ART 356.001
Intro to Digital Photography
Coke Whitworth
828.406.9246
The primary goal of this course is to investigate the use of photography as a method for artistic self-expression. We will learn the fundamentals of digital photography, therefore this class will start out as being particularly technically oriented, however along the way, we will investigate the why and wherefore of our working methods, and will use photography as another tool, another technology with which to express ourselves.
Objectives:
* Develop a solid foundation of basic digital photographic image making on both a technical and an aesthetic level, including developing a familiarity of the basic language of photography: i.e. tone, light, form...
* Learn to approach photography as a problem-solving tool by investigating artistic issues, applying questions to methods both verbally and visually;
* Develop an ability to communicate about visual issues within a critique setting, as well as learn to discuss one’s own work verbally;
* Comprehend the fundamentals of photographic history and contemporary practice;
* Demonstrate an understanding of basic camera operation as well as the fundamentals of exposure
* Acquire basic digital darkroom skills;
* Show ability to finish and present a group of photographs.
EXPECTATIONS
Attendance
Attendance is considered as an aspect of class participation. You will be expected to be in class and on time every day. That being said, I do understand that there are days when circumstances beyond your control make it impossible for you to attend class. You will be allowed 3 of these days for the entire semester. After that, your overall grade will be affected by a +/-. It will be your responsibility to catch up on any information that is missed in class.
Classroom participation
You will be expected to participate in class by being in class, being vocal during discussions and being active in presenting work and criticizing work. It is expected that everyone talk at least once about each person's work during crits and has at least one thing to contribute regarding readings or what ever subject matter is being presented. A strong discussion is comprised of varied viewpoints and tolerance for each other's opinions. A useful crit will investigate both the strength's and weaknesses of an individual's work. Again, you will be evaluated on the quality of your participation.
Critiquing means that we talk about both the successes and failures in work. We will always attempt to contructively criticize work, however, you should try not to take anyone's comments personally. Critiquing in class is about trying to help you become a more successful photographer.
Obviously, one course cannot be all things to all people, so you might have some issues or concerns with the process. Please remember that I am always happy to deal with issues that might come up for you - send emails, make office hour appointments - ask questions and be vocal - you will make yourself visible and will learn much more.
For Each Assignment:
I expect assignments and readings to be done on time. We will be looking and talking about work on a weekly basis and if work is not brought in, you will miss the benefit of a class evaluation. If for some reason you are not able to completely finish work, I will expect the “work in progress” to be brought in. NEVER miss a critique for lack of work - I expect everyone to be to class regardless of the status of their own work.
For every assignment, I expect you to write a paragraph of self-evaluation that should help you to prepare for class critique. Within this summary you should address the following issues:
* what did you learn;
* what are the strengths of the project;
* what could you have worked harder at;
* what changes would you make if doing it again. Photography IS hindsight.
What you can expect from me:
My goal is to help guide you through your discovery of the photographic process and to help you to establish a firm grasp on that technique. I will be here for you to bounce your ideas off of, to lead critiques and to promote a high level of conversation regarding class work. However, I don’t presume to have all the answers you will need. I am a touchstone, someone to help guide you to the next step, someone who is enthusiastic in his own work and terrifically enthusiastic about photography and art. Don’t try to please me, try to please yourself. If you follow your own fascination, your enthusiasm for your subject will be infectious. As your teacher, I will be looking to see how you push yourself to look at the world in creative ways. I am here to challenge you, and in that regard I am honest and hard, but ultimately, I want the best for all my students and will try to provide individual as well as group guidance.
Grades
A quality work represents the highest level of technical and creative acheivement. Students striving for an A will demonstrate exceptional commitment to the assignments, Final project and class participation. They will work beyond the assignment expectations.
A higher level of commitment and working beyond assignment expectations, along with completing all the assignments and participation as well as creative effort tends to be B quality work.
Completing all assignment work on time, competently and in good order and an average level of class participation will result in a C.
Incomplete, late, uncreative assignments, consistent lateness, a low level of participation or attendance may result in a D grade.
Incomplete work, missed assignments, consistent lateness or absences, incomplete final will result in a failing grade. I suggest that if you feel you are in this territory, YOU take the responsibility to come to me to discuss the matter as soon as you are able.
A Suggestion
Students working on individual projects will have the responsibility of bringing their work in for evaluation on "in progress" days, but are also expected to set up individual meetiings on a regular basis. The more I see your work and see that you ARE working, the better you will do in the course. Those studens who leave their work to the end, or do not demonstrate their explorations won't fare as well.
ASSIGNMENT SEQUENCE
Assignment #1 Light DUE SEPTEMBER 17
What is the simplest - the absolute minimum - that can be said about seeing? That the eye opens and the light comes in. What is the least that vision can accomplish, the easiest task for the eyes? It is seeing without thinking of seeing: seeing without strain, not squinting at a sharp light or peering intently into a darkness or trying to focus on something a finger’s breath away, but merely seeing, in a passive, unthinking way. In a word: just looking.
James Elkins - The Object Stares Back
For this first assignment I want you to investigate the light around you. Instead of “just looking”, become an active participant in what you are looking at, and most importantly, try to judge the light in which your subject is bathed.
* Is it strong and harsh, or soft and mellow?
* Does it have a color; is it a backlight, or an even full light?
Once you determine what kind of light it is, then think of how it affects the subject, what kind of emotions does it provoke. It could be a romantic vision, or a harsh cold feeling. Perhaps the sky is welling with a magical or divine light. Maybe the light is scary, dramatic or artificial.
Shoot at least 100 images for this assignment, investigating at least six different kinds of light, recording your findings on your assignment summary. Try to describe how you see the light, how it affects the subject, and what you are trying to capture.
1. 100 images in digital contact sheet
2. 6 images in digital slideshow which each explore different kinds of light
3. Assignment evaluation form
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