Catalog Description

Advisory: Completion of PHOT 60A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 13 (7 lecture, 6 activity) per .5 unit
Description: Intensive field workshop covering methods and processes of night, artificial and available light photography. Topics include camera and lens use, equipment, metering, lighting, and the unique aspects of the event, region or situation being studied. Specific locations and lighting circumstances vary. Students must furnish digital storage media. (CSU)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Differentiate the distinguishing characteristics, potential problems and solutions of night photography.
  • CSLO #2: Create night scenes using different metering methods, camera settings and lighting.
  • CSLO #3: Prepare a portfolio reflecting expression and control for review and evaluation based upon concept, craft, composition and impact.

Effective Term

Fall 2018

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

13-78

Outside of Class Hours

17-102

Total Student Learning Hours

30-180

Course Objectives

Lecture Objectives:
1. discuss the identifying characteristics of night photography;
2. define available light and natural light;
3. describe an actual scene in comparison to a characteristic scene from exposure charts;
4. calculate hypothetical exposures using suggested variations of Sunny 16 rule of basic daylight exposure;
5. compare ISO speeds appropriate to night photography and low-light photography;
6. plan for variations in weather, temperature and sense of safety;
7. explain the factors contributing to digital noise;
8. discuss alternative camera techniques, lenses and exposures for photographing in low light circumstances;
9. critique sample photographs by evaluating exposure, focus, composition and communication impact;
10. evaluate personal photographic work and the work of other students for composition, technique, point of view, and impact.
Activity Objectives:
11. apply fundamentals of photography while photographing and problem solving in limited light situations including bracketing exposures and compositions;
12. use equipment to avoid camera shake or other unintended blur in photographs;
13. maintain accurate written notes of exposures, equipment, subjects, and locations for reference purposes;
14. experiment with alternative camera techniques, lenses and exposures while photographing in low light circumstances;
15. add light to the scene being photographed by flash, painting with light or other means; and
16. create final portfolio of photographs taken at night with emphasis on design elements and use proper exposure techniques.

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

          • Objective Examinations
            • Example: A multiple choice exam will be given covering exposure calculations using the Sunny 16 rule as a foundation. Standard grading. (Objective 4) Example Question: When using the "Sunny 16" rule set aperture to: A. f/16, B. c/16, C. a/16, D. none of the above.
          • Projects
            • Example: A portfolio of photographs presented as a digital slide show will be evaluated for photographic technique, composition, presentation, proper software utilization, visual communication and cohesiveness. The components of the grade and their weight will be provided to the students as part of a grading rubric.
          • Reports
            • Example: Students create a summary report evaluating all photographs submitted for the final portfolio for technical execution and aesthetic interest. An outline of expected points to be covered will be included in a rubric provided to students.
          • Skill Demonstrations
            • Example: Based upon lectures, readings and in-class demonstrations, students will demonstrate bracketing exposures in order to create HDR (high dynamic range) images. Students will be evaluated on proper exposure, using software to accurately combine the exposure sequence and aesthetic interest of the resulting images based upon a weighted rubric provided to the students.

          Repeatable

          No

          Methods of Instruction

          • Activity
          • Lecture/Discussion

          Activity:

          1. While in the field instructor will work closely with students answering questions, providing individualized instruction, assisting with problem solving, and providing feedback on the images they are capturing. Students will be actively photographing at night and applying the information provided during lecture and readings required outside of class time.

          Lecture:

          1. Instructor will prepare students for field studies by lecturing on night photography techniques. Instructor will prepare handouts and provide web resources for further study outside of class that will round out the information on night photography. Students will take notes, ask clarifying questions and respond to instructor questions.

          Typical Out of Class Assignments

          Reading Assignments

          1. Read the materials describing the event or region and name its general "expected" features. From this generate a potential shot list. 2. Read the handout on the impact of ISO selection and sensor size on noise and come prepared to discuss how to compensate for noise through exposure settings and software.

          Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

          1. Photograph a single scene with two different slow shutter speeds and equivalent exposures. Compare the visual effects of each. 2. Using notes and images, evaluate all of the photographs made for under, over and correct exposure. Summarize your evaluation in the final notebook.

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

          1. Create a portfolio of night and low-light photographs and prepare them for presentation during the final critique.

          Required Materials

          • Night Photography and Light Painting
            • Author: Lance Keimig
            • Publisher: Focal Press
            • Publication Date: 2015
            • Text Edition: 2nd
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Photography: Night Sky: A Field Guide for Shooting after Dark
            • Author: Wu and Martin
            • Publisher: Mountaineers Books
            • Publication Date: 2014
            • Text Edition: 1st
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Understanding Exposure
            • Author: Bryan Peterson
            • Publisher: Amphoto Books
            • Publication Date: 2016
            • Text Edition: 4th
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • HDR Photography: From Snapshots to Great Shots
            • Author: Tim Cooper
            • Publisher: Peachpit Press
            • Publication Date: 2015
            • Text Edition: 1st
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:

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

          Students must furnish digital storage media.