PHOA209: W9A1: Set Up



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Discussion Assignment 
Assignment 1: Planning, Revisions—Final Draft
Note: Your W9A1 & W9A2 are due on the same day.
Assignment Overview
When working on a comprehensive portfolio project, it is important to be able to identify specific areas that need improvement. On the basis of previous feedback and goals, you should start to work on any remaining goals and areas of weakness with regards to your portfolio, résumé, and written statement. You will finalize your goals and journal.
Associate Degree Final Portfolio Standards
The final portfolio must demonstrate the skills that are the key components of your program of study, demonstrate your personal brand and style, and be targeted towards a specific market audience, whether this be a future employer or potential client.
The final portfolio must demonstrate the skills that are the key components of your program of study, demonstrate your personal brand and style, and be targeted towards a specific market audience, whether this be a future employer or potential client.
In order to demonstrate acquired skills, the content of the portfolio must:

  • Prove technical ability that meets industry standards (lighting, exposure, depth of field)
  • Images demonstrate the ability to convey a concept beyond image content
               through the use of appropriate techniques  (the image should tell a story of sorts; the viewer should be able to tell the "meaning" behind the image)
  • All photographs must reflect an individual voice and be directed towards a
               market audience  (Consider who you want to sell your work to)
  • Cohesive theme within a genre with appropriate variety and depth of exploration (Ensure that there is a sense of diversity in your protfolio in terms of male vs. female models, different models, different products, locations, etc.)
  • Demonstrate command of shaping light using a minimum of three strobes  (2-3 images in the portfolio should clearly show the use of 3 strobe lights)
  • Must show command of working with the human form in at least three images
  • Quantity of images – 15 – 20 minimum (includes website and print; the same images that you print should be the same images on your website)
  • Professional quality 11 x 14 inch prints (minimum) (This refers to your print images only! The images that you submit to your website will remain the standard 3:2 aspect ratio.  The images you print however, will have to be cropped to a different aspect ratio so you can print an 11x14.)
A print portfolio of archival quality prints presented in a professional quality portfolio binder in addition to supplemental materials:
Resume
Website
Postcard design
All Portfolio standards must be met in order to successfully complete the portfolio class (any exceptions to these standards require departmental approval).
Assignment Description
Earlier in the class, you assessed your final project and indicated the areas of your portfolio, résumé, and statement that were the most in need of improvement. Focusing on the needed improvements to your portfolio, résumé, and statement, revise and turn in all three documents once again.
Continuing to Print Your Portfolio
IMPORTANT: BASED ON YOUR FEEDBACK FROM THE INSTRUCTOR SELECT IMAGES TO CONTINUE PRINTING. Print the images for your final portfolio using either your own professional quality printer or a commercial printer. (DO NOT USE CONSUMER PRINTING SERVICES, ONLY PROFESSIONAL PRINTING SERVICES SO YOUR IMAGES ARE THE BEST QUALITY).
  • If you are printing at a professional lab, make sure that you find out what its specifications are on color space, resolution, and file requirements. If you have any questions or are unsure about anything it is often a good idea to contact the lab via phone or e-mail.
  • If you are printing your images via your personal printer, you will want to make sure that you consider color, space, resolution, and file requirements with regard to your own printer. You will also want to make sure of the paper type and paper profiles. Also, you will need to ensure that you remember to do some test printing before sending all images to print.
  • You will want to consider the size of the paper, the placement of the images, and layout, including any possible text that you might include.
  • Students are encouraged to consider the following online printing labs for printing images:
Note: Remember in Week 11, you will finalize your final portfolio AND ALL FINAL PRINTS WILL BE DUE AT THIS TIME.
Assignment Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Part 1: Shooting
    Perform targeted improvements to your portfolio.  Take a moment to read, evaluate, and update the latest gaps and goals you identified in your past Weekly Journal.
    • Shooting:
      • Formulate a plan to complete the project according to the description and objectives that you previously identified.  (Choose a new subject to photograph for this assignment and ensure that your subject fits the chosen sub-genre of photography that you've been working on thus far; do not change sub-genres.)
      • After viewing your "old" portfolio, consider style of lighting you need to incorporate and/or improve upon for your final portfolio.  Ask yourself, does my portfolio need to show an image that uses stronger hard light or soft light? Or - does my portfolio need to show a stronger image that demonstrates mixed lighting?  (etc.) 
      • Depending on the needs of your portfolio - choose a lighting scheme that suits your new subject well.  Choose a key light (studio light - on strobe setting) and a fill light or hairlight (studio light - on strobe setting)
      • From there, add a background strobe light to either a paper/muslin backdrop or at a location. Be creative with your lighting; decide if your subject requires soft light or hard light. Does your background light require a gel?
      • Shoot and present a minimum of thirty new images that address your prioritized list of improvements from past assignments.
        • You may choose to shoot more than 30 although, please be sure to narrow down all of your images so that you're only submitting 30.
      • Adjust your composition throughout your shoot: shoot both vertical and horizontal images. Adjust your focal length, shoot from different points of views as well as angles throughout the photo shoot.
      • As a reminder in regards to lighting & use of light meter:  At this point, all of you have been asked to use your handheld light meter for the rest of the term when shooting new work for your chosen sub-genre.  Take a new photograph of your light meter at the location where you are shooting your W3A3.  Include this photograph in your contact sheet. 



        Please note: If instructor is not able to read the information on the screen of your handheld light meter, you will not receive points for using it.
        1. For further instructions on how to use your handheld light meter properly, please refer to the post in the Questions for the Professor section titled, "Handheld Light Meter: How to Show Each Contact Sheet & How to Use".
      • When you have set up your two lights set-up for this assignment, take a wide-angle image of your gear.  Ensure that all of the gear you are using is clearly displayed in the image.  If you're photographing a human model or an inanimate object, ensure that your photo is clearly showing where your lights were in relation to the subject.  Please see the examples below:
      • Select 3 images that could be added to your portfolio and edit these images, taking them through the full postproduction workflow and turning them in as final prints.
        1. When working on revising your portfolio, think about image strength, gaps and weaknesses, post editing revisions, and order and flow.
        2. Students are encouraged to keep his/her edits simple.  Try to avoid having your photographs look as though they were put through an "Instagram Filter".  Try to avoid adding heavy vignettes (dark and light).  Edit your image to be marketable in the commercial field of photography.
        3. Refer to the "Editing Guidelines" noted in the Course Home section in the post titled "Welcome: Guidelines for Succeeding in Class" for further details.
    Submit your work based on the following specifications:
    • Generate contact sheets for your thirty images with no more than 9 images per page with metadata (Resolution: 300ppi, Quality: 85%, Profile: sRGB).
    • Include complete metadata: frame number, shoot date, ISO, exposure and focal length
    • Combine your 3 edited images (full page) with the contact sheets into a single PDF document titled PHOA209_W9_A1_lastname_firstinitial_contactsheet.pdf. 
    • Sequence your full-page lighting set up shots so that each one precedes the final shot you have chosen.

      Part 2 - Portfolio Draft:
     
    • Adjust the images in your current portfolio based on the feedback you've received. Include some of your new images based on the feedback you've received.  Choose the images you want to place first and last. The sequence might change eventually, but by considering the order first, you will most likely develop a strong flow. Think of this as you would the process of putting together a puzzle—start from the outside and work your way in.
    • Edit your images based on the feedback that you received thus far.
    • Start moving your images around and consider what images work best beside one another, what images feel too repetitive when placed side by side, and what images might feel out of place if arranged with the wrong images. Try different options and, if needed, change your first and last image to see what works best.  You're encouraged to place your images in order based on subject.
    • Include a cover page with a strong and professional logo.
    • Include an end page that repeats the logo, smaller in size and centered over your contact information. Your contact information should include your full name, the name of your business (if it's not already in the logo), your city, state, website (or Behance link), and e-mail.
    • Place one image on each page. Your background color is also important. Choosing neutrals, such as white or grey is often a good choice.
    • Use Adobe Lightroom to create a slideshow of your final image sequence. Export your document with the following settings: Quality: 85% & Custom Size: 1200x800 pixels.
    • Save your slideshow as a PDF document titled PHOA209_W9_A1_lastname_firstinitial_slideshow.pdf.
    • Write a brief bullet point statement (150 words) indicating some of the key areas you focused on improving. Describe the method and approach you adopted for making those improvements. Copy and paste your description directly into your discussion pos
    • Update your Bēhance web portfolio with any new or revised images and post your Bēhance web portfolio link. Make the necessary changes to your statement and résumé that have been pointed out in the past.  Be sure to also update the About section of your web portfolio site. Complete the following screenshots:
      1. Project page (landing page)
      2. About page
      3. Each of the portfolio pages (15–20 images)
      • Combine all of your screenshots into a single PDF file titled PHOA209_W9_A1_lastname_firstinitial_portfolio.pdf.
  2. Résumé:
  3. Revise, edit, and redraft your résumé based on the feedback you received. Use Microsoft Word’s Track Changes tool.
    4.
  4. Pay attention to the organization, format, and design, in addition to updating the résumé to accurately reflect your skills and experience.
  5. Statement:
    • Revise and edit your written statement based on the feedback you received. Use Microsoft Word’s Track Changes tool.
    • Focus on improving clarity, phrasing, and language in order to create a more effective statement.
    • Perform additional research that can be used to enhance and broaden the scope of the statement.
    • Résumé: Save your completed résumé as PHOA209_W9_A1_lastname_firstinitial_résumé.pdf.
    • Statement: Save your revised statement as PHOA209_W9_A1_lastname_firstinitial_statement.pdf.
    • To reflect any changes in your statement and résumé, be sure to update the About section of your web portfolio site (Behance)
  6. Write a brief bullet point statement (150 words) indicating some of the key areas you focused on improving. Describe the method and approach you adopted for making those improvements. Copy and paste your description directly into your discussion post.
    7. Journal Entry
  7. Review this week’s portfolio draft and address whether it meets the Portfolio Standards. Consider the feedback you received from your instructor and peers.
    1. Click here to download the journal self-evaluation document and read each required section. Your journal should be focused and specific (not broad and blanketed) with a clear concept and intention, and address both technical and conceptual aspects that are measurable.
    2. There are two sections:
      • Weekly Outline and Goals - Clearly indicate what you will be shooting next week, what you intend to achieve and be sure to address concept.
      • Journal Entry - What will you be addressing next week, be specific - address conceptual aspects. Be sure that you focus primarily on the new images that you will create this week and be sure to include specific shoot ideas.
    3. Include visual examples to support any written ideas. Describe the examples you submit and how they inspire your direction. Cite the sources of your examples in MLA format. Save these examples along with your weekly journal document as one cohesive PDF file titled PHOA209_W9_A1_lastname_firstinitial_weekly_journal.pdf.
    4. Be prepared to make adjustments to your plans and continue a discussion with your instructor about what you have covered in your journal this week.
  8. Take a moment to read, evaluate, and update the gaps and goals you identified during W2: Assignment 1.
  9. Perform targeted improvements to your portfolio, statement, and résumé. Use the following guide to understand the expectations for this assignment. This assignment consists of the following parts:
    • Shooting:
      • Formulate a plan to complete the project according to the description and objectives that you previously identified.
      • Shoot and present a minimum of thirty new images that address your prioritized list of improvements from W2: Assignment 1.
      • Remember to photograph your lighting set up each time you change it, whether you are using studio lighting or natural light. Your photographs should be wide shots that document the light sources and lighting accessories such as reflectors and flags.
      • Select 3 images that could be added to your portfolio and edit these images, taking them through the full postproduction workflow and turning them in as final prints.
        • When working on revising your portfolio, think about image strength, gaps and weaknesses, post editing revisions, and order and flow.
    • Résumé:
      • Revise, edit, and redraft your résumé based on the feedback you received. Use Microsoft Word’s Track Changes tool.
      • Pay attention to the organization, format, and design, in addition to updating the résumé to accurately reflect your skills and experience.
    • Statement:
      • Revise and edit your written statement based on the feedback you received. Use Microsoft Word’s Track Changes tool.
      • Focus on improving clarity, phrasing, and language in order to create a more effective statement.
      • Perform additional research that can be used to enhance and broaden the scope of the statement.
  10. Submit your work based on the following specifications:
    • Shooting:
      • Generate contact sheets for your thirty images with no more than 9 images per page with metadata (Resolution: 300ppi, Quality: 85%, Profile: sRGB).
      • Include complete metadata: frame number, shoot date, ISO, exposure and focal length.
      • Combine your 3 edited images (full page) with the contact sheets into a single PDF document titled PHOA209_W9_A1_lastname_firstinitial_contactsheet.pdf. Sequence your lighting set up shots (full page) so that each one precedes the final shot you have chosen.
      • Update your current Behance web portfolio with any additional images, making sure that you first fully edit the images and then work these images into a presentation and flow.
    • Résumé: Save your completed résumé as PHOA209_W9_A1_lastname_firstinitial_résumé.pdf.
    • Statement: Save your revised statement as PHOA209_W9_A1_lastname_firstinitial_statement.pdf.
    • To reflect any changes in your statement and résumé, be sure to update the About section of your web portfolio site.
    • Portfolio: Update your web portfolio with any new or revised images and post your Behance web portfolio link. Complete the following screenshots:
      • Project page (landing page)
      • About page
      • Each of the portfolio pages (15–20 images)
    11. Combine all of your screenshots into a single PDF file titled PHOA209_W9_A1_lastname_firstinitial_portfolio.pdf.
  11. Write a brief bullet point statement (150 words) indicating some of the key areas you focused on improving. Describe the method and approach you adopted for making those improvements. Copy and paste your description directly into your discussion post. 
Journal Entry
  1. Review this week’s portfolio draft and address whether it meets the Portfolio Standards. Consider the feedback you received from your instructor and peers.
  2. Click here to download the journal self-evaluation document and read each required section. Your journal should be focused and specific (not broad and blanketed) with a clear concept and intention, and address both technical and conceptual aspects that are measurable.
  3. There are two sections:
    • Weekly Outline and Goals - Clearly indicate what you will be shooting next week, what you intend to achieve and be sure to address concept.
    • Journal Entry - What will you be addressing next week, be specific - address conceptual aspects. Be sure that you focus primarily on the new images that you will create this week and be sure to include specific shoot ideas.
  4. Include visual examples to support any written ideas. Describe the examples you submit and how they inspire your direction. Cite the sources of your examples in MLA format. Save these examples along with your weekly journal document as one cohesive PDF file titled PHOA209_W9_A1_lastname_firstinitial_weekly_journal.pdf.
  5. Be prepared to make adjustments to your plans and continue a discussion with your instructor about what you have covered in your journal this week.
  1. Combine the contact sheet, résumé, statement, portfolio and journal into a zip file, and post it directly to the Discussion Area by Week 9, Day 7. In addition, include a link to your web portfolio.
  2. By Week 10, Day 1, review and comment on the posts of at least two of your peers. When critiquing your peers’ work, remember to give at least two suggestions on how they might improve their work. In addition, point out the aspects of their work that were the most successful.
Assignment 1 Grading Criteria
Maximum Points
Revised the project and used program required equipment to create a minimum of thirty new images based on the areas identified in W3: Assignment 1. Submitted a contact sheet of minimum thirty images and edited three final image selections. Complete metadata was included in contact sheet. Images meet portfolio standards.
Included full-page lighting set up shot(s).
50
Executed targeted improvements to the résumé and statement as per the guidelines specified in Step 1.
20
Updated the portfolio, résumé, and statement within the web portfolio site. Portfolio materials meet portfolio standards.
80
Completed a brief written description that addresses the approach to revising the final project material.
10
Completed the Weekly Outline and Goals section by answering all questions and identifying clear specific goals that address measurable technical and conceptual aspects.
Completed the Journal Entry section by identifying appropriate goals and gaps.
Focused primarily on new images included specific shoot ideas
25
Included visual examples to support written ideas. Described why the examples were chosen.
5
Offered specific and substantive feedback to the projects that were submitted by at least two peers, providing at least two suggestions for improvement.
10
Total:
200
Point values show lower limit of grade bracket, with the exception of “F”:
A B C D F
184 164 144 120 118
For assistance with any problems you may have when completing this assignment—OR—to offer your assistance to classmates, please use the Problems and Solutions Discussion area located through the left side navigation link.

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