Sketch / Notebooks
I am a big believer in sketching out image ideas. And you don’t have to be an artist to do so. Remember, these notes are for your eyes an brain to scan and understand, not for hanging on gallery walls.
From concept preparation to lists of props needed to lighting ideas and more – there is nothing better than a small notebook or three.
There will be a workbook furnished to you for the class and it will have a section for each assignment. However, you may also want something smaller to do extensive notes on as well/
I recommend the small type that can easily be carried in a pocket. I have one in my auto, on the bike and always one in the camera bag. I have a larger one for daily notes and such in my notebook bag.
Use this to measure distances for your notebook. Lights, background, scrims etc… This will help you make more accurate notes, and also begin to learn the power / distance relationship of your lights.
Keeping a journal can be creative in its own right. At left, a page of Henri Cartier Bresson’s journal.
I am mad for journals. I have them all over the place. I absolutely do judge them by their covers, it’s hard to resist purchase of a journal when I see one with an enticing cover.
I actually made a journal for this class that outlines all the things I think I will need to think about before shooting, then record all the after shooting specs and comments, so I can look back and see my progress.
If you ever get a chance to purchase Albert Watson’s “Cyclops” you must. It is in the loose form of a journal. An incredibly powerful collection of imagery.
Always find sketching gives me a head start before shooting. Sometimes it works as I see it and other times it leads onto something else as the idea evolves. Plus I find that writing things down helps me move the idea forward. Thanks for the tip on the tape measure – added to kit!
I found a whole stack of old notebooks from my primary school days, colourful beautiful things and most of them unused. I’ve got one all set up for this class already. Was a bit unsure if I should have one just for theory or mix it all together but I think I’ll wing it for now.
Excellent!
I always keep a stack of composition notebooks on hand because I like the size and durability. I’ve already begun pre-class notes in one. I also keep a supply of smaller 4″ x 5 1/4″ journals (with my favorite Paris cover) on hand because the size makes them easy to toss in my camera bag or purse. I’ve got one of them ready for class, too.