This assignment was shared with FotoFika by Marni Shindelman who leads the Art X and AB in Interdisciplinary studies and Photography programs at the University of Georgia. PDF files of the full syllabus, the Altering Space assignment and the assigned readings are linked below.
Syllabus: Constructed Image – A junior level course for photography majors/ minors. Last required course before they move into photo electives and advanced portfolio course. Flipped Classroom/ Hyflex. Asynchronous with optional attendance every class time. The students are split into two teams (Red and Yellow Power Rangers) and they can come on Tuesdays or Thursdays for instruction where we go over online tutorials and always talk work.
ASSIGNMENT: Altering Space:
FOCUS: Altering Spaces
LECTURE: Altering Spaces, Marni Shindelman
WATCH: Bending Spaces: Georges Rousse: This is a full length documentary about Georges Rousse. Note how the camera here completes the work, and how different the installation would be without the view from the camera. Think about the role your camera (or the still image) plays in the images you are making.
WATCH: Wes Anderson’s Color Palettes: Wes Anderson utilizes color palettes for each of his films to place them in a time, specific location and setting. Even if he never mentions the locations in the films, by the color palette alone you conjure a very specific place where the filmis set. Watch this brief, 3 minute film about his color palettes. If you have never watched a Wes Anderson film, I suggest starting with Life Aquatic or the Royal Tennenbaums or my favorite The Fantastic Mr. Fox. Utilize color in your project as a way to set the mood or tone
READ: Altering Spaces:
FOCUS: Flash Lighting
LECTURE: Flash Lighting, Marni Shindelman
READ: “Introduction: Why Hard Light” from Studio Anywhere 2 by Nick Fancher (they purchased this book for the class) Read the Introduction to the book Studio Anywhere 2 (pages ix- xxix). This is an introduction to how flashes are just smaller versions of larger studio lights. We will use this book to learn how to manipulate light- whether it is flashes or strobe lights. It will be our guide for the semester!! And it’s a great book to reference and return to.
OPTIONAL: How to use the Sony Flash. If you have never used the Sony flashes, this is a great intro video for how to setup and use the Sony flashes. It’ll help you understand what the settings are on it.
TUTORIAL: Off Camera Multiple Flashes. Check out two SONY flash kits from the CAVE– optional to also check out 2 light stands and a flash color gel kit. Also if you want, check out one of the SONY A7r ii or iiis.Watch this ENTIRE tutorial on how to utilize multiple flashes in your images. Once you can get two flashes to talk to each other, you can begin to play with them and put them in doorways or behind furniture or outside windows to start influencing the moods in your photographs with lighting. Use gels over the flashes or flashes of differing power to really push your lighting. Utilize the color psychology discussed in this section’s lecture. If you want your image happy/ nostalgic, try warmer lighting — try a flash combined with daylight. Want something moody and more sci-fi? Try shooting at night or in the evening and utilize some colored gels over your flashes.
TUTORIAL: Modifying Flashes with Big Mac Boxes: Lighting is all about hacking and playing and finding anything and anyway to control light. Check this brilliant and hilarious way.
OPTIONAL: How to use the Sony A7s: If you aren’t familiar with the Sony cameras, this is a great tutorial to get you started!!!!
OPTIONAL TUTORIALS:
TUTORIAL: How to make contact sheets in Lightroom
TUTORIAL: How to export your contact sheet as a multi page PDF
