VisCom Notes 02.24.09a

VisCom Notes
02.24.09a

Hello Visual Communicators,

This message is for those of you  in the Visual Communication Class. I promised last week to send you this list. Sorry I forgot to do this this weekend. It is a list of the things I have asked you to do. Two things I left off the list were 1) List of image hosting sites and 2) video hosting sites. Taylor and Simone Berry did that and sent me the info, They will get “extra” credit for responding to the request.

These the assignments and they parallel Assignments as listed in the Syllabus.

1. Open Google Accounts- Gmail, Picasa (Picasaweb.google.com), Blogger (some are using other Blog sites)
2. Photograph- a person you do not know, get names. They should be living their lives and you should have a caption (who,What, When Why...)
3. Blog page- Start and upload the photograph ( this is how you will deliver your assignments (professional, portfolio.)
4. Familiarize your self with these sites * they are loaded with tutorials and Articles.
5. Photoshop Assignment- Do three things to a photo in Photoshop and upload to your page
6. Phone (mobile) posting- Make two phone posts ^ per week, to VisCom S09 <http://viscoms09.blogspot.com/>
   

• *Knight Digital Media Center-  http://multimedia.journalism.berkeley.edu/ -*
• *News University-  http://www.newsu.org/
• *J-Learning-  http://www.j-learning.org/
• *J-Lab-  http://www.j-lab.org/
• ^Blog Post-   VisComS09.room254@blogger.com
• ^Picasa Post-   VisComS09.picasa@picasaweb.com
  

TUESDAY- I will lecture on “Representation in the Media” a historical perspective. This is stimulated by the recent New York Post cartoon and the attendant outcry. Following class at 11am, I will show a video “Representation in Media,” a lecture by Cultural Theorist, Stuart Hall, an English Professor and Critical Theorist, worth seeing in today’s climate. I know it’s a lot but we’ve got the room and I’ll take the time.

A Demain.

Journalism Workshop Calendar http://socdojworkshops.blogspot.com/ Prof Herndon’s Office Hours Calendar http://profherndonscalendar.blogspot.com/  VisCom, Photojournalism, Multimedia (VPM*) Pages http://crn17559a.blogspot.com/ VisCom S09 http://viscoms09.blogspot.com/ Prof Herndon’s Sometime Blog http://craigseyes.blogspot.com/ washingtonpost.com Camera Works http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/photo/index.html The New York Times, Multimedia/Photos http://www.nytimes.com/pages/multimedia/index.html

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Prof. Craig Herndon/ Asst. Professor Multi-Media Studies/ Howard University/ Washington, D.C. 20059/ 410.703.8708 cell/202.806.7856 SOC ofc/ craigherndon@mindspring.com / craigherndon@verizon.net

VisCom Notes
02.17.09a

Hello Visual Communicators,

Are you keeping up with the Viscom Blog page http: <//crn17559a.blogspot.com/ >. The only thing that’s changed recently are some of the links. I will continue to update tasty tidbits, but if you have suggestions about Visual Communication, Photography, Multimedia, Send me a link and your assessment of the things you would like your classmates to see and/or discuss.

I have linked 2 new pages under “Resources”- VisCom S09 <http://viscoms09.blogspot.com/> and a compilation of VisCom Notes <http://viscomhusocdoj.blogspot.com/>. VisCom S09 is your “On-the-Fly” document. You are to publish to this page from mobile devices; pictures and “stories”.  More in class. Currently VisCom S09 has phone pictures fromt he family funeral I attended last week. Here are email post addresses for th eBlog and Picasa “Drop Box” post email address.

Blog Post-  VisComS09.room254@blogger.com
 
Picasa Post-  VisComS09.picasa@picasaweb.com

PHOTO SHOW- I have another photo show to recommend to you ( the other was the Scurlock show see earlier post, not in the file yet). The New show is the Robert Frank show at the National Gallery of Art. The National Gallery of Art is a “D.C.” treasure though it belongs to the Nation. Anybody interested in going?

http://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/frankinfo.shtm

Frank was a European photographer who visited the US on a grant in ‘59?. His take on what America is ( or was at the time) was different from the fare that we saw here. His graphic and emotional depth are note worthy (though quiet.) There are also Two podcasts (on the bottom right of that page) which can help. You might download to a iPod for the visit.

Have fun, work hard, good luck. CH

Journalism Workshop Calendar http://socdojworkshops.blogspot.com/ Prof Herndon’s Office Hours Calendar http://profherndonscalendar.blogspot.com/  VisCom, Photojournalism, Multimedia (VPM*) Pages http://crn17559a.blogspot.com/ Prof Herndon’s Sometime Blog http://craigseyes.blogspot.com/ washingtonpost.com Camera Works http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/photo/index.html The New York Times, Multimedia/Photos http://www.nytimes.com/pages/multimedia/index.html

VisCom Notes
02.09.09a

Hello Visual Communicators,

I have avoided committing to a textbook because of the cost/ effectiveness ratio.  Below is the link for a free PDF version of Journalism 2.0, a textbook.

Journalism 2.0 PDF Book-  http://www.kcnn.org/resources/journalism_20/

It’s a thorough examination of where we stand (in Journalism), plus tools and solutions. There are plenty of references and it parallels our syllabus. If I can get you guys to connect with me and read some of this stuff, I can cut back on lecture and spend more time on practical work, as requested by some. Download it and skim through it, I’ll make some reading assignments Tuesday evening.

There is a regular blog published by the author. One item in the Blog, Hard work isn’t enough: It’s time to pay attention:

http://www.journalism20.com/blog/2009/01/24/hard-work-isnt-enough-its-time-to-pay-attention/

It looks an awful lot like my suggestion of the ”Play Ethic” that I have been pushing. That Is: You have to play with the software and ideas that we are presenting. Play with it a little at a time. Click on the ”The Blog” in the navigation bar at the top for the whole blog listing. Let’s take another stab at it tomorrow. We are due for a photojournalism assignment if you guys have been keeping up with the assignments we ,almost through Assignment 3 or 4. At the last class we did some Photoshop- the assignment was to do three things with one picture, don’t forget that captions are a must for all journalistic images.

Have fun, work hard, good luck. CH

Journalism Workshop Calendar http://socdojworkshops.blogspot.com/ Prof Herndon’s Office Hours Calendar http://profherndonscalendar.blogspot.com/  VisCom, Photojournalism, Multimedia (VPM*) Pages http://crn17559a.blogspot.com/ Prof Herndon’s Sometime Blog http://craigseyes.blogspot.com/ washingtonpost.com Camera Works http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/photo/index.html The New York Times, Multimedia/Photos http://www.nytimes.com/pages/multimedia/index.html

VisCom Notes
02.02.09b

Hello Visual Communicators,

WELL, Prof Herndon blows it. Some of my links aren’t working because of an unnecessary bracket (<>) at the beginning or end of the url if there is trouble, subtract the errant <>’s. And try again. I have removed same below and hopefully we can clean up the problem. CH

Have fun, work hard, good luck. CH

washingtonpost.com Camera Works http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/photo/index.html The New York Times, Multimedia/Photos http://www.nytimes.com/pages/multimedia/index.html Journalism Workshop Calendar http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=isturgis%40gmail.com&ctz=America/New_York Prof Herndon’s Office Hours Calendar http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=2jgpchkm3l8ma615h9c99sdi58%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York  VisCom, Photojournalism, Multimedia (VPM*) Pages http://crn17559a.blogspot.com/ Prof Herndon’s Sometime Blog http://craigseyes.blogspot.com/
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VisCom Notes
02.02.09a

Hello Visual Communicators,
What is the weather telling us, rain maybe snow, around D.C. That could mean anything.This is the time of year and kind of forecast that could spell blizzard over the next couple of days. Of course, it could also presage sunny days. With that in mind, I have set out to put some resources in a document for you guys to keep you on task. (I hope you take me seriously.) The VisCom Syllabus <http://crn18524.blogspot.com/> lays out lessons and assignments for us. (I have to take this seriously, because it represents a contract with you, to move you toward these goals.)

So far I have requested that you open various Google accounts and upload Assignment One to a web (blog) page for presentation on the web, email me the  link (only few have complied.) Remember “Professional”, we are building a portfolio of sorts and I’d like you to consider your presentation. I will soon aggregate these and link from one page for the class. This weeks lessons and Assignment Two are about PHOTOSHOP.

Photoshop gives us the ability to manipulate digital images. I italicize manipulate because as I have said a number of times certain manipulations violate journalistic codes (see NPPA Code of Ethics [VPM*]) We DO want to 1) Write complete captions [always] 2) Adjust tones [if necessary] 3) Adjust image size [if necessary] 4) Color correct [if necessary] and 5) Crop images [to perfect composition.]

Below, I am listing a number of web references on Photoshop. There are a number of tutorials, you will teach yourself what you need to know and these links should assist you in the process. There’s a lot of other good info in these locations, so dig freely but stay focused for our lessons. So, whether it snows or not, I want you to go learn Photoshop, do it now and avoid the Christmas rush.

1) The Knight Digital Media Center is a treasure trove, look through the Archived Webinars and tutorials they will prove invaluable, they are free. We will explore here later. [Tutorials on Photography (FREE)]
***Photoshop- <http://multimedia.journalism.berkeley.edu/tutorials/photo/photoshop/>
This particular Photoshop tutorial is for CS3. Which is Creative Suite3. Creative Suite is Adobe’s “too big for anybody” package linking all of their graphics, video and audio software. It only means that all of the different software will communicate with one another. I think Rm 254 has CS3 Photoshop and Rm 221 will have CS4. I don’t see a whole lot of difference, but as I said elsewhere, learn to handle different versions of Photoshop and it will serve you in the long run.

2) PHOTOSHOP SUPPORT.COM
http://www.photoshopsupport.com/index.html
***FREE TUTORIALS AND VIDEOS for a couple of different versions of Photoshop

3)  J-LEARNING-
http://www.j-learning.org/
***Getting Familiar with Photoshop I and II- Looks like a good tutorial.*
http://www.j-learning.org/present_it/page/getting_familiar_with_photoshop/

Have fun, work hard, good luck. CH

washingtonpost.com Camera Works<">http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/photo/index.html> <http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/photo/index.html> The New York Times, Multimedia/Photos<">http://www.nytimes.com/pages/multimedia/index.html> <http://www.nytimes.com/pages/multimedia/index.html> Journalism Workshop Calendar<">http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=isturgis%40gmail.com&ctz=America/New_York> <http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=isturgis%40gmail.com&ctz=America/New_York> Prof Herndon’s Office Hours Calendar<">http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=2jgpchkm3l8ma615h9c99sdi58%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York> <http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=2jgpchkm3l8ma615h9c99sdi58%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York> VisCom, Photojournalism, Multimedia (VPM*) Pages<">http://crn17559a.blogspot.com/> <http://crn17559a.blogspot.com/> Prof Herndon’s Sometime Blog<http://craigseyes.blogspot.com/ >

VisCom Notes
01.30.09a

While the news business is shrinking all over the place; ads like the one below are the only employment ads appearing and they ARE all over the place. Heads up folks, we’re in for roller coaster ride, just remember to scream! Oh, and bring your multimedia credentials. CH

Multimedia Journalist

First Coast News (WTLV/WJXX) has an immediate opening for a multimedia journalist with a great eye, creative editing skills and who understands the value of pictures and natural sound. In addition to photojournalism, the ideal candidate must embrace the multiple platform environments we live in. Teamwork is critical and you must be able to lift at least 50 lbs; previous live truck experience, avid & the ability to gather stories with or without a reporter. At least two years experience is required. Please send tape in DVD or VHS format which includes a mix of stories - spot news, general news, features, in-depths, photo essays and any web experience to:

Mike Garber- News Director
First Coast News
1070 East Adams Street
Jacksonville, Florida 32202

BTW, see the VPM* pages for couple of new posts including TED talk about volunteer based systems and the new economy. CH

washingtonpost.com Camera Works
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/photo/index.html
The New York Times, Multimedia/Photos
http://www.nytimes.com/pages/multimedia/index.html
Journalism Workshop Calendar
http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=isturgis%40gmail.com&ctz=America/New_York
Prof Herndon’s Office Hours Calendar
http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=2jgpchkm3l8ma615h9c99sdi58%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York
VisCom, Photojournalism, Multimedia (VPM*) Pages
http://crn17559a.blogspot.com/
Prof Herndon’s Sometime Blog
http://craigseyes.blogspot.com/

VisCom Notes
01.29.09

The Smithsonian American History Museum is opening a show of photographs from the Scurlock Studios. Addison Scurlock started photographing Washington scenes in the early 1900's. The Scurlock Collection, which is now housed at the museum, includes photos of many notables and ordinary African American people from the Washington, D.C. area. The Family Business is on U Street, N.W. I encourage a visit to the show. Our own Jacqueline Colbert is a Grandchild of Addison Scurlock. CH

Smithsonian American History Museum. January 30 to November15, 2009.

washingtonpost.com Camera Works
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/photo/index.html
The New York Times, Multimedia/Photos
http://www.nytimes.com/pages/multimedia/index.html
Journalism Workshop Calendar
http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=isturgis%40gmail.com&ctz=America/New_York
Prof Herndon’s Office Hours Calendar
http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=2jgpchkm3l8ma615h9c99sdi58%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York
VisCom, Photojournalism, Multimedia Pages
http://crn17559a.blogspot.com/
Prof Herndon’s Sometime Blog
http://craigseyes.blogspot.com/

VisCom Notes
01.28.09

Prof. Herndon (I) will not be in today, Wednesday. There is icing in rural areas (where I live) and I can use the 2 hours of drive time. I know you will miss me, but I’ll be back Thursday morning. We will begin to play with PhotoShop, please bring images (photos) to work on in the computer. I think we have PhotoShop (Ps) CS3 on Rm 254 machines. Here you can find Tutorials <http://www.photoshopsupport.com/index.html> and videos. Check lessons for CS3. I believe Room 221 has CS4. But you should familiarize yourself with many versions of Ps as it is ubiquitous. (PC versions on some machines in the Converged Lab)
 
Prof Burnett will begin Video Workshops on Friday, Room 221, 9am and 2pm(?). The workshops are intended for Broadcast students and for VisCom students. All are welcome, but I bet if the classes get crowded, they will be limited to registered students by the end of the semester. So, go early if interested. We will be doing video later in Visual Communication, but if it’s an interest of yours, dig in, it’s free.

I will start a series of Photography Workshops (Basics- 3 in the cycle) on Fridays also. 12-2pm Rm 254. You can sharpen your skills, come play with PhotoShop, whether you participate in the class or not. From this point on, before you can earn multimedia credits in Writing classes, We will require that you take this and other basic workshops. The idea is to move rapidly toward creating professional quality work. We will be doing captions, uploading images to Picasa (my choice,) and basic PhotoShop. I’m trying to multiply my value here, last semester the individual sessions nearly killed me. For those registered in my classes individual sessions are encouraged. (See workshop calendar link below.)

Please check out this video <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cL9Wu2kWwSY> Some of you may already have seen it. It’s about 5 minutes long, but I think it paints a pretty clear picture of the future we face. Not so much what you will be doing, but who you will be competing with, and how rapidly things will be changing in your world. Our world is controlled by people who don’t necessarily look like us or think like us. But, that is changing and if you prepare yourself with good communication skills, you will find a place in the new mix.

I will use this mechanism to communicate and I will add pertinent links at the bottom, keep an eye out.

Have fun, work hard, good luck.

washingtonpost.com Camera Works
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/photo/index.html
The New York Times, Multimedia/Photos
http://www.nytimes.com/pages/multimedia/index.html
Journalism Workshop Calendar
http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=isturgis%40gmail.com&ctz=America/New_York
Prof Herndon’s Office Hours Calendar
http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=2jgpchkm3l8ma615h9c99sdi58%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York
VisCom, Photojournalism, Multimedia Pages
http://crn17559a.blogspot.com/
Prof Herndon’s Sometime Blog
http://craigseyes.blogspot.com/