University of Wales, Trinity Saint David
School of Art, Film and Media
interactive digital photography: beyond the still image
2010-11
AFMP6005
University of Wales, Lampeter
Department of Film and Media
Interactive Digital Photography: Beyond the Still Image (AFMP6005) Level 6 module – 20 credits Lecture: All students Monday 10:15-11:05 (Macintosh Computer Suite) Workshop and Support: Monday, 11:15 – 13:05 (Macintosh Computer Suite) Compulsory Attendance Students are advised that attendance at all sessions* for this module is compulsory. If you have extenuating circumstances for missing a session you must contact the Department of Film and Media's Administrator in writing within seven days, enclosing such supporting documentation as appropriate (see page 11 of the Departmental Handbook for further details). Please note that students who miss a session without due reason will be deemed to have failed the module. * with the exception of surgery classes.
Module Tutor: Trevor Harris Room A040, Arts Building e-mail: t.harris@tsd.ac.uk For times when the tutor is available for consultation, check the office hours on the tutor’s door and sign up for an appointment. You should also note that there are optional ‘Surgery classes’ where the tutor will be available in the Macintosh Computer Suite to help with for computer-related issues (times are shown above). If you need to consult the tutor urgently, please contact the Registry/School Office reception in Burgess Hall. Methods of assessment for this module: 1) assignment 1 with accompanying critical appraisal (25%) 2) assignment 2 timed test (25%) 3) assignment 3 with accompanying critical appraisal (50%) Specific details on the individual assignments are provided at the end of this document.
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Coursework submission instructions Hand your work into the Main Library counter on the day of the deadline. You must conform to the following guidelines for submitting your work and accompanying disc, labelled as follows Surname_Identifier_ModuleCode_AssignmentNumber (An example would be Williams_nh000_ AFMP6005_1) -
Both the paper work, including the receipt, and the disc should be submitted in an A4 transparent 'reinforced pocket'. - The disc should be submitted in a case (the thinner the better), a CD sleeve, an envelope or, if properly labelled, left loose in the reinforced pocket. - The disc or its case/envelope should be physically labelled with your name. If you write on the CD-ROM you should use a marker pen designed for the purpose, NOT a pencil or ballpoint pen that may scratch the surface of the disc and make it unreadable. Finally, you should always check the disc is readable on another computer; this will ensure that all necessary files have been copied onto the disk. If you get an error then you should check that you have not missed off copying files from the computer onto the disk. Learning outcomes for this module: On completion of this module you will: • understand the general principles of photography • understand the concepts of digital photography • be able to process still digital images • be able to produce Quicktime digital ‘movie’ slide shows • be able to produce Quicktime Virtual Reality Panoramas movies Transferable, personal development and key skills involved in this module: • interactive digital photography • digital image processing • Photoshop for Photographers • Quicktime Virtual Reality scene creation • iWeb for website design Module evaluation: At the end of this module, you will be asked to complete a module evaluation form. Please refer to the anticipated learning outcomes above when making your evaluation.
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MODULE RESOURCES You are strongly advised to purchase your own USB 2 pen drive for work in the Macintosh Computer Suite. A minimum size of 1 GB is recommended as this can be backed up onto a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM for archiving. Please see the module tutor if you need advice on this matter. Reading List: Corinna Jacobs, Interactive Panoramas: Techniques for digital panoramic photography (Berlin: Springer, 2004) The following key text will be a useful resource throughout the module and is recommended for reference purposes. Please note that although it is out of print there is one copy in the library and one available from the tutor. You will be given access to appropriate material from this publication during the course: Susan A. Kitchens, The Quicktime VR book (Berkeley: Addison Wesley, 1998) (Out of print) As background reading for this module, students should acquaint themselves with: VR Worx and tutorials manual, distributed at the start of the module MacWorld Magazine. This monthly publication often has articles and tutorials on Digital Photography and Photoshop Image Processing techniques. Copies are available in the Library Tim Daly, Digital:photography:handbook (London: Argentum, 2000) Digicam.com, ‘Digital camera History’, http://www.digicamhistory.com/ Martin Evening, Adobe Photoshop CS3 for Photographers (Oxford: Focal Press, 2007) Nick Meers, Stretch! The world of panoramic photography (Mies: Rotovision, 2003) Panoguide, ‘A guide to Panoramas and Panoramic Photography’, http://www.panoguide.com/ Panoramas.dk, ‘Fullscreen QTVR Panoramas’, http://www.panoramas.dk/ William Rodarmor, Arnaud Frich and Albert Lemoine, Asssembling panoramic photos a designer’s notebook (Sebastopol: O’Reilly Media, 2005) QTVR Tour, ‘Quicktime Virtual Reality Tour of University of Wales, Lampeter’, http://www.lamp.ac.uk/qtvr/index.html Judith Stern and Robert Lettieri, Quicktime for Macintosh and Windows Visual Quickstart Guide (Berkeley: Peachpit Press, 2003) VRMag, ‘The travel, photography and technology magazine devoted to the world of 360degree virtual reality’, http://vrm.vrway.com/index.html -5-
Z360, ‘Interactive Photography’, http://www.z360.com/index1.htm The following software will be used on this module: The VR Worx, Adobe Photoshop CS3, iWeb, iMovie, Quicktime Pro
Equipment signing out details and times: All of the specialist equipment you need for this module (digital camera, tripod, VR tripod head and VR turntable) is available from the Media Centre using a booking system administered by the Media Centre staff. Report to the foyer of the Media Centre and tell the staff that you wish to book the Department of Film and Media Digital Photography equipment. Weekday Media Centre equipment booking times: Monday to Friday 9.30 – 10.30 14.30 – 15.30 Weekend Media Centre equipment booking times: Sign out Friday 14.30 -15.30 Return Monday 9.30 - 10.30
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QTVR TUTORIALS There are three sets of Tutorials available in the Macintosh Computer Suite All of the image files can be found in the Digital Photography>VR Worx Curriculum folder VR Worx manual pages 160-192 Session Type of QTVR 1 Full Panorama pp162-166 (Lake) 5 Two-node hot spot linked scene pp189-192 (Coliseum) 6 Partial Panorama pp167-174 (Columns) 6 Partial Panorama with web link pp175-178 (Columns) 7 Single Row Object pp179-183 (Ferrari F40) 7 Multi-Row Object pp184-186 (Globe) 7 Single Row Object with hotspots pp187-188 (Globe)
Location Tutorials 2/P1.Full Tutorials 2/S1.Scene Tutorials 2/P2.Partial Tutorials 2/P3.Custom Tutorials 2/O1.Object Tutorials 2/O2.Multiple Tutorials 2/O3.Hot Spots
Additional pages at the back of the manual labelled A1, A2 etc Session Type of QTVR 1 1-1 Full Panorama A1 (Cabrillo) 1 1-2 Full Panorama A2 (Lighthouse) 5 3-1 Two-node hot spot linked scene A3 (Cabrillo and Lighthouse) 5 3-2 Two-node scene A4 (Coliseum) 6 VR Worx 2.1 Creating Multinode Scenes with Transitions: Two nodes and transition movie A5 (Golf course) 7 Object in Panorama Tutorial A6 (Car/Golf course) 7 VR Object Worx Tutorial A7 (Ferrari F40) 7 2-1 Single Row Object A8 (Pitcher Jug) 7 2-2 Multi-Row Object A9 (Radio controlled car) 8 VR Scene Worx Tutorial: Three nodes and Still image used as an Image Map A10 (Coliseum) -7-
Location Tutorials 1/Cabrillo Tutorials 1/Lighthouse Tutorials 1/Scene Lesson 1 Tutorials 1/Scene Lesson 2 Tutorials 3/Transitions Tutorial
Tutorials 3/Object in Pano Tutorial Tutorials 3/Sample Object Tutorials 1/Object movie lesson 1 Tutorials 1/Object movie lesson 2 Tutorials 3/Sample Scene
MODULE TIMETABLE Mon 31 Jan
Lecture Workshop
History of Photography Introduction to VR Worx software. QTVR Panorama Tutorials (P1.Full, A1 Cabrillo & A2 Lighthouse)
Mon 7 Feb
Lecture Workshop
History of QuickTime Virtual Reality Planning and creating a QTVR panorama (Setting up and creating a panorama in class, Sample Panorama)
Mon 14 Feb
Lecture Principles of Photography and Composition Workshop Using iWeb to make a website (Apple iWeb 2 Tutorial) Assignment 1 set
Mon 21 Feb
Lecture Workshop
QuickTime VR Panoramas Repairing imagery and improving workflow (Fixing ghosting and stitching issues in panoramas, Photoshop Actions)
Mon 28 Feb
Lecture Workshop
QuickTime VR Scenes Multi-node VR Scene tutorial (S1.Scene, A3 Scene Lesson 1 & A4 Scene Lesson 2)
Mon 7 Mar
Lecture Workshop
Extending a scene file QTVR partial panorama tutorial (P2.Partial, P3.Custom), Transitions and linear movies in scenes (A5 Transitions Tutorial)
Mon 14 Mar
Lecture Workshop
QTVR Object movies Object movie tutorials (01.Object, 03.Hot Spots, 02.Multiple, A7 Sample Object, A8 Object movie lesson 1, A9 Object movie lesson 2, A6 Object in Pano Tutorial)
Mon 21 Mar
Lecture
Presenting QTVR on a website Photoshop image effects & VR Worx scripts Creating a website from linked panoramas (A10 Sample Scene, iWeb Coliseum Tour)
Workshop Mon 28 Mar
Lecture Digital Photojournalism Workshop Picture editor tutorial (Launch of OB) Assignment 3 set
Mon 4 Apr
Lecture QTVR Gallery of ideas Workshop Tutorial catch-up Module Evaluation
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Assignment 1: Quicktime VR Panorama PART A You are required to: • produce one single node Panorama Movie • include ‘information hot spots’ • set a zoom limit • set the Initial View You must investigate the effects of the different compression settings on • file size • image quality You do this by outputting your QTVR using a variety of compression settings and assessing the results both visually and in terms of the size of the files created. Note that you should ensure that you set up and level both the tripod and Kaidan KiWi head, and that your images stitch together coherently. You should ensure that you use a suitable image resolution in order that your images will fit onto the available compact flash storage card and will also stitch together more quickly and produce a smaller file. The location is up to you, although an indoor scene will be easier to work with and is less likely to be affected by the vagaries of our climate. PART B You are required to: • produce 6 themed photographs of the campus and/or the town of Lampeter. If you wish to extend the brief you must clear this with the tutor beforehand • create a Web Photo Gallery of the themed images using Photoshop CS3 • create a Contact Sheet of the themed images using Photoshop CS3 • create a slideshow as explained below The Themed Photographs should be put into a PowerPoint file, with an introductory Title slide and a suitable caption for each image. The caption should clarify the intention of the photographer when the image was taken. Draw attention to an aspect of the image, your reason for taking the image, for example. Use a suitable slideshow design that does not detract from or draw attention away from your photographs. Use the Custom Animation option to enhance the flow of the presentation. Note that the slideshow should be set to run automatically. WRITTEN WORK You are also required to submit a Critical Appraisal (6 sides of A4, double-spaced with headings) of your use of the VR Worx software and the digital camera, noting any decisions you make and any difficulties you may have encountered, in particular: • issues relating to the location of your Panorama • use of the camera • use of the tripod • use of the software • image resolution/storage issues • the effects of the different compression settings on your panorama • a recommendation for a particular codec -9-
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any other equipment issues critical reflection on the outcome of your work as a professional piece of work
SUBMISSION All files relating to this work should be submitted on a disc along with one printed copy of your Critical Appraisal. This includes • the VR Worx Project file • all of the original images used to create your panorama • the slideshow ASSESSMENT CRITERIA PART A. You must ensure that you set the right cursor for information hotspots, that your exposures are consistent and that the images stitch together accurately with no ghosting or banding. You must also export your panorama using relevant codecs, noting the differences in file size, image quality and whether there is any visual difference when rotating the panoramic image. Additional marks will be gained for creative ideas and locations as long as the fundamentals are satisfactorily achieved. PART B. There must be a clear theme to the images. They should be carefully considered subjects that are taken for a purpose, not snapshots taken on a random walk one afternoon! You must use captions. If you have a reason not to then you must say why. The caption turns the image from a snapshot into an image that conveys meaning and communicates a message. You must ensure that you create a web gallery of your images and a contact sheet. WRITTEN WORK. This must show that you understand the process of creating a panorama and that you have evaluated the effects of compression. You must also make an assessment of your work in a professional context. Marks will be lost for an incomplete submission, a poorly stitched panorama, incorrect hot spot cursors, and lack of comment on file size and image quality as it relates to different codecs. DEADLINE: Friday 4 March 2011
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Assignment 2: Timed Test This assignment will test your understanding of the range of material covered during the whole of the module. The test will comprise questions about the software used (VR Worx, Photoshop, iWeb and QuickTime) as well as general principles of Photography in general and Digital Photography in particular. Further details will be provided towards the end of the module.
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Assignment 3: Interactive Digital Photography Project You are required to produce a digital photography project on a subject of your own choice. Please note that the subject and extent must be agreed with the tutor on Monday 28 March 2011. The subject treatment may be in the form of a sequence of VR Panoramas in order to create a VR Tour, VR Object Movies, or a combination of the two. You must include one or more still images. You may also incorporate digital slideshows and transition movies into your work if appropriate. The project must be delivered as a website, using Apple’s iWeb software. If you wish to use any other software then this must be agreed with the tutor prior to starting your assignment. Not that you can use the CD burning software to burn multiple sessions onto your CD, in order to free up space on your USB drive for work in progress. Your project must include: • • • •
explanatory text that sets the context and narrative for the imagery images taken as a standalone photograph with the digital camera contact sheets of your images printed out from Photoshop CS3 a Critical Appraisal (6 sides of A4, double-spaced with headings) of your project, noting the decisions you have made and any difficulties you may have encountered, your assessment of your work in a professional context and how you might improve upon it were you start again or have more time.
Your work should be submitted on a CD-ROM containing • all of the website files • all of your original photos • contact sheet files • all of the VR Worx Project files • electronic copy of your Critical Appraisal along with • prints of your web pages • printed contact sheets • one printed copy of your Critical Appraisal. ASSESSMENT CRITERIA The more original your idea the higher your mark will be. Think of an interesting location or a particular target audience. As well as VR Tours it is possible to make an Adventure Game or an interactive piece like a Poker Game (it has been done!). The number of panoramas/object movies required will be determined by the location and complexity of your production.
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Your website will gain marks for clear navigation between the web pages and logical hotspot locations within the panoramas or object movies. Do not rely solely on hot spots in your imagery, unless you have embedded a VR Scene file. A map, site plan or building floor plan showing the location of the panoramas will greatly add to the usability of your work and add to your marks. Poorly conceived ideas, poorly created panoramas/object movie and confusing navigation will lose marks. If your files are badly organised on your submitted disc you will also lose marks. Your written work must address the professional context for your work. This can be assessed by looking online at the sites in the reading list and with reference to the key texts for the module. Ensure that your work is easy to use from an end user perspective and easy to use from the point of view of someone marking your work! DEADLINE: Friday 13 May 2011
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