Photography One: Photogram
Lesson Description: Students had their first opportunity to work with traditional darkroom techniques by creating a photogram. A photogram is an image created without using a camera. To do this students were asked to bring in objects from their home that represented themselves. They would then use these objects, an enlarger, and photo paper to create their photogram. When creating their photogram students used the rule of thirds and the elements and principles of design to create and interesting composition of their objects. They also created value and contrast by using transparent and opaque objects. This project was an introduction into the darkroom for the photography one students.
Student Artwork:
Photography Three: Documentary Photography
Lesson Description: Upper-level photography students were asked to explore documentary photography by choosing a subject and exploring all aspects of that subject through images. They were asked to take lots of pictures and to be thinking about the elements and principles of design while composing their images. They were then to narrow their images down to three final images that would give the viewer an overall sense of the subject they were exploring. Also it was important that students didn’t edit their images because documentary photography focuses on the truth. This challenged students to make decisions about composition, lighting, and white balance right in the camera instead of relying on the post processing of an image.
Student Artwork: