Project Introduction
Welcome to your third folio assignment — a classic in the world of photography: Black & White imagery. This project challenges you to strip away the distractions of color and instead focus on composition, contrast, tone, and emotion.
You’ll be using your DSLR to capture 10 unique photographs, each following the Rule of Thirds — one of the most fundamental layout principles in visual storytelling. You’ll then convert your color photos into high-contrast black and white images that emphasize texture, shape, and lighting.
This collection will be presented in Google Slides, and you’ll also create a before-and-after comparison to showcase your editing process using the Image Compare Block in WordPress.
💬 I am asked all the time “Can I do this in Lightroom?” and the answer is always… “I guess?”. I would suggest you use Photoshop, since that is where the Certification lies, and you should practice using it at every chance you get!
Creative Focus
Color can be a crutch. Without it, you have to think harder about where your viewer looks — how lines, balance, contrast, and framing guide the eye. That’s where the Rule of Thirds comes in.
By keeping your subjects on or near the grid lines, you’ll start to see how thoughtful composition creates stronger, more emotional images — even in silence, even in black and white.
This project also builds on your technical camera knowledge. You’re expected to use manual settings to play with shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and framing to best serve your composition.
Project Examples
Here is a sample “Image Compare” that you need to provide for the project. Be sure you resize the images before you upload them so you don’t upload some massive 8k image!
Project Requirements
Your final submission must include the following components:
Photography & Editing:
- Capture 10 original photos using a DSLR camera
- Each image must be composed to follow the Rule of Thirds
- Vary your aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and subject matter
- Convert images to Black & White using Photoshop or equivalent tools
- Select at least one photo to show a before-and-after edit using the Image Compare Block in WordPress
Google Slides Presentation:
- Create a 10-slide presentation
- Each slide contains one final black and white photo
- Slides must be minimal and clean — no clutter, borders, or text unless labeling is purposeful
- Embed the finished presentation directly in your WordPress post
WordPress Portfolio Post:
- Create a new Project Post with:
- A Featured Image
- A 100–150 word description of the project and your editing process
- Appropriate Tags and Category
- An embedded Google Slides deck. If you don’t remember how to do it, check this out.
- An Image Compare Block with before-and-after of at least one photo
Project Grading Rubric
Here is how your project will be graded.
| Criteria | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
| WordPress Portfolio Post | Complete with description, featured image, tags, and embedded content | 15 pts |
| Google Slides Presentation | Includes 10 final B&W photos, clean layout, Rule of Thirds followed | 25 pts |
| Technical Execution | DSLR settings used purposefully (ISO, shutter speed, aperture, etc.) | 20 pts |
| Editing & Black/White Quality | Strong contrast, clarity, thoughtful post-processing | 20 pts |
| Before/After Comparison | Effective use of Image Compare Block with visible editing process | 10 pts |
| Composition & Framing | Rule of Thirds applied consistently and effectively | 10 pts |
| Total | 100 pts |
OCP & Standard Alignments
01.01 – Demonstrate knowledge of basic computer operations (file management, uploading, resizing)
01.04 – Demonstrate knowledge of online research techniques (reviewing editing techniques and Rule of Thirds)
02.01 – Apply knowledge of design elements and principles (composition, balance, contrast)
02.04 – Demonstrate knowledge of composition (Rule of Thirds is the focus of the assignment)
03.02 – Demonstrate knowledge of digital imaging software (photo editing and black & white conversion)
03.06 – Demonstrate knowledge of photographic and lighting techniques (manual DSLR control and natural light)
04.03 – Create a digital portfolio to showcase multimedia projects (embedded presentation and comparison tool)
Digital Media & Multimedia Design 