Catalog Description

Hours: 72 (36 lecture, 36 activity)
Description: Aesthetic use of various camera types. Elements of design and influence of photography as an art form examined. Topics include subject selection, exposure control, composition, lighting, printing, presentation, and responses to photographs within framework of historical and ethnically and culturally diverse perspectives. Black and white, color, digital and film photography explored. (CSU, UC)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Create a variety of visual effects by applying camera exposure techniques to multiple subjects and scenarios.
  • CSLO #2: Evaluate images for proper tone and contrast suitable for the given subject and creative intent.
  • CSLO #3: Critique photographs for content, composition, craftsmanship, and historical context, while using proper photographic terminology.
  • CSLO #4: Construct a portfolio of photographs that demonstrates a synthesis of mastered camera techniques with desired technical, aesthetic or conceptual goals.

Effective Term

Fall 2024

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

72

Outside of Class Hours

90

Total Student Learning Hours

162

Course Objectives

Lecture Objectives:

1. compare and contrast photographs within various styles and from diverse practitioners for impact and expression;
2. evaluate photographic conventions, imagination, assignment and equipment limitations when choosing subject matter to photograph;
3. analyze and evaluate the impact of photographs in terms of subject, technique, composition, cultural influence and ethnic background, presentation and visual communication; 

4. select accessory lenses (or focal length when using a zoom lens) for camera based upon subject matter and desired visual effect;
5. utilize f-stops and shutter speeds to control exposure and to produce specific styles and visual effects;
6. select ISO considering the subject, lighting and desired visual effect;
7. analyze the accuracy of the camera light meter in a variety of lighting conditions and override it when necessary to produce properly exposed images;
8. decide on the time of day to create photographs based upon the influence of lighting on the subject matter chosen;
9. evaluate printed images in terms of subjective response, visual impact, and communication within the context of the diverse perspectives of contemporary culture and traditional standards within the medium.

Activity Objectives:
10. evaluate the image quality of the camera obscura;

11. modify digital files to achieve proper size, contrast and density;
12. create a photogram using light sensitive material;
13. print digital files or film negatives while considering print density, contrast, cropping, sharpness, and burning/dodging; and

14.  generate a portfolio of images unified by topic, theme, concept, or style.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • AA/AS - Fine Arts
  • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
    • CSUGE - C1 Arts
  • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
    • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

      Articulation Information

      • CSU Transferable
      • UC Transferable

      Methods of Evaluation

      • Classroom Discussions
        • Example: The instructor will lead the class in a discussion about the use of f/stops and shutter speeds to both control exposure and to create desired visual effects with the use of depth of field and capturing motion. The instructor will finish the lecture with a quick non-graded quiz, by asking 3 questions related to the topic. The quizzes will be immediately self-graded and the answers further discussed to reinforce the lesson.
      • Objective Examinations
        • Example: Students will complete an objective exam covering the basics of camera usage, including proper selections of lens focal length, ISO settings, shutter speeds, and aperture settings. Example: The light meter in the camera indicates that the correct exposure for a given scene is f/8 at 1/125 sec. Select an f/stop that would increase the depth of field in the scene and give the appropriate equivalent shutter speed. Standard Grading.
      • Projects
        • Example: Produce a portfolio of twelve prints, four of which must be mounted to gallery standards that represent your best images produced during the semester in terms of composition, technique and visual communication.
      • Reports
        • Example: Students will create a report on two significant contemporary photographers from diverse backgrounds. In addition to biographical information on the photographers, the student will also provide examples from each photographer and then compare and contrast their photographic style and visual techniques.
      • Skill Demonstrations
        • Example: Student will be required to utilize a camera light meter to obtain the proper exposure in both common and challenging situations. Common situations will involve a mixture of tones where standard metering will result in a proper result. Challenging situations will involve an excess of black or white and/or dramatic lighting where alternative metering methods (such as spot metering) will need to be employed to obtain a properly exposed image. Student will be assessed on their ability to obtain a proper exposure in both types of situations.

      Repeatable

      No

      Methods of Instruction

      • Activity
      • Lecture/Discussion
      • Distance Learning

      Activity:

      1. Instructor will demonstrate how to use camera controls to alter exposure and assign the chapter on metering to support the lecture content. Instructor will then place students in a variety of situations that can lead to an erroneous meter reading. Each group must record what the light meter has determined the correct exposure to be and students must answer the following questions: a) Was the light meter giving a correct reading? b) Why or why not? c) If it was not correct, what should the corrected reading be? During this time the instructor is moving from group to group answering questions, providing guidance, assisting students with problem solving and making sure that they are proceeding in a manner that will result in a proper exposure of the scene.

      Lecture:

      1. The instructor will lecture on how to utilize image composition and content to impact and influence the viewer. The instructor will then will break the students in to groups and assign specific images to each group. The group will analyze the images for content and composition. The instructor will then lead the groups in reporting back to the class their findings.

      Distance Learning

      1. The instructor will provide a video lecture on how shutter speeds impact motion capture. Instructor will assign students to capture subjects in motion at a variety of shutter speeds. Students will post the images they create on LMS for peer critique and submit final images to instructor for feedback. Instructor will record a critique of the students work and post in the grade book.

      Typical Out of Class Assignments

      Reading Assignments

      1. Read the chapter on shutter speeds and then utilize the information and illustrations to produce photographs using the Panning technique to enhance motion. 2. Read the chapter on composition and come prepared to utilize the concepts and vocabulary during the class critique.

      Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

      1. Working in teams of two utilize the film development methods discussed and demonstrated in class to process film. 2. Complete a one to three page critique of a photographic gallery show. Make sure to utilize vocabulary specific to the art and photography world detailed in the handout on composition and visual communication as well as discussed and practiced during class.

      Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

      Produce a portfolio of twelve prints, four of which must be mounted to gallery standards that represent your best images produced during the semester in terms of composition, technique and visual communication.

      Required Materials

      • Photography
        • Author: London, Stone & Upton
        • Publisher: Pearson
        • Publication Date: 2016
        • Text Edition: 12th
        • Classic Textbook?:
        • OER Link:
        • OER:
      • Complete Digital Photography: 9th Edition
        • Author: Ben Long
        • Publisher: CDP Press
        • Publication Date: December, 2018
        • Text Edition: 9th
        • Classic Textbook?: Yes
        • OER Link:
        • OER:
      • Langford's Basic Photography
        • Author: Anna Fox and Richard Sawdon Smith
        • Publisher: Routledge
        • Publication Date: December, 2015
        • Text Edition: 10th
        • Classic Textbook?: Yes
        • OER Link:
        • OER:

      Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.

      Electronic storage media and mounting board.