Introduction to Digital Media

M. December 14th The Final Final.

2009-12-11T21:50:00.000-08:00

We'll meet in the computer lab on Monday at 9:30 as was discussed in class this past Wednesday. This will be your last opportunity to present your work. Please be sure to email me what grade you earned in the class, hopefully we'll agree.

I hope all of you have a wonderful holiday break. I've really enjoyed having all of you in my class! Thanks! v

“A Date Which Will Live in Infamy”

2009-12-07T08:57:00.000-08:00

That would be today, Decemeber 7th. Not only did the Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor, but today is also the day our final begins... and only a few of you in the morning class are ready. Can you spell dissapointed? disapointed? dissappointed? Disapointed. Apparently not, but you get the drift. So yes, we will begin the final on Wednesday December 9th and continue on Monday, December 14th, from 10:30-12:30. Those of you who were absent today will lose one letter grade.
Bombs away.
Guess what? My afternoon class ROCKS! They're ready to go today like they are supposed to! So the afternoon class will present today and Wednesday. Yea!!

...are you for real?

2009-11-30T17:05:00.000-08:00

So the other night I was on the internet, or looking at a book or staring out the window, or dreaming. I can't remember which. I remembered this beautiful little submarine that I had seen at a gallery in Kansas City several years ago. It took me a while but I remembered the artists name, and I also remembered that I'd met him once or twice and was always amazed by his work. Well I looked him up and there he was, teaching somewhere in Maine. I wrote him a long rambling email, told him about an experience that I'd had years ago about meeting a guy who had these incredible model boats, one of the Titanic that lit up... and how when I went back to look for him again he was gone, his place was gone his town was gone. I'd been haunted by that for years- still am.

Anyway, Randy just sent me a beautiful email (when was the last time you heard someone call an email beautiful?) He's working on an installation for a little town in Maine, and I'm really tempted to go up there and see it.

Here's his website. And that's the sub in question. I wish I would have bought it when I had the chance...
http://www.randyregier.com/index.php
http://www.flickr.com/photos/regierart/

William Stafford

2009-11-28T08:33:00.001-08:00

William Stafford is one of my favorite poets. I first saw his work in one of Robert Adams books. Robert Adams is one of my favorite photographers, so a match made in heaven. Stafford has several books on how to be a poet, and for me it's easy to transpose the word "photograph" and "poem."

"Writing a poem is easy, like swimming into a fish trap. Analyzing a poem is hard, like swimming out of a fish trap."

"...puzzlement can be accepted, but insulting clarity is fatal to a poem."

M. November 30

2009-11-28T08:06:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, that you were surrounded by good food, family and good friends. And I know we're all looking forward to break, me as much as the rest of you (combined.) Breaks and weekends are the times that I get to spend doing my work, I need some uninterrupted days to consider my photography and try to make a decent image.

Last week we framed our large prints and put them up in the student center. I've very proud of how good the work looks and hope that you are too! I really believe that work isn't complete until it's matted, framed and hanging in a public space.

For the 30th and the 2nd we'll finish up with all our loose ends, and prepare for our final critique on December 7th and 9th. You'll need to be prepared to present your work either day, otherwise everyone will want to present on the 9th.

For your final you'll need to present your blog with all the assignments, all the weekly events and your discussion of the book up to and including chapter eight. you'll also present your iWeb website and six perfectly matted photographs.

Your final grade will be based on several things, and I'll ask you to grade yourself as well, to see if our realities align. The first criteria is your attendance but it's not the only one. Please do not write, "I attended all classes and turned in all my work, so I deserve an "A." You may very well deserve an "A" if you did that, but remember, the work you turn in has to be better than the work from the rest of the class. For example, did you turn in an assignment, and then based on suggestions, re-do the assignment to make it better? Did you do more than was required? That is what's going to separate you from the majority of students and artists in the "real world."

If you missed more than three classes, the best grade you can receive is a "B." More than five, a "C." It's not about doing all the work, it's about being here and sharing in ideas and listening and learning. You can't be an excellent student if you miss several weeks worth of class. Receiving a "B" is a good thing, and if you really, really need an "A," maybe the last week is the wrong time to realize that...

M. November 16 Web-a-deb-a-ding-dong

2009-11-18T06:15:00.000-08:00

On Monday we discussed websites, I showed you how to make one in Lightroom as well as iWeb. You'll need to make one in iWeb for your final. It should include all your shooting assignments for the class, and may include work from other classes as well. It would be my hope that you will keep the website current during your career as a student here. Certainly if you're an art major it would be a terrific asset for you!

We were talking about light painting some last week, and some of you showed me some pretty interesting images. Here are a few from a former student of mine, Brandon Tischer. These are some of the most interesting light paintings that I've ever seen.

you might also want to check the work of Chip Simons. http://www.chipsimons.com/

W. November 11

2009-11-11T07:34:00.000-08:00

11.11. Wow, maybe you should buy a lottery ticket. Is the world going to end on 12.12.12? Just my luck, I buy a lottery ticket on 11.11, win, and the world ends on 12.12.

Regardless. Happy Wednesday! Guess what? You don't have a shooting assignment this week! Please get caught up on all you blog entries, your assignments and your reading. On Monday we'll review the book you've been assigned, up to chapter six. We'll also print some of your David Hockney images. Be sure that you have a canvas that is 20x30" at 240 dpi.

M. November 9

2009-11-11T07:32:00.000-08:00

Today we'll work on the David Hockney project. Please put at least four of them on your blog for Wednesday.

W. November 4 Road Trip

2009-11-06T19:38:00.001-08:00

We had a beautiful day. We had some good burgers. Hopefully we all shot some interesting pics, because you should have six David Hockney's for Mondays class. Yes, you can work on them in class, but I'd also like you to print three of them for Wednesdays class.

M. November 2

2009-11-02T13:37:00.000-08:00

Today, yea! the sun is shining! Your narratives were due today, and many thanks for those of you that turned them in on time. You can still make changes and adjustments to them... If you didn't turn them in on time, I can't very well give you an "A" for that assignment, can I? Uh, no, sorry. Please keep all the individual photos as we'll add them to our video of the same subject.

We're going to switch gears for our next shooting assignment, and photograph in the style of David Hockney. Google him, check out his photography. Also, check out the cubists.

On Wednesday, November 4, we'll meet in Greenville at the courthouse at our regular class times. (Those of you in the evening class, please try to join us during the day, at 9:30 or 2:00.) We'll do some David Hockney photos downtown, of each other, of old buildings, of the garden, etc. We'll have lunch or an early dinner at CB's burgers. CB's is located at 3304 Wesley St
Greenville, TX 75401-4635. We'll meet downtown on the square right where the courthouse is located. If you're lost, call me! 573.220.5968

Drifting Creatives

2009-10-29T07:33:00.000-07:00

This is the website of Drifting Creatives, two TAMU College Station grads that went on the road to look for work. Apparently they made a bunch of connections through Twitter... I think it's interesting, in that you've got to think of new ways to get hired, and that digital marketing is essential. They were on the road for four months, and no, they didn't get jobs. Something to think about...

http://www.driftingcreatives.com/

M. October 26- Multiple-Me

2009-10-26T17:47:00.000-07:00

Today we finished our multiple-me assignment. You should have six, 6, SIX multiple-me images posted on your blog by the end of the day today.

I will not be here on Wednesday, October 28, as Ill be attending a conference in Dallas. Please PLEASE use this time to work on your narrative. your narrative is due next Monday, November 2.

The Case of the Inappropriate Alarm Clock

2009-10-26T06:26:00.000-07:00

http://morris.blogs.nytimes.com/category/the-case-of-the-inappropriate-alarm-clock/

There's a very interesting set of articles about photography, truth and documentation in the New York Times. Please check it out!

Joel Sternfeld at the Amon Carter!

2009-10-24T18:51:00.001-07:00

Thursday, October 29, 2009 - 6:30pm - 7:30pm

The Long History of a Split Second: A Discussion with Joel Sternfeld

Join the discussion as photographer Joel Sternfeld speaks about the journey of his career leading up to his large color photograph March 4, 2007, The East Meadows, Northampton, Massachusetts, currently featured in the Carter’s exhibition Masterworks of American Photography: Moments in Time.

Reservations are required; seating is limited. Please call 817.989.5030 by October 22 to register; confirmation will be sent.

Camera Remote for your iPhone

2009-10-24T18:29:00.000-07:00

Check this! It's a camera remote for your Canon or Nikon. You can adjust controls, change exposure, aperture, shutter speed, and even fire your camera from your phone. You can even what the viewfinder sees from the phone. Pretty cool! The bad news is that it needs a wifi to make it work, so it's perfect for the studio photographer, but not so much for the person on location. Still, it's an interesting innovation for an iPhone!
http://www.ononesoftware.com/detail.php?prodLine_id=38

W. October 21- Shelby Lee Adams!

2009-10-21T19:09:00.000-07:00

Today we reviewed any issues that you might be having with either your narration project or your multiple me project. Remember, six INTERESTING, COMPLEX "multiple-me" images are due Monday. We can work on them in class, but you'll need to have made all the initial images. Please add comments about Adams on your blog- I understand that the 2:00 class didn't meet today. You obviously didn't see the video or images, but please check out Shelby Lee Adams blog...
http://shelby-lee-adams.blogspot.com/

M. October 19 Storyboards, Multiple-Me...

2009-10-19T07:38:00.000-07:00

Today your storyboards are due, as are six prints that you print in the lab! No, Wal-Mart doesn't count!! I'll show you how to make the multiple-me assignment and that is due next Monday. This Wednesday will be a work day, I won't be available during my afternoon 2-5 class as I've got a faculty meeting and I'm also meeting with another class (sorry!) I've also shown you how to do simple animations in iPhoto for your narration. Your narration is due November 2.

M. October 12

2009-10-11T20:02:00.000-07:00

Today we'll discuss the outlines for your family narratives. Remember, you'll need a storyline and also a visual "hook" that will hold the story together. As we're going to be working on these in parts, the next stage is to start photographing your story. We'll then ad text and turn it into a Powerpoint presentation. Then we'll publish a Blurb book, and finally we'll make a video of your family narrative.

I'd like you to make six prints from the current body of work that you have. We can spend the time today to make prints. We'll also be looking at David Plowden's work, in anticipation of our field trip to Cooper!

http://www.davidplowden.com/
http://www.blurb.com/
http://inmotion.magnumphotos.com/

M. October 5th

2009-10-04T16:22:00.000-07:00

Today you'll upload your Siskind images. We'll also watch a great movie called "Rise" by one of the great contemporary commercial photographers, David LaChapelle.

http://www.lachapellestudio.com/

W. September 30

2009-09-29T20:51:00.000-07:00

Today we'll continue working with your ABC images. Please upload your three complete alphabet to your blog before Monday's class.

Aaron Siskind and the Abstract Expressionists

2009-09-27T18:31:00.000-07:00

Your next shooting assignment- due October 5th- is to emulate the work of Aaron Siskind. You'll need to make one-hundred images and edit them down to the best ten.

http://www.aaronsiskind.org/
http://www.gagosian.com/artists/franz-kline/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abstract_expressionism

Another Great Lecture and Workshop!

2009-09-24T18:37:00.001-07:00

They are guaranteed to get their moneys worth!

Local Lecture Series

2009-09-22T08:29:00.000-07:00

http://www.richlandcollege.edu/photography/events.php
http://www.utdallas.edu/centraltrak/calendar.htm

A Few more Websites and a Blog

2009-09-22T07:32:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more that you should be aware of.

http://www.fractionmag.blogspot.com/
http://fractionmag.com/index.htm
http://photographingamerica.blogspot.com/
http://www.art-commerce.blogspot.com/
http://curtiserlinger.com/*/curtiserlinger.html
http://www.polarinertia.com/

M. September 28- ABC's, Develop and Print!

2009-09-21T21:16:00.000-07:00

Today we'll upload our ABC's. I'll show you how to export to Photoshop and convert your images to b/w. I'll also show you how to put multiple images on one canvas, and show you how to convert an image to black and white and color! We'll also (if we have time) go over printing on the Canon printers. You should upload your three complete alphabet (three images, not 78!) before next Mondays class.

You should have your copy of Advice to Young Artists in a Postmodern Era by now. Beginning next week and every week thereafter, you need to read and comment on one chapter- each week. So by October 9th, you should have read and commented on the first chapter. By the sixteenth, the second, and so on. Yup, this in addition to the other two blog entries each week!

You'll also need to have your Canon printing paper by next week at the latest. You should buy either:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000721Z3/ref=ox_ya_oh_product
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EUEWGO/ref=ox_ya_oh_product

I say get two boxes at least. It's cheap and you can print on the Canon printers for free!

Blogs

2009-09-21T16:21:00.001-07:00

Okay, I can't figure why Blogger works sometimes and not others. I'm sorry! If you've emailed me your blog address, I'll post it here. Here are the ones that I have so far. Please, if I haven't commented on your blog by Wednesday, send me your blog address. vwascovich@mac.com

http://laurabethbridges.blogspot.com/
http://ryannnicole123.blogspot.com/
http://emilyhillman.blogspot.com/
http://brennamartindale.blogspot.com/
http://emmilyunderwater.blogspot.com/
http://www.ashleykerwin.blogspot.com/
http://jamies-jamiesblog.blogspot.com/
www.shellyhanna.blogspot.com
http://www.blogger.com/profile/02023485272991518908
http://lexfitzgerald.blogspot.com/

M. September 21- Self-Portraits, Printing

2009-09-20T18:07:00.000-07:00

Today we'll upload our images from the self-portrait shoot, file them and develop both them and the portraits that you did previously. We'll also print a few images on the Canon printers.

On Wednesday I'll be attending a conference in Oklahoma, so you can use that time for your next shooting assignment, the ABC's! Trust me you're going to have fun doing this one. You'll need to make three images using the alphabet- not photographing actual letters, but using the forms of the alphabet to create compositions. You'll need to find three of every letter. Two complete alphabet have to come from one specific place, be one specific theme (the library for example, or a little town, a state park...) the third can come from anywhere. For one set we'll crop them square. One set will be in color, one b/w, and one mixed! All images are due M. September 28. We'll work on them in class Monday.

Also, and I've forgotten too- be sure to purchase the book listed in the syllabus. You'll need to read it and make comments on your blog for each chapter.
Advice to Young Artists in a Postmodern Era, by William Dunning.

W. September 16- A Few Good Websites

2009-09-16T21:45:00.000-07:00

http://www.loveleafpress.com/

http://www.eugenerichards.com/

http://www.fraenkelgallery.com/

Three completely different websites. Each wonderful in their own way. Enjoy.

W. September 16- Assignment, Self-Portraits!

2009-09-16T21:37:00.000-07:00

Your shooting assignment for this week is the self-portrait. As we discussed in class, there are many ways that we define ourselves, many ways that other people see us. You're one person Saturday night and a different one Sunday morning. You act differently if your dressed up or in jeans. Maybe it's friends that define you, the way other people see us. Maybe it's our material possessions.

You'll need to present six perfect, wonderful self-portraits. My guess is that it's going to take you a hundred or so photographs to choose from. Please bring your images to class on Monday. We'll download them, organize them and develop them.

W. September 16 Lightroom- Library and Develop Modules

2009-09-15T20:55:00.000-07:00

Today we're going to continue working with your images in Lightroom. The goal for today will be to import all your images from your camera- hopefully using a card reader. We'll then rename all your images as "portrait" and add keywords to the images that will be the persons name. You'll also need to rate your images using the star ratings, color or flag rating systems. Finally we'll create a portrait folder with sub-folders with the images of portraits. Whew! That's a lot, but Lightroom is pretty intuitive and it's pretty easy once you get started, so...

Catalogs
Folders
Subfolders
Flagging, Rating and Labeling
Collections
Smart Collections
Keywords
Keyword Sets
Keyword Shortcuts
Synchronizing Keywords
Keywords w/ the Painter Tool
Filters

Lawrence Lee @ Barry Whistler

2009-09-14T12:31:00.000-07:00

This Saturday evening from 6-9, join us for a celebration of one of our very talented alumni, Lawrence Lee. The opening is at one of the most important art galleries in Texas, Barry Whistler. Directions, contact info and additional images can be found at:
http://www.barrywhistlergallery.com/

W. September 16- Lightroom- Shortcuts

2009-09-14T08:17:00.001-07:00

Today will be a continuation of Lightroom. We'll continue with the library and develop module.
Almost all the mouse controls for Lightroom have corresponding keyboard short cuts that you should be aware of. I've listed several of them here, but you can go to the Adobe Education Technologies website to find even more. You can also get to shortcuts in Lightroom by pressing Command +/

http://blogs.adobe.com/edtechatadobe/2009/02/lightroom_2_shortcuts.html

http://photoshopinfocus.com/lr-resources/resource/shortcuts

General

L = Lights Out
F = Fullscreen Modes
E = Loupe
G = Grid
D = Develop
R = Crop
Command/Cntrl + [ ] = Rotate
Command/Cntrl + R = Locate in Finder
Command/Cntrl + E = Edit in Photoshop
Shift + Command/Cntrl + E = Export
0-5 = star rating
6-9 = label
Command/Cntrl + K = Keyword
Command/Cntrl + F = Find
Shift + Command/Cntrl + I = Import
Command/Cntrl + Return = Slideshow
F5, F6, F7, F8 = these F keys show or hide the interface
Tab = Show/Hide Panels
Shift + Tab = Show/Hide Everything
Command/Cntrl + L = Enable Filter

Library

F2 = Rename
Option/Alt + Delete = Delete without dialogue window
C = Compare (2 images)
N = Survey ( Multiple Images)

Develop

Show Clipping = J
Show/Hide Tool Bar = T
Spot Healing = N
White Balance = W
Shift + Command/Cntrl + R = Reset all (raw settings)
Shift + Command/Cntrl + C = Copy Raw Settings
Shift + Command/Cntrl + V = Copy Raw Settings
V = Convert to Grayscale
Shift + Command/Cntrl + U = Auto White
Command/Cntrl + U = Auto Tone
Command/Cntrl + 1-7 = select panels (Basic, Tone Curve, HSL, etc.)

M. September 14- Introduction to Lightroom

2009-09-07T10:33:00.001-07:00

"There are many ways of approaching work, but mine is action."
Hamada Shoji

On Wednesday, September 9th, we spent about half the class time to photographing each other. It was also decided that you'd need additional time to finish your assignment, so we decided that you could spend the first half of Monday's class to complete your portraits. This means that the morning class will meet in the lab at 11:00 instead of 9:30, the afternoon class will meet at 3:30 instead of 2:00, and the evening class will meet in the lab at 7:30 instead of 6:00.

Please bring your image files to class and a portable card reader if you have one. Also, if you've already purchased your hard drive, it would be good to bring it as well. We'll spend the remaining time downloading our files to Lightroom. I'll also show you how to organize them, title them and add tags. On Wednesday we'll begin working on individual images.

Remember, by today's class you should have four posts on your blog about current events along with four posts about portrait photographers. Also, if you haven't already done so, please add a link to your blog in the profile section of your blog. And be sure that you are following the IDM blog so that I can access your posts.

W. September 9- Portraits

2009-09-07T10:31:00.000-07:00

(Sorry, I just couldn't stand to look at Paris anymore...)

Today we're going to take a look at some portrait photographers. Hopefully you've all researched four of them for your blog and have some semblance of what makes a good portrait. I'll be showing you several classic portraits, both photographs and paintings. Remember that your inspiration comes from anywhere, so don't just look to other photographers to get ideas of what and/or how to photograph something.

There are a few things that you'll need to remember to make successful portraits. The first is to find something out about your subject! Talk to them, learn something about them, what they like, what they don't like, how they see themselves and how they'd like to be seen by others. Second, do your homework... look at a lot of portraits by other successful artists- and not just other photographers. What makes their work so good? Pay attention to the quality of light, the use of color, and pay attention to the composition. Remember, you're shooting someone with a camera, not a gun! Also, pay as much attention to the background of the image as you do the foreground.

We're going to look at some portraits today to give you some inspiration for making your own. Don't be afraid to emulate the great artists of the past!

Bring your camera to class today (and everyday!) Each of you will be in groups of three or four. You should take a minimum of thirty portraits of each of your peers. We'll be photographing each other in class but most likely you'll also need to meet outside of class to complete this assignment. Bring your files to class on Monday and we'll download them to your computer and I'll introduce you to Lightroom.

M. September 7 Labor Day Holiday.

2009-08-23T13:19:00.000-07:00

No school today!

W. September 2

2009-08-08T16:32:00.001-07:00

Today I'm going to introduce you to my projects and talk to you a bit about what you can expect should you decide to become a photographer. In addition to teaching, I have a fine art career and for a number of years was a commercial photographer as well. We'll also take a walk over to the new student center and the president's lobby, where I've got several images on display. (Don't worry, this is the last time- hopefully, that I'll talk about me or my work, though I do think that it's important that you know who you're studying with. Don't ever be afraid to ask your teachers what their credentials are!)

We're also going to watch a terrific video about a terrific musician- Bill Evans. You can find more Bill Evans here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dH3GSrCmzC8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2LFVWBmoiw&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7p_dHE5hQIA&feature=related

Each of you need to create a blog for this class. I'll show you how to create one with blogger, but there are others that you can choose from.

blogger.com
livejournal.com
wordpress.com

On it you'll keep your class assignments and your writings and notes. The first assignment for your blog is to record the answers to the questionnaire from the syllabus.Also, each and every week you need to read and comment on two current events. This can be something that you find in the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Christian Science Monitor or any other major newspaper. You can also report on articles that you find in any of the many art journals, either online or magazines. We'll track some of them down in class, but one that might (should) interest you is Glass Tire.

http://www.nytimes.com/
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
http://www.csmonitor.com/
http://glasstire.com/

Due Tuesday (9.8) before midnight, please enter two current event posts in your blog. Please comment on each entry, at least 200 words. Also, research and comment on at least four portrait photographers, include links and images of their work in your blog. This will help prepare you for the first shooting assignment, portraits of strangers. Finally, please be sure that the answers to the questionnaire are included in your blog.

Welcome to IDM/pho111

2009-08-08T16:19:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the blog! This is the place to find assignments, due dates and other information regarding this class. Be sure that you can access it!
The address for this site is > http://idmfall09.blogspot.com/
The address for my site is > www.wascovich.com
Here's the class list and my contact info:
81471 PHO111-001 Mon/ Wed 9:30-12:20
81473 PHO111-002 Mon/ Wed 2:00-4:50
81969 PHO111-003 Mon/ Wed 6:00-8:50
We'll meet here: Wathena 207
Professor Vaughn Wascovich
office: J223
h/ tues 9:30-2:30, by appointment
c/ 573.220.5968
e/ vaughn_wascovich@tamu-commerce.edu

Today we're going to introduce ourselves to each other and review the syllabus. We'll also talk about cameras a bit. Please bring your camera to class with you every time from now on.

http://www.dpreview.com/