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GDS 251 APPLIED PHOTGRAPHY
Exercise #2: Cropping
Instructors: Bonnie Burgund and Paul Young

 

Objective

 

To utilize cropping as a compositional tool. To practice practical operation of your camera.

 

Discussion

 

A severely cropped image moves into the realm of abstraction where the language of the image centers on form. In this exercise, you'll discover how to utilize design principles when composing abstract forms within the rectangular shape of your viewfinder. What you learn on this assignment is easily applied to every composition you make with your camera.

 

Procedure

 

Shoot at least one 24-exposure roll of film using the manual settings of your camera. Use color print film with an ISO of 400.

Look at your surroundings through the viewfinder of your camera. Look at your world from different angles. Look at scenes close-up. Look for abstract shapes or compositions where nothing is recognizable. Pay attention to unity (proximity), emphasis (contrast of light and darks), balance (cropping), depth (highlights and shadows), color schemes, positive and negative space (figure/ground). Utilize what you've learned about depth of field to decide which part of your image will be in focus.

Have the film commercially developed and printed (4x6 prints). If the first roll did not turn out, try again. Present only your selects for critique.

 

Schedule

 

See Calendar

 

 

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Last updated: 5/19/02 • Webmaster: Paul Young

 

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