ART 142, I01 Introduction to Digital Photography II

Great Basin College

ART 142, I01 – Introduction to Digital Photography II

Syllabus Spring 2013

It is available through the college book store or Amazon.com.

Text book: How to Photograph Absolutely Everything
ISBN: 978-0-7566-2644-0, Published by DK

Course Description:

This class will give you the opportunity to refine you photography skills. This class will push you to greater challenges both technically and aesthetically. As you advance, you will learn to identify what tools and camera skills to use so can accomplish your visual goals.

"…designers and photographers to create original artwork, correct color, retouch and composite scanned images, and prepare professional-quality separations and output with more flexibility than ever before. With a wealth of powerful painting and selection tools, plus multiple layers, special effects filters, and lighting effects, Adobe Photoshop is a camera for your mind."
-Adobe products website

At the heart of the creative process is a desire to express an inner necessity... to realize a body of work that is important and to you. My role is to identify, clarify, enable and support you in that process.

·  In the first week, you will be given a project to work on based on both an expansion of your technical skills and a refinement of your aesthetic awareness of contemporary photographic practice. You will identify artists who are already working in the mode you want to explore in order to realize the strongest possible work you are capable of.

·  Use the semester to explore a variety of ways of working broken up into 2 week segments. This is a topical approach. One or more segments could explore a technical issues such panoramic photography, time exposure work, night photography, etc.

·  You will be introduced to a number of multimedia applications that will focus on creative expression. The first few classes we will concentrate on refreshing your memory using adobe Photoshop, scanning, and digital photography.

·  An expanded working knowledge of the digital camera with respect to its finer elements of technical application.

·  Understanding of digital software to enhance photos.

·  Comprehension and application of individuality and artistic communication in digital photography.

·  Introduce the student to the aspects of digital photography and creating a digital portfolio by the end of the semester.

Learning Outcomes:

To begin an understanding of the fundamentals of photography it is first necessary to realize that digital image-making is a creation of both technology and art. A successful work results from an informed combination of technical, conceptual, and aesthetic choices made by the artist. It is therefore essential that students beginning a study of digital media focus not only on software and technology, but also on the development of visual literacy through taking photographs.

This learning outcome will be addressed through a combination of lectures, practical exercises, studio projects, assigned readings, class critiques and presentations. Course instruction will emphasize non-traditional approaches to photography, the convergence of media in current artistic practice, and an investigation of critical thought surrounding contemporary visual culture and the role of new media in the creation of art.

Become a better photographer by:

·  Taking quality photographs beyond the snapshot.

·  Taking photographs to meet the requirements of an assignment.

·  Discuss photography topics with other students.

·  Comment on specific photography types.

·  Work with other students in a group manipulation of photos.

·  Create a portfolio.

Become a digital photographer by:

·  Display digital images through printing, desktop publishing and web pages.

·  Manipulate photographs to enhance them.

·  Manipulate photographs to change their content.

·  Work with digital image files.

·  Understand digital image size in pixels.

The above outcomes will be measured using a combination of:

1. Turning in specific types of photos on an intermediate advanced level of photography.
2. Turning in photos to show their manipulation.
3. Complete comments on student photos.
4. Join in discussions with other students.
5. Create digital images by through other output devices.
6. Create photographs using an artistic approach
7. Work in a group setting.
8. Create an individual project of photos.
9. Completion of lessons and a semester portfolio covering the tools and techniques learned
10. Two photographs will be required for the GBC Art show

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Instructional Methods:

The class will be taught by introducing a new skill or concept. The student practices on the computer by going through a tutorial in the book. Assignments are completed and turned in.

Cumulative grades will be determined as follows:

100-98 A+
97-93 A
92-90 A-
89-88 B+
87-83 B
82-80 B-
79-78 C+
77-73 C
72-70 C-
69-68 D+
67-63 D
62-60 D-
<60 F

 Cumulative grading will use + and - on assignments, tests and the final, recorded grade.

 sometimes, and for very good reasons, a student is not able to finish a class, and needs to withdraw from the class.

o Through week 12:

 A grade of W (withdrawn) will be recorded for anyone who formally withdraws by meeting with the instructor and filling out a withdraw form.

o A grade of F will be recorded for anyone who simply does not come to class any more.

o It is important to realize that for any one withdrawing from the class, the difference between earning an W on the official class record or earning an F is the process of formally withdrawing

o After week 12:

 anyone withdrawing will receive a grade based on all assignments, including those missed.

 Extra credit may be earned if your grade is currently a D or below.

 before doing anything regarding this class, please consult with me. It is my job to assist you in making class decisions.

Privacy:

Your completed photos will be displayed for the benefit of the entire class. If this bothers you, please notify me in writing during the first week of class.

Perseverance:

This is a full semester class requiring considerable time spent on the computer each and every of the 16 weeks. You must be prepared to make this commitment.

Special Needs:

GBC supports providing equal access for students with disabilities. An advisor is available to discuss appropriate accommodations with students. Please contact the ADA Officer (Julie Byrnes at 775-753-2271 at your earliest convenience to request timely and appropriate accommodations.

Getting started:

·  Have your Internet access installed and ready before the semester begins.

·  Call the WebCT help line to get your username and password set up.

·  Set up your WebCT access using provided instructions. Remember your login name and password.

·  Enter the WebCT classroom. Print the file named Read First.

·  Follow its instructions to print this syllabus (if needed) and the first lesson.

·  Follow the instructions in lesson 1.

Art 142 Schedules for spring 2013

(This is a guide only and may be changed)

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