CAZ College (SA263) Digital Photo Reisman Hall 115
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 4-5
Prereq: SA 161 Photo One and SA-365 Photo two
This class is an advanced photography class, emphasizing the capturing of images with the camera, not manipulating them with the computer. We will cover and use basic photo editing, printing and image controls with the computer.
We will cover the advancements in capture and processing of digital imagry that are not available with analog photography.
This class is is for students who already mastered the basics of traditional analog photography.
Students should already have an understanding of these basic photo skills:
Focus, Exposure, Motion, Depth of field, Lighting, Composition, Content
Class Objectives: To make the transition from analog to digital image making. To explore the differences between monochrome and color imagry. 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- demonstrate mastry of basic photo one skills.
Camera: learning the capabilities and differences between film and digital cameras.
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 over contrast with multiple exposures
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
Color: Color management, color temperature, white balance
Black & White: Conversion to Black and White vs shooting in Black and White
Analog vs digital: film grain vs pixels - image size, ISO, Resolution
Workflow: from camera to computer and beyond (file management and organization)
Editing: Crop, levels, curves, basic corrections
Panorama: Creating extreme wide-angle perspective views
Printing: Printers, papers, sizing files for print
Presentation: Matting, Framing, web, book
Aesthetic/Creative topics:
Class will consist of demonstrations and discussions followed by practical exercises and assignments.
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?
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 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 - flash memory drive or external hard drive
• Tripod
• Portable lamp (clamp light with fluorescent bulb or equivalent)
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.
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 60%, 2 Quizes 20%, Reviews - research - forms 20%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.
Stacked Sections- Students taking this class on an advanced level will share their work and experiences with the professor and the class.
- Students will use on-line forms to propose and complete several levels of projects – with instructor feedback and approval:
-Small projects or exercises to broaden their technical skills or methods of shooting.
-Larger scale projects of work with specific cohesive themes or viewer goals in mind… the photographer as artist/exhibitor. These large scale projects may involve research and must have an artist statement about the work.
An effort will be made to have exhibitions specifically for advanced student work either on or off campus. Students will prepare necessary publicity for this exhibition.