussion Area. 

By (see assignment for actual date), start reviewing and responding to your peers' posts. Respond to at least two of your peers’ posts by asking a question, posting a comment, or adding a point to expand the discussion. Be honest, clear, and concise.

RE: WEEK 1 – ASG. #3: “Final Project”
In this assignment, you will choose a genre, perform research on three photographers and the history of the genre, write a proposal of whom and what you will photograph, and define the demographic you will market your photographs to. Think about how this genre will influence your own work, how your work will fit into this genre, and what you can do to set your work apart from the rest of the genre.
By (see assignment for actual date), submit your contact sheet and PDF file to this Discussion Area. Follow current MLA guidelines for the writing style, spelling, grammar, and citation of sources. 
By (see assignment for actual date), use this Discussion Area to critique the work posted by at least two of your peers. Discuss their ability to use light to make specific photographic statements.

RE: WORKING AHEAD
Although it may be tempting to work ahead, I would encourage all of you to work within the given time frame.  If you must work ahead, please refrain from submitting your work until the given deadline. 

Thank you and please feel free to respond to this post if you have any questions/concerns.

-Professor Fiander