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PHOT 0090I - Night Photography Field Workshop

http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/phot-0090i/

Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: 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) Units 0.5-3 Lecture-Discussion 7-42 Laboratory By Arrangement Contact Hours 13-78 Outside of Class Hours 6-36 Course Student Learning Outcomes Differentiate the distinguishing characteristics, potential problems and solutions of night photography. Create night scenes using different metering methods, camera settings and lighting. Prepare a portfolio reflecting expression and control for review and evaluation based upon concept, craft, composition and impact. Course Content Outline I. Introduction to Night Photography A. Definition and Focus 1. Unique Characteristics of Night Photography 2. Comparison and Contrast with other Photography B. Light Writing 1. Meaning of Photography 2. Light as Source of Mood, Texture, Subject Definition 3. Existing or Available Light Definition and Characteristics 4. Artificial and Natural Light 5. Introduced Light C. Historical and Current Photographers (O'Sullivan, Brassai, Ollman, Kenna, Misrach, Vail, etc.) II. Exposure A. Review of Exposure and Metering Basics 1. Sunny 16 Application 2. Equivalent Exposures B. Metering in Low Light 1. Spot, Matrix or Center Weighted Metering 2. Manual and Aperture or Shutter Priority Settings C. Digital Noise D. Exposure Charts and Interpreting Scenes E. Bracketing 1. Exposure with Shutter Speed or Aperture 2. Composition with Location of Camera 3. High Dynamic Range Exposure F. Custom, Pre-Set and Auto White Balance G. Record Keeping III. Equipment Selection A. Cameras 1. Bulb (or T) Setting for Photographer Timing Shutter Speed 2. Camera Controlled Long Shutter Speeds 3. Sensor size, ISO and their impact on noise 4. Self-timers B. Lenses 1. Wide, Normal and Telephoto Focal Length 2. Distinctive "Look" and Features 3. Zoom Advantages/Disadvantages C. Flash Use 1. Intensity Controlled by Distance and F-stop 2. On and Off Camera Use 3. Sync Speed on Camera D. Flashlight and other Continuous Light Sources (Painting with Light) E. Tripod and Cable Release F. Filters 1. Protection, Neutral Density 2. Special Effect (star, defraction grating, speed) G. Other Considerations in Planning 1. Preparing for weather and temperature conditions 2. Notepad, Pen, Flashlight, Mobile Phone, Model Releases etc. 3. Precautions for Safety IV. Camera Usage A. Effects of F-stop and Shutter Speed Choices B. Clarity and Focus Considerations C. Photographer's Location D. Multiple Exposure V. Composition A. Distance (long shot, mid-range and close-up) for Impact and Overview B. High and Low Vantage Point C. Focal Point, Simplicity and Relationships D. Editing in the Camera VI. Critique A. Presentation of Personal Study B. Reactions to the Work of Others C. Self-Assessment Course Objectives 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. Methods of Evaluation Objective Examinations Projects Reports Skill Demonstrations 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. Methods of Instruction Activity Lecture/Discussion Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course. Students must furnish digital storage media.