CAZ College (SA263) Digital Photo Reisman Hall 06 Tu/Th 11:00am~1:50pm
Paul Pearce pwpearce@cazenovia.edu
photo@properproof.com
Website: www.properproof.com
E-mail will be used for communication in this class.
You are responsible for checking your email and the website for information and updates.

Office Hours: T/TH 3-4pm
Prereq: SA 161 Photo One and SA-365 Photo two

This class is an advanced photography class for students who have already mastered the basics of traditional analog and digital photography.
Students should already have an understanding of these basic photo skills:
Focus, Exposure, Motion, Depth of field, Lighting, Composition, Content

This course covers the practice of digital photography with emphasis on using professional production techniques to build an efficient workflow to maximize productivity and creativity with digital photography. Students learn techniques of image capture, camera controls, digital exposure, brightness range and optics for optimal digital images, color management, color theory, and optimizing files for print. Students also learn image distribution and organization using software to create an image database to assist in cataloging and archiving digital images. Students will begin working on a body of images that reflects their artistic interests. Creative decision-making, problem solving, and the relationship between personal vision and contemporary art practice will all be explored. Through discussion, research, essay writing, critique, and creative response, students will engage in a critical dialog with the work of their peers and recognized contemporary artists in order to inform their own creative process.

Class Objectives: To make the transition from basic to advanced digital image making. To incorporate more advanced technical approached to image capture including on and off camera flash.
We will explore the effects of color on the viewer and incorporate color to enhance the meaning and impact of photographs.
We will continue the path toward a strong personal style and visual form of expression to create several coherent bodies of work demonstrating this expressive personal style suitable for exhibition or publication.

Technical topics:

Review/Assesment- demonstrate mastry of basic photo one skills.
Workflow: from camera to computer and beyond (file management and organization)
Camera:
learning the capabilities and differences between different camera styles.
Camera Raw - shooting and processing
Aspect ratio: Square. widescreen. golden mean and panoramic images
Light metering: meter weighting, external meters, exposure compensation
Focus: Auto vs manual,focus modes
High Dynamic Range: Taming extreme contrast with multiple exposures
Flash Photography: on and off camera flash, TTL exposure, slave triggers
Focal length: Perspective effects beyond getting closer
Lens attachments: close-up lens, bellows, filters
Maintenance: Lens and sensor cleaning, troubleshooting
Storage: memory cards, flash drives, hard drives, discs
Color: Color management, color temperature, white balance
Black & White: Conversion to Black and White vs shooting in Black and White

Advanced Editing: Layers, Crop, levels, curves
Panorama: Creating extreme wide-angle perspective views
Printing: Printers, papers, sizing files for print
Presentation: Matting, Framing, web, book

Aesthetic/Creative topics:
To use camera controls to go beyond the snapshot, creating images that our eye can’t see.
Going beyond the “pretty picture”.
To become familiar with the basic history of creating images through photography.
To learn to examine, interpret and talk about photographs and to appreciate the photo work of others.
Exerting artistic control, refining your eye; lighting, point of view
Meaning: is there substance to this image, does it connect with the viewer, on what level?

Class will consist of demonstrations and discussions followed by practical exercises and assignments.
There will be lab sessions during class hours where students work independently with instructor oversight.
Students will also need to spend out-of-class time to shoot photographs.
Students are encouraged to shoot many photographs and use their camera as much as possible.
We will explore photographers and photographic trends through videos and on-line research followed by feedback forms student presentations and discussions.

Students are required to use their camera every week for exercises, assignments or personal expression. Weekly sharing sessions with the class are an opportunity for peer feedback.

Students will create work in and out of class related to technical and aesthetic exercises-
these will be evaluated for the final grade.

We will use class critiques and on-line forms to share ideas and evaluate reactions to each other’s work and multimedia presentations.

Equipment requirements:
• Digital camera that can adjust the shutter speed and the lens aperture (f/stop) and manual focus.
• Support accessories: extra battery, battery charger, memory card for at least 200 images.
• Backup storage - external hard drive
• Tripod
• Portable lamp (clamp light with LED or fluorescent bulb or equivalent)
• External flash with appropriate camera interface (wireless or cable)

Grading: Work will be graded on: individual progress and growth throughout the semester, originality, craftsmanship, technique, level of challenge and concept. Effort, class participation, and , especially, your sense of exploration; that is, your willingness to take risks in the process of creating art
The typical “A” student is a responsible and active learner who doesn’t take shortcuts. He or she will follow all steps in the creative process, not opting for an easy out when the project becomes difficult; will hand work in on time; will participate fully in class; will ask questions; will do extra work for the sheer pleasure and need to learn. As a result, his/her work will show considerable growth beyond previous technical, expressive and conceptual capabilities.
University Grading Policy- The grading policy is in accordance with the University grading policy, based on: 1. Successful completion of project requirements 2. Quality of production 3. Conceptual development of art work 4.
Participation in critiques and discussions.

Grade tracking: Some exercises or assignments will be evaluated on a simple scale of +, -, and ~.
This will be a simple way to let you know how you did; ~ equals average or OK, + (plus) equals better than average or good work, - (minus) equals less than average or not well done. This will be based on factors such as effort, creativity, and assignment goals. This may be used for exercises as well as critiques and form feedback. These evaluations will be factored into your final grade.

Assignments are evaluated according to the following criteria:
1. Technical 2. Formal 3. Assignment goal 4. Effort/Challenge/Creativity
Class Participation/Presentation will be factored into your grade. Critique attendance is mandatory.
Each criterion is measured on a scale of 1-4.
(4= excellent; 3=good; 2=average; 1=poor; 0=unsatisfactory)
Final Grades:
Exercises 40%/assignments 50%, Reviews - research - forms 10%

If you miss a critique or turn in an assignment late your grade will be reduced by one letter grade.
Assignments are not accepted if more than two weeks late.
You may re-do and assignment within one week for re-evaluation (only if initially turned in on time)

A/A- Excellent. Demonstrates a full understanding of techniques, concepts, and theories covered in class; exceeds class expectations, self-motivated and challenged; attends and participates in classes regularly. Submits new work (not assignment submissions) for the final portfolio.
B+/B/B- Good. Have completed the assignment well and attended classes and critiques.
C+/C/C- Average. Have completed the assignments, but without much effort and challenge.
D+/D/ Poor. If you are an art major, you will have to repeat this class with a “D” grade.
F Failing. Not met the requirements of the class.

College Policy on Intellectual Integrity: Intellectual integrity on the part of all students is basic to individual growth and development through college course-work. When academic dishonesty occurs, the teaching/learning climate is seriously undermined and student growth and development are impeded. For these reasons, any form of intellectual dishonesty is a serious concern and is therefore prohibited.

Academic Honesty Policy:
Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Make sure you know what plagiarism is and how to avoid it. Any student who turns in plagiarized work will fail the course. A description of plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty are to be found at http://www.cazenovia.edu/academics/academic-policies/other-academic-policies/academic-honesty

Special Needs: Special needs students who require accommodations in classroom or outside work or test taking procedures should notify the Office of Special Services (ext. 7176). Communicate with the instructor as soon as possible to put these accommodations in place in and out of the classroom.

Attendance:
Attendance and punctuality are mandatory. You can’t learn if you are not here! If you must be absent contact the instructor as soon as possible. You are expected to make up any work you miss. Absence due to illness or hardship will be considered unexcused unless I am provided a written medical document.
Two late arrivals count as an absence. Coming unprepared to work counts as an absence. One or two missed classes do not affect your grade. These absences should be reserved for any time you have a conflict (work or travel etc.) or are not well enough to attend. Each absence beyond two will lower your final by one letter grade step (B to B-). After 5 absences you cannot successfully complete the class and should withdraw or risk failing. You must make up work that was done in any class you miss. If you miss a video presentation, you must make arrangements to view it on your time and write up a review or analysis.

Cell phone usage and text messaging during class is absolutely prohibited, as is personal use of laptops or other electronic devices. Before class begins, you must turn your cell phones off. If you must have your cell phone available due to a crisis situation, you must notify the instructor before the start of class. At the discretion of the instructor, you may be permitted to leave your phone on “vibrate” mode. Use of text messaging during class will result in dismissal from class that day, and will be considered an unauthorized absence.

H1N1 Flu Information:

Practice Common-sense Hygiene (wash hands with soap and water, clean rooms and offices, cover mouth and noses, stay home if you don’t feel well). Fever and other flu symptoms means STAY HOME.