John F. Williams
215.789.6046 (work, 7 am – 3 pm, M-F)
jwilliams@knightridder.com

Office hours are by appointment or immediately following class.

CATALOG DESCRIPTION

Prerequisite: JPRA C055, 0051, 0150 and 0362 or permission of instructor.

Production, organization, and presentation of a photographic portfolio.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

The goal of this course is to produce an effective and well-rounded portfolio. Since this class is taught in the journalism department an emphasis will be placed on photojournalism. This does not mean, however, that other creative endeavors will be excluded.

There will be some guest speakers to discuss their portfolios and how it assisted them in getting hired or securing freelance work. Additionally, I will try and get a local photo director to discuss what they look for in student portfolios and discuss what it takes to make your work stand out.

Communication and feedback is key to successfully completing this course. If you are stuck, you must contact me or seek assistance from a classmate. If you don’t understand a program or concept contact me ASAP and we will work together to solve the problem. Not completing an assignment because you did not understand is not an excuse.

GRADING

There will be three projects that comprise 75% of your grade, 25% for each project. The remaining 25% will be made up of class participation, attendance and Web reviews.

ASSIGNMENTS

Project One:

Basic digital portfolio. This will be a digital portfolio that appears on the Web and in CD-ROM form. We will discuss the options you have in accomplishing this. It could be a Photoshop Web gallery or other low-end alternative. The purpose of this assignment is to make you aware of some quick ways to display and post your photographs for others to see. First draft of print (slide) portfolio is due.

Project Two:

More in depth digital portfolio. You will be expected to take Project One to the next level using some form of multimedia (Flash, Director, Audio or Video to enhance presentation). Second draft of print (slide) portfolio due.

Project Three:

Final project. Your final project will consist of Web, CD-ROM and print (slide) versions. The emphasis will be on a complete package that ties everything together and uses the best that each medium has to offer. Part of this will be a resume and cover letter.

Some of these projects may seem a bit vague. That is because I want to leave each of you the latitude to create and present your best work without being constrained. I also realize that each of you has varying degrees of skill when it comes to digital photography, computer knowledge and creating Web skills. To the extent possible we will use class time to get you started. You will be expected to present the best work you can.

Web Reviews:

Several times throughout the semester you may be asked to critique CD-ROM or online Web portfolios. Some of these sites or CD’s may be your own choice, others I may assign. You will turn in several paragraphs discussing the site. We will then spend a portion of class discussing these various sites.

ELEMENTS OF A PORTFOLIO (Based on NPPA Pictures of the Year)

General News

Recognizing that much of the daily coverage is planned in advance, this category is about creativity and timing at organized events such as general meetings, promotional events and staged coverage opportunities.

Spot News

A photograph that is unplanned and immediate - An event where the photographer hasn't the time to plan but reacts on instinct, adrenaline and news judgment.

Feature

A picture of a "found" situation that features strong human interest, or a fresh view of an everyday scene.

Feature Picture Story

A series of pictures that depicts a story line or single theme.

Portrait and Personality

A picture that captures an aspect of the subject's character.

Pictorial

A picture that exploits the graphic or aesthetic qualities of the subject with an emphasis on composition.

The Arts

A picture that captures the quality, production or performing arts, fashion, architecture.

Sports Action

A peak action photograph that captures the competitive spirit and game coverage.

Sports Feature

A sports related feature picture other than game action, outside the field of play.

Sports Picture Story

Any sports oriented subject portrayed in a multiple picture fashion. The pictures should be related to convey a singular story line.

ATTENDANCE

Attendance is expected for all classes and roll will be taken for each class meeting. Recognizing there are occasions when a class must be missed, the following policy will be in effect this term for unexcused absences (Recognizable emergency and medically excused absences and for religious holidays will not count against the total, but work assigned must still be made up in a timely manner.)

Students will not be penalized if they miss three or fewer classes.

A fourth absence will result in a loss of a letter grade on one of three assignments.

A fifth absence will result in failure of the course.

I place a great deal of importance on attendance and class participation. If you are not present in class you will miss out on valuable student input into the creation of your portfolio and others will miss your input. With that in mind, if you miss fewer then three classes, I will increase a letter grade on one of three assignments.

Additionally I expect students to be on time for class.

CALENDAR

Thanksgiving recess will be Thursday, November 26 to Wednesday, December 1.

There will be no class on October 14.

The final class will be December 9. We will set up individual meetings following that to go over all your assignments.

INTERNET ACCOUNT

You are expected to have a Temple or similar email account and check it often. This will be the primary method for communication outside of class. I will provide a class email list following the second class.

PLAGIARISM

Cheating and plagiarism on any examination or assignment will result in automatic failure of the course and recommendation to the University Disciplinary Committee for further disciplinary action.

INCOMPLETES

There will be no incompletes given for this class.

DROPS

The last day to drop the course is Monday, September 16.

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