Catalog Description

Prerequisite: Completion of PHOT 60A with grade of “C” or better; and completion with grade of “C” or better or concurrent enrollment in PHOT 75 or 78
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Description: The application of studio lighting techniques to portrait and commercial product photography. Concentration on creative and technical control of lighting, background, props and composition. Utilizes both studio strobe and continuous light sources. For students seeking a career in photography or one of its related fields, and for those who desire additional and advanced creative or technical work. Students must furnish digital storage media, paper and presentation materials. (CSU)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Compare and contrast studio photography with other locations, lighting and metering methods.
  • CSLO #2: Create still life and portrait photography demonstrating exposure, camera, lighting and stylistic control.
  • CSLO #3: Develop a portfolio of still life and portrait solutions for evaluation based on concept, composition, craft, and communication.

Effective Term

Fall 2018

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

90

Outside of Class Hours

72

Total Student Learning Hours

162

Course Objectives

Lecture Objectives:
1. compare and contrast photography in the studio to photography in other settings;
2. compare the advantages and disadvantages of various camera formats for studio use;
3. compare qualities of continuous light to studio flash;
4. discuss the inverse square law of light to studio setting;
5. identify the color temperature of various light sources;
6. compare photographing with natural and available light to working in a studio environment;
7. select appropriate lighting style, lens, camera angle, and composition for portrait and still life photographs;
8. discuss examples from the works of master photographers for technique, style, and visual communication;
9. critique the work produced by other students in class discussions;
10. analyze and evaluate digital files and prints for visual impact and technical shortcomings; and
11. prepare portfolio of work for evaluation based on content, composition, craft and communication.
Laboratory/Activity Objectives:
12. apply principles of basic photography to studio setting using artificial light;
13. expose for proper skin tone placement using a reflective light meter;
14. use a reflective meter and an incident meter for proper exposure;
15. demonstrate characteristics of light in studio set ups;
16. set up main, fill and separator lights with appropriate diffusion methods in studio;
17. meter, calculate and expose for various highlight to shadow ratios;
18. set up lights for classic portraiture styles; and
19. compose and expose still life subjects considering focus, composition, camera angle and interest.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
      • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
        • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

          Articulation Information

          • CSU Transferable

          Methods of Evaluation

          • Classroom Discussions
            • Example: Classroom peer critiques (discussions) are an integral part of deepening student understanding of how others react to their images and to gain insight into how they can improve their work. Students are evaluated on participation, their ability to actively engage in the discussion and to provide and receive valuable feedback from their peers.
          • Objective Examinations
            • Example: Students will take a 10-point quiz where students will identify the correct color temperature for a variety of lights sources (e.g. flash, tungsten, fluorescent, HMI, LED, etc.). The quiz will be scored, assigned a grade on a traditional grading scale, and reviewed in class.
          • Projects
            • Example: A final portfolio (project) of twelve final images will be due near the end of the semester. A rubric will be provided in the syllabus outlining the composition of the final portfolio and the weight of each component and the criteria used to evaluate the portfolio. All portfolios will be reviewed during the final critique.
          • Reports
            • Example: Students will be assigned a photographer to research and write a report on. This report should include an analysis of their lighting style and how it was achieved. A rubric will be provided outlining the expectations and criteria for evaluation.
          • Skill Demonstrations
            • Example: Students will be assigned an executive portrait, which requires the use of loop or Rembrandt lighting. This image will be due and discussed during the midterm critique and will be assigned a grade. A rubric will be provided outlining the point value of the assignment, which includes the use of loop or Rembrandt lighting, as well as posing, expression, clothing selection, background selection and print quality.

          Repeatable

          No

          Methods of Instruction

          • Laboratory
          • Lecture/Discussion
          • Distance Learning

          Lab:

          1. For the laboratory objective, “set up lights for classic portraiture styles” instructor will show examples of Rembrandt, loop, paramount and split lighting styles. Instructor will do a live demonstration of the lighting styles with both hard and diffused lighting. Students will then complete a series of portraits using each one of these lighting styles during studio time.

          Lecture:

          1. For the lecture objective, “meter, calculate and expose for various highlight to shadow ratios” instructor will lecture on the theory and practice of calculating lighting ratios. Instructor will then demonstrate proper metering technique and how to calculate lighting ratios in the studio. Students will then break into small groups to practice the techniques demonstrated. Instructor will clarify and assist each group with metering and ratio calculation.

          Distance Learning

          1. Instructor will create a video or PowerPoint presentation with audio on color temperature in studio lighting. Instructor will also provide the appropriate chapter in the textbook or a link to OER on the subject for students to read. Student will seek any necessary clarifications through discussion boards or office hours. Student will then apply this knowledge to create proper color in a studio setting.

          Typical Out of Class Assignments

          Reading Assignments

          1. Read the chapter in "Light, Science and Magic" on "Lighting Equipment". Come to class prepared to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of hot lights vs. flash/strobe lights. 2. Read the chapter on light sources and color temperature and come to class prepared to list the color temperature of the light sources used in studio lighting.

          Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

          1. Set up the studio lighting to accomplish a 2:1 lighting ratio using a white box as the subject. 2. Diagram the lighting, including meter readings and ratios, used to photograph the executive portrait you completed during class. Write several paragraphs analyzing what was successful and how the lighting could be improved during your next portrait session.

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

          1. Shoot a portrait lighted by window light with a reflector for fill, if desired. Produce a digital contact sheet of the assignment. 2. Plan a studio shoot with members of your group including model, props, lighting, potential poses, and lens choice.

          Required Materials

          • Light and Shadow: Dynamic Lighting Design for Studio Portrait Photography
            • Author: Corbell
            • Publisher: Amherst Media
            • Publication Date: 2017
            • Text Edition: 1st
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Masterclass: Professional Studio Photography
            • Author: Savini
            • Publisher: Rocky Nook
            • Publication Date: 2012
            • Text Edition: 1st
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Lighting for Product Photography
            • Author: Earnest
            • Publisher: Amherst Media
            • Publication Date: 2012
            • Text Edition: 1st
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Light Science & Magic: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting
            • Author: Hunter, Biver & Fuqua
            • Publisher: Focal Press
            • Publication Date: 2015
            • Text Edition: 5th
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Minimalist Lighting: Professional Techniques for Studio Photography
            • Author: Grey
            • Publisher: Amherst Media
            • Publication Date: 2014
            • Text Edition: 2nd
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:

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

          Instructor supplementary hand-out, charts, model releases. Students must supply digital storage media, inkjet printing paper and presentations materials.