Photography Vocab Word of the Week
Juxtaposition - when a photographer merges two photos together, usually of contrasting composition. Simply speaking, a photographer will merge two photographers that contain things that would not normally go together.
past may student photographer of the month, scholastic national winner
Written by Shannon Kirkpatrick
This month, we feature a very talented young photographer, who has won many awards for her art as well as 1st place in the nation. As an accomplished artist, Gina Musumeci has made a plan to major in art when the college time comes. "Art has changed me in many ways, in particular photography, because it opens a door to express myself." And her inspiration is her own experiences. She captures her own feelings with her exquisite photography. "My art inspiration would honestly be myself, and based on everything that goes on in my head and life, it reflects through my photography" says the artist herself.
This year's scholastic photography competition ended with an amazing finish for all. Gina Musumeci accepting the title of National Winner this year in the National Scholastic Art Competition, for her photo, Duisternis. Photography is a window into a different level of observing the world, exposing raw feelings. "[Photography shows and explains] what goes on in my head, and just things that can't be explained in words."
Photographer of the Month Featured Gallery
This month, we feature a very talented young photographer, who has won many awards for her art as well as 1st place in the nation. As an accomplished artist, Gina Musumeci has made a plan to major in art when the college time comes. "Art has changed me in many ways, in particular photography, because it opens a door to express myself." And her inspiration is her own experiences. She captures her own feelings with her exquisite photography. "My art inspiration would honestly be myself, and based on everything that goes on in my head and life, it reflects through my photography" says the artist herself.
This year's scholastic photography competition ended with an amazing finish for all. Gina Musumeci accepting the title of National Winner this year in the National Scholastic Art Competition, for her photo, Duisternis. Photography is a window into a different level of observing the world, exposing raw feelings. "[Photography shows and explains] what goes on in my head, and just things that can't be explained in words."
Photographer of the Month Featured Gallery
Past student Photography gallery - Scholastic winners of 2015-2016
Student videography
This includes PSAs and video assignments, all planned and directed by student.
There are currently no videos to display.
There are currently no videos to display.
Photography tip: How to achieve great composition
In order to achieve awesome composition while taking photos, there are some cardinal rules that one should be aware of. First, don't center your subject. It's very traditional. Second, fill the frame of your camera. Don't make your subject minuscule compared to the background or negative space. Also be sure to frame your subject or make it stand out from the background. This is a nice touch that draws the viewer's eye towards your subject. Finally, sometimes simple is better. Don't add in details if they aren't going to enhance your piece. Less is more and it is clearer to the viewer what your subject is when there isn't a lot of "noise" happening in the rest of the frame.
Important Dates
November 3: No School for all students
November 20: 1st Report Card
November 26-30: Thanksgiving Break
December 2: Adv.Orchestra/9th Band Concert
December 9: Orchestra/8th Band,Chorus Concert
December 24-January 1: Holiday Break
February 5: 2nd Report Card
February 15-19: Winter Break
March 9: Advanced Orchestra Concert
March 16: Orchestra/Chorus Concert
March 23: String Festival
April 15: 3rd Report Card
April 20: Small Ensembles Concert
April 25-29: Spring Break
May 17: Evening of Excellence
May 20: Talent Show
May 25: Band Concert
June 1: Orchestra Concert
June 27: 4th Report Card (mailed)
November 20: 1st Report Card
November 26-30: Thanksgiving Break
December 2: Adv.Orchestra/9th Band Concert
December 9: Orchestra/8th Band,Chorus Concert
December 24-January 1: Holiday Break
February 5: 2nd Report Card
February 15-19: Winter Break
March 9: Advanced Orchestra Concert
March 16: Orchestra/Chorus Concert
March 23: String Festival
April 15: 3rd Report Card
April 20: Small Ensembles Concert
April 25-29: Spring Break
May 17: Evening of Excellence
May 20: Talent Show
May 25: Band Concert
June 1: Orchestra Concert
June 27: 4th Report Card (mailed)
NSJH Regents Exam Schedule
June 2: Geometry Common Core
June 16: Living Environment 12-3
June 17: Physics & Algebra Common Core 12-3
June 19: Earth Science 7:45-10:45, Geometry 12-3
June 16: Living Environment 12-3
June 17: Physics & Algebra Common Core 12-3
June 19: Earth Science 7:45-10:45, Geometry 12-3
A Photo Technique You Should Definitely Try
Written by Maddy Owens
Ever heard of the photography term aperture? Better known to photographers as f-stop or sometimes f-number. The formal definition for aperture/f-stop is the ratio of the lens’ focal length to the diameter of the entrance pupil. That jumble of large and sophisticated words might seem intimidating to the amateur photographer, but don’t let it scare you. This drawn out sentence, in the plainest of terms means the amount of light that shines through the lens when a photo is taken. Not too hard right? But why the word f-stop to describe light? Seems like an odd word to describe light. Well f-stop isn’t the real term, it’s just a funny nickname, us weird and imaginative photographers came up with it to make things easier when discussing the different sizes of aperture openings. The most common f-stops are f/8 to f/22, with very few cameras going anywhere below f/1. Now here’s where it gets complicated- like it wasn’t complicated before- the higher the f/stop, the smaller the aperture and therefore less of an opening for the light to get in. Got that? Let me describe it differently. A photo taken with f/8 is going to allow more light into the lens than one taken with f/22. Therefore, the f/8 photo will be brighter than the f/22 photo. This is all well and good, but when will I ever use it in photography? Think about it, we couldn’t have photography without light! The whole concept of photography relies heavily on light and the manipulation and use of it. You might not get aperture on your first try, but don’t be discouraged, these things take time, and light! Don’t forget to have fun and never get bored.
Ever heard of the photography term aperture? Better known to photographers as f-stop or sometimes f-number. The formal definition for aperture/f-stop is the ratio of the lens’ focal length to the diameter of the entrance pupil. That jumble of large and sophisticated words might seem intimidating to the amateur photographer, but don’t let it scare you. This drawn out sentence, in the plainest of terms means the amount of light that shines through the lens when a photo is taken. Not too hard right? But why the word f-stop to describe light? Seems like an odd word to describe light. Well f-stop isn’t the real term, it’s just a funny nickname, us weird and imaginative photographers came up with it to make things easier when discussing the different sizes of aperture openings. The most common f-stops are f/8 to f/22, with very few cameras going anywhere below f/1. Now here’s where it gets complicated- like it wasn’t complicated before- the higher the f/stop, the smaller the aperture and therefore less of an opening for the light to get in. Got that? Let me describe it differently. A photo taken with f/8 is going to allow more light into the lens than one taken with f/22. Therefore, the f/8 photo will be brighter than the f/22 photo. This is all well and good, but when will I ever use it in photography? Think about it, we couldn’t have photography without light! The whole concept of photography relies heavily on light and the manipulation and use of it. You might not get aperture on your first try, but don’t be discouraged, these things take time, and light! Don’t forget to have fun and never get bored.
Have you ever heard of this photo technique?
Contributed by Maddy Owens
Have you ever seen photographs where only one thing is in focus and the entire background is blurred? The light in the background, instead of blurring, turns to circular beams of light. In the photography world those circular beams of light are called bokeh. This odd name comes from the Japanese word, “boke” meaning blur or haze. Bokeh can be described as the way the lens sees light and is changed based by the size and shape of the aperture. Most bokeh is in a 6 to 8 sided polygon because of the shape of most aperture openings but it all depends on the make and model of the lens. Photographers cause bokeh by opening the aperture very wide and focusing on only one thing. Bokeh is caused mostly by light or reflections of light but can be in the background of any picture. This example shows a very shallow depth of field and all of the focus on the bench, causing the light in the background to become blurred in a circular shape. Bokeh is a very fun photography technique that helps bring your viewer's eye to the item or person in focus.
Have you ever seen photographs where only one thing is in focus and the entire background is blurred? The light in the background, instead of blurring, turns to circular beams of light. In the photography world those circular beams of light are called bokeh. This odd name comes from the Japanese word, “boke” meaning blur or haze. Bokeh can be described as the way the lens sees light and is changed based by the size and shape of the aperture. Most bokeh is in a 6 to 8 sided polygon because of the shape of most aperture openings but it all depends on the make and model of the lens. Photographers cause bokeh by opening the aperture very wide and focusing on only one thing. Bokeh is caused mostly by light or reflections of light but can be in the background of any picture. This example shows a very shallow depth of field and all of the focus on the bench, causing the light in the background to become blurred in a circular shape. Bokeh is a very fun photography technique that helps bring your viewer's eye to the item or person in focus.
Pentax k-50: Better than a Nikon?
Written by Maddy Owens
You’ve all heard about the “Big 2” of the camera companies, Nikon and Canon. In this article, I dare to ask, are they really as good as everyone says they are? Enter Pentax, a little known, DSLR company with a knack for making rugged, inexpensive DSLRs that are user friendly for even the most inexperienced of photographers. On the other hand, there are many different settings for those adventurous photographers. Pentax makes many different types of cameras, but over time the one that stands out most is the Pentax K-50. It’s amazingly light and versatile body is completely weather-proof and can run on a camera battery or -when your battery runs out- 3 AA batteries. With the features of a $600-$700 Nikon or Canon, the Pentax K-50 is sold for between $300-$500, including a lens. Which may seem like a lot of money, but is significantly less than a Nikon of its kind. With an ISO reaching up to 32000, low light will never be a problem. This neat little package is all wrapped up with your choice of colors for the grip and body. If you like taking pictures outdoors, but are worried about how your camera will stand up to the elements; this is the camera for you! Of course, a good camera won’t guaranty that you will take amazing pictures. Like with every hobby, it takes time, passion, and a love for what you are doing. Although an inexpensive, fantastic camera doesn’t hurt either.
Disclaimer: The Pentax k-50 may not be the camera for you, so don’t forget to research what camera is best for you and your interests before rushing out to the store to buy any old camera off the shelf.
You’ve all heard about the “Big 2” of the camera companies, Nikon and Canon. In this article, I dare to ask, are they really as good as everyone says they are? Enter Pentax, a little known, DSLR company with a knack for making rugged, inexpensive DSLRs that are user friendly for even the most inexperienced of photographers. On the other hand, there are many different settings for those adventurous photographers. Pentax makes many different types of cameras, but over time the one that stands out most is the Pentax K-50. It’s amazingly light and versatile body is completely weather-proof and can run on a camera battery or -when your battery runs out- 3 AA batteries. With the features of a $600-$700 Nikon or Canon, the Pentax K-50 is sold for between $300-$500, including a lens. Which may seem like a lot of money, but is significantly less than a Nikon of its kind. With an ISO reaching up to 32000, low light will never be a problem. This neat little package is all wrapped up with your choice of colors for the grip and body. If you like taking pictures outdoors, but are worried about how your camera will stand up to the elements; this is the camera for you! Of course, a good camera won’t guaranty that you will take amazing pictures. Like with every hobby, it takes time, passion, and a love for what you are doing. Although an inexpensive, fantastic camera doesn’t hurt either.
Disclaimer: The Pentax k-50 may not be the camera for you, so don’t forget to research what camera is best for you and your interests before rushing out to the store to buy any old camera off the shelf.