Course Description:

Photography - I is a beginning course which addresses photographic theory, technical issues, applications, composition, practice and history. This course provides the basis for advanced film photography, digital photography, video and film making. The content offers the student the opportunity to elevate the quality of your photographs appreciation of art by providing a better understanding and use of these mediums.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the program students should be able to:

• Demonstrate artistry by creating images that evoke an emotional response.
• Apply the principles of lighting and colour theory to a variety of photographic scenarios by measuring, evaluating, and adjusting light and colour to create quality images.
• Apply the mechanics of exposure to control light and influence the final product.
• Apply principles of composition to produce professional images.
• Select and use photographic equipment and technologies appropriate to the task.
• Demonstrate effective use of written, verbal, and non-verbal communication, employing relevant knowledge, skills, and judgment in a business setting.
• Work as a professional, maintaining high standards of practice, make ethical judgments and decisions, follow legal requirements, and adapt to a rapidly changing work environment through demonstrated commitment to lifelong learning and professional associations.
• Work effectively individually and as a member of team, demonstrating time management, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Develop proposals and organize and orchestrate photo shoots through the successful management of resources and time.
• Apply business processes through the application of accounting, marketing, sales, data management, and human resources (HR) practices and principles.
• Use and adapt to a variety of computer software and hardware for both photographic and business purposes.  

Outline:

A Step Back in Time:

• The Film & Digital Process
• What is Visual Art?
• Why Go Digital?

You and Your Equipment

• Eye of the Photographer
• Cameras
• Lenses and Filters
• How to Use Your Camera (Shutters, Aperture & Their Relationships, Exposure & Metering)

Photography Principles

• Developing Your Eye
• Image Capture (Elements of Composition, Golden Ratio vs. Rule of Thirds)
• Workflow and Image Editing (Retouching, Resolution & Printing)

Harnessing the Light

• Developing Your Visual Signature
• Natural and Available Light
• Artificial Light-Continuous
• Artificial Light-Flash
• Light & Color

A Mix of Things:

• Macro Photography
• Lines and Symmetry (Vertical vs. Horizontal, The Importance of the Horizon)
• Depth of Field and Distance (Background, Middle ground and Foreground)
• Space and Balance

Photographing People and Places

• Revisualization
• Basic Portrait Lighting
• Studio Portraiture
• Environmental Portraiture
• Landscape and Travel Photography
• Decisive Moment Photography

References:

• Hallett, Tracy. Close-Up & Macro Photography, Ammonite Press, 2011
• Ctein, Post-Exposure: Advanced Techniques for the Photographic Printer, Focal Press; 2 edition,  2000
• Schaub, George. The Digital Darkroom: Black and White Techniques Using Photo shop, Silver Pixel, 1999
• Peterson, Bryan. Understanding Exposure: Understanding Exposure, 3rd Edition: How to Shoot Great Photographs with Any Camera, Amphoto Books; 3rd edition,  2010

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

• Sessional:    20   (PowerPoint Presentations, Practical Assignments and Homework)
• Mid exam:    30
• Final exam:  50

RULES AND REGULATIONS

• Class attendance policy: 75% Attendance is compulsory.