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.
Personal
Projects: Because this is a higher level course, students will create
two bodies of work that express their personal vision while incorporating
the techniques learned in the class. These "Personal Exhibitions"
will include a body of printed work with an artist statement. Students
will make proposals and work with the instructor to develop their ideas
and formulate goals and a shooting plan.
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/exercises:
Review- 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.
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
Camera Raw - shooting and processing
Focal length: Perspective effects beyond getting closer
Lens attachments: close-up lens, bellows, filters
Maintenance: Lens and sensor cleaning
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/projects:
Illustrate-Illuminate: clinical examination of subjects vs artistic
interpretation of those subjects.
Color Effects: Using color as the dominant subject to set mood
Painting with Light: Using off-camera flash outside the studio
to change the perception and mood of your subjects.
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.
Students will need to spend out-of-class time to shoot photographs.
We will explore photographers and photographic trends through videos and
on-line research followed by feedback forms 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 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/assignments 50%, Exhibition projects (2) 40% Reviews - research
- forms- participation 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. The full intellectual integrity
policy can found at:
http://www.oswego.edu/administration/registrar/policy_text.html#cpii.
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 www.cazenovia.edu. Go to Academics and click on Academic
Policies.
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.
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