Utah Valley University
Art Department
Photo I - Art 1050
Instructor: Kimberly Slade
E-mail: sladekimberly@gmail.com
Phone: 801-803-4818
Office Hours: GT 525b - Tuesday from 12-4 in the darkroom classroom.
| Class: |
|
|
|
8:00 am - 10:45 am |
MTWR |
GT 539 |
May 12, 2014 - Jun 27, 2014 |
Syllabus
Introduction:
Photo
1 is designed to introduce the beginning photographer to various
concepts that will help them interpret and communicate their world
visually using a digital camera, a computer and image-editing software.
Traditionally this class has been taught as a film-based, darkroom
class. The digital world is one that cannot be ignored, thus the
emphasis of the class is changing to be that of the 'digital-darkroom'.
Seeing and learning how to communicate the things
that an individual deems important will be the emphasis of this class.
Camera technique and manipulation will be of utmost importance.
Learning how to creatively control exposure and composition at the time
of initial image making is the primary objective. Refining the image
through digital post-production is secondary. This is a photography
class - not a digital manipulation class. Commenting on your world
accurately and with purity of intent is vital. Turd-polishing is NOT
allowed.
Equipment:
Digital camera -
preferably one that can control shutter speed, aperture, focus, ISO
sensitivity and shoot in RAW. If your camera does not do these things,
you might want to reconsider taking the class. We will do some
experimentation with low-fidelity digital capture devices, cell phone
cameras, etc..., but if you are truly concerned with learning how to
improve your photography then a camera that YOU can control is crucial.
IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO GET THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR YOUR
CAMERA. IF YOU ASK ME OPERATIONAL QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR CAMERA I WILL
NOT ANSWER THEM.
Card reader - you need to be able to
get the images you make with your camera into the computer. The lab
will NOT have card readers for students to check out. Yes, you can
download your images from your camera to your computer, but it eats the
battery and it is just downright inconvenient. Do yourself a big favor
and get a USB 2.0 card reader. Do NOT loan these out. They have a
nasty habit of not coming back.
External storage device
- This can come in many forms...thumb drive, external hard drive,
etc... There will need to be a place that you can build your library of
images.
External storage devices can come in all kinds of sizes and
price-points. Choose accordingly. An 8 or 16gb thumb drive would be sufficient for this class.
****OPTIONAL BUT STRONGLY RECOMMENDED****
Textbook - The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5 Book for Digital Photographers, by Scott Kelby
http://kelbytraining.com/product/the-adobe-photoshop-lightroom-5-book-for-digital-photographers/
If
you are serious about getting the most out of this class, get this
book. It's $40 new from Kelby directly, but you can get them used
on Amazon too. I will NOT be going through this book chapter by
chapter, rather using it for SUPPLEMENTAL material. It would be a good
idea to get this book if you plan on asking me a lot of questions about
stuff I don't want to cover. Eventually I'll tell you to buy the book.
Tripod
- it will become your best friend. Apart from the camera and software,
it is the most important piece of equipment you can purchase. They do
NOT have to be expensive.
One piece of software that you should seriously consider purchasing, something that you will use every day in the class...and going on beyond the class once it ends, is the full current version of Adobe Lightroom. It's only 79 bucks and it is one of the best investments you can make for your photography. Adobe.com is a great place to get it. You can also get a 30-day downloadable trial from Adobe.com as well.
****END OF OPTIONAL BUT STRONGLY RECOMMENDED SECTION****
Commitment:
This
is college. It is for adults who want to learn. Sometimes it is hard,
sometimes it is fun. Oftentimes it is both. This course will return what
you put into it, if you give this course maximum effort, you will learn
and earn a high grade. To do this will require you to take charge of
your own learning. This is a commitment. Part of this commitment is to
come to class on time, be attentive, ask questions, keep your mind open
to new ideas and fulfill assigned projects on time. Sometimes problems
may arise that may interfere with your learning. It is important for you
to communicate beforehand with your instructor about any problems. When
understood and anticipated beforehand these problems can be easily
resolved.
Learning is a synthesis of ideas. You will
build upon the knowledge and ideas that you already have learned. Try
and approach this course from that perspective. You are the one
responsible for your success in this course. Make a commitment now to
your own learning and success.
Revisions to Syllabus:
The
standards and requirements in this syllabus may be modified at any time
by the course instructor. Any changes will be announced in class.
Disability Accomodation:
Student
should inform the instructor of any special need he or she may have.
Academic Accommodations are granted for all students who have qualified
documented disabilities.
Attendance:
Please
be present not only physically but also mentally and emotionally. Be on
time, and prepared with the proper materials, reading, research and
assignments. Excessive absences will have a drastic influence on your
grade. If you are aware of absences that may occur due to illness,
doctor appointments, or other circumstances, please discuss them with
your instructor via email or phone before you are absent. I will take attendance on critique days. Attendance at the Final Critique is mandatory. More than 1 absence on critique days will lower your FINAL GRADE one full letter. If you do not attend the final you will not pass the class.
If
I am late in arriving to class, you must wait a full 20 minutes after
the start of class before you may leave without being counted absent, or
you must follow any written instructions I may give you about my
anticipated tardiness.
Classroom Conduct:
I
will conduct this class in an atmosphere of mutual respect. I encourage
your active participation in class discussions, lectures, and
demonstrations. Please be attentive, respectful, and prepared to learn.
Each of us may have strongly differing opinions on the various topics of
class discussions. The conflict of ideas is encouraged and welcome. The
orderly questioning of the ideas of others, including mine, is
similarly welcome. However, I will exercise my responsibility to manage
the discussions so that ideas and argument can proceed in an orderly
fashion. You should expect that if your conduct during class discussions
seriously disrupts the atmosphere of mutual respect that I expect in
this class, you will not be permitted to participate further. The
student is expected to follow all policies regarding photography. Any
misuse of the equipment or failure to follow policies may result in an
immediate dismissal from the class.
Work/lab days:
Lab
days are given for you to work on your projects. Lab days are a time
used in the lab where you will work on your projects and have more
personal feedback from the instructor both with technical and conceptual
issues. Lab days are not just free days you must be present for your
assigned lab time.
Lab days will be every Monday.
Critiques:
Critiques
are one of the most important elements of this course. Attendance and
participation in each critique is mandatory. Critiques will give you
feedback that will help grow and develop your work, as well as push you
as an artist. Taking notes from the discussion of your own work as well
as from others work is required. Critiques are another place for you to
learn to talk about and discuss your work. Incorporating and following
the advice given by the instructor through the critiques is also
critical to your growth. I ask that you conduct yourself with respect
for each other. Be sensitive and open to each others ideas and
techniques. But come with an attitude of how we can grow and improve.
Critiques are a place where we discover solutions to the challenges we
face in our image making. Critiques are about the work, not about the
person. They are not a place to hurt each others feelings. Critiques are
for us to be critical in a constructive way. They create dialog that
can help you grow as an artist, and make your work stronger. To do
achieve this it is important to separate your personal feelings you may
have for the content and form of your work.
Critique days will be every Tuesday.
Lecture / Discussion / Demonstrations:
You
will receive most of your instruction through lectures, discussions and
demonstrations. It is important for you to be actively involved in
paying attention, taking notes, research and contributing to the class
activities.
Lecture and discussion and demonstrations will be on Wednesdays. We will have shooting field days every Thursday morning during scheduled class time. These will not be at the school, they will be off-campus. Locations will be discussed on Wednesdays and rides will be arranged if you cannot drive. Shooting field days will be STRONGLY ENCOURAGED. They will also be dang fun and you will be missing out on a lot of good instruction if you do not attend.
TECHNOLOGY USES IN THE CLASSROOM
Communication Devices:
The
use of cell phones or other communication devices is disruptive, and is
therefore prohibited during class. Except in emergencies, those using
such devices must leave the classroom for the remainder of the class
period. This will include text messaging. Remember that your phone does
have an off button. There are very few things in the world that
absolutely cannot wait. Please turn off your phone ringer at the beginning of
class.
Computers:
Students are
permitted to use laptop computers during class for note-taking and other
class-related work only. Working on projects, or internet use during
lectures, class discussions, or demonstrations will not be permitted,
unless it is designated by the instructor. Those using computers during
class for work not related to that class must leave the classroom for
the remainder of the class period.
Grading:
Assessment
of learning will consist of number grades. More specific objectives
will be provided with each assignment. Final grades will be determined
by a simple formula: total number of points earned/total points
possible. Additional explanation of the assignments will be provided in
class demonstrations, lectures, and discussions. We will also be having
in class critiques. Through critiques we will be learning how to asses
your own learning. From this assessment we can make adjustments and
directions for improvement. Late work will receive a full-letter-grade
reduction. NO late work will be accepted after 1 week. An assignment
that is turned in on-time can be re-done at any point of the semester.
Late work can NOT be re-done.
If there are
circumstances that cause missed deadlines, it is your responsibility to
inform your instructor. For some circumstances accommodations can then
be made to avoid late penalties.
Grading will be determined by the following items:
･ Following assignment directions and requirements
• Formal and technical aspects of image making- exposure, composition, lighting, etc.
• Creative ideas and techniques
• Presentation - quality of blog, ease of viewing, final retouching, sizing, etc...,
• Participation in class discussions
• Attendance
CLUES will become very important. Follow the C.L.U.E.S. I will lecture about the C.L.U.E.S. on the first day of class. If you have missed the first day of class it is your responsibility to get the notes from your classmates. I will go over these concepts a lot during the term. If you are unfamiliar with the grading procedures by the end of the first critique, you have either not attended any classes and/or you have not paid attention. Please pay attention.
