Mural Project Preview. Assigned 10/8, due 10/15 - Minor (Final grade of the 1st 9 weeks)

Mural Project Preview

It is time for our first group project of the year. For this project you will team up with a group of four people to create a photo mural. In the past we have created physical versions of this mural, but this year, you will create a digital version. We will use Canva to do this. While you will work with a team of people to come up with a theme and to generate images for the project, you will create your OWN mural. To do this you will need to meet with your team to come up with a theme, and to decide who will take what photos.

For years artists have used wheat paste to basically graffiti open spaces in urban settings. While the unauthorized use of wheat paste is illegal, many cities around the country have started designating places where artists can safely and legally produce wheat paste-based art. They appear in places like NYC, Seattle, Minneapolis and other places. Austin used to have its own version at Castle Hill downtown (perhaps some of you went there in the past). Here is a link to some images taken there:

Hope Outdoor Gallery

To prepare for this assignment I think we should look at wheat paste art, specifically with photography. To be clear, I am not endorsing doing this in a destructive way. It is just another way to take a digital idea and convert it into an analog product.

Please make a new Google Site subpage called Mural Project preview, and as you work your way down this assignment, answer the following questions:

Let's start here - make sure to look at the gallery at the top (there are 6 images): 

Watersville

1. Why did Watersville decide to commission this project?

2. What was 1 interesting thing you learned about wheat paste products?

3. Pick one quote from the story that you think really defined the project to the community or the artists. Share it with me.

Now go look at what is happening in Denver, CO, again make sure to click through the gallery at the top  AND READ THE CAPTIONS BELOW THE PHOTOS (there are 13 images in this slideshow):

Wheatpasting Denver

4. Why is Denver embracing this type of art?

5. What are three things on Mark Sink's "wishlist" (There is a photo gallery at the top of the page, you will need to click view slideshow and look through the captions to find this answer)?

Check out one of the Denver artist's here: Mark Sink - Denver

6. Screen shot 3 images from The Big Picture installation that you like and share them with me on your Google Site.

Here is another cool project that was done in Atlanta: Atlanta

7. What was the goal of the artists who created the Neighbors Connected?

8. Who did they take photos of?

Now it's your turn:

11. Think of at least three ideas you have about what your team could take photos of, that are in the same theme? Be creative, but be realistic. You will be shooting ON campus, and every member of your team will need to be able to take similar photos or whatever you decide to do as a group. Use some of the examples you found above to drive your concepts. I am very, very open to strange ideas and new things. Share them with me.

Our next assignments will be to get into groups and start planning this project. I will be assigning the groups. Your group will meet to talk about theme and plan the project. You will have to decide the format that you want this to take. How can we show off 30+ images in a digital fashion that still holds true to this project intentions?

SLO and Prompt Shoot #2. Assigned 10/6, due 10/6 - Minor, MAJOR, Minor

 SLO

When you walk in today, you will take the SLO for my class. Do the best you can and make sure you answer all 20 multiple choice questions AND you write a caption and headline. You have NO MORE than 35 minutes to complete this task. When you are done, move on to the assignment below.

Posting Prompt Shoot #2 and Post Shoot Reflection

Please make  a new Google Site subpage titled Prompt Shoot 2 and uploaded 4 images, 1 for each prompt. 

Please answer the following below your photos, once you have your 4 images on your Google Site:

Make sure you label each properly with the prompt name and explain the compositional rule evident in the photo. You should do this for ALL FOUR PHOTOS!

In a new text box, answer these questions: 

1. What challenges did you encounter while trying to shoot in Manual?

2. As you were shooting, explain how you exposed the photo properly?

3. Explain how you adjusted your position or how you thought about compositional rules as you were taking these photos. 

Remember - there are always THREE goals when you take photos:

1. Your subject is clear and in focus.

2. Your image is exposed properly.

3. That you have thought about and controlled for either movement, or depth of field. You have to be considering those two things every single time.

Prompt Shoot #2 (focus on exposure). Assigned 10/1, due 10/6 - MAJOR

Here is your next assignment: Prompt Shoot #2

You know what to do with these after the first shoot. But remember, you need to take more photos than you intent to turn in. I would shoot 1 photo for every minute you are out there. So today a good goal would be 45-50 photos.

You will, generally, be graded on the following:

Focus - is the picture in focus? If not, you will lose points

Subject - is the subject clear? 

Interest - how interesting is the subject

Composition - did you incorporate rules of photography

Uniqueness - is it something new, something I haven't seen before, were you creative?

Don't forget that you are thinking about composition AND the prompts. Today, you have the added layer of making sure your photos are EXPOSED properly. And then you can start thinking about depth of field and/or stopping action. YOU MUST SHOOT IN THE MANUAL SETTING!!

A good starting place today, since it is sunny; ISO 200-400, Aperture f8-f16. shutter speed around 350 or so. If you are inside, you might need to start with ISO 400-800, Aperture f4.5-f8, shutter speed 60-250 or so. But make sure you use the LIGHT METER. If you need help, come back to the classroom. If you can't get your photos to come out - COME BACK TO THE ROOM.

Here are your prompts today:

Metal

Bowie

Square

Gate

You will turn these images in labeled, and completing a post shoot reflection on Monday when I see you next.

Sim Cam. Assigned 9/29, due 9/29 - Minor (in-class only, absences with be excused)

Please go to this website and wait for instructions.

https://camerasim.com

Please do not set anything and do not take any photos until I direct you to do so!!

I will be handing out a guided response paper that you will turn in at the end of class for a grade.

If you miss class today, I will give you this paper when you return and you will need to complete the assignment before you can go take Prompt Shoot #2 (manual).

Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO. Assigned 9/26, due 9/29 - MAJOR

Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO

The next lesson in our use of the camera and how it works involves what is commonly referred to as the "three pillars of photography." They are Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO.

Today we are going to learn about all three and how they impact our photography.

Let's start with Aperture as it is probably the hardest of the three to full understand.

Go to this website and read about Aperture:

http://mansurovs.com/what-is-aperture-in-photography

Once you are done reading - I want you to use google and find me an example of a photo taken at aperture setting F2.8 and an example of a photo taken at F16 or higher. DO NOT USE the photos on the website I sent you to, find different ones. Post those images on a new Google Site page called Aperture, SS and ISO and label them.

Then answer the following questions:

1. What part of the body should we closely relate aperture?
2. Finish this sentence - the smaller the Aperture _____________, the higher the Aperture ________________.
3. In your own words tell me how aperture impacts Depth of Field?

Now lets move on to Shutter Speed. This is a little easier to understand but we should read about it here:

http://mansurovs.com/what-is-shutter-speed-in-photography

Once you are finished reading about Shutter Speed, I want you to use google and find me an example of a photo taken with a high shutter speed and one taken at a slow shutter speed (you do not have to show blur unless you want but I still need to see an example of a photo that COULD have been taken at a slow shutter speed). Post them both images on your Google Site page and label them.

Then answer the following questions:

1. If you were assigned to shoot at Bulldogs and Hotdogs night, what shutter speeds do you think you would have to shoot at the following events that night I would like you to answer the question for the following two situations: You can answer: Low, Medium or High.

At the beginning while the sun was still up and the courtyard had reasonable good light

a.) a booth in the middle of the yard near the Tree
b.) a food booth outside under one of the big red awnings
c.) the Stars performance inside the gym
d.) students dancing near the center of the courtyard
e.) people streaming in from the front doors
f.) the basketball booth where students are shooting basketballs at a hoop

Towards the end when there is no sun and has gotten dark enough that you can't see from one end of the courtyard to the other. Again you can answer: Low, Medium or High.

a.) a booth in the middle of the yard near the Tree

b.) a food booth outside under one of the big red awnings

c.) the Stars performance inside the gym

d.) students dancing near the center of the courtyard

e.) people streaming in from the front doors

f.) the basketball booth where students are shooting basketballs at a hoop

2. List the three settings your camera has regarding setting shutter speed (these are found at #5 on the Shutter Speed website). Explain how each works - DO NOT COPY AND PASTE, use your own words.

Now for the last of the pillars, ISO. Lets go read some more at this website:

http://mansurovs.com/what-is-iso-in-photography

Once you are finished, please go to google and find me an example of a photo taken at ISO 200 and a photo taken at ISO 3200 or 6400. Post both images on your Google Site and label them.

Then answer the following questions:

1. What are the advantages of shoot at a higher ISO at a sporting event like basketball or a night football game?
2. What suggestions did the author make about using a low ISO?
3. What suggestions did the author make about using a high ISO?

Now that we have a basic understanding of the three pillars, let's look at some direct examples of what happens in when you mess with Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO. Go to the following website:

https://canon.ca/CanonOutsideOfAuto/play

This simulates a DSLR camera. Make sure you set the camera on MANUAL setting at the top.

List the aperture settings available on this camera starting with F2.8 and working up
List the shutter speed settings available on this camera starting with 4000 and working down to 1 second.
List the ISO settings available on this camera starting with 100 and working up.

Now have some fun and play with the settings. We will use a similar site next class to learn more about how to make adjustments in your camera for these 3 important adjustments.

Copyrights. Assigned 9/24, due 9/26 - Minor

 Review the below slides and watch the embedded videos using earbuds or CC. 

Create a new Google Site Subpage called Copyright. Answer the questions below using the resources provided.

Part 1 Questions - Reflect on the information in part 1 of the slides to answer the following: 

1. If you find a movie online at a site that encourages illegal sharing, why should you care about that? 
2. How would you feel if someone took something you made and put it online?
3. What would happen if everyone got music or movies from sites that give away copies without artist’s permission?

Think of a new recording artist or band you like

1. How do you think they make money?
2. How do they distribute their media to consumers like us?
3. How do you think copyright might relate to what they’re doing?
4. Could copyright be important to their current or future ability to make a living by making music?   

Part 2 Questions - Reflect on the information in part 2 of the slides and watch this video to answer the following: 

1. Have you heard of a site like this Napster before? 
2. What do you think about sites like that? 
3. Was it fair for millions of consumers to copy and give away songs to millions of other people?
4. How did Metallica figure out their new song had been distributed on Napster? 
5. Why did Metallica fight back? 
6. What do you think other artists at the time thought about it? 
7. What do you think consumers thought?
8. Do you think having music distributed for free through Napster devalued the music for listeners?
9. What do you think about unfinished drafts of songs being leaked to radio stations? How would you feel if that happened to your work? 

Part 3

Watch the following videos:

1. What do you do when you’re checking legal sources but still can’t find some of the songs, movies, or games you’re looking for? 
2. What if you want to find a newly released movie, but it is not available yet on Netflix or Hulu or another movie site? 
3. What does being an ethical and respectful digital citizen mean in this context?
   
4. How can you share a song you just discovered ethically?
5. What if the song has a Creative Commons license that allows sharing? What if the song is old enough to be in the public domain?

Key Words

Define the following key words, using your knowledge from this unit. If you need to look a definition up elsewhere please share the URL you found it. 

1. Consumer
2. Copyright
3. Copyright Infringement
4. Licensing Agreement
5. Media
6. Public Domain

Watch the 6 videos in this playlist. 

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm8a9mXz_9Y6XF5VCRqygelhf_5RkT5_T

Answer the following questions using information from the videos. If you do not recall the answer or are not sure, please use Google to find your answer. If you do this, please paste the URL of the site you found your answer next to your answer.

1. Review the Creative Commons, to learn about the initiative. Summarize the purpose the Creative Commons site, and other options for finding creative work with limited restrictions. 
2. What does it mean if work is part of Creative Commons?
3. Share an image from Creative Commons with its terms of use. Provide the source URL for the image. Briefly summarize its terms of use. 
4. What does it mean if work is part of the Public Domain? 
5. Share an image from the Public Domain. Provide the source URL for the image. 
6. Suggest a  good way to reference material you find online in the public domain?
7. What does 'Fair Use' mean?
8. What is direct permission? How can you get this?
9. Share one regularly copyrighted image with its source URL. Please note use of a copyrighted image for a classroom assignment constitutes fair use. 

Prompt Shoot, Post-Shoot Reflection and Sensory Overload. Assigned 9/17, due 9/24 - MAJOR, Minor, Minor

FIRST - post your "Prompt Shoot #1":

Please post your FIVE prompt shoot images on a new subpage on your Google Site called Prompt Shoot #1. One for each prompt. Please make sure to LABEL the images so viewers (ME) know which prompt they are looking at. While you are are posting the images, make sure to type a couple of sentences explaining what rule of composition evident in the image and explain the rule to me in your own words.

If you need to go take photos, please make sure to ask me ASAP.

SECOND - "Post Shoot Reflection":

At the bottom of your Prompt Shoot #1 subpage, make a new text box and answer the following questions:

1. What challenges did you encounter while trying to get the photos of your first 5 prompts (Dry, Purple, Electric, Book AND BONUS Happy)?

2. What technical aspects of photography or the assignment in general (focus, framing, holding the camera, etc.) did you find yourself thinking about the most? Provide a specific example of what you did to do this correctly.

3. Are you interested in shooting those same prompts again, why?

4. List FIVE prompts that you think would be fun to go take photos of.

THIRD - "Sensory Overload"

Check out this link:

http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/01/world/cnnphotos-commodity-city/index.html

After you read the story please answer the following questions on a NEW subpage on your Google Site called Sensory Overload.

1. The last sentence of the story says

"I believe that more and more, we are defining our environments not as the spaces themselves, in terms of the buildings or architecture, but rather by the objects and devices that we buy and surround ourselves with. ... I would like that message to carry through universally," Seymour said.

Please write at least 2-3 sentences on what you think about this statement, you should explain why you agree or disagree.

As an aspiring photographer how does this make you feel about your photography?

2. When you looked through the images, did you want to visit this place and take your camera?

3. What do you think it would be like to be the child of someone who worked at this place?

4. Please take a screen shot of your favorite image and tell me why it is your favorite.

To take a screen shot - hold down the SHIFT, COMMAND and the #4 key. This will then give you a new cursor that looks like a little target - you can then click and drag across any image to take a screen shot. That screen shot goes into your download folder and should be moved to your desktop folder, and then into your Google Drive to place on your Google Site page.

Prompt Shoot #1. Assigned 9/15, due 9/17 - MAJOR

Today you will go out to shoot your first "Prompt Shoot"

Here is how the prompt shoots work - you will each have your own camera and about 40 minutes to go out and shoot images. You will get quick instructions with the camera again, and then when you return, you need to make time to move all of the photos off of the SD card and into a folder on your desktop called Prompt Shoot #1. I think you should have time to move SELECT images from your desktop to your Google Drive before class is over. You will NOT need to finish this assignment until next class. Next class you will make a new Google Site subpage and post your images with a reflection portion.

In the prompt shoot, I will give you a few key words that should guide your shooting that day. You can interpret the words any way you want, but you should make it clear which photo goes with which word when you turn them in.

For example, I might give you an emotion like Angry - you might shoot something that makes you angry, you might find a color that you associate with angry (like red or purple) and shoot that, or you might find someone who is actually angry and shoot them as they talk. You can ask your classmates to work with you, but be careful the photos aren't too "posed" or made up.

A couple of words of advice from me - be careful shooting through glass - those usually don't turn out too well. Also, be careful with big, huge wide shoots with lots of stuff going on, it is hard to pick details out and to show off some of these prompts. And finally, make sure you are watching your backgrounds for people - I know at school its hard, but be looking so it is very clear who your subject is.

You will, generally, be graded on the following:

Focus - is the picture in focus? If not, you will lose points

Subject - is the subject clear? Are there distracting elements in your photo?

Interest - how interesting is the subject

Uniqueness - is it something new, something I haven't seen before, were you creative?

Most people get a 90+ on this assignment unless they don't turn in the required amount of photos, or they really mess up the focus and subject portion. The rest are minor deductions. Remember getting a 95+ means you are doing something very right AND there are very few people who get all four perfect, so don't expect a 100.

Today, I also expect to see evidence of composition rules. In fact when you reflect on these next class, I will ask you to share what composition rules you were trying to achieve with the images you turn in. You will write a couple of sentences on this subject, so make sure you fully understand the six compositional rules. In your four images, I expect to see FOUR DIFFERENT composition rules.

Here are your prompts today:

DRY
PURPLE
ELECTRIC

BOOK

BONUS: HAPPY

(This image must show one of the compositions rules, but it can be any rule. You will be expected to justify the rule and explain it to me)

For the bonus photo, I will be picking three people's images from this bonus photo to share with the class and the best three will get a prize for their efforts!

Composition 9/11 part 2. Assigned 9/12, due 9/12 at the end of the period - Minor

Now, let's talk more about composition. I will be going through the Composition Rules and giving you my interpretation of them. Once I am done, you will move on to the assignment below.

Please complete this assignment:

Analyze and reflect on your 9/11 composition selections.

Now that you have found good examples of the different composition techniques in 9/11 photos, go back and edit your Google Site and write about the photos you picked out.

Explain your choices. Help me understand how the photo you picked meets the rule you think it shows.

What to discuss - Be specific - Describe specific elements in the photo. Explain what the technique is all about. Explain the EFFECT of the technique.

If you can't remember all the rules, here is the website again:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/192HfRA92dE7FSuc3UNKx8eswGOvWk4loZv2jcsrTE8M/edit?usp=sharing

Example:

Below you will see examples of a well written description and one that isn't so great:

Lines

Example 1 (a good one) - In this photo, the red stripes of the flag and the grey ladder all form lines that lead the eye to the man playing the bagpipe. Since these lines are diagonal, they give the photo a dynamic feel.

The above example is the correct amount of writing and analysis.

Example 2 (a not so good one) - The flag makes leading lines to the guy.

The above example is too short and doesn't really show me that you understand the rules.

Do this for all six of the photos in your post. Make sure you clearly explain who or what the subject of your selected photo is, and how the rule of composition works with the subject. Remember, the goal of all of this is to prove to me that you understand the composition rules which are focused on making the photo more appealing to the viewer so they can better "see" the subject.

If you think you didn't pick a very good photo, feel free to go back and redo the assignment. Eventually you will be asked to prove your knowledge by taking photos that show me you understand these rules.

Composition 9/11 AND Extra Credit. Assigned 9/10, due 9/12 - MAJOR

 Overview Like great pieces of art, great photojournalism shots are well composed. The photographer carefully places the elements of a photo within a frame in order to tell a story in the most visually powerful way possible.

Unlike art, the content of photojournalism is not, for the most part, controlled by the photographer.
This was never more true than during the attacks of September 11, 2001. This has been called one of the most photographed events in history. Most of you weren't even born when this event happened, but it is still a very important moment in the collective memory of most Americans.

Imagine being a photojournalist on that day, running into this disaster while most people are running away. In the midst of this misery and chaos, it's a photojournalists job to capture the the human side of the story in an orderly and effective way.

Assignment

You will learn about some composition techniques and find examples of how photojournalists applied them to the chaos of 9/11.

First - Everyone must read about the the rules of "Simplicity, The Rule of Thirds, Lines, Balance, Framing, and Avoiding Mergers" on the following web site:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/192HfRA92dE7FSuc3UNKx8eswGOvWk4loZv2jcsrTE8M/edit?usp=sharing

Next- Go to the four websites below, and find excellent examples of photos shot on 9/11 that follow each of the rules. When you find one that you think fits the Composition rule, save it into your AISD Google Drive. I would suggest you make a new folder called Composition 9/11 inside the folder you made for my class.

On your Google Site, create a new subpage called Composition 9/11 and share one example of each of the six techniques from the composition web site, that you saved into your Google Drive

Make sure to title each photo with a text box that tells me the name of the technique.

For example- Post a photo with "Framing" as the title. You will need to do a post for each of the composition techniques. Which means you should have SIX photos on your page today, labelled correctly.

Here are the websites - they should be clickable links, if not copy and paste then into a new browser window.

https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/911-attacks-photos-aftermath/13/

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/09/pictures/110908-about-911-september-9-11-twin-world-trade-center-towers-indelible/

https://time.com/3449480/911-the-photographs-that-moved-them-most/

http://www.thedailybeast.com/galleries/2013/09/11/iconic-911-photos.html

(for the Daily Beast website above, there are 25 pictures make sure you find the clickable link labelled NEXT and look at all 25 photos.)

It may be hard to get these images to right-click and save to your folder on the server. If you want, you are welcome to do a google search for specific images and save those images. The important thing is that you are picking photos that show me you understand the six composition rules and getting them onto your Google Site. 

When you have found 6 photos; ONE for each of the composition "rules" we looked at today, make sure you have them labeled and then push Publish. Don't forget you have to push that button TWICE.

When your done - you might be interested to read this story - if you post your reactions (meaning you create a new Google Site subpage called Falling Man extra credit and you write at least TWO paragraphs (250 words minimum and I will be checking this one, if you need a word count, write your paragraphs in a google doc and then copy and paste it onto your Google Site subpage), responding to what you read and saw, I will give you extra credit points. This is graphic and not the easiest thing to read, so if you are squeamish, you might want to skip this one. Once you click the link, hit continue and it should redirect you to the website.

https://www.news.com.au/world/north-america/the-falling-man-story-behind-the-most-powerful-image-of-911/news-story/33c7bd71bf1de7f158c02e372c3244c1

https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/mggbey/long-fall-the-most-famous-9-11-photo-is-still-suspended

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1596786/posts

Famous B/W Photographers. Assigned9/8, due 9/10 - Minor

  PART I

To learn what it takes to make Great images, it's important to look backwards at some of the most famous photographers and their work to get ideas and examples of what great photos look like.

The first photographers worked mainly in the Black & White medium. Each spent thousands of hours  in the darkroom perfecting their prints which were as important to the final power of their prints as was their hard work and artistic eye when they originally shot them.

Although we won't be going into a traditional wet darkroom this year, we will be using another type of darkroom, Photoshop, to change and manipulate our photos. In the near future we will begin using Photoshop but first lets look at some of those famous photographers and their work.

First - Preview some of the masters

Go to:

http://www.masters-of-photography.com/

Click through all of the master photographers linked at that site. Look at their photos. You should be able to click each individual photographer's name, or if you like you can scroll down and see some sample photos. You will also be able to click on those photos to see more. Take a look at a minimum of 12-15 different people to find your favorites. DO NOT PICK THE FIRST 3 YOU LOOK AT. Spend some time with these photographers.

Next - Choose three you like - make note of their names.
Choose well because you will be assigned one of these photographers for a more extensive assignment. At least two of the three must have done documentary work (candid photos of people). Also please make sure that at least 2 of the 3 you pick have black and white images. I do not want to see a bunch of color photos.

On your Google Site - Create a new subpage and call it Famous B/W Photographers. Create a new text box and put in the names of the three photographers you like and insert your favorite photo from each near their names. You may have to do a google image search to find the photo you want, as not every photo on the "masters-of-photography" website are linkable. Make sure you SAVE the photos you pick out to either your Google Drive or on your desktop somewhere. Make sure you can find it.

PART II

Now it's time to get to know your favorite in detail. Select ONE of your three favorites from Part 1. Head to the Internet and use your favorite search engine to get more information about that person, please verify your facts by finding TWO sources to make sure it's accurate.

Add a new text box on that subpage and share a biography of that person. Important information that should be included: name, birth (and maybe death) dates, origin of birth, education, jobs, books published, etc.

DO NOT COPY AND PASTE this information, retype it in your words.

Yes, its just a bio, but don't plagiarize. 

Now find another 3-5 images from that photographer that you like. Save those images onto your Google Drive OR your desktop and insert them onto your Google Site page.

At the end of this assignment you should have a single Google Site subpage called Famous BW Photographers that has the following information:

3 photos and the names of your top-3 favorite B/W photographers from the masters of photography link.

1 biography of your absolute favorite B/W photographer.

3-5 images from that photographer.

This is the first part of a project that you will complete later.

First Day Photos AND the Camera. Assigned 9/3, due 9/8 - MAJOR and Minor

The first day of school you went out and took some photos. If you weren't here, you are excused from this part of the assignment.

Now it's time to turn those photos in. Here are the instructions on how to do that:

Below you will find a clickable link for your class. Click on that link. It will take you to a shared Google Folder for your class period.

Open that folder.

Find the folder with your name on it (you had a partner, so make sure you look closely.

Download that folder by clicking the down arrow that looks like this:

This will download the entire folder and it will go into your DOWNLOAD FOLDER on your DOCK.

Move that folder with your name on it to YOUR folder on your desktop that you made the first time we got on the computer. It should be the one with your name on it and DM.

Once you get that folder all set up, open it and find at least ONE good photo to share with me. You can put up to 10 on your Google Site for this assignment.

Now go to your Google Site. Make a new subpage called First Day Photos and insert those photos using the Images option in the Insert control panel.

You don't have to do anything else, no need to write anything or explain your images at all. Just practice getting photos from your desktop folder to you Google Site.

Smart students will save their photos in their Google Drive as well. It is easy, just click and drag it to your Google Drive. I strongly recommend that you label things so you can find them later. A good label for this assignment would be First Day Photos.

Be careful when you are using the links below - DON'T DELETE OTHER PEOPLE'S IMAGES. All you should be doing is downloading the folder with your name on it.

Here are the links to your photos:

Period 3 Photos

Period 4 Photos

When you are finished sharing your best photos, please begin the following assignment:

 The Camera - 

Overview: To take good photos, it is necessary to understand the parts of a camera and how they work to take photos. To learn more about cameras click on the following link and then answer the questions that go with that link.

Assignment: Click on the link and answer questions in a new subpage titled The Camera on your Google Site. Make sure you do the following:

Under the words Publish on the top right side, create a new page by clicking the THREE DOTS next to the HOME page and select Make Subpage. Name it "The Camera". If you use the + sign, you will then need to make it a subpage of your home page, by clicking and holding on the page titled the camera, and dragging it into your home page. When you have done this, make sure to go up and hit the publish button. You will have to hit Publish twice. The first time will open the Publish page and show you the changes you made, the second actually publishes it so I can see it. Although Google sites has an auto save function, I cannot see your work until you hit Publish. You should get in the habit of doing this when you make a new page at the beginning of every class period, AND most importantly at the end of every class period before you log off. 

On that new subpage, called The Camera you will answer the following questions. Please read the questions and then click the link to appropriate website for those questions. There are multiple places I an sending you today to learn more about the camera, the history of photography and what all the buttons and screens on the back of the camera mean. We will go into greater depth on all those functions later, but these are the important ones for now.

First, lets take a look at the History of the camera:

https://photographylife.com/what-is-photography

1. Who is credited with taking the first "permanent" photograph?
2. What specific materials did Louis Daguerre use to create the first "commercial photographic material"?
3. What type of images is Ansel Adams famous for?
4. What are the three fundamental settings you need to understand to be an excellent photographer?

Now let's shift to Metering briefly:

https://photographylife.com/understanding-metering-modes

5. What are the three types of metering modes?
6. When does the article suggest you use "Center-weight" metering?
7. What is one very specific subject does the article suggest would be great for "Spot" metering?

Next, Camera Modes:

https://photographylife.com/understanding-digital-camera-modes

8. What are the four Camera Modes?
9. What is the difference between the Aperture and Shutter priority modes?

Take a peek at Focus next:

https://photographylife.com/understanding-focus-in-photography

10. What is the difference between Manual and AutoFocus?
11. Which do you think is best for most circumstances (make sure to answer why you think this)?

How about using a Flash:

https://photographylife.com/when-to-use-flash

12. When should you use a flash indoors?
13. When should you use a flash outdoors?

Let's take a short look at Video:

https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-shoot-better-hd-dslr-video/

14. Why is using a tripod a good decision?
15. Should you use auto focus when shooing video (why or why not)?
16. What are the percentages according to the article when deciding to shoot wide, medium and close up (or even extreme close up)?

Finally, lets finish off this assignment with a look at the Histogram:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/tips-and-solutions/how-read-your-cameras-histogram

17. What is a histogram?
18. What will a "low key" histogram look like?
19. What will a "high key" histogram look like?
20. What is clipping?

Now click Publish in the upper right corner. Remember you have to hit the Publish button TWICE. Google Sites will show you a preview of the changes. ALWAYS HIT PUBLISH TWICE or I cannot see it.

When you finish these 20 questions and have published, you are most likely done. I will let you know if you need to do anything else. Some of you may still have some minor issues with your Google Site. Others might still need to finish the "This is Me!" slide. This is your time to finish those two assignments.

Grades are due this Friday, and these two assignments will be on that grading cycle. Make sure you are all caught up before you leave today - I wouldn't want missing work to make you ineligible.

About me!! Posted 8/29, due 10/3 - Minor

ABOUT ME!!

Create a Google slide to introduce yourself to me. I will combine slides and share on my website (and BLEND) so I can find out more about you.

Open Google Drive via the AISD portal, then create a new blank presentation.




Change the layout as necessary. (Slide>Apply Layout)
Include the first name you go by and last name initial in big letters as the slide title;
Fill the entire slide either including words and pictures to tell us about you on the slide.
Include 5- 10 facts or short phrases describing you and things that you enjoy.
Add a school appropriate photo of you (a selfie is fine) unless you make a video. (Go to Insert>Image. Take one with your phone or Chromebook, if you don't have one)
Include least 3 other images showing your likes, aspects of you you wish to share with with the class. Examples: extracurriculars, hobbies, friends, family, future plans, favorites. 

Spread your information out to fill the slide;

Format the slide so it feels like you.
Words should be easy to read and all pictures easy to see clearly.

Next, take a screenshot and save it in your desktop folder. Here is how you take a screenshot, learn it, because you will be doing it a lot this year!!

To do a screenshot - Hold down the SHIFT, COMMAND and NUMBER 4 key at the same time. This will turn your cursor into a little bullseye. You can then let go of the three keys and use your mouse to click and drag a box over what you want to take a picture of. When you finish drawing that box it will take that photo and put it either on your desktop OR in your download folder. Make sure you move it from either of those places into YOUR FOLDER on the desktop. You can then move the item to your DRIVE and from there you can put it on your Google Site.

Move it to your Google Drive.

Make a new subpage on your Google Site called About Me!

Insert the image on the subpage.

Next, go back to your Google Slide and click the SHARE button. There will be a pop-up box. In that pop-up box, look at the bottom and find the Get Link area. Find the blue words that say CHANGE. Click that word. There will be another box that opens. In the box, find the words Austin Independent School District. There is a drop down box there as indicated by the little downward facing triangle. Click that triangle and select ANYONE WITH THE LINK. It will process for a moment.

Make a copy of the link.

Go back to your Google Site, use the EMBED function in the Insert area.

Make your link a CLICKABLE link on your Google Site, under the photo.

Hit PUBLISH X2!!!

You are done for the day!!

Syllabus - posted 8/27 - no grade assigned

 Today we are going to start by taking a look at my Syllabus. We will take about 20 minute or so to go over the major parts. I am here to answer questions for you, so if you have any, please raise your hand and let me know. I think it is very important you understand the grading criteria and expectations for this class.

Once we have finished the syllabus, you will have the rest of the period to finish your Google Site and get it shared with me. I will be letting you know throughout the period when I have yours. Once you are done with your Google Site, you can sit quietly, read a book, working on your Chromebook on work for another class, or you can use my computers and surf the internet (at least what isn't blocked by AISD).

Here is the link to my syllabus for this class: Reeves Syllabus

Making a Google Site - assigned 3/25, due 3/29 - MAJOR

Digital Design and Media Production

Hello and welcome to DDMP!!

This year we will be using Google Sites to publish and post your work, notes and assignments about the topics we will be covering this year. This will serve as a portfolio and a point of reference for future uses. You already have access to Google Sites via your school Google Account.

The following video explains in a very simple fashion how to create and edit a Google Site. Feel free to revise this video on your own if you need help when working on the site. 

MAKE SURE YOU READ THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW AS YOU WATCH THE VIDEO. YOU NEED TO NAME THINGS SPECIFIC WAYS FOR ME, NOT WHAT SHE NAMES HER SITE (etc.)

You will have the rest of the period to get your Google Site created. There are a couple of things you will need to do, including making the site shareable outside of AISD. I will write complete, step-by-step instructions below.

1. Create your home page - use the BLANK when you push the colored + sign. You can set your background image for the head to any image you would like, including images you might have taken. If you use the Google search function, please make sure you get an image that has no copyrights. If you use one of their images, you are fine.

2. Title you page in simple fashion. Your first name, the class name and period number. For example: Michael's Digital Design Site period 1. Do not use your last name. We will make these public, but we want to keep your personal information as protected as possible. Be aware of your digital footprint.

3. Once you have a title, it's time to add some content. Follow the directions on the video to create a text box. In that first text box, please write a one to two paragraph biography (100-200 words). Again, do not use your full name, and only share what you feel comfortable with. You are under no obligation to do anything you do not feel like sharing.

4. Please use the image function to add a selfie. Make it school appropriate. You will need to figure out how to upload an image, or take one using your webcam on your computer.

5. Add a new text box. Write a paragraph (50-100 words) describing why you signed up for this class and what you hope to learn this year.

6. Add a new text box. Write a paragraph (50-100 words) describing your previous experience with digital media, even if it is just taking fun photos with your phone camera. If you were on a publication in middle school, please tell me about that.

7. Create a new page. Title this page Welcome to my site. Add a new header image. Make it a subpage of your home page. We will do this for EVERY assignment, so please figure out how to do this, the video explains it fully.

8. On this page, please upload a new image. I don't care what the image is, as long as it meets two criteria. It is school appropriate and you took it. For this image, you need to take the photo NOW. Go take a photo and share it with me. It can be anything, but you must take it right now. Do not use an old image or one that you took in the past. Show me something fun, or something unique. You may use filters if you want.

Now it is time to share your page with me. Here are the exact steps to Publishing your Google Site and sharing it with me properly.

1. Once you have your work done, remember that Google has an autosave function, so your work is saved, but we want to publish it, so I can easily see it. Look at the top of your page, there should be a set of tool bars. Find the one that looks like a person with a + sign next to their head. Click that person.

2. In the pop-up box at the bottom of the page, find the words Links vary and click the word CHANGE.

3. Find the words Austin Independent School District and use the drag down next to us to change the sharing to PUBLIC. Click DONE.

4. At the top of the page in the tool bar, find the word PUBLISH. Click that button.

5. Change the web address to: First name, DigitalDesign, period #. Example: Michael DigitalDesign 1st. It should separate the words for you.

6. Check the box that says "Request public search engines to not display my site"

7. Click PUBLISH

8. After you have PUBLISHED your site, you need to share your site with me. It's easy - find the share button and add me. Here is what the share box should look like before you hit DONE:

9. Click DONE and you should be finished. I will update you next class that I have gotten your site and I will show you where and how I will use it.

Mac basics - posted 8/25 - No grade assigned

1. Find and set the location of the Dock – Click on Apple icon in top left corner of screen. Scroll down and click on "System Preferences". Find Desktop and Dock. In the top portion labeled DOCK, you can change the magnification and size of your Dock. You can also adjust the Minimize Window. You can also choose to hide the dock so it will only show when you move your mouse cursor to the bottom of your screen.

2. Set the speed of the mouse/cursor – Click on Apple icon in top left corner of screen. Scroll down and click on “System Preferences.” Scroll down to the very bottom of the screen - find the word Mouse and click on it. Here you can change the tracking speed (turn it up so you can move your cursor from one side of the screen to the other without having to pick up your mouse), increase your double click speed (do not make it the fastest possible please), and you can adjust your scrolling speed (generally students like it a little faster, do not increase it as high as possible). You should also UNCHECK the box that says natural scrolling. Finally, click on the button that says Might Mouse Settings. When that box opens, where the RIGHT CLICK is, use the drop down to change it to from Primary button to Secondary Button. Do not change anything else.

3. Open Chrome and save a bookmark on the Bookmarks Bar – Click on the icon in your dock for Google Chrome. Chrome will work for most applications we will be using in this class. There may be times when I specifically instruct you to use a different browser, like Safari or even Firefox, but this is rare and only for specific assignments.

4. Creating/Naming a folder – To create a folder on a Mac, use one of the following options.

1.      Keyboard shortcut (recommended) – hold “command” + “shift” and press “N” key.

2.      Click on desktop to activate “Finder.” On the menu bar, click “File” and scroll down to “New Folder.”

3.      “Right click” your mouse and click on “New Folder” in pop-up menu.

To name a folder, click ONCE on the text underneath the folder. When the text for the folder’s name becomes highlighted, you can edit the name of the folder. Or you can "right-click" and find "Rename"

5. Finding downloaded items – All downloaded files automatically are placed in the “Downloads” folder, which is located in your Dock. Click on the “Downloads” folder to see the various files that have been downloaded.

6. Viewing/Switching between applications – The current version of the Mac operating system features a “Full Screen” viewing mode for certain applications. You can tell if a program is in “Full Screen” mode if the program window completely covers your screen. You can exit full screen mode by pressing the “esc” button on the top left corner of your keyboard. I DO NOT RECOMMEND USING “FULL SCREEN” MODE for typical use in our classroom. It will cause problems and make your life miserable in this class.

Below are some tips on switching between programs on Mac.

1.      To open commonly used programs, click once on the program icon in the “Dock.”

2.      To see all of the program windows you currently have open, press “F3.”

3.      To quickly open other applications, press “F4.”

4.      To hide an active application to see the desktop or another program, press “command” + “H” key. Return to the program by clicking on its icon in the Dock.

5.      To quickly switch between open applications, press “command” + “tab.”

6.      To quickly hide all open windows, press “fn” + “F11.” Press it again to restore open windows.

7. Using the “Finder” – The Finder is what you use to navigate through folders and files on a Mac.

1.      To open a new Finder window, click on the Smile Face icon in your “Dock” or use “command” + “N” keyboard shortcut.

2.      To adjust how files are displayed, click on the buttons at the top of the window just above the file names. There are four different ways to view folders.

a.       As an icon. You can adjust the size of icons by adjusting the slider in the bottom right corner of the Finder window.

b.      As a list. 

c.       As columns.

d.      In “Cover Flow” mode, which provides an image preview of your file.

3.      Each different mode of viewing files and folders has different uses. Learn to use all four of them to effectively use the Mac. 

8. Saving Files – We save ALL documents, photos and downloads onto our desktop. Please create a folder there now with the title: firstname_lastname_DigitalMediaFiles
Anytime we create a new document, please make sure that you save it there, this will include photos, design files, etc. You are responsible for all your work, which means creating back-ups. I highly recommend you use Google Drive to back up work. Some people might even go to the extreme of saving your work folder from your desktop to a portable/thumb drive. I am not responsible for lost work.

We will also use Google Docs, Slides, Sheets, or even Forms throughout this semester. Much of your work will go directly into your Google Site, which you will create later today, but longer pieces over a period of days will be written in Google Docs and automatically saved in your Google Drive. You will be able to turn in that work as a shared file LINK. I will show you how to share properly and it is crucial you share your work correctly. Any work not shared properly cannot be graded and you will suffer point deductions appropriate to how long it takes that to be correct. Please see my blog for further information.

9. Printing – Currently I do not have a way for students to print on their own, but I am usually okay with printing things for students. You can share it with me at my school email, and then let me know and I will print what you need. I cannot print tons of stuff....so don't ask. Color is okay for a couple of things, but not pages and pages....those will need to be black and white.