_______ADA283 Digital Photography

Fall 2007 Mondays, 12:30-4pm Holman Hall 372 http://www.tcnj.edu/~allyn class blog

Professor: Anita Allyn  Office: 347 Holman Hall  Office Hours: Tuesdays, 12-3pm and by appointment  e-mail:  allyn@tcnj.edu  phone: x2770

links.
html primer
reserve equipment
camera manuals
web portfolio sites:
design examples

Artist presentation groups:
David LaChapelle
Sara Bennett
Ashley

Anna Gaskell
Irene (wu24@tcnj.edu)
Addie (stuber2@tcnj.edu)
Melanie (walker23@tcnj.edu)
Crystal (kan2@tcnj.edu)
Andrew Chiusano (chiusan2@tcnj.edu)
Kate (lynch3@tcnj.edu)

Daniel Gordon
James

Loretta Lux
Sarah Braun (braun5@tcnj.edu)
Allison (senak2@tcnj.edu)

Vik Muniz
Adam

Georges Rousse
Andrew Lubas(lubas3@tcnj.edu)
Rob (decarlo4@tcnj.edu)
Keith

 

Exposure
DOF
shutter speed
exposure: Artist examples

Resolution:
- camera
- PS
- monitor
- printer

Color Management

Printing:
- Epson 1800
- Epson 4000
- Epson 9600
PAPERS >

events.



visiting artists.

Oksana Chepelyk
November 14, 2pm (Location TBD)
From the Ukraine, Oksana Chepelyk will discuss and show her sculptural fashion designs, performance documentation and films. Her provocative artwork probes into the nature of totalitarianism and complexities resulting from the reunion of the former eastern and western Europe. She deals with the interrelation of the real, social and virtual spaces and is especially interested in co-experience, focusing on cultural transformations.

EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS ON CAMPUS

Assumed Identities
curated by Sarah Cunningham
Reception: Tuesday, October 30, 6pm-8pm

Spirituality and Film Series, Two Films of 1997

December 1 2007,
Library Auditorium
December 1
Film: Taste of Cherry by Abbas Kiarostami (1997)
2:30-4 pm

Film: A Walk with Kiarostami, by Jamsheed Akrami (2003)
4:30-5 pm

December 2, 3007:
Film: The Apostle by Robert Duvall (US, 1997)
2-4pm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Course Description

Art making is at the core of this class and you will be encouraged to develop personal expression through the use of the digital camera and digital imaging. The course challenges you to create meaningful work that strikes a balance between form, content, and technique. It is assumed that you will have little or no experience with digital photography although traditional darkroom experience is recommended Please have basic computer skills.

The technical goals of the class are to acquire an in-depth understanding of the tools and techniques of digital photography including the digital camera, scanners, printing and an emphasis on one image–editing software, Adobe Photoshop. You will present your projects in various ways including digital printmaking and a final website portfolio.

As a student in this class, you will learn the conceptual and theoretical characteristics of digital photography within a broad cultural context.  Throughout the semester you will read and discuss selected texts exploring practical and theoretical topics. You will also be expected to write short responses to these readings and discussions. In addition, there is a required research presentation on a digital photographic artist’s work. Your research material is then explored further as you create a visual project from your chosen research artists’ conceptual goals as a point of departure in your own work.

Four completed digital photography projects are required which include a self–directed research project and a final web portfolio. The course will be taught by demonstration, lecture, and critiques (group and individual).

Objectives

1. Attain technical knowledge of equipment, materials and procedures in order to use digital photography as a visual tool and a means for personal inquiry.

Proficiency with:

• The digital camera: automatic and manual features of operation including depth of field and freezing motion; image quality and image size settings and pixel resolution
• Imaging: digital output to computer, image editing including corrective and destructive filters, image optimization, image output, and basic web page development.
• Presentation: complete a final digital presentation of new photographically derived work, following a thematic or conceptual investigation; color photo printing, mounting and creating series–based work.

2. Develop visual communication skills through conceptualization, execution and presentation of photographic work.

• You will use a variety of methodological approaches including ‘straight photography’, montage, staged, and optical distortion in constructing images.

3. Achieve basic understanding of key aspects in the history of photography as an art and cultural practice. Explore contemporary fine art and commercial uses of the medium.

• Through readings, class discussions, critiques and presentations you will analyze the relationship between this new technology to the history of photography and digital culture.

Critiques
Art making is a communal enterprise. It is a dialog that occurs between the piece and the viewer. In order to make art we must understand how different people interpret visual imagery. To facilitate this, at the end of each project there will be a critique in which the entire class will help the artist by interpreting the technical, aesthetic, and conceptual issues raised by each artist.

What you need for the class:
1. Bring camera to every class. You can reserve this through the online Department Equipment Reserve
2. Complete Digital Photography by Ben Long (in bookstore)
3. backup media: CD-RW, DVD-RW, Firewire drive (best option)
4. artist binder

5. TCNJ Printing account (fill out form + cost of prints)
6. Ink Jet paper (Epson and Ilford) Please wait to purchase; Group order is cheaper!

Course Work and Assessment

Assignment                      Percentage of Final Grade

Weekly readings accompanied by weekly quizzes / journal. Reading assignments will be comprised of handouts, reserve materials, and web pages. The assigned reading materials are designed to compliment the imaginative process and provide a context for creative projects. Students will be required to turn in a typed half page response to assigned readings and be prepared for a class discussion. Exhibition/ Artist review due October 8. Active in class participation during discussion and critique Research Presentation Each student will be required to create a presentation on a selected artist whose work has been instrumental in the development of digital photography. Students must relate in-class learning to the artists work presented. Projects > link to descriptions < Students will complete four projects throughout the course. The first two will feature specific parameters to work within, and the third will be self-directed. Each project will be presented during group critique sessions in the format appropriate to the assignment and the projectís conception. Each student must create a final website portfolio demonstrating the semesterís work. A CD of the final portfolio with all images will be handed in at the end of the semester. Project 1:> link to descriptions < Study of Light, Color and Composition: Masters. Presentation: 1 mounted print Select and research a master painter from class website. Choose one painting to use as subject matter for your digital photo. Examine how light, color and composition integrate into the final work. Then, using a digital camera, recreate the painting by setting-up scenes as a whole composition or as parts to be collaged together. Use irony, humor, and your reactions from readings to inform your strategy. Communicate painting and photography's embattled past. Project 2:> link to descriptions < Digital Photographer Series Presentation: 3 mounted photo printsInvestigate a digital photographer thoroughly, understanding the aesthetic and conceptual concerns that drive the artistís work. Your project investigation will be to use the same conceptual and aesthetic goals as the artist you researched, while creating your own visual investigation. The underlying concept of your series though, must have a relationship to your chosen artist. Artists include: Pedro Meyer, Simon Johannes, Mary Frey, Guillermo Lopez Castro, Joerg Colberg, Nancy Burson, Will Wilson Project 3:> link to descriptions < Independent Research Series Presentation: Dependant on project goal (7-10 final prints) Create a digital photographic research project from your own interest. A proposal will be required that states your theme, and visual ideas you will research. Explore different forms of the series (book, postcards, posters, etc) in conjunction with the content. Project 4:> link to descriptions < Web portfolio All photographic projects completed for course Create a website showcasing all photography projects. This functions as a final portfolio. All projects must have titles and written statements about the project goals, research and concerns as well as issues raised because of the work.

20% of final grade   10% of final grade 20% of final grade 50% of final grade, criteria: Meeting all basic requirements of the assignments: 70% Conceptual strength of the project: 15% Focused development of the project from starting concept to ending presentation: 15% Deduction for late assignments=10%

Course Schedule
Read the pages of the course textbook as assigned on this syllabus. Attend all classes. Don‘t be late! Missing the lecture registers as half an absence for the class period. Topics and due dates are subject to change, although you will be notified in advance if this happens.

[Class 1]   September 4  
Introduction to the course
Photo basics introduction: time, light, speed / compostion / framing
Introduce Digital camera, Nikons & Canons
P - shooting // white balance // flash modes // images size & quality options
Rule of Thirds

ASSIGNMENT

Reading Assignment: { CDP } pages 7-9; 22-27; 159-223
Studio Assignment: shooting handout, upload images to SHARE drive before next class, and view these links:
1. REAL PORTRAITS- REFLECTION of the subject
2. Shooting Your Own Family Portrait
3. Natural Light Portraiture
4. self portraits on Flickr
5. Portrait Photography on photo.net
6. Lighting Kodak
7. more on lighting

[Class 2]     September 10                   
Anita sick!

[Class 3]        September 17                    
Introduction to Project 1 > link to descriptions <
Semi & Fuil manual operations: EXPOSURE SETTINGS (S) (A) and (M); reciprocity // ISO
in-camera HISTOGRAM
FILE Compression & RAW format

In class shooting exercises:

Introduction to PS. Workspace. Image resolution. Image size. Resizing & resampling.
How to download images & create a contact sheet for B & W printer.

Reading Assignment: { CDP } pages 30-39; 42-54; 371- 392
Classic Essays on Photography handout; “A Brief Historical Sketch of the Invention of the Art” by William Henry Fox Talbot // BRING IN CDP book & CD to class next week.

Studio Assignment: Select image & do research; gather materials, shoot (at least 20 images) print Blk & Wht contact sheets of all work before next class.


[Class 4]          September 24                      
Review manual settings // review shots for Project 1 with me
In–class shooting exercises: GROUP exercise {Manet}
Review GROUP shooting.
Contact Sheet due.

PS: Workflow // Historgrams in application // cropping/ correcting distortion // fringing // levels

Studio Assignment: continue shooting and final image for critique presentation next week using
any PS corrective techniques reviewed this week.
Reading Assignment:
- Classic Essays on Photography handouts; “The Modern Public and Photography” by Charles Baudelaire, “Photography and Photography and Artistic-Photography” by Marius De Zayas. Compare and contrast the author's point of view in the 3 handout essays -E-mail to me before the next class.
-{ CDP } pages 226-256

[Class 5]     October 1  
                   Project 1 due / Critique
Contemporary Photographer Series (due October 29, presentation due October 8)> link to descriptions <
If time allows: Corrective PS skills part II

Reading Assignment:
In-depth *** research of your artist for visual presentation next week.

Studio Assignment:Begin shooting for your concept for Porject 2


[Class 6]             October 8        
Exhibition / Artist review due      
Project 2: Research Presentation on Artist
Photoshop skills: Masking & advanced masks: Alpha Channels, Adjustment layers, Simulating Depth of field, Noise, Clone stamp.
- Printing options in the lab: 1800, 4000, wide-format; saving files correctly; PRINTING DEMO

Reading Assignment:
{ CDP } pages 350-370; 393-419; 436-467
Studio Assignment: Shooting for Project 2 (bring in contatct sheets and files next week); Tutorial from book # 14.3;
14.4; 14.5


[Class 7]            October 15                   
Notebook Due: all research for Project 1, contact sheets, tutorials, and notes
In-class work; contact prints, research & meet with faculty 

Reading Assignment:
{ CDP } pages 492-538
Studio Assignment: finalizing Project 2; schedule for printing

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October 22 FALL BREAK - no classes

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[Class 8]      October 29 
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Individual consultations
Printing in-class
Mounting
Reading Assignment:
Your own research - Research, write, shoot (be prepared to discuss project proposal next week). A written proposal is due next week that outlines your goals in this project.
Studio Assignment: complete project 2

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*** SPE PHOTO CONFERENCE at WOODSTOCK CENTER FOR PHOTOGRAPHY Friday, November 2 & 3rd. See link.

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[Class 9]  November 5   
-Project 2 due / Critique
Intro to Project 3:Independent Research Series (due November 19, December 3) &
Intro to Project 4:Web portfolio (due Exam week) > link to descriptions <  
find 2 sucessful and 2 failed website portfolios designs and post on class blog ------->class blog
Studio Assignment: shooting for project 3; sketches for website; resize images from project 1 & 2 for website

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[Class 10]    November 12   
Introduction to web design architecture; using PS & Dreamweaver together
Reading Assignment: Your own research for Project 3; Dreamweaver: WORKSPACE, CREATING & MANAGING FILES; ADDING CONTENT; LINKING & NAVIGATION; PREVIEWING; PAGE CODE; WORKING WITH OTHER APPLICATIONS~PS;
Create basic pages for entire site;
Meet with faculty (present websites)
Studio Assignment: shooting for project 3 - evaluation next week -

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[Class 11]   November 19   
Contact sheets & rough prints for Project 3
PROJECT 3 evaluation - bring in all work and research
Work on website
Studio Assignment: shooting for project 3 ; revisions and focus

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[Class 12]     November 26
contact sheet due with all shots for Project 3
Website presentations to entire class

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[Class 13]     December 3                               
                   in-class work!!!

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[EXAM WEEK]     Tuesday, 12/18/2007 2:00 pm - 4:50 pm in HH374A                    
                  WEBSITE due / Critique
                  Project 3 due / Critique    
Website presentation // completed and burned onto CD/DVD