Kayla's AP Studio Art

AP has been an amazing experience. It has allowed me to have freedom in the work I do. I have learned a lot about how to work with the images to get them exactly how I want them. AP has given me the chance to see what I am capable of doing in certain amounts of time. Being the biggest critic of my work, it is hard to get things done as quick as they should be because I work with my things more than I should because I want them to be just right. In the end AP has made me realize how fun it is and how much of a reward it is to be in a class like this.

My concentration focuses on my childhood memories of growing up in a small town. The images show places I enjoyed while growing up and who I have become as a person today because of them. This project gave me a chance to reflect on my favorite memories while capturing the essence of those memories through the medium of digital photography. My childhood memories of experiences have shaped who I am today.    

My images show important memories and their effects on me as I transition into who I am today. My first image is of great importance because girl scouts helped my at a young age learn how to be a young lady and helped me become part of everyday life around me. The next few images are places form my childhood that I enjoyed playing at and remember with fond memory. Being outdoors is a big part of my life and always has been. These places taught me that it’s okay to just relax and have fun. It is the simplest of things that sometimes matter the most. Whether it is camping, fishing, or simply just being outside, I always found a way to have fun. That all has made me realize that we don’t need electronics and things society deems important just to have fun. The fifth image is a transition into who I am today. Everyone goes through their share of ups and downs to get to where they want to be.  That is exactly what I did. I believe this image portrays that very well. The last few images show me and the struggles and happiness in my life and within myself today.  I know I am a better person because of my experiences.

AP Studio Art Student Posts Coming Soon!

The AP Studio Art Students have finished their portfolios and all have been submitted to the College Board for review.  Now they are ready to share some of their work with the world. As in years past each student will have an opportunity to post their thoughts, concentration focus, and images to the Artroom 411 Blog over the next two weeks.  Please check back daily to see whats new. Remember the students really appreciate your comments and feedback.  They have worked hard over the past 9 months to develop their portfolios. A little positive feedback can go a long way!

Low Budget Lighting Effects with Big Results

With school budgets decreasing daily and art curriculum expanding to incorporate more of the media arts we find ourselves in a constant budgeting dilemma.  I question every purchase..."Do we really need it?...or can we get by with something else?" Teaching digital photography can be taxing on the expense account of an Art Department. For those of you who teach digital photography or even take photos on a regular basis of student work will understand how incredibly important it is to understand basic lighting effects and have the opportunity to take your camera off of auto. So important that I couldn't justify ignoring or avoiding it altogether because of cost. With that being said, I am proud as pie when I find DIY ways to solve expensive equipment needs. With the help of Pinterest, informative websites, and creative students I've developed an inexpensive yet effective way for students to experience the indoor photo booth shoot.

For an indoor photo booth shoot you need a backdrop, lighting, reflectors, a tripod, camera, something to defuse the light and a subject.

I spend the money on a nicer camera/tripod so the students can control the settings and understand how to use the manual settings to capture just the right effect. I hang the backdrop up with bulldog clips, vice clamps, and/or velcro depending on the area.

Inexpensive clamp lights work for basic lighting.

Cardboard covered with foil works for reflectors

Sheets, curtains, or an inexpensive cotton fabric are great for back drops.  Place the lights on either side and/or above behind the fabric to defuse the harsh light.  You can also place a small piece of fabric over the light itself to defuse the light.  Just be careful it might get hot after a little while.

A subject to photograph is usually pretty easy to find.

You can also create a smaller photo booth for objects or art projects you wish to photograph. We have created box type photo booths out of foam core board and tissue paper or fabric. Even a cardboard box painted white with sections cut out of the sides and top covered with fabric works great. Here is a great post on DIY Photo Box on Ninth & Bird with directions that are easy to understand.  

For lighting techniques checkout Simple Lighting Techniques at www.digitalcameraworld.com

Student Photographs using DIY photo booths