Catalog Description

Prerequisite: Completion of PHOT 60A or 78 with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 13 (7 lecture, 6 activity) per .5 unit
Description: Exploration of portraiture in outdoor settings. Topics include camera, lens and equipment selection, camera use, lighting, posing, and composition. Students must furnish digital storage media. (CSU)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Analyze portraits that illustrate diverse poses, camera equipment, and lighting situations.
  • CSLO #2: Plan portrait sessions including anticipated camera, lens and lighting equipment needs.
  • CSLO #3: Create portraits demonstrating exposure control, camera usage, and effective lighting and vantage points.
  • CSLO #4: Develop a portfolio of portraits for evaluation.

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. Identify characteristics of effective portraits from examples;
2. analyze natural light and environmental portraiture as compared to studio environments;
3. list equipment commonly used in portraiture;
4. organize an outdoor portrait session with model(s);
5. analyze and edit digital images for presentation;
Activity Objectives
6. select appropriate ISO, white balance and aperture;
7. create portraits with various camera angles, framing and lighting situations;
8. modify existing light by using reflectors and fill-flash;
9. evaluate different lighting situations and choose the appropriate light meter to produce an accurate exposure; and
10. create portfolio of outdoor portrait photographs.

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.
          • Projects
            • Example: A portfolio of photographs will be evaluated for photographic technique, composition, posing, lighting and presentation. The components of the grade and their weight will be provided to the students as part of a grading rubric.
          • Reports
            • Example: Students will write a report on an assigned portrait photographer and will give an oral presentation to the class supported by visual examples. Grading will be based on a rubric provided to the students at the beginning of the course.
          • Skill Demonstrations
            • Example: Students will demonstrate the proper use of both an incident and a reflective light meter. The components of the grade and their weight will be provided to the students as part of a grading rubric.

          Repeatable

          No

          Methods of Instruction

          • Activity
          • Lecture/Discussion

          Activity:

          1. While in the field instructor will work closely with students answering questions, assisting with problem solving, and providing feedback on the images they are capturing. Students will be actively photographing models, directing assistants as well as acting as an assistant 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 outdoor portrait photography, preparations for the experience and application of relevant photographic techniques to the area being utilized as the outdoor "studio." Instructor will assign textbook readings, prepare handouts and provide web resources that will round out the information on photography and the location to be utilized. Students will take notes, ask clarifying questions and respond to instructor questions.

          Typical Out of Class Assignments

          Reading Assignments

          1. Read the chapter in the text on outdoor portraiture and summarize the advantages and disadvantages compared to studio portraiture. 2. Read the handout on composition and camera use. Be prepared to discuss the concepts of foreshortening, focus for emphasis and fish bowl foreheads during the discussion to be held during class.

          Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

          1. Create a series of portraits of the same subject including a head and shoulders view, three-quarter view and full-length view. 2. Prepare a written plan for a model shoot and an evaluation of its success. Make sure to include an equipment list, shot list, clothing selection, and prop list. After the portrait session, evaluate the shoot in terms of how successful the plan was and an analysis of the photographs themselves.

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

          1. Create a portfolio of natural light portraits.

          Required Materials

          • Step-by-Step Lighting for Outdoor Portrait Photography
            • Author: Jeff Smith
            • Publisher: Amherst Media
            • Publication Date: 2014
            • Text Edition: 1st
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Portraiture Unplugged: Natural Light Photography
            • Author: Carol Caylor
            • Publisher: Amherst Media, Inc.
            • Publication Date: 2014
            • Text Edition: 1st
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Essential Elements of Portrait Photography
            • Author: Bill Israelson
            • Publisher: Amherst Media
            • Publication Date: 2014
            • Text Edition: 1st
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Classic Family Portraits: Lighting, Posing, and Composition for Location and Studio
            • Author: Ed Pedi
            • Publisher: Amherst Media, Inc
            • Publication Date: 2014
            • Text Edition: 1st
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:

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

          Student must provide digital storage media. Digital prints may be required depending on presentation format.