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 specific locations, methods and processes of travel photography in domestic and international locations. Includes visual themes, narrative and individual images, editorial and stock photography, composition, digital or film cameras, materials and equipment, exposure, selection and presentation of photographs. Overview of the population, habitat, environment and geography, culture and traditions of the region being studied. Special considerations of travel photography. Students must furnish camera, film or digital media, processing and presentation supplies. (CSU)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Distinguish subject themes and the unique and defining aspects of travel photography.
  • CSLO #2: Analyze and select film and digital camera equipment appropriate for various travel situations.
  • CSLO #3: Create film or digital media correctly to produce photographs that meet traditional standards of craftsmanship and expression.
  • CSLO #4: Compile a portfolio of photographs for visual storytelling of place, people, and events, for peer 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. Recall the unique and defining aspects of travel photography;
2. Recognize subject themes in travel photography;
3. Identify compositional techniques in visual examples;
4. Discuss fundamentals of photography related to various situations;
5. Select cameras, lenses and films/digital media that are appropriate to the travel situation;
6. Review exposure methods for film and digital media;
7. List gear or supplies for anticipated conditions;
8. Edit photographs for visually storytelling or individually in a portfolio of images; and
9. Evaluate the evidence of personal photographic work and the work of other students for impact, communication, and technique.
Activity Objectives:
10. Apply fundamentals of photography while photographing and problem solving in various locations;
11. Create visual interpretations of the place, people, and events under study through black and white or color photographs;
12. Expose film or digital media correctly to produce photographs which meet traditional standards of craftsmanship and expression;
13. Research location in advance and maintain written notes or sketches to augment visual record;
14. Create "packing" list for anticipated conditions; and
15. Edit photographs as visually storytelling or individually expressive in a portfolio of images.

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

          • Projects
            • Example: The student will create a portfolio of the photographs which emphasizes visual storytelling and represent the student's strongest work from the field studies. Grading will be based upon a rubric provided to students at the beginning of the class. Components of this rubric will include their success in terms of aesthetics, consistency of style, creativity, craftsmanship and presentation.
          • Reports
            • Example: To emphasize the importance of researching your photography location in advance, the student will research a specific travel location and give an oral presentation addressing the historical and culture significance to the area. The presentation will be graded based on the relevance of the information shared to the region being photographed, and background and quality of the presentation. This information will provided in the form of a rubric to the students.

          Repeatable

          No

          Methods of Instruction

          • Activity
          • Lecture/Discussion

          Activity:

          1. While in the field, the instructor will work closely with the students while they are photographing their assignments, assisting students with selecting their equipment, problem solving exposure issues and lighting situations, leading group discussions, and giving mini-lectures.

          Lecture:

          1. Instructor will prepare students for field studies by lecturing on the region to be photographed, preparations for the experience, relevant photographic techniques, and an introduction to themes in travel photography and visual storytelling. The instructor will engage the student in a discussion of these topics, as well as ethical and legal issues regarding photographing people on location and photographing on public and private properties.

          Typical Out of Class Assignments

          Reading Assignments

          1. Read handouts on the region of study, making notes on unique characteristics of the location. 2. Read historic description of the region from the handouts (or text) and compare these to the region surrounding the college. Compare and contrast these observations to other personal travel experiences as well.

          Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

          1. Written assignments include shooting log and notations on prints and subject, evaluation of photographic record, and journal of personal reactions. 2. Compile written informal research about the area, people, architecture, history, etc., prior to the field study. 3. Write a short summary of the informal interview with a stranger and a caption for the photograph taken of your subject.

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

          1. Present a portfolio of images from the region with appropriate background information and captions. 2. Select a single image as representative of individual experience. Title this "Postcard from..." 3. Create photographs to express these titles: One Sky Over All, Finding Home or Home Away from Home, Stranger in a Strange Land, Local Color, and Relic.

          Required Materials

          • Photography Demystified: Your Guide to the World of Travel Photography
            • Author: McKay and Scurich
            • Publisher: McKay Photography Inc
            • Publication Date: 2016
            • Text Edition: 1st
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • The Traveling Photographer: A Guide to Great Travel Photography
            • Author: Petrowitz
            • Publisher: Rocky Nook
            • Publication Date: 2013
            • Text Edition: 1st
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • National Geographic Ultimate Field Guide to Travel Photography
            • Author: Stuckey
            • Publisher: National Geographic Society
            • Publication Date: 2010
            • Text Edition:
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Lonely Planet's Guide to Travel Photography
            • Author: Lonely Planet
            • Publisher: Lonely Planet
            • Publication Date: 2012
            • Text Edition: 4th
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:

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

          Supplemental materials will vary depending on location. Materials will include related work and writings of other photographers, maps and information about the locale. Students must furnish camera, film or digital media, processing and presentation supplies.