Photography I: 280 01
Study Abroad: Tuscany
Summer 2009
Diane Meyer
dmeyer9@lmu.edu
Course Description
This course will explore digital photography as a medium of self-expression. Students will learn camera functions, exposure issues, negative scanning, preparing files for digital output, and Adobe Photoshop. In addition to learning the technical mechanics of the medium, students will consider photography in terms of aesthetic and conceptual concerns. Assignments will relate to explorations of Tuscany and will consider the genre of travel photography and the various means in which photography has been used to document place from the 19th Century to the present day.
Course Objectives and Student Outcomes
1. Through weekly lectures and demonstrations, students will be able to consistently achieve successful results in all technical aspects of using a digital camera
a. learn all camera functions
b. determine proper exposure through metering and knowledge of photography principles
2. Students will extensively photograph, and will form a distinct style and point of view which will be evident in a final portfolio.
a. use formal qualities of photography including composition, framing, and light
b. use photography to communicate ideas
c. combine technical ability and formal consideration with conceptual concerns
3. Students will become well versed in speaking about photography in critical terms through slide lectures, assigned readings and excursions throughout the city of Florence and environs.
a. ability to consider theoretical and critical issues and relate this to their own work
b. ability to articulate ideas verbally and visually
4. Given the collaborative nature of group critiques and working in a shared space, students will demonstrate professional and considerate behavior at all times.
a. attendance, promptness, and preparedness
b. thoughtful contribution to class discussions
c. importance of cleaning up after oneself and treating all equipment respectfully and carefully
Course Format and Methods of Evaluation
This 5 week course will consist of lectures, slide presentations, technical demonstrations, group critiques, in-class lab time, and excursions throughout Tuscany. Through the semester, students will be responsible for 3 photographic assignments and a final, cohesive project.
Attendance, effort and thoughtful participation are critical for successful completion of the course. More than two unexcused absences will result in the lowering of the final grade by one full letter grade. Three late arrivals to class equals one absence. Late assignments will be lowered by one letter grade, and will not be accepted at all after one week past the due date.
Class Critiques are an extremely important aspect of the course, and all students are expected to contribute their thoughts and ideas. Feedback from one’s peers is invaluable in the creation of work, and not having this important input, puts one at a marked disadvantage. Given this, students who do not have work for critique, or who are absent on a critique day, will have their participation grade lowered.
Grading Breakdown:
Attendance/Participation: 10%
Assignment One: Slideshow 15%
Assignment Two: Book Project 20%
Blog Project: 25%
Final Project: 30%
Digital Lab
Digital lab rules and regulations will be thoroughly discussed in class. Lab privileges can be revoked if rules are violated. It is very important that the facilities are treated responsibly and with care, and that students clean up after themselves.
Required Materials
*35mm SLR manual camera or SLR Digital Camera
If you don not have either of these cameras, please contact instructor before start of class to discuss alternative choices.
Negative and Transparency Film (If shooting with film camera)
Memory Card with at least 1 GB of storage (If shooting with digital camera
Notebook for recording ideas, technical data
CDs or DVDs for saving digital files
Camera Strap
UV Filter to Protect Lens
1 pack of 25 sheets Epson Glossy Photo Paper
**All students are responsible for adhering to "Study Abroad Courtesy Rules". Violation of these rules will impact your course grade and your privilege of continued participation in the course and the program. **If you ever have questions or problems with the material, please schedule a meeting with the professor.
Tentative Schedule by Week
(Please note that schedule may change due to excursions/field trips/other special itinerary programming. Also note that almost all classes will include supervised lab time).
Week One: May 25-29
MONDAY
• Orientation at Syracuse
WEDNESDAY
• Course Introduction
• Basic Camera Functions: Exposure, Shutter and Aperture
• Introduction to Travel Photography
• Discussion on Representing Place
• Importing Images and Adobe Bridge
FRIDAY
• Digital Imaging Basics: Image Size, Resolution, File Types
• Creating a Blog, Explanation of Blog Assignment
• Field Trip to the Alinari Museum of Photography
Week Two: June 1-5
MONDAY
• Artists and the Slideshow
• Explanation of Assignment One: Slideshow
• Using Time Based Presentation Tools
WEDNESDAY
• Adjusting Digital Images with Levels and Curves
• Enhancing Digital Images
• Using Layers and Selection Tools in Photoshop
FRIDAY
• Making Image Composites, Masks and Layers
• Accordion Books and Explanation of Assignment Two
Week Three: June 8-12
MONDAY
• Introduction to Final Project, Slideshow of Artists Working in Digital Imaging
• Demonstration on Creating Accordion Books
WEDNESDAY
• Making Contact Sheets in Photoshop
• Printing Files
• Demonstration on Making Accordion Books
• Work Session For Slideshow Movies and Postcard Project
FRIDAY
• Excursion to Pietrasanta
Week Four: June 15-19
MONDAY
• Excursion to Pietrasanta
WEDNESDAY
• Discussion of Final Project
• Contemporary Artists Working in Digital Photography
• Work Session for Blog and Accordion Books
• Critique of Assignment One
FRIDAY
• Work in Progress Critique for Final Project and Final Project Presentations
Week Five: June 22-26
MONDAY
• Second Work in Progress Critique for Final Projects
WEDNESDAY
• Advanced Techniques in Photoshop: Airbrushing, Replicating Film Processes, Faking Motion Blur and Depth of Field
• Critique of Assignment Two
FRIDAY
• Final Critique
• Work in Progress Critique
• Final Critique
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