Paul W. Pearce

pwpearce@cazenovia.edu

(315)455-2697

Office Hours:  Reisman 1st floor adjunct office 

Tu/Th  2:30-3:30 pm

SA 261 Studio Photography 1   

Tu Th 6:pm - 8:50pm  Reisman 06

3 Credits (CS)

Stacked with FA 371-08 and FA 471-08

 

Course Description:

A photographer can either take or make photographs. Studio Photography is a way to make photographs. It can also be defined as having complete control over the photographic workflow when creating images. Control is the force behind studio photography. Lighting, scenery, camera controls and subject are components the photographer manipulates. 

Studio photography has more to do with control than place. Students work in a fully equipped studio or on-location using a variety of lighting systems with digital and film cameras to create portraiture, figure and still life photography. 

This course will enable the student to create strong visual work for personal artistic expression as well as commercial/professional work for print, web and devices. It will enable the student to create original work and document their work in other mediums.

(Offered fall term)

Prerequisite: SA161 Photography I and SA162 Photography II, or permission of instructor.

 

Course Objectives:

By the end of the semester, students will:

 

- Have an understanding of the history and importance of studio photography

- Illustrate proper care and safety when using studio and lighting equipment

- Understand the effects of light on the photograph including knowledge of angle, brightness, contrast, color temperature and diffusion

- Have a working knowledge of the use of light modifiers including reflectors and diffusion devices

- Understand the differences between strobe lighting and continuous lighting

- Learn how to evaluate and control color and white balance

- Utilize lighting ratios, metering techniques and exposure controls

- Show skill in portrait, still life and product lighting

- Learn how to work with lighting on shoots outside the classroom studio

- Learn to work collaboratively and understand the logistics related to professional photography (studio assistant)

- Produce a portfolio of work that reveals a broad understanding of lighting techniques and a knowledge of the impact light has upon the emotional, aesthetic and conceptual tone of the final photograph.

-Produce a cohesive body of work for presentation as a (virtual) solo gallery show or monograph publication.

 

Course Requirements:

Digital camera with manual control of shutter, aperture and focus. Advanced point and shoot (must have external flash sync) or DSLR.

                Extra memory card, extra battery(s)

Tripod - sturdy enough for your camera, (full size and a table-top tripod recommended)

Clamp light or portable studio light- with compact fluorescent bulb for in-class and outside class shooting.

Optional: Manual film camera with film for scanning and paper for printing.

 

Course Methods:

- website> www.properproof.com/studio will be used for information, links assignments and calendar

- Lectures, demonstrations and Video presentations on methods and makers of studio photography.

- Photo shoots in class and outside class; cameras will be used in class to explore and learn about different ways to use the studio and lighting- to be followed up with outside class implementations of these lessons.

-Students will learn how to create at home “studios” for completion of work.  Access to the classroom studio will also be available by reservation.

- On-line forms will be used for critiques, feedback and recording workflow and research

- Explorations of historically significant and contemporary studio photographers for inspiration and discovery of techniques.

 

Assessment:

There will be in class critiques. The critiques serve as a forum for the exchange of ideas as they relate to the class assignment.  Attendance is mandatory.

This work will be graded on: individual progress and growth throughout the semester, originality, craftsmanship, technique, level of challenge and concept. The other part of your grade depends on your 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.

 

GRADING POLICY

Assignments are collected and evaluated according to the following criteria:

1. Successful completion of project requirements - late work will be penalized 

2. Quality of production 

3. Conceptual development of art work 

4. Participation in critiques and discussions

 

Grades are broken down by: 1. Technical  2. Formal 3. Assignment goal  4. Effort/Challenge/Creativity

Class Participation/Presentation will be factored into your grade.

Each criterion is measured on a scale of 1-4. (4= excellent; 3=good; 2=average; 1=poor; 0=unsatisfactory)

 

Final Grades

In-Class -Homework / Assignments 40%,  Quiz  10%, Final Portfolio  25%’ Personal exhibition final project 25%

A/A- Excellent. Demonstrated a full understanding of techniques, concepts, and theories covered in class; exceeds class expectations, self-motivated and challenged; attends and participates in classes regularly. Submitted new work (not assignment submissions) for the final portfolio.

B+/B/B- Good. Has completed the assignment well and attended classes and critiques.

C+/C/C- Average. Has completed the assignments, but without much effort and challenge.

D+/D/ Poor.

F Failing. Not met the requirements of the class.

 

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.

 

Photo Lab use policy:

A comprehensive lab use policy will be created and posted online and in the respective photo areas defining use of spaces and equipment in the photo area.

All students should become familiar with and follow the photo area use policies.

 

Attendance Policy:

Three absences will not count against you during the semester; each additional absence will result in a grade level deduction. Two late arrivals count as an absence. If you are sick you will be considered absent unless you have a doctor’s note. You know the dates and times of the class, do not schedule appointments that conflict with class-time. Missing 5 or more classes will result in a failing grade for the class. If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to check the website and a classmate so you can be prepared for the next class. If you know you will be absent, notify the professor in advance. Missing a class even with prior approval is still counted as an absence. Quizzes cannot be made up without prior permission from the professor.

 

Tentative topics for study:

Introduction to class and equipment.

Refresher and exercises in Depth of Field, Motion  and exposure control

Familiarization with studio equipment,and the nature of light.

Single light still life, gobos and reflectors.

Multiple light tabletop still life photography.

Photographing reflective objects.

Light patterns and textures.

Commercial tabletop

Introduction to portraiture.

Headshots.

Lighting large objects and people full length.

Improvised Studio lighting in different locations

Hot lights vs. strobe

Adding motion to studio photographs.

Investigation of historically important studio photographers.

 

Stacked Sections FA 371-8 and 471-8

  • - Students taking studio 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 level 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.

 

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