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PHOT 0070A - Studio Lighting

http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/phot-0070a/

Catalog Description Prerequisite: Completion of PHOT 60A and PHOT 75 or PHOT 78 with grade(s) of “C” or better Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory) Description: The application of studio lighting techniques to portrait and product photography. Concentration on creative and technical control of lighting, background, props and composition. Utilizes both studio strobe and continuous light sources. (CSU) Course Student Learning Outcomes CSLO #1: Compare and contrast studio photography with working on location, using available 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 photographs for evaluation based on concept, composition, craft, and communication. Effective Term Fall 2025 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 qualities of continuous light to studio flash; 3. discuss the law of reflection and how it affects light; 4. discuss the inverse square law in relationship to light in a studio setting; 5. identify the color temperature of various light sources; 6. compare the quality of a hard light vs. soft light; 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; 11. prepare portfolio of work for evaluation based on content, composition, craft and communication. Laboratory Objectives: 12. apply principles of basic photography to studio setting using artificial light; 13. utilize strobe lighting combined with ambient light on location; 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. 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.). Projects Example: A final portfolio (project) of twelve final images will be due near the end of the semester. 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. Evaluation will be based on using industry standard terminology of lighting styles, the relative accuracy of the evaluation and analyzing the required number of images. Skill Demonstrations Example: Students will be assigned an executive portrait, which requires the use of Loop or Rembrandt lighting and a 2:1 or 3:1 lighting ratio. The assignment will be evaluated on achieving the proper lighting style and ratio, posing, exposure, focus, aperture selection and editing. Repeatable No Methods of Instruction Laboratory Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Lab: 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: 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 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.) A final portfolio (project) of twelve final images will be due near the end of the semester. All portfolios will be reviewed during the final critique and will be evaluated on content, composition, craft and communication. 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: Studio: Lighting Setups for Portrait Photography Author: Andreas Bubl Publisher: Rocky Nook Publication Date: 2023 Text Edition: 1st Classic Textbook?: OER Link: OER: Light Science & Magic: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting Author: Hunter, Bive, Fuqua, & Reid Publisher: Focal Press Publication Date: 2021 Text Edition: 6th Classic Textbook?: OER Link: OER: Product Photography: Lighting, Composition, and Shooting Techniques Author: Nath-Sakura Publisher: Rocky Nook Publication Date: 2023 Text Edition: 1st 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.