The document provides instructions for an assignment where students will take 24 black and white photographs during an unplanned walk or "dérive" to document principles of photographic composition. Students will keep track of camera settings and turn in 3 final 8x10 prints along with their test strips. The goal is for students to have a new and authentic photographic experience by letting their curiosity guide them as they apply principles of composition to their subject matter.

1. Mapping your World
NAME:
finding the principles of composition around you
Objective:
You will shoot a roll of 24 black & white photographs that document the Principles of Photographic Composition as you Dérive
(French for “drift”). A Dérive is an unplanned walk through a city or landscape where you let your own curiosity and artistic
eye dictate the path. The goal is to encounter a new and authentic experience. You will keep track of your camera settings using
the checklist on the back of this sheet. A contact sheet analysis will be completed using your original map with your new path
designated (you can interpret this creatively). In the end you will turn in 3 final 8” x 10” prints along with their test strips.
less light
ƒ 22
ƒ 16
ƒ 11
ƒ8
blurred
1000
500
250
125
60
30
15
8
4
2
1
(B)
frozen
What should I light meter from?
- meter off my subject
- get uncomfortably close!
more light
shallow DOF
caroline_appel@hcpss.org
What do I want to focus on?
- focus my lens
tripod! or panning
need help? email:
What’s the structure of my photo?
- use the principles of composition
ƒ 5.6
ƒ4
ƒ 2.8
ƒ2
apertures / ƒstops!
load film
set ISO to 400
turn camera on
find your subject matter
consider the structure and principles
focus
light meter off subject
recompose, focus, and shoot
advance film for next shot
write down your settings
continue steps 4-10
turn off camera when done
DO NOT REWIND FILM
if there is any problem STOP and
bring in camera to school
great DOF
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11.
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14.
shutter speeds!
shooting
checklist:

2. #
ƒ-stop
shutter
speed
Principle of Composition / description
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2
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8
9
10
11
12
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14
15
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21
22
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24
25*
* You might get a 25th photo...or you might not.