The "Less Seen" side of Mahopac

Holga Project

The Holga is a cheap, plastic camera that is produced in China.  It is the stepsister of the Diana Camera which was used extensively by photographers in the 1970’s . Poor quality control, a plastic lens and light leaks are the hallmarks of these cameras.

After the Crash, Manny Boccini 

Given their shortcomings, “toy cameras” can take some evocative imagery. The image is usually sharper in the center and quickly goes out of focus in the corners of the square image. Sometimes the corners are darker as well, creating a vignette effect. 

Saugerties Lighthouse

The grity, semi-focused look is perfect for our next assignment, The "Less Seen" side of Mahopac. Look for the junk, old cars, run-down buildings etc. This isn't about the lake front homes and tidy shops, it's about the dark underbelly of Mahopac. Look for dumpsters, old pallets, loading docks. There is alot out there if you start to look!

Process:

Shooting a Holga is extremely easy, but you must follow these basic steps. I'll load it and tape it for light leaks. You will take 3 exposures and pass the camera on to the next person in your group. (4 people)

1.  Try to shoot in Bright Sunshine or Cloudy Bright situations.
2. Guess the focus distance and turn the focus ring to the appropriate icon.
3. 3. Set the aperture to the Sun (F11) or Partial Sun(F8) setting.
4.  Frame your image.
5. Hold the camera steady and press the shutter release. Do not shake, the shutter speed is only 1/60 of a second.
6. Your group will develop it's film. (I’ll load the 120mm film for you.)
7. Make an 8x8" enlargement. 
8. Dry mount your image.

Focus Ring estimated distances.

• Head and Shoulders: about 4-5 feet.
• 3 People holding hands: about 9 feet.
• 7 People: about 18 feet.
• Mountain: 30 feet to infinity.

Letter Photos

This is an observation project. We “look” at the world around us but don’t often “see” the interesting detail. This assignment will force you to see the everyday and mundane in a different light.

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1. Using a digital camera and take photographs of the “letters” that make up your name. Each photo should be recognizable as a particular letter (see the photo above.)

2. You may choose to use a word that represents a strong feeling or emotion like love. (no fewer then 4 letters. You may not use your name)

3. A cell phone camera is satisfactory if the resolution is high enough.

4. The images will need to be scaled in Photoshop (Image/Image Size). The size will be determined by the length of the word.

5. Print image and dry mount on matte board. We will use a 2 inch border. “Gang up” as many images as you can on each piece of mounting tissue. 

Sunset or Sunrise and Image and Digital Edge Effects

Some of the best lighting for photographs is the period at sunrise and sunset. The golden glow and side lighting seems to make everything look more beautiful. 

The Assignment - Take photographs of sunsets or sunrises.

1. Find out the time for sunset or sunrise. 
2. Pre-select the location you plan on taking your photo. 
3. Arrive 15 minutes before sunrise or sunset and start snapping photos. Take plenty, because the sky will continue to change over a very short period of time.
4. Select the best image and post it. Write a short description about of  the location and the time you made the photograph.
5. Create a custom border effect for your image. (Photoshop)

This is a shot I took just before sunset on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. As time passed the colors continued to change. Make sure you shoot more than just the sky. The trees in the foreground "frame" the canyon behind and add perspective. Below is the same image with a border effect added.

Photostory 3

Telling a Story in Photostory 3

They say a photo is worth a thousand words and it's true. Often one photo can communicate a tremendous amount to the viewer. Sometimes it takes a series of photos to communicate our "story".

Photostory 3 is a simple Windows application that lets you link a series of images in a slide show format. You can add motion effects like those used by documentary film photographer Ken Burns. Different transitions between images can add interest. Words can be added to give extra information on  each of  the photos. Finally you can add music to your production.

Your Assignment

Tell a story or create a "How To" using digital  images. Place them into Photostory 3 and create a continuous slide show.

• Start with a "Title Page". This page must include an image that has been filter manipulated. (in Photostory 3 or Photoshop).
• Use a minimum of 10 slides to tell your "story".
• Use "text" slides (with appropriate background art) to add specific information.
• Add transitions to each slide.
• Use motion effects on at least one image. (more is better)
• Generate music that reflects your story.
• End with a credit page. Include your name and thanks to those who helped (models) and inspired your project.