Intro To Digital Photo

Course Code DSGN19402 Course Name (Long)

Introduction to Digital Photography

Course Outlines

Section I: Administrative Information Course Name (Short):Intro to Digital Photography Program(s): Visual & Creative Arts Program Coordinator(s): Andrew Bodor Course Leader or Contact:

Credit Value: 3 Credit Value Notes: Effective Term: Fall 2008 Prerequisites: DSGN 27545 Corequisites: Equivalents: Pre/Co/Equiv Notes:

Calendar Description In this course students are introduced to the basics of digital photography and photographic genres.  Students gain an understanding of photographic terminology, develop technical photographic skills, and  apply principles of design and composition to photographic imagery. Instructional Format Lecture Lab Other (please specify): Total

Total hours (e.g. 3 hrs/wk x 14 wks. = 42 hrs) 42 42hr

Section I Notes:

Approved by

_________________________________________________ Name and Signature of Dean/Director or Designate

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___________________________ Date (yy/mm/dd)

Section II: Course Details Detailed Description In this course students are introduced to the basics of digital photography and photographic genres.  Students gain an understanding of photographic terminology, develop technical photographic skills, and  apply principles of design and composition to photographic imagery. Topics include lighting, colour, optics,  composition and exposure. Electronic file management, file format, image storage media, photographic  printing technologies and image correction/manipulation will also be explored.  Through lectures, demonstrations, in­class assignments and individual projects, students will become  proficient with digital (DSLR) cameras. Emphasis is placed on the application of theoretical information  and aesthetics to practical photographic problem solving.  Program Context Students continue to develop their facility with technology and experience how technology can be  integrated into an art or design practice. The skill and knowledge gained is applied to other courses in  semester five and six. Program: Visual and Creative Arts           Coordinator: Andrew Bodor

Course Critical Performance & Learning Outcomes Critical Performance By the end of this course students will demonstrate the ability to use a digital camera, employ correct  photographic terminology, create original and distinctive photographic images, and demonstrate  competence with a variety of photographic concepts, materials and processes. Learning Outcomes To achieve the critical performance, students will have demonstrated the ability to: 1.

Use photographic terminology in a professional context 

2. Generate a number of images that adhere to a central theme  3. Edit photographs digitally to enhance composition, color balance and density  4. Store and manage digital images using appropriate methodology  5. Incorporate feedback from peer and faculty critiques into final projects 6. Apply theoretical and practical information to photographic assignments  7.

Demonstrate professional attitudes and behavior including:  ­ openness to peer critiques 

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acceptance of differing view points  willingness to work collaboratively  commitment to meeting project due dates  willingness to be self­directed

Evaluation Plan Students demonstrate their learning in the following ways: Assignment 1 - Basic technique 10% Assignment 2 - Composition 10% Assignment 3 - Colour 15% Assignment 4 - Portraiture 15% Assignment 5 - Documentary 15% Assignment 6 - Landscape 15% Assignment 7 - Portfolio 20% Faculty of the Visual & Creative Arts Program at Sheridan encourages students to submit all projects on time, as this is excellent training for professional practice. For all Submissions: All assignments and exercises must be submitted on the date and time specified in the assignment brief unless stated otherwise. If an assignment is not handed in at the time specified, i.e. beginning, during or end of class, it will receive a 10% grade reduction. An assignment submitted a week late will receive a 20% grade reduction. Assignments more than one week late will not be graded unless a prior arrangement has been made with the teacher. If there is a valid reason for the late assignment, the student must email the teacher no later than the date the assignment is due to indicate it will be late. If the reason is deemed to be valid, there will be no late penalty. There will be no resubmission of work unless, under exceptional circumstances, this has been agreed to or suggested by the teacher. Provincial Context The course meets the following Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities requirements: Essential Employability Skills: Essential employability skills emphasized in the course: _x_ communication _x_ numeracy _x_ critical thinking & problem solving _x_ information management __ interpersonal __ personal Notes:

General Education: This General Education course relates to the following themes as specified by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. __ arts in society __ social and cultural understanding __ civic life __ science and technology __ personal understanding

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Prior Learning Assessment: PLA Contact: Students may apply to receive credit by demonstrating achievement of the course learning outcomes through previous life and work experiences. This course is eligible for challenge through the following method(s): Challenge Exam

Portfolio

Interview

Other

Not Eligible

__

_x_

__

__

__

Section III: Topical Outline Some details of this outline may change as a result of circumstances such as weather cancellations, College and student activities, and class timetabling. Effective As of: Fall 2008 Instructor: TBA Textbook: Warren, Bruce. (2001). Photography: The concise guide. Nelson Education Ltd., Scarborough, ON. Applicable student group(s): Visual & Creative Arts Description: Subject matter for photo assignments may include student work from other term classes Professors in the  relevant classes will inform students in class. Photographic equipment is provided to students on a sign  out basis.  Week 1  Introduction to course and faculty  ­ Materials and equipment/programs required for course ­ Course outline and evaluation procedures and class norms ­ Equipment demonstration  ­ Initial presentation of photographic theory  Week 2  Lecture & in­class exercise: Camera & Software ­ Camera controls  ­ Downloading  ­ Transferring images  ­ Image storage  ­ Review of Photoshop Interface  ­ Storage devices  ­ Archiving  Assignment 1: Basic Technique (10%)  ­ Due Week 4 Week 3  Lecture & in class exercise: Exposure control 

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­ Basic exposure  ­ Built in meters  ­ ISO rating  ­ Bracketing  ­ Middle gray 

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Week 4  Lecture & in­class exercise: Composition  ­ Rule of thirds  ­ Rule of odds  ­ Depth of field  ­ The frame & cropping  ­ Vantage point  Critique assignment 1  Assignment 2: Composition (10%) – Due week 6 Week 5  Lecture & in­class exercise: File format  ­ Jpeg, Tiff, and RAW  ­ Compression & sizing / resolution  ­ Save for web  ­ Color modes (RGB,CMYK)  Week 6  Lecture & in­class exercise: Exposure & color control  ­ Levels & curves in Photoshop  ­ Color balance  ­ Color spaces  Critique  assignment 2  Assignment 3: Colour (15%) ­ Due week 9 Week 7  Lecture & in­class exercise: Lighting  ­ Artificial light versus daylight  ­ Low light  ­ High versus low key  ­ Highlight & Shadow  ­ On camera flash  Week 8  Lecture & in­class exercise: Options for output  ­ Epson printers  ­ Fine art printing  ­ Save for web – auto web galleries  Week 9  Lecture & in­class exercise: Portraiture  ­ Options for lighting ­ Natural light 

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­ Flash  Critique Assignment 3  Assignment 4: Portraiture (15%) – Due week 10

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Week 10  Lecture ­ The Documentary  ­ Photojournalism  ­ Visual storytelling  ­ Themes & motifs  Critique  Assignment 4  Assignment 5: Documentary (15%) – Due week 11 Week 11  Lecture ­ Landscape  ­ The masters  ­ Current trends  ­ Post cards versus landscape  Critique Assignment 5  Assignment 6:  Landscape (15%) – Due week 12 Week 12  Lecture ­ Portfolio workshop  ­ Towards a personal style  ­ Visual diary  ­ Ethical & legal issues  ­ Elements of style  Critique Assignment 6 15% Assignment 7: Portfolio Presentation (15%) – Due week 14 Week 13  Review of major themes  ­ Portfolio preparation  Week 14 Critique Assignment 7

Academic Honesty The principle of academic honesty requires that all work submitted for evaluation and course credit be the original, unassisted work of the student. Cheating or plagiarism including borrowing, copying, purchasing or collaborating on work, except for group projects arranged and approved by the faculty member, or otherwise submitting work that is not the student’s own violates this principle and will not be tolerated. Instances of academic dishonesty, including assisting another student to cheat, will be penalized as detailed in the Student Handbook. Students who have any questions regarding whether or not specific circumstances involve a breach of academic honesty are advised to discuss them with the faculty member prior to submitting the assignment in question. Discrimination and Harassment Sheridan is committed to provide a learning environment that respects the dignity, self esteem and fair treatment of every person engaged in the learning process. Behaviour which is inconsistent with this principle will not be tolerated. Details of Sheridan’s

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policy on Harassment and Discrimination are available in the Student Handbook.

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