Ideation + Brainstorming

Suggested Topics/ ideas to explore:

1. Identity: Explore self-portraiture, cultural heritage, or personal expression.

2. Environment: Document human impact, natural beauty, or urban landscapes.

3. Social Justice: Investigate issues like inequality, activism, or community stories.

4. Memory and Nostalgia: Capture personal histories, family archives, or abandoned places.

5. Abstract and Experimental: Push boundaries with creative techniques, textures, and forms.

6. Street Photography: Capture candid moments, urban life, or public spaces.

7. Still Life: Reimagine everyday objects, food, or flowers with creative perspectives.

8. Narrative Storytelling: Develop a cohesive series telling a story or conveying a message.

9. Architecture and Space: Explore built environments, interior design, or public art.

10. Conceptual and Surreal: Create dreamlike scenarios, manipulate reality, or convey emotions.

Additional Support:

· Review the AP Photography portfolio guidelines and requirements.

· Explore the work of professional photographers and artists for inspiration.

· Join online communities, forums, or social media groups to connect with fellow photographers and get feedback.

· Set aside time for regular photo shoots, experimentation, and editing to develop your portfolio.

Remember, your AP Photography portfolio is a personal expression of your artistic voice. Embrace your creativity, take risks, and have fun!

 **Tips, words of advice, definitions THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX...each of these themes /ideas /assignments can be considered in a literal way or in a creative way. Be creative in your thinking. Most successful students shoot at least 40-50 shots for each assignment. This is a college level class. Snapshots are great for your scrapbook and memories; they are not acceptable for this class though. If you are taking your camera on vacation and plan to shoot some assignments, then make sure you are focused on a theme that goes beyond sunsets, beach scenes, etc. For those of you who love nature and scenic shots, you will need to think outside the box and create images that cause the viewer to look at the scene in a new and different way. That is an extremely difficult task, even for seasoned artists, so I would recommend avoiding scenic/nature shots for these summer assignments. Keep a little minijournal of your progress. Write down where you were, what you were thinking, why you took the photo…this will help tremendously when you have to write your final commentary on the AP EXAM!!!!! 

The Elements are used to create the Principles of Design: Rhythm- the principle that indicates movement by the repetition of the elements. Visual rhythm is created by repeating positive spaces separated by negative spaces. There are five types: random, regular, alternating, flowing, and progressive. Visual Movement – The principle used to guide the viewer’s eye through the image, usually using leading line, curved organic line, and contrast. Balance – The principle concerned with equalizing visual forces, or elements, in a work of art. Three types: formal (symmetrical), informal (asymmetrical – rule of thirds) and radial (from the center). Emphasis – The principle that makes one part of a work dominant over the other parts. The element noticed first is called dominant; the elements noticed later are called subordinate. Contrast – Technique for creating focal point by using differences in elements (all elements can be contrasted in photographs). Harmony- The principle of art that creates unity by stressing similarities of separate but related parts. Unity – The quality of wholeness or oneness that is achieved through the effective use of the elements and principles of design. Unity is created by simplicity, repetition, and proximity. Variety – The principle of art concerned with difference or contrast. Proportion- The principle of art concerned with the size relationships of one part to another within the whole. Scale – The principle of art which pertaining to the relative size of things. (ex.: making something small look large, by placing it next to something way smaller than it is itself.)