Gmail & Blogger: Getting Started

Our assignment for today is to get set up with a Gmail account and then email the teacher.

• First of all, let's open Gmail:  Go to http://www.gmail.com/ and register for a new account.  
• Write down your Gmail username and password somewhere!  We will be using these accounts with various online tools (including places to store your documents) so if you lose/forget it, you will have to start your portfolio over.

I will walk you through all of the steps in class to complete this, but there are instructions available here if you would like to complete this at a later time.

Next, go to Blogger (www.blogger.com) and sign in with your Google/Gmail username and password.  Select your style, theme, etc.  We will modify these later, but get them ready to begin sharing your work.

Now click on "New Post" and give it the title "Photography".  Answer the following questions:

1. Where do you see photography used?
2. Why does a photographer take [and share] photographs (on Facebook, in a magazine, etc.)?
3. Are photographers trying to share who they are?  What they see?  How they feel?
4. Are they trying to influence people?
5. Why are you interested in photography (and/or why did you take this class?)

After completing the Gmail and Blogger setup, please email me at my work email (rgriffith@kvusd.org) and include the following:

• The subject of the email should be "Photo/Video: " and your first and last name.  (i.e. "Photo/Video: Joe Jones")
• My Blog Address: _________.blogspot.com (Click "View Blog" and look at the URL)
• What you hope to get out of this class.
• Your hobbies (besides "chillin' with friends").
• Something interesting about yourself.

Keep your Google username and password handy -- write them down somewhere if you think you might forget.  If you forget your login information, you will have to start over.

We will be setting up a deviantART account in the near future as well, but for now we will be working with Blogger.

REMINDER:  Try to get access to a camera for homework and in-class projects.  I have a few to loan, but they are pretty beaten up or they are mostly designed for video.