Process

The Process

1) first - travel on the computer

First, you'll be assigned to groups of two to use the classroom computer to start on your photographic journey of discovery.
You will view examples of wildlife photography. You will also learn how the photographers were able to capture these images.
You will learn about composition, lighting and many more important components of good photography.
Brainstorm with your photographer buddy about how to take successful photos of our local wildlife. (Where will you go, what animal will you look for?)

The following links will help you start your journey:

http://www.newsday.com/other/special/naturalworld/ny-nw14bill3703843 mar14,0,3082653.story?coll=ny-nw-bottom-promo	ttp://nlford.com/essay/index.shtml
http://kenmcvayphoto.clymbers.com/index.html	http://www.scphoto.com/html/composition.html
http://wildlifephoto.net/	http://www.critterlight.com/

2) second- time for the camera!

With your photographer buddy, you will become familiar with the use of the school digital camera: how to turn it on and off, how to shoot and preview images and how to download the images to the computer. (You will begin by using the camera's auto settings. If you wish, you can practice using manual settings as well.
You will practice taking photos on the school grounds. We have squirrels, birds & butterflies that will make excellent subjects.

3) now - get ready to tame the wild photograph!

On a rotating basis, the two cameras may be brought home for you to use. (If you have your own digital camera, you can use it.)
Using the information you have learned from the web sites, take photographs of the animals or birds you have chosen to capture.

4) next - edit your wild photographs

Download your photographs to the computer and open them in Photoshop
Using the skills you have learned in this class, manipulate the photos to create 'portraits' of the local wildlife you have encountered.

5) awesome pictures - now what?

Choose at least two of your best images to print.
Mat the images, in whatever manner will best enhance your image.
Type the title of the photograph & a description of the subject and process involved in obtaining the image .(Where did you go? How did you find your subject? What special steps did you follow to obtain the image? What was it like where you took the photograph? Are there a lot of this type of animal there?)