Photography Basic
Purpose
To evaluate each contestant’s preparation for employment and to recognize outstanding students for excellence and professionalism in the field of still photography.
Clothing Requirement
Students must wear professional business attire suitable for an onsite photo shoot. Jeans, t-shirts, shorts, etc., are not acceptable.
Eligibility
Open to active SkillsUSA members enrolled in programs with photography as the occupational objective.
Equipment and Materials
This is a minimum required equipment list. Any additional accessories are acceptable and up to the discretion of the student (e.g., on-camera flash, reflector, additional lenses, etc.). Remember that all equipment brought on the “field assignment” must be carried by the student.
Supplied by the contestant:
Digital SLR with lens and required batteries, memory cards
USB card reader or camera USB cable
Jump drive
One image for Print Competition
All competitors must create a one-page résumé, submitted online by posted deadline. Failure to do so will result in a 10-pointpenalty.
Knowledge Performance
The contest will include a written knowledge exam that assesses the overall photographic knowledge through a series of multiple-choice questions.
Skill Performance
The performance portion of the contestincludes:
1)Field assignment that will require the skills to produce a digital file for judging
2)Print competition of one submitted print that follow the criteria listed
a)Print size must be an 11"x14"
b)All prints must be mounted to a16"x20" matt board (black or white)
c)All prints must have a label placed onthe upper middle portion of the backthat includes the contestant number.
Standards and Competencies
Apply and implement overall photographicknowledge through a multiple-choice written test
- Identify advancements in photographichistory
- Define a variety of camera functions
- Explain studio lighting patterns andsettings
- Define a variety of digital photographicterms and terminologies
Apply the knowledge and skill needed to conducta photographic field assignment (Digital SLR required)
- Demonstrate technical proficiency in theareas of proper exposure and focus
- Demonstrate artistic ability through useof standard rules of art and design in theareas of rule of thirds, leading lines,texture and use of positive-negative space
- Demonstrate an ability to follow a theme(e.g., “Life in Thirds,” “Leading Lines Goto Work,” etc.)
- Implement the skills needed todemonstrate an ability to followguidelines and present an acceptablebody of work
Apply the knowledge and skill to submit oneportfolio print that are consistent with the followingcriteria:
- Meet required image size of 11"x14"
- Show ability to present all printsmounted to a black or white 16"x20" board
- Demonstrate technical proficiencythrough proper exposure, focus, etc.
- Demonstrate artistic ability through the useof standard rules of art and design suchas rule of thirds, leading lines, textureand use of positive-negative space
Contest Schedule
Check-In & Orientation ...... 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM
Written Component...... 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Field Assignment...... 9:30-12:00 PM
Items Evaluated / Possible PointsWritten Test / 100
Field Assignment / 250
11” x 14” Print / 150
Total Possible Points / 500
Résumé Penalty / 0 or -10
Clothing Penalty / 0 to -10