Lesson #1: Placing the human figure in a setting
Digital cameras with memory cards, a computer, an LCD projector (optional), 4x6 photo printing paper
Reproductions or digital images of Edward Hopper's Night Shadows, Candido Portinari's Lavrador de Cafe, Dorothea Lange's Woman of the High Plains, and Andrew Wyeth's Christina's World.
Organize the class into groups of four. Each group can use one camera. Students should work in pairs to photograph their partner twice from two completely different angles and distances. Students can place themeselves anywhere in the room, either standing or sitting.
If the photoprinter is available, the remainder of the period can be spent printing 4x6 images. If not, the teacher should make prints to be used during the next class session.
- What was the most challenging aspect of this assignment?
- What did you learn about composition from this experience?
If you have a digital camera at home, experiment taking shots of a family member or friend from many different angles and distances, either indoors or outside. Pay particular attention to the relationship between the figure and the background to see how it affects scale. Bring your 3 favorite images to class.
If you don't have a digital camera, bring to class three photographs of figures in a setting from a magazine or newspaper.