PHO-103 Digital Photography I

PHO 103 is a beginner Digital Photo class. We cover camera basics and Photoshop, all with an emphasis on looking at your photos and learning to talk about your own work. You will have access to digital cameras and inkjet paper will be provided for you to make prints. You will need your own external hard drive and it is recommended that you use your own SDHC memory card. Wait until the first class before purchasing supplies.

Exposure Basics Review

More Review: https://fstoppers.com/education/exposure-triangle-understanding-how-aperture-shutter-speed-and-iso-work-together-72878

You must have a Mercer Email Account setup for class correspondence.

This is an introductory college level photography course. The technical part of the class will explore the use of digital cameras, photo software, non-destructive workflows, and archival printing. The aesthetic part of the class is equally important and you will be heavily guided to explore making photographs that go beyond just photographing the things you like. Exploring the concept of making photographs that are meaningful will be emphasized in this course.

THE NO PHOTOGRAPHS LIST:

Campus – Squirrels or other small woodland creatures – Waterfowl (ducks, swans, geese, etc.) – Closeup Baby Faces – Closeup Horse Faces – Closeup Flowers – Sunsets – Cars without People – Homeless or other at-risk populations (unless you have a connection or relationship to an at-risk population)

Exceptions can be made to this list if you can demonstrate a genuine connection and interest in the subject matter and make a really interesting or different kind of photo of the subject matter.

Unit I    Camera Basics

• • Identify the components that makeup the digital camera

• • Utilize the camera light meter

• • Understand and utilize the three components of exposure

• • Employ exposure controls for creative effects

• • Identify how focal length affects the way subject matter appears

• • Describe the differences between file formats

• Camera Obscura: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/the-visual-delights-of-camera-obscura/

Tutorials:

• • Photoshop Workspace

• • Basic Editing

• • Levels and Layer Adjustments

• • Selective Layer Adjustment – Clipping

• • Intro to Camera RAW

• • Working in Camera RAW

• Depth of Field: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XZ836BpKZE

Unit II   Digital Darkroom

• • Demonstrate proper workflow in the lab while working with storage devices and the Mac computer

• • Demonstrate logical file management

• • Practice archival workflow through proper file management, software tools, image file formats, and output

• • Utilize appropriate software tools to improve image details and intent

• • Utilize software settings and drivers to create pigment inkjet prints

• Evaluate projected images and prints for proper exposure, processing, and detail information

Tutorials

• • HDR: https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/how-to/photoshop-merge-to-hdr.html

• • Crop: https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/how-to/crop-remove-photo-edges.html?set=photoshop–fundamentals–crop-transform

• • Content Aware Crop: https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/how-to/content-aware-crop-fill.html?set=photoshop–fundamentals–crop-transform

• • Select Part of an image: https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/how-to/select-part-photo.html?set=photoshop–fundamentals–select-image-part

• • Retouching with Content Aware: https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/how-to/fix-photo-content-aware.html?set=photoshop–fundamentals–retouching

• Spot Healing: https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/how-to/photoshop-heal-patch-tools.html?set=photoshop–fundamentals–retouching

PRINTING FROM PHOTOSHOP: https://youtu.be/a0-t7PJw19Q

PRINTING FROM LIGHTROOM: https://youtu.be/H9qy-Wje0vE

Unit III  The Critique

• • Identify relationships of details in photographs

• • Articulate the meaning of photographs

• • Debate the qualities of student photographs in a group setting

• • Evaluate the overall success of how well a photograph communicates to a group of peers

• Evaluate and Organize the photographs made over the course of a semester into a final presentation

NEED:
External hard drive (USB 3.0 Preferred) – Make Sure they are formatted with exFAT if you use a PC.

You are not required to buy a digital camera to complete this course. There will be some digital cameras available for you to borrow from this department. Inkjet Paper will also be supplied.

Evaluation of student learning

70 points – Assignments/Quizzes

Photo assignments require that you integrate many of the skills and techniques demonstrated in class.  The assignment will reinforce technical concepts and require you to investigate what you want to photograph and how you want to treat the subject matter.  You will be graded on both technical and creative aspects of your work. Quizzes will test your comprehension of assigned readings and lectures.

15 points – Mimic Photographer Presentation

An oral presentation that combines biographical and aesthetic analysis of a well-known photographer with photos made by the photographer and made by the student in the style of the chosen photographer.

15 points – Final Presentation

Students will organize their best work into a presentation for a final group critique.  Grades are based upon technical and aesthetic concerns as well as participation in the group critique.