Project 1: Working a Meaningful Subject

©Duke

©Harris

© Craft

© Craft

©Pan

©Pan

©Pan

© Prestage

©Thornton

What is important to you in this world?

Develop a group of images around a concise subject, theme or idea. It will be helpful to be as specific as possible about your subject or idea.

For instance, if photographing "people," perhaps choose a single person and create an extended group of images, or perhaps create images in a subcategory, such as "activists," "cheerleaders," "smokers," etc.

If your interest is landscape, or places, consider choosing one place and exploring it thoroughly. Or alternatively, photograph as many variations of a certain category of place as you can find. For example, "back alleys of downtown Tuscaloosa," or "best hidden places on camps to take a nap."

If you like things, consider setting up an arrangement or still-life of meaningful objects. It can be helpful to do this on a table next to a window or on a porch, where you will have plenty of natural light.

If exploring an idea, perhaps work with something rather open ended, such as "daily routine," or "image is everything (or not)," or "my life in 5 years," etc.

A collection of haphazard images does not make for a strong project. Intention is important, as well as follow-through and a tight edit/image selection.

Work will be evaluated on:

• Clarity of idea/main subject/theme/concept
• Strength of images (framing, composition, etc.)
• Technical camera skills (sharp focus, solid exposures)
• Photoshop /image editing skills
• Whether project is adequately realized (follow-through)
• Print quality

Due Dates:

Prelim critique: 2/11 (Wednesday)

Final critique: 2/18 (Wednesday)

Portfolio of 10 exhibition-worthy images, 6 of these should be printed.