Successful Workbooks

Some tips on how to construct and present a really successful workbook.

Basic Layout …

If you follow this basic layout you will ensure that your workbook not only contains all the relevant information that you need but also that it is presented in an organised methodical fashion.

Title Page …

Title Page

The title page should include your name and unit title.

This is basically your way of identifying and introducing your workbook.

The Brief …

The Brief

It is always a good idea to have a note of the unit requirements or the brief at the beginning of the unit.

It will act as a point of reference to ensure you always know what you are working towards.

Research …

Research

Your ideas do not form themselves and you will find inspiration from many different sources.

Your research should be included in your workbook.

Include annotation to say why you have engaged with it.

Ideas …

Ideas

Your own ideas for shoots should be developed within your workbooks.

Take the time to explore and expand on your ideas.

Planning …

Planning

Plan your shoots carefully. Doing this will not only allow us to see how you have gone about creating your images but it will also take away any nasty surprises when you are taking your images.

Test Shots …

Test Shots

If you try your ideas out before your final shoot then include them in your workbook.

They are a vital way of showing how your work is developing.

Finals …

Finals

This can be quite a big chunk of your workbook and should contain information such as sketches of layouts and contact sheets.

Also include details of the process you applied to them in post production.

Review …

Review

At the end of each task it is good practice to include a review of how successful you think it is.

Does it fulfil the brief?Were you happy with the result?Is there anything you would like to change about it? Etc …

Layout …

Finals ReviewTest

Shots

PlanningIdeas

ResearchThe BriefTitle Page

Of course …

… this is just a suggestion so if you want to lay your workbook out in your own manner then please do.

Research …

The research you contain within your workbooks can come from many different sources.

Pages from the internet …

Ensure you reference where images have been sourced from.

Not only photography …

You can be inspired by many works of art not purely photographic works

Not only photography …

Paintings can teach you a lot about colour, lighting, composition and form so refer to them too.

Research from Magazines …

Research from Magazines …

Research from Magazines …

Scan objects like old photos…

Sketch your own ideas …

Develop your ideas …

Show Contact Sheets …

Show 6x4’s of your shortlist …

Show 6x4’s of your shortlist …

Technical Data…

Include details of your technical settings.

Electronic Workbook Guide

Electronic workbooks offer you the opportunity to create a diverse, extensive, personalised workbook utilising additional material such as video, sound and animation which would not be possible within a conventional physical workbook.

The following guide offers basic guidance to assist you in the creation and compilation of a typical workbook however it is not exhaustive.

You are encouraged to develop your understanding of the software and its tools to ensure you maximise the design and layout of the content that you have included.

Initial Points

•You must use Microsoft Office Power Point.•Similar to a physical workbook try to plan your content and its structure in advance.•Develop and maintain a particular style of presentation to offer consistency.•Ensure that the placement of text, images and other relevant content is appropriate to the space available.•Check that all sourced material sourced is identified and referenced.

Open Microsoft Office Power Pointfrom the START MENU

While on the HOME tab select the LAYOUT optionand select which layout style. The BLANK optionwill provide you with the most flexibility however we are happy for you to personalise and adapt the layout to suit your own needs.

Click on the DESIGN tab and take a moment to become familiar with the different design options available to you.

This stage involves preparing your page for the content which youwill then insert. Page size, orientation, colour and general design should all be considered and personalised to your own needs.

It many cases you may prefer to simply choose a white background toreplicate a traditional workbook however it is your choice. Take carehowever not to choose a background that is too ‘busy’ and whichmay distract the viewers attention from the content within the page.

Clicking on the INSERT tab will allow you to begin inserting various elements such as text,visual reference material, video and sound clips, hyperlinks and objects/shapes.

Begin by inserting a SLIDE NUMBER which will help identify each slide for reference/feedback purposes. You may also wish to create a FOOTER with your name and workbook title.

The first element you likely to include is a title or heading. To do this click on theTEXT BOX option. Do not simply type text straight into the page as you will encounterfuture layout problems when you come to insert further items. To move the text box simplyplace your cursor over the box and wait to see the 4 pointer arrow. Then just left click andmove to the desired position.

The next step is to choose a font style, size and colour. Again although you are free to personalise the content as much as you wish consider the style and colour carefully to ensure it can be read without any problems. We would recommend a font size of 12pt with titles or other content that requires to stand out 14/16pt perhaps in bold, or italic or underlined.

The next element you are likely to include is PICTURES. This can be existing visual reference material for illustrative purposes or your own captured visual material. Simply source the directory where your image is saved.

Double click on the image to activate the PICTURE FORMAT option. Now take a moment to become familiar with the various options available to you.

You will see that options exist to alter the brightness, contrast, dimensions, rotation, it’s placement in relation to other objects and other format options such as border styles, shapes and effects.

One key feature is the COMPRESS PICTURES feature which you should activate to ensure that all visual material inserted will be compressed to reduce overall file size. This is very important and must be done. Nominate the Screen (150ppi) option.

Remember to also credit any sourced material!!

You may also choose to insert SHAPES such as arrows to identify points of interest.

Consider inserting CLIP ART to highlight a possible HYPERLINK such as a video clip that compliments your own annotation.

Final Points

Please ensure that you do not apply any form of transition at any point.

We require each page of your workbook to be available via a single click in completed form. Remember this is not a presentation !!

Completed workbooks should always be submitted via the appropriate Blackboard Link.

Final Points

Again this have been a basic guide to simply get you started with your electronic workbooks.

Simply use the tools available to you in whatever way to allow you to present your content in a informative and engaging manner.

It is expected that the same range, depth, quantity and quality of content will be included similar to a traditional physical workbook.

Remember the more you put into the workbook the more it will benefit you with your particular unit, the course in general and in the future as you continue to develop your awareness and understanding of photography.

REMEMBER !!!

Remember to save your workbook on a regular basis !!

Anything relevant should go into your workbooks.

Don't hide your light under a bushel

Do not conceal your talents or abilities.

In summary …

Any other questions ???

Just ask your lecturer…