Art is not a mirror held up to reality, but a hammer with which to shape it. Bertold Brecht
Paul Pearce Photo@properproof.com
We will use the website www.properproof.com for reference, communication, assignments and to showcase student work.
E-mail will be used for communication in this class.
Class will consist of demonstrations and discussions followed by practical exercises and assignments. There will be darkroom lab sessions during class hours where students work independently with instructor oversight. Students will also need to spend out-of-class time to shoot and develop film. Working during open lab time outside class time is necessary to complete assignments. Students are encouraged to shoot many photographs.
Class Objectives:
• To enhance our knowledge and photographic skills by building on what you learned in Photo One- technically and aesthetically.
• To grow and mature as an artist by moving toward a person aesthetic style and philosophical point of view.
• To continue investigating current and historic photographic art.Technical:
You should already be familiar with the operation of your 35mm camera and basic black and white darkroom procedures. You should be able to use your camera under a variety of lighting and know how to use the manual exposure controls to manage motion, focus and depth of field. You should be able to develop the film, make a contact print, and make a high quality enlarged print using contrast controll for maximum print quality.
• We will start off with some simple exposure and development tests to fine tune your camera.
• You will learn to print on fiber based paper, the standard for archival exhibition work. You will continue to use RC (resin coated) paper for contact prints and some experimental work.
• You will learn to use medium and large format cameras (larger 2 1/4 and 4x5 film).
• You will make prints larger than 8X10 inches
• We will investigate basic color theory and use slide film to produce a narrative sequence of images to be projected.Aesthetic:
• You will have assigned readings and research projects followed by class discussions.
• You will share and discuss your work with each other.
• You will keep a journal to record your photographic ideas, investigations, and experiments.Projects: (subject to change)
• Personal Identity in Black White and Gray
• Advocacy series
• Narrative sequence in color slides
• Self Directed ProjectEquipment/Supplies:
You will need the same equipment that is used in photo one <http://www.properproof.com/photo/Supplies.htm> you don’t need as much film and RC paper, you will also need medium and large format film and 11x14 fiber based paper. We will go over these requirements in class.Additional Equipment to facilitate Photo Two:
Portable lamp (hardware clamp-on, desk lamp etc.) Cable Release, Set of Close-up lenses. Mag-Light (pen light)Use of Digital Cameras:
Digital cameras may be used to keep a visual journal to explore subjects and lighting. We may use digital cameras to do quick exercises and share ideas with each other.
Source material~
On Photography- Susan Sontag; The Critical Image- Carol Squires;Depth of Field- A.D. Coleman; Another way of Telling- John Berger; Camera Lucida- Roland Barthes; Letting go of the Camera- Brooks Jensen; Why People Photograph- Robert Adams; Occam’s Razor- Bill Jay; The Privileged Eye- Max Kozloff, Diana & Nikon- Janet Malcolm, Photography Past Foreward ~Aperture at 50
Attendance:
Attendance and punctuality are mandatory. You can’t learn if you are not here! If you must be absent contact the instructor in advance. Two late arrivals count as an absence. Coming unprepared to work counts as an absence. You are allowed two unexcused absences; any further absences will lower your final grade. After 5 absences you cannot successfully complete the class and should withdraw or risk failing.GRADING:
There will be mid-term and final critiques- dates will be announced and posted. Attendance is mandatory.
You will keep a notebook/portfolio of all the work you do for this class: negatives, test-strips, test prints and final prints are all evidence of your learning process and progress. These documents are a record of your work and will be used in class discussions and individual critiques with the instructor.
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
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 discussionsCritiques/Evaluations
The critiques serve as a forum for the exchange of ideas as they relate to the class assignments. Comments and assessment of work, and suggestions for improvement are made during the critique sessions. The assignments are collected and 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.
Each criterion is measured on a scale of 1-4. (4= excellent; 3=good; 2=average; 1=poor; 0=unsatisfactory)
Final Grades
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.
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.In Class exercises / participation 10% of final
Assignments / Projects 60% of Final
Final Portfolio Grade 30% of Final
A final portfolio may be waived, grade may be determined by averaging assignments and exercises.Academic honesty
You will be responsible for submitting your own completed work to be graded. You must produce work specifically for this class. Work done previous to this class can not be submitted for assignments although you are encouraged to share any work you have created. Failure to observe these guidelines may result in a failing grade for this assignment or even the course.
Disability
Students who have a disabling condition which might interfere with their ability to successfully complete this course are encouraged to speak, confidentially, to the class instructor, or to contact the Office of Disability Services (x3358, 210 Swetman).