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Requirements June 1994 until January 2006

1. Tell what makes a good picture. Show your understanding of these as you take pictures for requirement 2.

2. Do the following:

(a) Take pictures illustrating at least eight of the following picture-taking techniques. Use comparisons to illustrate your points.

(1) Camera steadiness.
(2) Rule of thirds.
(3) Level horizon.
(4) Moving in close_-fill the frame.
(5) Framing.
(6) Direction of light_-front, side, and backlighting.
(7) Quality of light_-flat light, bright sunlight, and time of day.
(8) Point of view_-eye level, high and low angle.
(9) Use of leading lines.
(10) Flash_-proper range and reflective surfaces.

(b) Do one of the following, utilizing techniques of planning a photo report. Start with planning cards; then do your photography and editing, and complete the requirement by presenting your report in an organized manner to your counselor.

(1) Expose a roll of print film and select 5 to 10 good pictures for your picture story. Mount the pictures on a large art board or in a photo album.
(2) Expose a roll of slide film and select 10 or more good slides to tell your story.

3. Explain how photographic film is processed and tell how black-and-white prints are made, or process and print your own pictures and show your counselor, explaining the steps you took.

4. Do the following:

(a) Explain to your counselor the basic parts common to all cameras using a diagram you prepared.
(b) Explain common photographic terms such as lens, shutter, viewfinder, camera angle, exposure, negative, transparency, f-number, and planning card.

5. Describe jobs in photography.

Requirements January 2006 until January 2013

1. Explain how the following elements and terms affect the quality of a picture:

(a) Light – natural light/ambient, flash
(b) Exposure – aperture (f-stops), shutter, speed, depth of field
(c) Composition – rule of thirds, leading lines, framing, depth
(d) Angle of view
(e) Stopping action

2. Explain the basic parts and operation of a film camera or digital camera. Explain how an exposure is made when you take a picture.

3. Discuss with your counselor the difference between a film camera and a digital camera. List at least five advantages and five disadvantages of using a digital camera versus using a film camera.

4. Do ONE of the following:

(a) Produce a picture story using the photojournalistic technique of documenting an event. Share your plan with your counselor and get your counselor’s input and approval before you proceed. Then, using either a film camera or a digital camera, produce your approved picture story. Process your images and select eight to 12 images that best tell your story. Arrange your images in order, then mount the prints on a poster board. If you are using digital images, you may create a slide show on your computer or produce printouts for your poster board. Share your picture story with your counselor.
(b) Choose a topic that interests you to photograph for an exhibit or display. Get your counselor’s approval, then photograph (digital or film) your topic. Process you images. Choose 20 of your favorite images and mount them on poster board. Share your display with your counselor. If you are using digital images, you may create a slide show on your computer or produce printouts for your poster board.

5. Discuss with your counselor the career opportunities in photography. Pick one that interest you and explain how to prepare for such a career. Discuss with your counselor the education and training such a career would require.