The assignment we have to do for class is take a set of "action" photographs. Unfortunately for me they have to be traditional photography and not digital. (I don't own a "real" camera anymore, not since I got my digital camera almost 2 years ago) The other problem is my photography classes in high school concentrated more on other types of set ups and not action. So I'm not quite sure how or what to do/set up in order to complete the assignment. The other problem is that I'm low on cash and can barely afford a "one time use" camera... Does anyone have any low cost suggestions on how to do this?

talk to your teacher about your situation, i am sure they will help you to come up with a solution.If not... can you borrow a camera from a friend or family member?

Can you be a little more specific about the assignment? What digicam do you have?

I second bonbon! Another suggestion is to borrow an able and willing classmate's camera. And maybe create a support group to help each other out on a set-up (whatever you decide on) and just pitch in for film. You guys can use the same set-up perhaps? Then just borrow a camera once your nice classmate is done with his/her roll of film. (While he or she is shooting, you could practice with your digital.) (*

bonbon, that's as specific as the teacher was on the assignment. The project sheet isn't much help either. Basically all it says is "Turn in 12 action photographs mounted on black board. Make sure the board has a 2 inch border." The thing is the class is a cross between a photography class and a graphic design class. We take pictures...then bring them into photoshop and correct them and use them in projects. (THe name of the class is actually Digital Photography) I have talked to the teacher about the assignment. He said a "one time use" camera would work just fine and that he won't give me more detail on the assignment because he doesn't want everyone in the class to have the same type of pictures. I'm not sure if that helps any, because I'm still confused on exactly what an action shot is LOL But any help would be appreciated. :) Kymm

Wait a sec. If you are going to bring the pictures into Photoshop what's the difference besides the resolution? If you can't afford a one time use camera then how can you afford film or development costs? I say take your digital camera and photograph people playing tennis or swinging on swings. Mowing the lawn ect. You know action are things which show action. Then tell your teacher your problem and show him what pictures your have ask the teach if those are acceptible. Bsteph

I thought of that, the only problem is that we have to have the original photographs mounted on board to show that they were traditional photography. And you msiunderstood me, I said I can afford a one time use camera, NOT a "real" camera. There's a difference. The development isn't a real problem, I'll just take it to where my mom works and she'll get it done for me. It's just that I don't have a zoom or a foucs on a one time use camera (I hate point and shoot darn it) And I'm thinking he's talking more about action as following a subject (so the background is blurred) or keeing focused on the background so the "action" is blurred or something along those lines. I guess my problem is that I would like to do something more than what is within the capabilities of a one time use camera (I'm used to traditional cameras with a focus and zoom, as my digital has)

[I think the teacher is being silly about the digital, but it never helps to argue with the folks with the grade book.] All the suggestions above about borrowing and working together are good. Perhaps the teacher is being vague about the assignment purposely to see what creative things happen? It sounds as if you already have some good ideas about how to show motion. If you already have a good digital camera, where you can adjust the focus, shutter speed, and aperature, I would not go out and buy anything expensive just for a class. Is this just the first assignment, and the rest of the time you'll be using the digital? If so, I'd just borrow or get a dispossable for this first assignment. Maybe also try shooting the same things with the digital and compare results? People find it difficult to believe sometime, but the creative idea is usually more important than the cost of the equipment.

Serpentis, Ah sorry about the misunderstanding. In that case I think the borrow method is the best way to go. I've used point and clicks before. Actually I've seen some real good pictures with them but following the action and bluring the background only! With a disposable! I don't know. I think it could be done though. However you would also not be making your best work. And that is important if you are being graded! May be you can provid "gaffer" help for someone if they later loan you their camera. Good luck. Bsteph

I guess the whole problem I see with this, is that he was vague at best. And that was my assumption that he wanted to see what creative "fixes" we found to the problem. Unfortunately for me, I don't know anyone with a decent camera other than a digital, and with needing the original photographs (the developed 4x6's using digital is just impossible) I'd LOVE to borrow someone's camera, but a lot of the people in class are in the same situation. We have digital cameras now (I personally have had a digital camera for the past 2 years now and I absoutly love it, I got a "cheap" one to start with and play around with and upgraded last semester for a more higher end professional one.) I'm in college by the way for graphic design, and this is the only "photography" class we have. John, the professor, did say that one time use cameras are perfectly allowable...shrug I'm not sure though I have some pretty BIG ideas and it's doubtful to even me that a p'n'c camera will give me the results I was after.

the developed 4x6's using digital is just impossible No, not really impossible. If that is the only issue. 'Course, if teacher has bug up butt about only using film you are stuck. Most large photo stores, or even Kinkos, can make prints from jpeg files. For 12 4X6's it should not be expensive. Call first. You did not answer if this requirement is only for the first assignment, or if it is an ongoing requirement. Seems if you are using Photoshop, digital camera would be one of the best solutions... You did not say how much time you have to complete this assignment. Sharing still seems like a good way to make some friends in the class.

Yes, he's dead set on traditional camera work. He's seen all of our digital camera images through the semester and is hell bent for actual film images. Oh, sorry, forgot about that part LOL Actually it's the final assignment (There's only 3 weeks left of the semester)and I have 2 weeks to finish the project. It's due the week before class is finished so the pieces can be turned back before summer. Since the department is moving locations on the campus, keeping stuff there over break would be a bad idea.

So, your final assignment is to use a medium no one has used before... Where is this school?

Wisconsin...nuff said