TH 315-415, or by appointment
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ARTS-2356-001 Photography I (fine arts emphasis)
Introduction to the basics of photography. Includes camera operation, techniques, knowledge of chemistry and presentation skills. Emphasis on design, history and contemporary trends as a means of developing an understanding of photographic esthetics.
Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website
Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:
Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:
Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me
You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.
(3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 4 lab)
On Campus Course
Recommended: London & Stone, A Short Course in Photography, 9th Edition
Digital camera, min. 10 mega pixels, (photo majors should have a DSLR)
1 flash drive at least 128 gig or larger (this can be used for more than one class)
1 Light Black ink cartridge for Epson SureColor P600 Wide Format Inkjet Printer
20 sheet package 8 ½ x 11” Epson Premium Semi-gloss (Glossy paper is not recommended)
Bring a hand towel for days when working in the darkroom.
Cameras and Software
Students will need at minimum a 10 mega pixels camera with a manual mode (memory cards and batteries, etc.). All photo majors are required to have a DSLR; A list of suggested cameras is on the Photography web page: https://www.actx.edu/photography/fundamentals-of-photography-i.
The digital imaging software is Adobe Photoshop CC. Digital labs are available in Parcells Hall for students to work on projects (hours and information are posted in Blackboard in Course Info). Students working on projects off campus are required to use Adobe Photoshop CS6 or CC. Other photo editing software will not meet course objectives. Students can purchase a subscription to Photoshop CC through the Adobe website: http://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/photography.html (This link is for photography only, and is cheaper than the full CC, which has a lot of other programs that you may or may not need. Make sure that you are getting the student pricing.)
Students utilizing Financial Aid may purchase cameras, computers, and other supplies through the AC Bookstore during the first week of school: funds are withdrawn from the student's account just like books and other supplies.
1. To demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities.
2. To understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within an historical and social context.
3. To respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.
4. To engage in the creative process or interpretive performance and comprehend the physical and intellectual demands required of the author or visual or performing artist.
5. To articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities.
6. To develop an appreciation for the aesthetic principles that guide or govern the humanities and arts.
7. To demonstrate knowledge of the influence of literature, philosophy, and/or the arts on intercultural experiences.
1. Students will demonstrate effective communication, critical thinking, and teamwork skills.
2. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the relationship of the Visual Arts and Social Responsibility.
3. Students will demonstrate knowledge of basic digital camera operation.
4. Students will utilize aperture and shutter to control motion and depth of field.
5. Students will manually control camera exposure for shooting in various lighting conditions.
6. Students will manage digital image files.
7. Students will learn basic darkroom procedures.
8. Students will utilize compositional design elements to create communicative photographic images.
9. Students will discuss their photographs in verbal and/or written form.
10. Students will present work for grading in a professional manner, as directed by the instructor.
11. Students will participate meaningfully in critique.
12. Students will maintain a professional and respectful attitude.
13. Students will maintain classroom facilities and shared supplies.
In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .
If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".
AC Connect (Blackboard)
The syllabus, assignment sheets, quizzes, and other documents are located on the AC Connect web page for this course. Students should contact AskAC with questions regarding log in. Students are responsible for downloading and printing documents as needed. Lecture comprehension and participation is greatly improved by reading the assigned material and reviewing assignment sheets before each lecture (look at the BE PREPARED section on the syllabus/calendar each week for how to prep for class). Grades are posted on a regular basis and should be reviewed by the student.
Attendance & Participation Policy
In order for students to complete this course successfully, it is necessary to attend the class and participate in the daily activities. Material covered during class, and in-class activities cannot be “made-up” and students should expect to do poorly on test questions and assignments related to topics discussed on missed days. It is the student's responsibility to get class notes from another student for any missed classes. In order to be fair to students that do attend classes, the instructor cannot provide private tutoring sessions to individual students who miss class. Because the instructor cannot possibly know the reason why a student missed class, there is no distinction between excused and unexcused absences. Because student engagement plays a crucial role in learning, all students must attend every scheduled class. Each missed class reduces the Activities and Participation grade by 25 points, up to 150 points and/or 15% of the overall grade. Arriving late to class, or leaving early, reduces the Activities and Participation grade by 5 points. If students do not miss more than 3 classes (-75 points) the deduction will be waived at the end of the semester. Deductions for attendance will be posted at mid-term and finals.
Copyright Notice
Students must be aware and responsible for the Copyright Notice for the course: The materials on this course website are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for the purposes associated with this course and may not be retained or further disseminated.
Critique Policy
In order to provide each person with a thoughtful critique of their work, all other activities must stop once a critique begins, and students need to engage in the critique process. So that everyone feels comfortable expressing their ideas about images, students need to listen to each other and respect varying viewpoints. To ensure students are able to hear all comments about their work, refrain from private conversations and direct all comments to the group discussion. Students learn about the creative process not only though creation, but also through looking at other work. Learning to use visual language to think and talk about photographs is another key component of the learning process. Before class review handouts on visual thinking, come prepared to discuss photography. A portion of the grade for a project is connected to critique participation, to earn full credit students must stay for the entire critique. Student projects not completed by the start of critique are late. (Refer to “Late Work Policy” for details) In fairness to those who completed their projects on time, please set aside incomplete projects so as not to distract from the critique. Unfortunately, the course schedule does not allow time to provide late projects with a group critique; the instructor will assess late work on the appropriate grading rubric.
Email Policy
All students are assigned an email account by Amarillo College that can be accessed through Gmail. For correspondence with the instructor, please use rwest@actx.edu. When sending email to the instructor, please include the name of the course in the subject line. The instructor and Amarillo College will use student’s Gmail account and AC Online for correspondence. For this reason, students are responsible for checking both on a regular basis. Students cannot submit photography assignments as email attachments; the image file size is too large and the emails will be deleted.
Technology
Students will use technology on a daily basis as a part of the class environment. Stay engaged in the content, and please avoid cell phones and unrelated computer use that will detract from the learning environment. The following are some examples of inappropriate use of technology during lectures, demonstrations, activities, and critiques: checking email, texting, social media, headphones, video recording, snapshots, working on projects unrelated to class, etc.
College Disability Statement
Any student who because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact Disability Services (SSC 119, Phone: 371-5436) as soon as possible.
Drop Policy
Should the need arise; the student is responsible for dropping a course. See the Amarillo College master calendar on the AC website and the course calendar for the date of the last day to drop a course.
Exam Policy There are two exams and no quizzes. The midterm exam covers material from the textbook, lectures, class content on AC Connect, slide presentations, and demonstrations learned in the first eight weeks of the semester. The final exam is comprehensive. Both exams are available on AC Connect and are open for a week prior to the due date. Students may take exams twice and the lowest score is dropped. The midterm exam is due on the Sunday evening before Spring Break at 11 pm. The final exam is due by 11 pm on the first class day of final's week.
Homework Policy Although some open lab time is scheduled during class, successful completion of this course will require work outside of class. To earn full credit for projects students must have exercises and portfolios completed at the start of class on the scheduled due date.
Field Trip and Class Activities Policy During the semester there are opportunities for students to make photographs as a part of hands-on lectures that review camera operation and techniques. Images created during a field trip or in-class activities are considered working with supervision. To earn full credit students should make photographs outside of class and push from learning the techniques to improving composition and exploring ideas.
Late Work Policy Projects considered on time will be ready for presentation at the beginning of class on the scheduled due date. In fairness to students who finish projects on time there are penalties for late projects. Late projects submitted within one week of the critique date receive a 20% deduction in total points for the assignment, and for projects submitted within two weeks there is a 30% deduction in points. Projects not submitted within two weeks are not accepted.
Make-up Exam Policy Both exams are available online for a week. In order to be fair to students who take exams as scheduled, failure to take tests by 11 pm on the last scheduled date will result in a zero for that exam score. Exams are available for two weeks online; this provides students with the flexibility to work it into their schedule. There are no make-up exams.
Photography Policy Throughout the study of photography, students must make new photographs for each assignment; this ensures that students are using their cameras on a regular basis and refining their visual thinking and technical skills. Submitting old photographs or photographs used as an assignment in another class will earn a zero for the project. Appropriation of images, regardless of the source, is plagiarism (refer to Plagiarism Policy).
Lab Policy Only students currently enrolled in photography classes are allowed to use photography labs. Do not invite friends and family into the labs. The computer labs, darkrooms, and studios require students be enrolled in a course, or have taken specific courses, before using those areas.
Plagiarism Policy It is crucial for students not to pass off the ideas or words of another as their own, to do so is considered theft and will be treated accordingly. When paraphrasing or quoting another source always use parenthetical citation to credit the source, and include all websites and/or books reviewed in the bibliography. In fairness to other students who worked hard on their essays and photographic projects, students caught plagiarizing will earn a zero for the project and may be subject to additional disciplinary actions by Amarillo College.
Percentages/Points for assignments breakdown as follows:
4 Exercises: 40% (400 points)
(Light, Basic Camera, Darkroom, Color, 10% each)
Midterm Portfolio 10% (100 points)
Self-Orchestrated Project: 25% (250 points)
(Visual Research Paper 5%, Presentation 5%, Portfolio 15%)
Midterm and Final Exam: 10% (100 points) - (5% each)
Activities and Participation: 15% (150 points)
Refer to handouts for the requirements on each assignment.
A = Excellent (1000-900) 100-90%
B = Good (899-800) 89-80%
C = Adequate (799-700) 79-70%
D = Weak (699-600) 69-60%
F = Unacceptable (599-0) 59-0%
Assessment of projects will be based on the following:
Visual Expression
Individual interpretation of assignment
Intentional compositional design
Explores the concept of photography as visual art
Technical Skills
Demonstrates knowledge of digital camera operation, Photoshop, and archival pigment printing
Presents technically well-crafted photographic in a professional manner
Displays an understanding of the concepts and techniques assigned
Professional Practices
Attends lectures, labs, and demonstrations
Participates in in-class activities, discussions, and critiques
Shows work in progress
Discusses ideas and asks questions while projects are in progress
Comes prepared for class, stays on task, and brings appropriate materials
Presents projects on time and meets the requirements of each assignment
In order for students to complete this course successfully, it is necessary to attend the class and participate in the daily activities. Material covered during class, and in-class activities cannot be “made-up” and students should expect to do poorly on test questions and assignments related to topics discussed on missed days. It is the student's responsibility to get class notes from another student for any missed classes. In order to be fair to students that do attend classes, the instructor cannot provide private tutoring sessions to individual students who miss class. Because the instructor cannot possibly know the reason why a student missed class, there is no distinction between excused and unexcused absences. Because student engagement plays a crucial role in learning, all students must attend every scheduled class. Each missed class reduces the Activities and Participation grade by 25 points, up to 150 points and/or 15% of the overall grade. Arriving late to class, or leaving early, reduces the Activities and Participation grade by 5 points. If students do not miss more than 3 classes (-75 points) the deduction will be waived at the end of the semester. Deductions for attendance will be posted at mid-term and finals.
This schedule is subject to change throughout the semester. Please use the class calendar in AC Connect on a regular basis for information on how to prepare for class, exact due dates, and other relevant information. Readings should be read before the start of class on the assigned date.
|
Date |
Scheduled Activities |
|
Week 1 |
Introductions / Blackboard / Syllabus Quiz (in class) / Q&A |
|
|
BE PREPARED: Syllabus Quiz due by start of class Readings: Chapter 7: Lighting (Read from start of chapter through Existing Light) LIGHT EXERCISE Intro / Camera Obscura / Fab 4 / Q&A |
| Week 2 |
Readings: Chapter 1: Types of Cameras Types of Cameras / Q&A / Activity: Reading Photographs - Describe |
|
|
BE PREPARED: Bring Camera (fully charged battery & memory card) Basic camera set up and operation (ASMP, ISO, WB, Batteries, Memory Cards, Focus, Resolution, Date Stamp, EV Settings, Program Mode, and Scene Modes, lens removal, cleaning sensors, and UV filters / Q&A |
| Week 3 |
BE PREPARED: Bring LIGHT images on memory cards and/or flash drives to start using Photoshop Mac / Bridge / Photoshop / File Management / Basic Techniques: B/W / Levels / Preparing and saving images for critique, file organization and back up |
|
|
BE PREPARED: Bring CAMERA (fully charged battery and memory card) Readings: Chapter 1: Camera (omit the part on film) Chapter 4: Exposure CAMERA EXERCISE Intro / Metering Light / Manual mode / Activity: Understanding Exposure: Gray card, 5 stop bracket, Back Lit Scene / Scene Modes (for point and shoot cameras) / Photoshop / Q&A |
| Week 4 |
DUE: LIGHT EXERCISE - Images must be edited and saved as PSD files by start of class - Start of Class - How to use the Parcells Hall New techniques: Dodging, burning, spotting, and cleaning sensors |
|
|
BE PREPARED: Bring Camera (fully charged battery & memory card) Basic camera operation practicum |
| Week 5 |
Design Theory Intro / Activity: Reading Photographs: Analyze |
|
|
MIDTERM PORTFOLIO Intro Activity: Reading Photographs: Analyze & Interpret |
| Week 6 |
BE PREPARED: Bring CAMERA images / Assigned Inks Due Activity: Reading Photographs: Interpret |
|
BE PREPARED: MIDTERM EXAM Opens - Due by Sunday 3/10 DUE: CAMERA EXERCISE Submit images to dropbox before the class New Techniques - Curves, advanced dodging and burning |
|
| Week 7 |
Readings: Chapter 2, Lens Point of View slides / Focal length, lenses, and review of exposure and metering / Activity: Reading Photographs: Analyze & Interpret |
|
|
BE PREPARED: Bring MIDTERM images to work on Ink Jet Printing Demo |
| Week 8 |
Printing Lab |
|
|
DUE: MIDTERM PORTFOLIO Mid-Term exam due by Sunday 3/10 at 11pm |
|
Week 9 |
BE PREPARED: Meet in Lynn Library at start of class Self-Orchestrated Portfolio intro PHOTOGRAM EXERCISE intro (see Darkroom folder) |
|
|
BE PREPARED: Read the Darkroom Procedures handout before the start of class. Bring Photogram Stuff and a hand towel for the darkroom. / Photogram Lab |
|
Week 10 |
Readings: Chapter 3: Film (B/W only) FILM EXERCISE intro(see Darkroom folder) Shooting and developing B/W film (cameras and film are provided) |
|
|
BE PREPARED: BRING FILM and a hand towel for the darkroom. Film Development demo and lab Readings: Chapter 5: Developing the Negative DUE: Select photographer send email to rwest@actx.edu |
|
Week 11 |
DUE: PHOTOGRAMS EXCERCISE Readings: Chapter 3 / Read only the sections on Color in Photography and Color Films COLOR EXERCISE Intro |
|
|
BE PREPARED: Bring developed film for printing and a hand towel for the darkroom. Readings: Chapter 6: Printing in a Darkroom Darkroom Enlargements Lab |
|
Week 12 |
DUE: FILM and ENLARGEMENT EXERCISE Assigned Readings: Chapter 8: Digital Photography Digital technology slides |
|
|
DUE: VISUAL RESEARCH PAPER submit project by end of day by email to rwest@actx.edu |
|
Week 13 |
BE PREPARED: Bring COLOR photographs for editing Readings: Chapter 9: Seeing Like a Camera New Techniques: Editing Color and using masks, stacking, coloring, scanning, and toning |
|
|
DUE: COLOR EXERCISE BE PREPARED: Final Exam opens Research time to work on Presentations Google Slide Demo |
|
Week 14 |
DUE: PRESENTATIONS |
|
|
Editing and Printing Lab |
|
Week 15 |
Editing and Printing Lab |
|
|
DUE: SELF-ORCHESTRATED PORTFOLIO |
|
Week 16 |
DUE: FINAL EXAM (by 11 pm) |
08/22/19 6:26 PM
08/22/19 6:28 PM