Myth Making

TRM 153: Assignment 1

Myth Making: Synthetic Image, Constructed Self

Critique: September 22, 2015

ASSIGNMENT:

For your first major assignment, you will be creating a personal myth as a photograph. In addition to developing and conceptualizing the story in the image, you will stage and capture a series of images using one or more subjects, a location, props, and a digital camera. You will then edit your images using Photoshop CC. We will seek inspiration from our own life stories, imaginations, histories, and digital tools.

In class, we will watch a documentary on Gregory Crewdson, a well known master at creating mythic images. You are going to do what he does, but without the big budgets, crews, and resources. You are going fake it. Please reference “Faking It: Manipulated Photography Before Photoshop” by Mia Fineman.

Your critique will take place on September 22, 2015. You will present one final image and two drafts (in-progress). You will turn in .jpg images for each, and one final .psd file via the Transmedia server prior the start of class. You will present your work using the classroom computer and projector.

Evaluation will be based on the following criteria:

CONCEPTUAL

30% overall development and realization of your myth as idea and image

10% thoughtful use of location, models, and props consistent with concept

10% evolution of your idea from inception to presentation

TECHNICAL

10% technical approach consistent with concept

10% evidence of combining at least three discreet exposures into final image

10% proper files turned in on server: 2 draft .jpgs, 1 final .jpg, 1 final .psd file

20% displays competency and experimentation in Photoshop CC

SCHEDULE:

September 8, 2015

In Class: Discuss “Faking It” essay by Mia Fineman

Screen Gregory Crewdson: Brief Encounters, a film by Ben Shapiro

Visit the Cage (11:30am) for orientation

Demo: Intro to Photoshop: Basics

Homework: 1) Watch Lynda.com tutorials on Blackboard, “Photoshop for Photographers: Compositing,” and “Photoshop CC for Photographers: Fundamentals.” Please watch the full tutorial on Composition. The Fundamentals tutorial will be helpful for people with little to no photoshop experience, as well as a good resource for anyone that could use a refresher.

2) Bring elements of your photographic myth to class. This should include visual and written content. In addition to your myth; please have a plan for location, subject, and other details.

September 15, 2015

In Class: Lecture: Power, Self, and Image(s)

Demo: dSLR cameras, photoshop as needed

One-on-one meetings

Homework: Prepare your work for critique.

September 22, 2015

In Class: CRITIQUE