WordPlay T.Jay's new track!

90's Song by WordPlay T.JAY

prod. by WordPlay T.JAY

written by t.l. johnson jr. [ASCAP/ON THE MAP ENT.]

DOWNLOAD LINK via BANDCAMP: http://tjay501.bandcamp.com/track/90s-song

EMBED via YouTube: http://youtu.be/sdu6KRlWx7A  (my preference)

SOUNDCLOUD LINK: http://snd.sc/ZbHgOc (if you would like another option)

Moon Hooch live in the KXUA studio!

We were lucky as hell to score one of my favorite bands, Moon Hooch, for an in-studio performance before their show here in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Check it out!

Photo Illustration

Capture an image to illustrate a make believe story, and indicate what the story is about. In addition create a photo illustration with software, (Adobe Camera Raw, Faux HDR, Photomatic HDR or Photoshop Filter) or other technique to illustrate another story that requires a photo illustration.

Use the camera for your illustration and use in camera techniques or software. 

Examples of this are HDR images, panoramas, long exposures, multiple exposures, light painting, or variations and combinations of any of the above.

Explain the technique and include technical details including exposure, camera details, software details etc.

 

PURPOSE: FUN. Now you get a chance to experiment.

WHAT TO DO:

Make a photo illustration shot including any of a number of different elements:

• long shutter speed shots
• Double or multiple exposure shots
• multiple flash shots (painting with light)
• colored gel/flash shots, etc are options.
• filters or effects in software (i.e. photo merge in Photoshop, or HDR in Photomatix)

 These are meant to be done either IN CAMERA OR with Adobe Photoshop or other software.

SUBMIT:

• a contact sheet with 24-36 images from the shoot
• ONE 72ppi 8x10 file
• include in comment field information describing the effects, what you were striving for and how you did it.

  The picture of this pigeon-shrine of a man from NYC was one of my favorites I've taken this year. I didn't want it to "go to waste" so to speak, so I decided to use him.

I created two layers, and turned one to black and white. I then put the color layer in the background and cut the man out from the black and white layer.

I've always wanted to do this, so it was extra fun!

People And Weather

Purpose: This is one of the most common assignments in photojournalism. As with the "Person at Work" assignment, you will continue building your skill at approaching strangers and making photos that must tell a specific story. 

WHAT TO DO: Make a photo that shows how people are affected by the weather. This is a challenge to your imagination and resourcefulness. Remember, the weather does not have to be rainy for this assignment to be successful. People are affected by sunshine, fog, and all types of weather. Set-up shots are not appropriate for this assignment. Try the stake-out technique. Find a spot where something is most likely to happen and wait for the action to come to you. A large puddle on a busy walkway is one example. Avoid the cliche shot of a person carrying an umbrella, riding a bicycle, or lying on a lawn reading or sleeping.

For best results, keep your camera with you at all times and look for photo opportunities everywhere you go. Those who put this assignment off until the morning the assignment is due usually has trouble finding a strong photo.

REMINDER: Remember, you cannot learn to deal with strangers by photographing family, friends or roommates. A 10-point penalty may be assessed for violations of this rule.

COMMON MISTAKES:

• Failure to visually connect people with the weather
• bull's eye vision
• weak focal point
• procrastination

SUBMIT:

• proof sheet with image chose circled in red as a jpeg file
• your chosen image formatted at 72ppi at 8x10 inches
• complete caption information including names in "comments" section of Blackboard

Grading Criteria: You will be graded on how well you have shown people being affected by or dealing with the weather, as well as all of the technical considerations from previous assignments. Check contrast and local control of under or over exposed areas before submitting the image.

"Molly McDaniel rushes across the Union mall on her way to class during Tuesdays brief rainstorm." 

These shots were taken with my wide-angle lens, and the only real editing I did was to adjust for the lighting. I do realize that the framing is not as spectacular as I had anticipated, but you can see what I was going for, I hope.
Also: I was under the assumption that I was submitting this on time.. But apparently it was due yesterday?

I am going to submit the images only right now - I have a media board meeting this afternoon shortly, and this system doesn't have Photoshop. I am hoping I can re-submit later - if not, I will email them to you.

Scheduled Event

PURPOSE: This assignment is designed to give you experience in photographing an uncontrolled event where you will have to move in front of a large crowd to get your photos.

WHAT TO DO: Many newsworthy events are actually planned in advance. Find such an event by checking calendar sections of the newspaper, campus papers, student calendar, and so on.

The event must meet these criteria:

• There must be a large crowd of spectators.
• The crowd must be watching a central event.
• Make it easy for yourself and find a DAYTIME, OUTDOOR event.
• Shoot indoors only after checking with me.

ACCEPTABLE events include:

• Marching band contest
• Kite flying contest
• Greek Olympics
• Parades
• political protests or marches

PROHIBITED events include:

• Sports action
• Swap Meets
• bake sales
• speakers in the campus free speech area (unless the event degenerates into a heated debate, violent protest rally, or brawl)
• any event that does not have a central activity and a large crowd of spectators.

SUMMARIZE THE EVENT IN A PHOTO:

• Make photos that tell the story of the event. Cover the main action as well as what else is going on.
• Try to choose a photo that ties the audience with the central activity, but don't force it if it isn't there.
• Use the SATURATION method. Watch the background and find strong focal points and try the rule of thirds.
• Look for details. Move in CLOSE.
• AVOID more than 2 or 3 pictures of a person talking into a microphone.
• Be prepared to use more than one compact flash card. There is no excuse for running out of card space.
• Also be prepared to provide caption information for all the photos you take, including NAMES.

SUBMIT:

• Contact sheet with image choice outlined in red
• One 8x10 72 PPI image file with caption information embedded in file
• Cut line information, including correct spelling of names, and photographer credited and caption information in the "comments" section of Blackboard.

"Soldiers stand in formation during the commemoration of the University's new memorial flagpole located outside of Old Main."

Photo by Zeek Martin


I am hopeful that you will allow me to get a little extra credit for this. I had one of the images (not the one I selected, but it is included) published in La Prensa Libre!
(And did not get paid!)

Again, due to ANOTHER meeting coming up, I am unable to sit on a machine with Photoshop. The image named "This One" is the one! THE ONE! 

Group Photos

Purpose: Another of the most common photo assignments is the group shot. There are better ways to make this photo than the usual execution-style line up. You will learn some of these as well as how to control a group of people when they are in front of your camera.

WHAT TO DO:

Make a group photo of between 5 and 7 ADULTS. Arrange the people in an interesting way, remembering the following:

• Keep heads on different levels
• Use foreground/background separation
• Use environmental details if appropriate
• If you want to make an album-cover shot, go ahead but be sure to include a selection of more conservative images.

AVOID THESE:

• Children
• Your fraternity/sorority brothers or sisters
• Friends or relatives
• Mugging for the camera with childish poses
• Bad Backgrounds
• Waiting to shoot till the the day it is due

SUBMIT:

• one 8x10 image at 72 PPI with caption information embedded in the image file
• cut line and caption information in the "comments" section of Blackboard (don't forget to credit the photographer)
• one digital contact sheet with image submitted circled in red

 "The 2012 cast of Gridiron poses for their closing night post-show party."

My stupid photoshop is still not functional - but I am submitting a handful of the images instead of the contact sheet. 

As for my treatment proposal: After working with the Volunteer Action Center a few times, I believe I have some new ideas to use in order to make a cleaner presentation with a bit more depth, as well as a more pronounced call for action. I will be using both the Zoom FX digital recorder as well as my phone as a backup. Shots will be comprised of multiple angle, simulated movement and different aspect ratios in what I hope will be a pleasing manner. I also plan on making extensive use of my 8mm lens along with my oft-ignored 50mm. The soundtrack will be coupled with a consistant nat soundtrack in an attempt to create a more dynamic aural atmosphere. My full plan is to actually try to get people to volunteer, not just to become aware of the program. Wish me luck!

Portrait Shots

Purpose: Human beings are the most common photographic subject. Even if you do not pursue photojournalism, you will likely be asked at some point be asked at some time to make a picture of someone for publication. This assignment will show you how to make portraits that are far better than driver’s license mug shots.

Read Chapter 5 in the Kobre Text first.

WHAT TO DO: THIS IS A 3 PART ASSIGNMENT: 
A: First make an environmental portrait. In such a photo, the background contributes important information to our understanding of this person's personality. The background should be one over which the person has some control. A clerk in a mini mart for example does not have such control, and that environment tells us little about that person anyway. Be careful with lighting. Fluorescent lights such as those used in classrooms and stores are usually flat and uninteresting. this is a POSED picture, and the placement of the person in the scene should be done carefully.

B: Second, make a close-up portrait using window light. Be sure to avoid featuring the window in the portrait, and ensure that there is a plain background and the light is coming from the sky not direct beams of light. Your subject should be looking at the camera. 

C: Make a 3/4 or full length shot of a person with an object. The object should reveal to us the person's vocation or avocation. Use an absolutely plain background such as a solid color wall (no brick walls). This is a studio shot and artificial light may be used (be sure the light source is higher than the subjects eye level). In all 3 parts it is appropriate for the subject to look into your camera. A portrait is controlled, not a candid photo. Discuss your ideas with your subject and encourage his/her ideas. REMEMBER: One of the objectives of this course is to help you gain confidence in dealing with strangers. The use of friends and relatives as subjects defeats this purpose and points will be subtracted if you do so.

SUBMIT: Upload one of each category (total 3) 8x10 72 ppi images from each category and one or more 8x10 72 ppi contact sheet of 24-36 images for each pose. Also include cut line in and caption information in the "comments" section of Blackboard.

Grading Criteria: Each section is worth 33 points. As usual, you will be graded on content and technique. Important content areas include: How well did you capture this persons personality? Does this person look interesting and alive or dead and boring? Did you follow directions on each section? Focus is very important, make sure you focus on the specular highlights in your subjects eyes. There will be no late submissions for this assignment, make it good and well thought out.

My submission:

"Actor and journalist Bernard Oliver prepares for the Gridiron play produced by members of the University of Arkansas' journalism department."

"Professor Katherine Shurlds and Zesna Garcia get ready to relax and enjoy the party after the final night of the Gridiron play, produced by members of the University of Arkansas' journalism department."

"Jed Clampit takes a moment to ham it up for the camera before launching into his first song at the Z330 Club in downtown Fayetteville. "

I am currently stuck on my linux mini laptop and do not have photoshop available to create the proof sheet, but will do so promptly when I get back from NYC~!