SIAST Applied Photography: February 2011

Monday, February 28, 2011

PHOT 210 ~ Advertising Image Design and Lighting

In this course, students explore the need for effective advertising images and learn how they are more than product illustrations. They discover the storytelling differences between formal advertisements and illustrative photography. Illustrations must make a visual statement. Advertising images are expected to showcase a product or service in an appealing or exciting manner. With all of the conceptual, lighting and production tools at their disposal, they create motivating and well-composed images for advertising and illustrative use.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

PHOT 210 ~ Illustrative Image Design and Lighting

Two dimensional design is a visual language. Like any language, it is meant as a form of communication. There are many parts to the language of design. How you organize the parts of your design will convey something about you and how you perceive the world. A very strong design may even make the viewer feel as you have felt.

As a designer you are translating your perception of a three dimensional world into a flat medium measured in only length and width. The basic requirements for two dimensional design are a flat surface and some kind of contrast. The design materials may take the form of a line or shape, or a particular colour, value or texture. These five elements are called the elements of design.

Within the composition of a photographic image, the elements of design are arranged according to principles of organization which incorporate two opposing concepts: harmony and variety. Harmony brings together diverse parts to unify the design. Variety adds contrasts to bring interest to the design. Rhythm and repetition add to the harmony of a design while contrasting elements and elaboration of detail add variety.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

PHOT 212 ~ Environmental and Group Portraiture

The impact and success of a studio portrait is often the combined result of lighting, composition, body language, lens choice, camera angle, clothing, colour, texture, and a bit of luck. With a little experience, and a few portrait techniques under your belt, your luck will improve dramatically. There are many approaches to posing and lighting in portrait-making that can help you develop your own photographic style over time. Ultimately, these are the things that can make your work unique.

Monday, February 7, 2011

PHOT 209 ~ Lighting Techniques for Advertising

Almost anyone can take a good picture at some time. But true professionals can make good photographs day in and day out, under ideal or adverse conditions. Most importantly, a great image has to have soul. This comes when you love your work, because how you feel about your work ultimately show through. You must be willing to spend the time to master your craft, and in the end, develop a distinctive but versatile style in order to succeed.