Photo Essay Assignment: Final Project

Photo Essay Assignment
Digital Photography
Mr. Mitchell

Assignment Requirements:

• First pick a general theme. For example, you might pick America, Democracy, or Responsibility. You will shoot photographs centered on this central theme. This may include camera experimentation like shutter speeds or photomerges.

• Use what you've learned about photographic composition, lighting, color, lines, texture and use your camera to make a statement. Each individual photo will be graded accordingly. (Review composition elements if necessary).

• Your photographs should make both a visual and emotional/political/critical/intellectual statement. Your photo essay should contain at least 9 photographs. Below each picture you will also describe the composition elements used on each photo, what you did to adjust the picture, and where you took the picture.

• Your photo essay should be something unique, new, and your own view of your selected theme.

A one-page reflection is also required. In this paper you need describe what you learned during your project. What did you learn about your subject, Photoshop, and photography in general. What was easy and difficult about your project? What would you do differently if you did it again? Finally, how far along do you think you have come as a photographer this semester?


• You can shoot B & W, Color, or both. It’s your artistic choice.

• You may digitally alter your photos as necessary in Photoshop.


• Your pictures should be printed out either 3*5 or 4*6, two to three pictures per page with the exception of one photo that will be printed at 8.5 *11.

• Projects should be turned in on poster board with written with the written reflection attached. Look at examples at the front of the room.

• You will also be dropping this assignment in my drop box so that we may view each project in front of the class.

Composition Review

• selective focus
• macro
• Strive for a feeling of unity
• compose scenes around a single center of interest
• Lighting to emphasize a point or idea
• leading the subject
• the rule of thirds
• horizontal and vertical lines
• tonal balance
• balance mass
• abstract
• leading lines
• frame the central subject matter
• color contrast
• # of prime objects

• Convey Meaning Through Colors and Tones

• movement

http://cybercollege.com/tvp023.htm
(start reading the above link at Strive for a Feeling of Unity)

http://cybercollege.com/tvp024.htm
(Look at further examples at bottom of page)

http://cybercollege.com/comp_ex.htm
http://cybercollege.com/tvp025.htm
http://cybercollege.com/comp_ex2.htm

Photo Essay (Final Project)Treatment

Please answer the following questions in complete sentences.

1. What is your theme for your final project?Example: My theme project is Old America.
2. Why did you choose this as your theme? Be specific. 1-2 sentences
3. What type of locations will you choose to shoot your pictures? Why? Keep in mind that you will need to leave campus and most likely leave Shoreline.
4. What type of pictures do you hope to take? Action, portrait, landscape etc? A good photo essay will have a variety.
5. What kind of composition will you focus on in your pictures? You will need at least five composition elements (not counting rule-of-thirds). Yes, I want to know what you are attempting before you shoot.
5a. How will your pictures convey emotion?
6. Will you need class time to shoot? why or why not?
7. If you don't have a car, how will you make sure you get to your locations? Can your parents help? How about public transit?
8. This project should showcase everything you have learned in Digital Photography. How will you ensure this happens?
9. Is there anything you are unclear about in terms of composition or shot styles and angles etc. This is the time to ask.
10. What type of camera or Photoshop experimentation will you try?

Please copy these questions to your email. Answer these questions in detail and send the treatment to my email account. Please CC at least one of your parents or guardians on the email so they know they extent of this project. They may need to help with transportation.

Please write Digital Photo and your period number in the subject.

January Schedule

5th: Self-portrait contact sheets are due.
6/7: Students will answer treatment questions and email to Mr. Mitchell and parents.
(Self-Portraits adjusted are also due this day at the end of the period).
8/9: All day shooting day for final project.
12th: First 24 Picture contact sheet due. Manipulation work.
13/14 All period shooting day.
15/16: 2nd contact sheet due. Manipulation work. Printing.
20/21: Last all period shooting day. Final Contact Sheet due.
22/23: Final manipulation Day.Printing.
26th: Projects Due

Note: You must tell me EXACTLY where you are going on the shooting days and return with pictures from that location or you will not be leaving class.