OCP-A: PHOTOGRAPHIC SPECIALIST, PGY0190

For all assignment’s you must…

  1. Have 12-24 pictures of the topic you are photographing.
  2. Produce a contact sheet of all your images.
  3. Submit/Post on your website your best photos of each for a grade.

All photos must be of saleable quality, showing good subject, composition, lighting
Before you submit your photo’s I want you to ask yourself “Who would buy this photo?”


Week 1 & 2: Assignment 1| Stop Action & Panning

Objectives: In this chapter you’ll learn…
Determine proper exposure using your camera’s built-in light meter.
Make appropriate corrections to resolve exposure problems.
Select appropriate aperture/shutter speed combinations for different situations.
Describe the effects of exposure compensation.
Identify the types of artificial lighting used in photography.

Student Activities (online work): Read, Watch Video & Practice
1. Read the textbook: Chapter 4- Complete: Technical Terms, Review Questions & Workbook
2. Read the textbook: Chapter 5- Complete: Technical Terms, Review Questions & Workbook
3. Read the textbook: Chapter 11- Complete: Technical Terms, Review Questions & Workbook
4. LinkedIn Learning Video: WordPress Essential Training
5. LinkedIn Learning Video: Mastering Adobe Camera Raw
6. Practice M: Manual Exposure Mode

Website work: Set up a website account. Then set up your Home, About & Portfolio sections for your online portfolio. Each assignment will be a new post. Label your post the photo assignment that you are submitting. You must submit a contact sheet with 12-24 images of each assignment.

M: Manual Exposure Mode- Practice Part 1
In manual exposure mode, you control both shutter speed and aperture. While the exposure meters are on, rotate the main command dial to choose a shutter speed, and the sub-command dial to set aperture. Aperture can be set to values between the minimum and maximum values for the lens. Use the exposure indicators to check exposure.

Through the Lens Metering =TTL Metering-In photography, through-the-lens (TTL) metering refers to a feature of cameras whereby the intensity of light reflected from the scene is measured through the lens; as opposed to using a separate metering window or external hand-held light meter. In some cameras various TTL metering modes can be selected.

M: Manual Exposure Mode- Panning
Panning is when the photographer tracks a moving object with the camera, uses a somewhat slow shutter speed, and takes the picture. This will result in the moving object being generally in focus and the background blurred. Here is a helpful article on how to pan. Use Manual Mode with an Auto ISO. Start with a shutter speed on 1/30th of a second and after practicing for a bit, slow it down to around 1/8th of a second. If your subject is moving really fast, you don’t need to make the shutter speed quite so slow.

For best results you’ll probably find that setting yourself up so that you’re parallel to the path of your object (this will help with focusing). Once you’ve released the shutter (do it as gently as possible to reduce camera shake) continue to pan with the subject, even after you’ve heard the shutter open. This smooth follow through will ensure the motion blur is smooth from start to finish in your shot.

Photo Assignment: Use M: manual exposure mode for this assignment. Take 12-24 images demonstrating stop action and panning techniques.Submit a contact sheet with 12-24 images of each assignment.


Week 3: Assignment 2| Lens

Objectives: In this chapter you’ll learn…
Describe the effects of the six types of lens aberrations.
Explain how a lens focuses an image on film or a sensor.
Describe the relationship of focal length to image size.
Explain the multiplier effect on lenses used with most digital SLR cameras.
Recall the characteristics of the various types of lenses.

Student Activities (online work): Read, Watch Video & Practice
1. Read the textbook: Chapter 6- Complete: Technical Terms, Review Questions & Workbook
2. Read the textbook: Chapter 7- Complete: Technical Terms, Review Questions & Workbook
3. Read the textbook: Chapter 13- Complete: Technical Terms, Review Questions & Workbook
4. LinkedIn Learning Video: Photography Foundations: Lenses
5. LinkedIn Learning Video: Photo Restoration: Fixing Stained Color and Damage

Aperture Practice: What is Due? 12 photos all of one subject shot at the apertures listed below. 6 of the photos will be from one distance and 6 from the second distance.

All photos need to be shot in Manual Mode. You will adjust the aperture (f/stops). Set the ISO to 200. If you have the kit zoom lens, set the focal length to 18mm so you can use the apertures listed below.

You will need a subject that won’t move, a tripod, and camera. Set up the subject and camera so that they are on the same level. Make sure that there is at least 20 feet between the subject and the background.For the first set of 6 photos, place the camera about 2 feet away from the subject and focus on the subject. Take a photo at each listed aperture.

For the second set of 6 photos, place the camera about 10 feet away from the subject and focus on the subject. Take a photo at each listed aperture.

Photos need to be taken at the following apertures: (f/1.4, f/2, f/2.8,) f/4, f/5.6,  f/8,  f/11,  f/16,  f/22 

Photo Assignment: Use M: manual exposure mode for this assignment.
Take 12-24 images demonstrating macro images.
Take 12-24 images demonstrating minimum and maximum depth of field.


Take 12-24 outdoor portraits showing good and bad backgrounds.


Week 4: Assignment 3| Photo Restoration

Objectives: In this chapter you’ll learn…
Distinguish between digital image processing and digital image manipulation.
Understand the general procedure for using image-editing software.
Describe digital darkroom techniques to adjust the size, contrast, and overall color balance of an image.
Describe different methods of converting a color image to monochrome.
Explain how and why unsharp masking is used on digital images.

Student Activities (online work): Read, Watch Video & Practice
1. Read the textbook: Chapter 8- Complete: Technical Terms, Review Questions & Workbook
2. LinkedIn Learning Video: Photoshop 2023 Essential Training
3. Photo Assignment: Photoshop “picture of Millie” & “Goldman”


Week 5: Assignment 4| Business of Photography

Objectives: In this chapter you’ll learn…
Define the term commercial photography.
Describe the skills and career preparation needed to enter the commercial photography field.
Describe the four different forms of business organization.
Identify several different ways of financing a new photography business.
Compare various methods of marketing a photography business.
Identify social skills needed to work effectively with clients and with fellow professionals.
Explain the importance to a photographer of retaining all rights to an image.

Student Activities (online work): Read, Watch Video & Practice
1. Read the textbook: Chapter 3- Complete: Technical Terms, Review Questions & Workbook
2. Read the textbook: Chapter 17- Complete: Technical Terms, Review Questions & Workbook
3. LinkedIn Learning Video: Photography & The Law: Rights & Releases
4. LinkedIn Learning Video: Photography Business: Pricing Your Work
5. LinkedIn Learning Video: Google Drive Essential Training

What is your Photography Niche?

Architectural Photographer – Generally speaking, photographers who specialize in architecture focus entirely on this discipline, which is largely due to intense, personal interest in architecture. The work of the photographer requires precision and at least a moderate understanding of the principles and styles of architectural design.

Event Photographer – The challenges for an event photographer are basic. In this niche the photographer must be successful at getting the word out about who we are, at what we do and why we’re better than the ‘other’ photographers.

Family Photography – Traditional families have changed and so have their expectations in family photography. There are families of three, families of sixty with three generations, extended families, ethnic families, single-parent families, and the list goes on.

Fashion PhotographyFashion photos typically feature supermodels and celebrities in high-fashion clothes, shoes, and accessories. Due to the need to showcase the outfits, this niche usually involves a lot of full body shots. However, it can also involve some portrait shooting, so you may want to practice your portraiture skills if you want to get into fashion photography. Depending on the clothing style, fashion can take you anywhere—from studios with full lighting setups and modeling runways to the great outdoors. If you want to break into fashion photography, you’ll need to equip yourself with a lot of skill in dealing with different kinds of people, in posing, and in both the artistic and technical aspects of the craft.

Food Photography- With today’s social media generation has influenced us to keep taking photos of our food, whether for fun or for marketing purposes. Today’s camera phone specs, it may not even be necessary to use a professional standalone camera. A decent camera phone and the right lighting are enough for truly mouthwatering food shots. Just make sure that the correct white balance is set in order to get accurate colors. You can also boost the saturation of your images (especially the reds and yellows) to make your food look even more appealing.

Freelance Photography – Although I strongly encourage focusing on your photography niche, to achieve the most success in selling your photography and getting new customers, freelance photography is still a strong attraction for many that enjoy taking all types of pictures.

Long Exposure Photography- Long exposure photography involves making use of your camera’s technical abilities to hold the shutter open for longer periods of time—which allows you to capture surreal images that we won’t ever get to see with the naked eye. This genre crosses over to night photography and astrophotography, which can result in incredible light streaks, starbursts, and stunning gradients (at the very least) in what appears to be a dull black sky in real life. It also includes the use of an ND filter during daytime to capture velvety smooth lakes and frothy rivers.

Macro Photography- Those who want to take truly incredible images tend to like macro photography. Capturing objects to make them look much bigger than they really are is relatively easy, as long as you have the right equipment. You can simply equip your smartphone with a clip-on macro lens accessory or, for more ideal high-resolution results, use a macro lens with a DSLR or mirrorless camera. If you’re looking for regular photography work, macro photography may not be the right niche for you. Nonetheless, it’s a great genre for those who want to capture artistic, highly compelling photos.

Nature/Wildlife Photography – Nature Wildlife Photography is a favorite specialization for photographers who are nature lovers, and there is a big editorial and advertising market for the subject matter. Nature magazines, travel magazines, wildlife picture books, calendars, textbooks.

Newborn Photography– Newborn, baby, or infant photography is essentially the same as portrait photography, but we’re listing it as its own niche due to the unique challenges that come with it. Aside from newborns being very fragile, their eyes are sensitive to light, so you’ll need to get the right gear and learn how to use your camera to make the most out of the available light. Babies also have difficulty regulating their body temperatures, so your studio will have to be cold or warm enough, depending on your precious subject’s clothing.

Pet Photography – Pet Photography is another specialized business that is great fun for those who love animals and photography. It is an ideal sideline for the retail photographer who enjoys working with pets. Some photographers specialize in going from pet show to pet show.

Portrait Photography – A good portrait reveals some aspect of the subject’s character, whether it’s a mood, a hint of laughter, or some other aspect of their personality. The skill to revealing this is in how you, the photographer, relate to and with the subject.

Real Estate Photography – 

Sports photography is a more professional niche that involves a lot of high-speed shooting. Photographers who shoot sports are normally armed with long and heavy lenses that are capable of zooming in to where the action is. These lenses are also specially made to shoot at fast shutter speeds, without ending up with underexposed images. Sports arenas are regularly packed with photographers, so the competition for a slot is still pretty tough. If you want to try your hand at sports photography, crank up your ISO so you can use faster shutter speeds, experiment with angles and lenses, and always be prepared to aim and click that shutter.

Stock Photography – Stock Photography is photography shot on speculation, in advance of being sold. The stock photography market has experienced major changes. The results have changed the stock photography business tremendously.

Street Photography- For those who bring their camera everywhere and enjoy exploring their artistic freedom, street photography is a particularly appealing niche. It’s a unique genre in photography that documents the human condition and captures unplanned events as they unfold, usually with no central theme or topic. The best part is that you can use different types of cameras for street photography.Usual subjects include street vendors, street food, children, graffiti artworks, and a lot of concrete, sometimes in black-and-white. They don’t necessarily have to be taken in the streets, as long as they highlight or portray the reality of the outside world.

Studio Photographer – For you, as a studio photographer, clients form an opinion of your studio before they even step into your studio.

Travel Photography – Travel photography is a favorite field for photographers who love to travel the world. Any photography that promotes travel through either an editorial piece or advertising can be considered part of this type of photography. An important element of this field of photography is an ability to shoot candid photos of people.

Weather Photography– Weather photography is basically outdoor photography that mainly showcases different—usually harsh and extreme—weather conditions, such as hurricanes, snowstorms, sandstorms, hailstorms, and even thunderstorms. Many photographers around the world chase life-threatening storms to capture the beauty of what we are usually quick to hide and run away from. When given the chance, this niche will pay you well and reward you with possibly award-winning images, but whether it’s worth the effort to shoot and risk your life is up to you.

Wedding Photography – Weddings are a billion dollar industry and wedding photography can be a very lucrative career. To be good, you have to work very hard. The rewards are very good. But, the work is very hard. For many photographers “wedding photography” is not worth the hassle and a lot of photographers will not shoot weddings for love nor money. For others weddings are all there is.

Wildlife Photography- Another rewarding and well-paying niche is wildlife photography. Due to the obvious challenge of capturing good and clear images of wild animals without intruding on their natural habitats, a job in this niche requires major upgrades in camera equipment and a whole lot of safety measures. Not everybody can be a wildlife photographer, which is why people pay a good amount of money for these types of photos. Wildlife photography typically takes place in challenging conditions in some of the most dangerous and remote parts of the world. You’ll find that many techniques involved in sports photography are also useful in this niche.

The Check off List!

1) Choose a specialty – See above

2) Create an email address. Open an email account for your photography business. Try to use your name as your business name or come up with a business name. (firstnamelastnamephotography@gmail.com or yourbusinessname@gmail.com)

3) Create a business logo

4) Prices – Try to consider your rates based on “value”. Also, measure the value of your work by some ‘artistic’ standards. Once you are able to have clear understanding of “value” and your photography services.

5) Organize/Business Plan – Develop a system that will allow you to keep in record and track everything you need to do and have done. This is to help you manage all your clients better and keep track of your supplies. Create a small business plan at bplans or sba.gov

6) The Copyright Act protects a wide variety of photographic works. This category includes photographs that are created with a camera and captured in a digital file or other visual medium such as film. Examples include color photos, black and white photos, and similar types of images visit Copyright.gov

7) Equipment – Start out small. You just need the basics. More often than not, you probably already have what you need, considering that photography was already your hobby. Having photography flash makes the difference between amateurish snapshots and sharp looking photos.

8) Advertise – Starting a photography business would mean making other people know you are open for business. Consider investing in print ads or making flyers to be passed around. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram are also great to market yourself if you make a page.

9) General Liability Insurance for Photographers – If you can try to take out insurance for your clients as well as yourself, especially if you have a home photography business where your clients go to your home for their shoots.

Assignment:
Students will develop customized logo to display on their photography as well as their copyright release form, model release form, price sheet form and an invoice form. After researching local photographers and photo labs to gain knowledge regarding typical /average rates, students will develop a business plan to submit to me for review and a grade.


Make a LOGO for your BRAND

Create 6 different logos for your photography brand
Design your logo with Adobe Spark   https://spark.adobe.com/sp/
Log in with your creative cloud account.
Go to the “Branded” Tab and create the logo to represent your brand.
Your logo is a representation of you and your brand. The brand you would be selling is YOU. What you do best. Visually represent your brand.
Post your logos