Lesson #1 Artistic Images

Lesson Overview

In this lesson, we will explore composition techniques. In order to capture a beautiful film, one must know how to work the shot. Film is a collection of moving images. Therefore, each frame (shot) should be beautifully composed.

Objectives and Goals

  • I can demonstrate the fundamentals of composition including balance, point of view, symmetry, geometry, light, color, negative and positive space, depth, direction, texture, and the rule of thirds to when capturing an image to create an effective shot.
  • I can demonstrate the use of camera shots, angles, and points of view to tell a story.
  • I can demonstrate basic editing techniques to tell a cohesive and fluent story.

Pre-Assessment (+200 points)

In the next thirty minutes, you and your assigned partner must work together to capture images with your camera that tell a story and demonstrate your understanding of line, shape, form, texture, space, and color. Your images should show simplicity, point of view, balance, and have clearly defined subjects. Each partner must capture their own images. You are sharing the camera. So spend the time wisely helping each other and most of all, KEEP track of your own images.

Creating Artistic Images Through the Elements and Principles of Design focusing on Composition

Step 1 – Composition Warm Up (+100 points)

Materials

  • scissors
  • digital camera or cell phone camera
  • composition worksheet
  • rule of thirds worksheet
  • computer

Directions

Cut the four elements from Composition Worksheet and arrange them on a sheet of white paper(frame).  Make sure you have your white paper laid horizontally (landscape). Capture an image for each solution below. Post the question and your image(response) in a post on your online Portfolio (wordpress.com).

  1. In what ways can you arrange the elements in your composition to create a balanced scene?
  2. In what ways can arrange the elements in your composition to create an unbalanced scene?
  3. How can we arrange the elements in our composition to make the viewers eye go directly to the woman?  In other words, where could we place the man, chair, and light to showcase the woman?
  4. How can we arrange the elements in our composition to make the viewers eye go directly to the man and the woman?
  5. Watch the  The Rule of Thirds Short Video which defines the rule of thirds.  Write a definition for the rule of thirds in your portfolio.  Explain the steps in capturing  a subject using the rule of thirds. This response is question number 5.
  6. Use the Rule_of_Thirds_Grid and explore placement of one of the elements from the composition worksheet according to the rule of thirds. Capture two images and add these to your online post above as question 6.

Step 2- Article review on Composition Techniques- Jigsaw  (+500 points)

Articles

Directions:

  1. Read Article #1 and #2 above answering the questions on this google doc. post your responses in Schoology under Composition Article Review Assignment (500 points). 
  2. Once you have submitted your responses to the questions listed in #1, read Article #3  above and complete a group poster with the “composition” as the subject.  Highlight the BIG IDeas from all three articles.  
  3. Create a post in your portfolio(100-300 words) answering the following questions:
    1. What is composition?
    2. Describe at least two methods of composition listed in the articles that you will try in our next photo shoot.
    3. Discuss why you chose these two methods and how they are used to create an effective composition.
  4. Further Reading if Time. It takes time to become an expert photographer.  Composition is an ART form.  Your movies will be ultimately CRAPPY unless you hone this skill along with lighting, screenplay, editing, and other technical skills.  Use the articles below for your own self study.  

Article #4 -10 Top Photography Composition Rules
Article #5- Composition- The Best Way to Learn about Composition

Step 3- Shooting Using Techniques of Composition (+1000)

  1. Using your newly learned composition techniques, capture images on campus showing line, shape, form, texture, space, value, and color.  You must use the rule of thirds in all of your shots to create balance.    DO NOT Capture images of HUMANS!  Only things/objects/nature. NO PEOPLE NO FACES!
  2. Create a 32 second film that demonstrates your understanding of the techniques of composition.  You must use 1 frame for each four seconds. The film must show line, shape, form, color, texture, space, and value.  The rule of thirds must be utilized in all images.  Identify the composition technique and  on each frame using titles/subtitles.  Your film must include an opening and closing title, music, and at least 2 different video transitions.
  3. Import all of your images into your folder on your assigned computer.  If you do not have a folder in the documents panel, create one now.  Make sure your folder has your name on it.
  4. Use at least 8 images (one for each element plus one more) in your final edit.  Use only royalty free music from incompetech.com .
  5. Editing Resource Videos (Use Adobe Premiere for Editing)
    1. Introduction to Editing 1
    2. Introduction to Editing 2
    3. Introduction to Editing 3
    4. Introduction to Editing 4
  6. Render your film and then submit to your online portfolio. Be sure to include a short reflection discussing new insights, challenges, or take aways. (if you did not submit this, edit and submit then email me via engrade)
  7. Email a link of your project to two different groups for a peer assessment using the Principles of Design.pdf rubric.   http://bitly.com/fultonfilm1  

Step 4- Camera Shots, Angles, and Points of View +1000

Warm Up:  

  1. Obtain the  WarmUp Camera ShotsAnglesPOV.pdf worksheet from your instructor and work on it independently for 5 minutes.  Analyze each row of shots.
  2. In five minutes, discuss your results with your group.
  3. Watch the Flash video on Framing the Shot. Revisit your warm up activity for Camera Shots, Angles,and Point of View and rename shots accordingly.

TASK OBJECTIVE- Create a 1-minute film that captures Camera Shots (Establishing Shot, Full Shot, 3/4th Shot, Medium Shot, Close Up, Medium Close Up, and Extreme Close Up), Camera Angles (High Angle, Low Angle, and Oblique Angle), and Points of View (First Person POV, Over the Shoulder, and Objective Shot). This video must show continuous movement. Keep in mind that every shot is a picture that must include elements of thoughtful composition including the Rule of thirds.    

CONSTRAINTS- you must complete this activity with a group of 4 (FOUR) people! Absolutely no dialogue!  You must utilize the rule of thirds!

  1. Begin by creating a storyboard that includes the shots you will capture in your film. Your group will have 10 minutes to create an effective story board. Include shots in the order you will shoot. You must include at least one shot of each of the camera angles and shots. Submit your storyboard to receive a storyboard , tripod, and camera.  All of your shots must use a camera mounted on a tripod. No hand holding a camera to capture video.Screen-Shot-2016-01-10-at-2.59Samples of storyboards- sample 1–  sample 2– sample 3 
  2. Spend 20 minutes shooting your film.  Remember to set up the shot, record, stop recording, and continue.  You will only have twenty minutes. DO NOT WASTE TIME.
  3. Upload your footage onto the computer into your folder.
  4. Open Adobe Premiere Pro to edit your project.  SOUND VIDEO
  5. In your final edit, identify shots, angles, and points of view on each frame using titles/subtitles.  Your final edit must include opening and closing titles, music, and video transitions if needed.
  6. Render your film and then submit to your online portfolio. Include a short reflection (2 paragraphs – 10 sentences or more) discussing the following. Be sure to include your academic vocabulary words.  WHAT?
    1. What did you learn from this activity?
    2. What challenges did your group face and how did your group overcome these challenges?
    3. How did using the storyboard help with your production?
    4. What will you take away to your next project?  Why?
  7. Online Presentation of student projects with peer assessment using rubrics.  Go to our class spreadsheet  http://bitly.com/fultonfilm1 and using the rubric for this task, assign a score to at least two students projects.  To earn credit for the peer assessment, leave at least one positive and  and one constructive (something that will help their project improve for next time) feedback as a comment.  

Assessment for Lesson

Your rendered files to your portfolio are formative assessments.  Make sure you include an objective (explain what the assignment asked you to create), artifact (a rendered file of your video), and reflection(explain what you learned from completing this activity). (+1000 points)

Moving On!

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Now that you have completed the lesson along with the assessment and submitted all of your artifacts along with objective and reflections to your online portfolio, you may successfully proceed to the next lesson in the unit which is Camera Basics. Congratulations on completing the first lesson of Unit 2!

 

Posted in  your portfolio from this lesson-check

  • Pre-Assessment +200 points
  • Composition Warm up +100 points
  • Article Review +500 points
  • Shooting Using Techniques of Composition        +1000 points
  • Storyboard for Camera Shots, Angles, and POV +500 points
  • Application of Camera Shots, Angles, and PoV   +1000 points