Photography Syllabus

Photography Syllabus

 Knut LSG Hybinette
Office Hour: MW 11:00-16:00
Email: hybinette@talteron.edu
CLASS WEBSITE/BLOG knutart.blogspot.com

COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES

This class will introduce students to digital photography techniques and concepts. Technically, students will learn the proper use of digital cameras, basic and advanced techniques in Adobe Creative Suite 6, and professional photographic printing. Concurrently, students will gain an understanding of the cultural, conceptual and creative ramifications of digital imaging.

While photography should be fun, it takes time to master the skills. It also takes times and effort to be out shooting with your camera to find the good shots. There is an enormous amount of information to learn about camera technique and design software.=

The class will move quickly early on to cover all this information. Each assignment students will present their work to the class and will be critique. Students are required to write a final project proposal near midterms. After this point, photographic assignments will drop off to allow students time to create and develop their projects.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

- You will create a portfolio of images by shooting 50 plus images a week (800 the whole semester), and you will post those images online on the your own Flickr.com page.

- You will become proficient with Adobe Creative Suite 6 on the Mac.

- You will learn how print and present your work professionally.

- You will learn about the history of photography as an art, be able to exam and critique the work of yourself and others, and you will learn how to effectively communicate your ideas both visually and verbally.

CLASS TIME

Class time will involve:

- A combination of lectures and discussions on pertinent issues within the medium
-Application demos and technical instruction
- Introduction to other photographers that significantly connect to class projects
- field trips and on-location camera exercises
- work time for projects
- Critiques of projects

Outside of class, homework will be mostly centered around shooting images for homework assignments. The best way to improve in this medium is to shoot as much and as often as possible. You are expected to work around 4 hours a week outside of class.

REQUIRED TEXTS / SUPPLIES

Text: There is no textbook. Any required reading will be posted on the blog. However if you prefer to have a take home textbook, I recommend: A Short Course in Digital Photography by Barbara London and Jim Stone and Adobe Photoshop for Photographers by Martin Evening (used copies run cheaper).

Supplies

1. A working digital camera (A digital SLR with removable lenses, manual settings, and shoots in an uncompressed digital format will give you the most versatility and you will be able to get better results easier. You may use a point and shoot, but you are expected to understand the limitations of what your camera can do. Please no phone cameras (Automatic F) for everyday use.) 2. Memory card for camera, at least 1 gig

3. USB drive ALWAYS back-up your work, you may save things to your lab computer, however it is a public lab so anything is possible, and hard drive crashes are not a viable excuse for late work. Or get Dropbox.

4. Prints - you will soon be required to print your work in a professional manner. This means purchasing output media to print on such as, photo quality ink-jet paper, inkjet canvas, transparencies, iron-on transfer sheets, etc. You need not purchase this until we discuss paper in class.

The estimated cost for this course will be around 50 - 100 dollars.

COURSE RULES

1.) Blog: knutart.blogspot.com All assignments and required source material will be posted online. Specific Xeroxed articles, tutorials and other online source material will be assigned and posted on the blog as the course progresses. You will post your own photos on the class Flickr page.

2.) Attendance: mandatory at all class sessions. Class moves fast and it is extremely difficult to catch up unless you take responsibility and look up anything you missed. More than three

absences (excused or unexcused, they are all the same) lower your final grade 1 grade down each absence. If you miss 4 classes you will receive an F. Come unprepared for work in class or you will receive an absence. Since most class material is covered at the beginning of class, being notably tardy (15 Minutes) also counts as an absence. Checking Facebook/internet (expect for research)  or texting during class lectures or videos will make you absent for the day.

I don’t have remind any students about this. If student is being nuance or wasting time in class I will ask the student to leave the class and this will count as one absence. If you going to shoot. You have to post all photos on Flickr.com.

If a student using a Cell Phone/computer/hand held device during my lecture it will be consider an absence.

If a student leaves early from class. It will consider as an absence.

I don’t have remind any students about this. If student is being nuance or wasting time in class I will ask the student to leave the class and this will count as one absence. If you going to shoot. You have to post all photos on Flickr.com.

3) Projects: There will be seven or eight key assignments in this course. About Every other week there will be deadlines for those assignments. They are always due at the beginning of class on the deadline date.

4.) Critiques: Students are expected to participate in class critiques of works, both completed and in progress. As the term evolves, we will orient towards weekly progress critiques. Talking about your work and others is a crucial aspect of assessing whether your images communicates effectively.

If you miss any or anyone’s Critique you will receive an F on your photo project or assignment.  If you miss the Final Critique you will get F for the class.

5.) Grading: each project is worth 100 points and will be graded by:

• FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS– 34%- does the project match the description?

Did the photographer take enough images, are they presented correctly and on time?

• CREATIVITY – 33%- originality of thought and expression.

Does the artwork show innovation and uniqueness? Did the artist solve the given assignment problem in an expected or unexpected way?

• CRAFTSMANSHIP -– 33%- attention to detail.

Does the artist skillfully manipulate the images so they look their best? Are all details carefully finished and/or intentional-looking?

6.) Equipment check out: A student may check out equipment that is available by the Fine Arts department. You assume responsibility for the item and you are required to return it before the next scheduled class. Some of the items we have are: Nikon D5000 Digital SLR Camera, Canon Digital Rebel

SLR Camera, Portable Studio Lighting Kit, Strobe Flashes, Tripods, Video Cameras, and more.

7.) Lab Etiquette: Always back up your work. Data loss—from a lost, fried and/or stolen hard drive, or satanic software - cannot be used as an excuse for late or missing work.

Students are not permitted to use the internet or any electronic devices during lectures or student presentations. Cell Phones must be turned off unless instructed otherwise. If I see you use unwanted internet or Cell you will get one absence.

ACADEMIC HONESTY

Cheating, plagiarism (submitting another person’s materials or ideas as one’s own), or doing work for another person who will receive academic credit are all impermissible. Turning in work made before this class, or from other classes, is also a violation of academic honesty. Disciplinary action may be taken beyond the Department of Fine Arts. All work turned in for this class must have been made during this class!

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
It is the policy of Tarleton State University to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (http://www.ada.gov/) and other applicable laws. If you are a student with a disability seeking accommodations for this course, please contact Trina Geye, Director of Student Disability Services, at 254.968.9400 or geye@tarleton.edu. Student Disability Services is located in Math 201. More information can be found at www.tarleton.edu/sds or in the University Catalog.

Intellectual property:
When student is taking this class. Student agrees to System Policy 17.01 research Compliance.
Tarleton, Texas A&M and Department of fine Art have the right to use student artwork that is created from class assignment. All class assignments fall under System Policy 17.01 research Compliance. Student “creates” tangible or intellectual property in fulfillment of a degree, for publication, or using TSU resources, the A&M University System is the owner of the intellectual property. Although there are some exceptions within this policy, they would not apply for most instances.
Contact Coordinator Clay Gillespie for more information. 254-968-1815

Service day:
In support of Tarleton’s core value of service, each student is expected to participate in a service learning experience as a part of the Spring term week of service.  This experience will challenge students to be engaged in the local community, address a community need, connect course objectives to the world around you, and involve structured student reflection. In this service learning experience you will not only enhance your knowledge and skills, but actively use those skills as you serve your community.  Service and Leadership Day (April 6^th)

Grading

90 - 100 A = Excellent - Above and beyond, artistically AND technically

89 - 80  B = Very Good - Beyond requirements, artistically OR technically

79 - 70  C = Average - Met the basic requirements

69 - 60  D = Did not meet requirements

59 - 0   F = Project not turned in or completely insufficient

Projects

Assignment  1:  Basic Functions and Test drive

Assignment 2: Shadow telling

Assignment 3: Find colour and shapes

Assignment  4: Black and White

Assignment 5: Low Light

Assignment  6: Self Portrait you are a Super Hero

Final: 10 best photos - PORTFOLIO and One Print Framed