Photographic Studies Course Descriptions
Photographic Studies
(See also Art and Graphic Communications)
PHOTO 170
Digital Camera Skills
Prerequisite: None
1 lecture per week: 1 hr credit
This course deals with basics of digital camera operation. Students explore solutions to visual problems posed during group field trips. (Digital cameras are provided)
PHOTO 171 (IAI:ART 917)
Introduction to Black And White Photography
Prerequisite: None
6 lab hrs per week: 3 hrs credit
This course investigates the principles of photography using black and white light-sensitive materials. Students learn camera controls and apply the methods of film and print processing techniques. The course explores the medium through a series of visual problems and emphasizes photography as a means of personal expression.
PHOTO 174
Digital Darkroom Techniques
Prerequisite: PHOTO 171 recommended
1 lecture, 2 lab hrs per week: 2 hrs credit
This course provides the introduction to and practical application of computer hardware and software used to produce, scan, edit, transfer, record, archive, and print photographs.
PHOTO 175
Basic Lighting Skills
Prerequisite: PHOTO 174 or concurrent enrollment
1 lecture, 2 lab hrs per week: 2 hrs credit
Students in this course are introduced to the mechanics of continuous sources of photographic lighting. Application and practice of proper metering, studio set up, lighting adjustment, storage of equipment, and use of various accessories are featured. Digital cameras are supplied for in-class use.
PHOTO 176
Electronic Flash Techniques
Prerequisite: PHOTO 171 and PHOTO 175
1 lecture, 2 lab hrs per week: 2 hrs credit
This course covers the fundamental methods of flash photography using built-in, on-camera, and portable professional equipment. Students also gain a working knowledge of flash meter measurement and exposure calculation using multi-strobe studio systems.
PHOTO 180
Photoshop I
Prerequisite: PHOTO 174 or instructor consent
1 lecture, 2 lab hrs per week: 2 hrs credit
This is a detailed introduction to Adobe Photoshop tools and techniques used in the digital conversion and adjustment of photographic images. Students learn to correct, composite, retouch, and manipulate photographs in RGB color space. Digital printing, film scanning, and proper storage of images on disk are also covered.
PHOTO 196
Careers in Photography
Prerequisite: PHOTO 171
1 lecture per week: 1 hr credit
This course surveys the structure, working conditions, and specific job responsibilities within the field of photography. Classroom presentations, guest lectures, and AV materials provide students with an understanding of production methods as well as employment potential for each occupation and career covered.
PHOTO 273
Photographic Methods
Prerequisite: PHOTO 171, 174, or concurrent enrollment
1 lecture, 4 lab hrs per week: 3 hrs credit
This intermediate course is designed to deepen students’ understanding of the visual process and production of photographs. Participants experience a variety of camera formats while creating images using both digital and film based methods.
PHOTO 275
Photographic Design
Prerequisite: PHOTO 171, 174, or concurrent enrollment
1 lecture, 4 lab hrs per week: 3 hrs credit
This course concentrates on the visual methods and skills of designing photographs. The emphasis of class projects is on the improvement of picture analysis, evaluation of composition, style, and development of individual photographic vision. Digital cameras are used and supplied by the program.
PHOTO 276
Commercial Techniques
Prerequisite: PHOTO 171, 175 PHOTO 273, or consent of instructor
2 lectures, 4 lab hrs per week: 4 hrs credit
This course concentrates on camera and lighting techniques used in the creation of product photography. Areas include medium- and large-format camera skills, use of high-res digital camera equipment, table-top setups, and specific studio lighting for the production of catalog, advertising, and special effects photography.
PHOTO 280
Photoshop II
Prerequisite: PHOTO 180
1 lecture, 2 lab hrs per week: 2 hrs credit
Students in this course explore advanced color correction, layering, and editing methods in Photoshop through a series of visual assignments using original photographs. Extensive use of film scanning and direct digital capture is encouraged. Final portfolio images are printed on standard, large, and wide format inkjet printers.
PHOTO 281
Digital Applications
Prerequisite: PHOTO 174 and 180
2 lectures, 4 lab hrs per week: 4 hrs credit
This course concentrates on advanced digital image production techniques available to photographers. Students explore the application of several imaging software programs that are used to solve unique visual problems.
PHOTO 282
Experimental Techniques
Prerequisite: PHOTO 171, 174, or concurrent enrollment
1 lecture, 4 lab hrs per week: 3 hrs credit
This course explores various experimental camera, darkroom and digital techniques. Projects include multiple composite, infrared film, digital filtration, optical distortion, Polaroid emulsion/image transfers, cliche verre (enlargements, scans) and hand-coloring techniques.
PHOTO 283
Portraiture
Prerequisite: PHOTO 175 or consent of instructor
1 lecture, 4 lab hrs per week: 3 hrs credit
This course is an introduction to creating studio and available light portraits featuring tungsten and electronic strobe applications. Emphasis is placed on correct use of diffused, reflective and spot lighting techniques, proper metering, and posing of the sitter. Projects are completed using digital cameras and color inkjet production.
PHOTO 285
Digital Color Production
Prerequisite: PHOTO 174, 180, or consent of instructor
2 lectures, 2 lab hrs per week: 3 hrs credit
This course investigates color light theory and the digital controls of color reproduction currently available in photography. Students work with software designed to develop and maintain color management of photographic output by calibrating displays, profiling scanners, cameras, and small to wide format inkjet printers.
PHOTO 286
Independent Photo Project
Prerequisite: PHOTO 275
6 lab hrs per week: 3 hrs credit
This course encourages individual exploration of a personal visual direction or idea with emphasis on the fine art approach to photography. A proposal outline and complete portfolio are required of each participant.
PHOTO 287
Independent Photo Studio
Prerequisite: PHOTO 276 or 283
6 lab hrs per week: 3 hrs credit
Students in this course propose advanced photographic exploration with emphasis in portrait, fashion or commercial product photography. Each participant must have completed prior course work in their chosen area of concentration.
PHOTO 290
Color Slide Photography
Prerequisite: PHOTO 180, 285, or consent of instructor
2 lectures, 4 lab hrs per week: 4 hrs credit
This course investigates visual problems using color positive materials and methods. Areas covered include proper film exposure, positive color light theory, film scanning, basic color management techniques and digital print production.
PHOTO 291
Survey of Contemporary Photography
Prerequisite: None
3 lectures per week: 3 hrs credit
This course provides a unique experience while learning about current trends in photography. Visits to major museums and galleries combined with attending lectures by photographers highlight the activities of the class. Students are required to write several reviews of exhibits they see and present a topic for class discussion.
PHOTO 292
Photo Workshop: Special Topics
Prerequisite: PHOTO 171, 174, 6 additional hours in PHOTO
2 lectures, 4 lab hrs per week: 4 hrs credit (may be repeated 3 times for credit with different topics)
This advanced course explores a single subject in photography. Topics for concentrated study may be selected from fashion photography, photojournalism, architecture, landscape, or other specific areas of specialization.
PHOTO 293
Advanced Portraiture
Prerequisite: PHOTO 283, 285
2 lectures, 4 lab hrs per week: 4 hrs credit
This course features the use of sophisticated studio strobe systems in making professional portraits. Students work on multilight sets to produce photographs of individuals, couples, families, and groups. Radio transmitter operation, color burst background techniques and location lighting methods are also covered.
PHOTO 297
Professional Portfolio
Prerequisite: PHOTO 275, 285, or consent of instructor
2 lectures, 2 lab hrs per week: 3 hrs credit
This course helps students understand the process of preparing a portfolio of creative commercial photographs for career readiness. Class activities include career planning, creation of portfolio content and assembly, resume organization, and personal presentation. Individual peer and/or professional critiques are conducted each week for career potential feedback.
PHOTO 298
Seminar
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in PHOTO 299
1 lecture per week: 1 hr credit
Students meet with program coordinator one hour per week to discuss various problems and issues encountered in the internship.
PHOTO 299
Internship
Prerequisite: 12 credit hrs in PHOTO and consent of program coordinator
15 lab hrs per week: 3 hrs credit (variable credit)
The student internship program allows students to earn college
credit while working in an approved photography-related business.
This course is scheduled by joint agreement of the student,
the site supervisor and the program coordinator.