Before we begin taking the actual photographs, let's quick remind ourselves about lighting and composition. You already know that the key to photographic success is being thoughtful about those two aspects of the image, so if you need to go back and spend some time with the composition rules or if looking at images that have beautiful lighting would help remind you of some interesting lighting techniques, take the time to do it. You'll thank yourself when you're working on your images later and they're stunning and much more appealing than what you see everyone else working on!
Also, remember that this is an introductory digital photography project and you're allowed to use any type of camera you have. If you want to use a manually adjustable DSLR (digital single lens reflex), do it! You'll have a lot more creative freedom and the files will probably be significantly larger and result in images you can print larger, too. If you're using a camera that you haven't used before or that you need some help with before you begin just bring it in and we'll work on it independently of the class. That said, if you want to use a disposable camera or your phone, that's ok, too! All cameras will work and will not affect your grade. Keep in mind, though, that some phone cameras have settings that prevent us from viewing the images or toning them on the computer. If you're unsure that your camera (or phone) will take photos in jpeg format, please see me before you begin. All images that come off your cameras should be in jpeg format or, if you're using a DSLR camera, we can all use RAW files.
Alrighty--let's get into the scavenger hunt. The goal is to take as many photos with each prompt in mind as you possibly can, but to narrow down those photos to some of your best before you upload them to Google Drive (or a flash drive) for class. We'll edit them down even further during class.
PROMPT 1: Take a digital photograph of two things that aren't typically seen together. Consider ways in which you can make them relate to each other and how you can use composition to create a beautiful photograph regardless of how bizarre the elements are.
PROMPT 2: Take a digital photograph that captures the inner beauty of a person who makes you feel important. Lighting could not be more important in a photograph than in this one, so find (or create) beautiful light for this special person!
PROMPT 3: Take a digital photograph of something that has a very specific color that you'd like to try making dramatically different with Adobe Photoshop. While the image here doesn't have wildly interesting composition, feel free to take that further by placing your object in an environment that emphasizes its color even more!
PROMPT 4: Take a digital photograph of a place that makes you feel calm and that you photograph with calming lighting.
PROMPT 5: Take a digital photograph of something in motion when the photograph is taken. There are plenty of ways to do this and all of them are right. Use a slow shutter speed with a tripod or a fast shutter speed when you'd like to stop motion or use panning to show that something is moving quickly...
PROMPT 6: Take a digital self portrait that makes you feel like your best self. This does not have to be traditional in any way. If you're in the photograph and you're the center of attention--regardless of where you've placed yourself, that's gold. And if you need help from a friend, have them take the photograph once you've set it up. Ask nicely; they're doing you a favor.
PROMPT 7: Take a digital photograph of a location that most people think is ugly, but that you can make beautiful with your camera. Again, this will rely heavily on lighting.
PROMPT 8: Take a digital photograph of something, someone, or somewhere you know no one has ever artistically photographed.
PROMPT 9: Scan a film negative that you wanted to print, but that you didn't get a chance to make in the darkroom. Consider what you could do with it in Adobe Photoshop as a way to choose and feel free to scan more than one.
PROMPT 10: Scan a film negative that is either old (ask family members) or that you've repurposed or damaged with intentional marks, stains, cuts, and other messes.
PROMPT 11: Scan a black and white negative that you've colored on with markers and other colors tools. Go wild with this one! Maybe even ask some friends to add to the negative or to give you ideas about what to use so that you add color, but so that you can still see light through the negative.
Once you have all of the images you need for the scavenger hunt, upload them to Google Drive or add them to a flash drive so you have them for class. We do not have multiple card readers for each computer and each camera, so you'll need to have them on the computer before you arrive in order to receive full credit.
Can't wait to see what you've shot!
Credits:
Created with images by tamara garcevic - "Street market detail" • Yeshi Kangrang - "capture the light" • Christian Mackie - "A layflat collection of retro and antique cameras on a blue background like Pentax 6x7, Mamiya RZ67, Holga, Contax, Rolleiflex and Nikon. " • Vitor Fontes - "dinosaur" • Aziz Acharki - "untitled image" • davisco - "Blorange" • Sven Scheuermeier - "Balloons over Bagan" • Alan Labisch - "The Aurora Borealis was predicted at Kp 7 on a cool Sunday night so we packed up around 11 to go check it out. This was the first of a few stops that night - a view from Boston Pond, looking Northwest, before the Aurora really decided to kick in." • Alex Iby - "The theme for the night was “Neo-Tokyo”, so a few friends and I went into China Town to search for neon lights. When we came across this sign, we knew we found the light. It can be a challenge at night to find what area’s work best, but the challenge makes you a stronger photographer. Big ups to everyone out there pushing their creative limits!" • Gabor Monori - "Graffiti bathroom" • Ian Keefe - "untitled image" • Clem Onojeghuo - "In search of a good home" • Roman Kraft - "untitled image" • Christin Noelle - "untitled image" • Jesus Kiteque - "Views"