Documentary Photography
Students consider the function of social-documentary photography. They will research Dorothea Lange’s documentary projects, and create their own photo essay about a subject of interest to them. Students will document an area of struggle in their life or take on a struggle to document within their community. We will watch this video on photojournalism and this video on Colorado Women Taking on Hunger and discuss the different types of documentary photography and what it is. Here are some tips on taking documentary photography.
47. Social Documentary and Dorthea Lange – Due Monday
First we will look at the photographs below from Dorthea Lange and discuss those. Dorothea Lange and more on Dorothea Lange
Research the term “social documentary” and draft a definition. Also research two related terms currently in use by artists, art historians, and art critics: “concerned photography” and “compassionate photography.” Write out your definition and explain. Also research on the Internet three images by Lange that were part of social-documentary projects she undertook (for example, additional photographs she took while working for the Farm Security Administration). Include those three photographs and what you learned about her documentary photography. Title the post “Dorthea Lange Writing.”
48. Choose Topic – Due Tuesday before class is over
Choose and research a topic of struggle in your life or take on a struggle to document within your community that will be the subject of your own social-documentary project, presented in the form of a photo essay (a series of related photographs focusing on a specific topic that is intended to be viewed collectively, often with captions).
The photo essay was popularized by Lange and other photographers during the 1930s. Photo essays by Lange were published in various magazines and reports from the 1930s to the 1960s. What is the difference between a photo essay and a single photograph about the same topic? What can a photo essay do that a single photograph cannot? Why is photography especially well suited for the essay format?
Students discuss topics for their photo essays and brainstorm ideas for how to visually express them. Students also brainstorm interview questions for individuals they may photograph as part of the project.
Write a plan summarizing the key story you hope to tell in your photo essay and strategies for doing so, keeping in mind your definition of “social documentary.” Using the storyboard ideas below, brainstorm and create your story. You will include at least 6 photos of your own and 6 more photos that can be from the internet, magazines, or drawings (include who the photographer was). Upload to your blog as your topic and include your plan. Title the post “Documentary Photography Topic.” This should be a direct post, not a Word attachment.
Adobe Express Tutorial – Due Wednesday before class is over
We will go over how to use Adobe Express in class. When we’re done you will submit your tutorial.
Documentary Photography Project – Due Next Wednesday
If you can’t get it to post to your blog you will have to email the completed project to me, kanglin@district70.org
You will present/show your project in class next Tuesday or Wednesday during finals
Create an Adobe Express presentation with the following included: at least 6 photos that you took, 6 other photos (can be photos you took, if from the internet or magazine you must include the photographers name), titles for each photo, voice over telling the story, music, transitions, creativity in telling the story.
You will be graded on photo quality and having 12 photos (70 points), having the photographer authors (20 points), titles (10 points), story in voice over and shown in photos (40 points), creativity (10 points).