Department:
Art and Design
Course Number and Title: ART 1610, Photography I
Bulletin Description:
An introduction to the tools, techniques and creative aspects of the photographic medium.
DSLR camera recommended.
Prerequisite(s):
Co-requisite(s):
None
N/A
Program Goals and Outcomes (applicable to course as indicated on curriculum map)
This BFA studio applies to all the program goals and outcomes of the BFA major in Photography. This course
introduces the following goals:
1. Mastery of technical skills.
Demonstrate mastery of the technical aspects of the medium of photography including the camera, film, digital,
lighting, darkroom and digital printing.
2. Enhanced knowledge of visual history.
Demonstrate knowledge of the history of the visual arts, including photography, and its impact on social and
visual culture.
3. Develop critical thinking skills.
Demonstrate field-specific critical thinking skills so as to analyze, discuss and critique photographic images
considering technical, aesthetic ethical and conceptual applications and values.
4. Develop Proficiency in a variety of photographic practices.
Demonstrate the ability to engage in various photographic practices, including, but not limited to: portrait
photography, studio / product illustration, documentary photography journalism, digital photography, and fine
art photography
5. Demonstrate enhanced knowledge, skills and values consistent with the Core Curriculum.
Demonstrate effective communication skills and values consistent with the Core Curriculum in areas of:
information literacy, writing skills, and self-reflection.
Units of Instruction:
This course provides the student with a practical understanding of the basic skills of the photographic process
including: the use and applications of all DSLR camera functions, exposure, digital capture, editing, and
printing; as well as an introduction to the analog process, films, film processing, enlarging and printing
techniques. The aesthetic and practical purposes of photography are also introduced in this course.
At the discretion of the professor, this course can also introduce basic lighting and flash techniques.
I.
Introduction: History and Purpose
a) the photograph as a document, object of memory, political tool, marketing tool, visual aesthetics,
self expression, etc.
b) Historical overview: early accomplishments and uses of the medium
c) photographic styles and practices
d) trends in contemporary photography
Cite examples from photography’s history as deemed appropriate by professor. Students should be exposed to
as much visual literacy as possible in conjunction to projects assigned. Visits to galleries and museums to
expose students to historical and contemporary works, and the appreciation of “fine photographic
prints” and presentation are required.
II.
Ways in which to approach subject matter
a) Composition within the two dimensional framework
b) Principles of organization in the visual arts as applied to the photograph
c) Communicating specific emotion, intentions and reactions
d) Using camera functions for specific outcomes
e) Intent and outcome
III.
Practical Functions of the Camera: how the camera works
a) Light and exposure: aperture, ISO, shutter
b) Different types of cameras, functions and applications
c) The aperture and Depth of Field
d) The shutter and motion
e) Lenses and their applications
f) File formats: jpg, tiff, RAW
g) White balance
IV.
Introduction to Adobe Photoshop and Ink Jet Printing
a) Importing and saving files for different purposes
b) Editing functions in camera raw
c) Photoshop tool bar and image editing functions
d) Using adjustment layers
e) Sharpening and other useful editing tools for photographers
f) Papers and profiles
g) Preparing files for effective enlarging and printing
V.
Introduction to Analog Photography
a) Film and ISO
b) 35mm SLR and medium format options, e.g.: Mamiya, Holga, etc.
c) Metering and controlling film exposure
d) Using film camera functions for specific outcomes
e) Film developing and printing: introduction to the darkroom
VI.
Introduction to Lighting
a) Use an application of on-camera flash units
b) Introduction to studio lighting
c) Introduction to portrait lighting
VII.
Developing a Body of Work
a) Enhancing visual literacy: provide examples of photographs and discuss analytically through
content, meaning and execution.
b) Evaluation of work through class critiques and discussions.
c) Develop a variety of photographic concepts and ideas through projects and assignments.
VIII.
Presentation and Finishing
a) Printing for presentation and/or exhibition
b) Arrangement and sequencing for effective portfolios
c) Titles, statements, captions
d) Developing a professional presence in social media and through personal web site
e) Marketing your work
Bibliography:
Adams, Robert. Why People Photograph. New York: Aperture, 1994.
Badger, Gerry. The Pleasures of Good Photographs. New York: Aperture, 2010.
Barrett, Terry. Criticizing Photographs. Mountain View: Mayfield Publishing Co., 2005, edition.
Barthes, Roland. Camera Lucida, Reflections on Photography. Trans. R. Howard. New York: Hill and Wang,
1981.
Berger, John. About Looking. New York: Pantheon Books, 1980.
Davis, Phil. Photography. Dubuque: WM. C. Brown Publishers, 2003.
Diprose, Graham and Jeff Robins. Digital Photography, A New Introduction. New York: Thames & Hudson,
Inc., 2012.
Goldberg, Vicki, ed. Photography in Print: Writings from 1816 to the Present. New York: Simon & Schuster,
1981.
Grimm, Tom and Michele Grimm. The Basic Book of Photography. New York: Penguin Group, 2003.
Heiferman, Marvin. Photography Changes Everything. New York: Aperture, 2012.
Horenstein, Henry and Russell Hart. Photography. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall, 2004. (Companion
website: www.prenhall.com/horenstein)
Ingledew, John. The Creative Photographer. New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc. Publishers, 2005
Kelby, Scott. Adobe Lightroom 3 for Digital Photographers. New Riders Press, 2010.
London, Barbara, and John Upton. Photography. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall, 2003.
London, Barbara and Jim Stone. A Short Course in Photography. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice Hall, 2011.
Papageorge, Tod. Core Curriculum: Writings on Photography. New York: Aperture, 2012.
Rosemblum, Naomi. A World History of Photography. New York: Abbeville Press, 1984.
Rosen, Marvin J., and David L. Devries. Photography & Digital Imaging. Dubuque: Kendall/Hunt Publishing
Co., 2005 edition.
Schaub, George. The Art & Craft of Black and White Photography. Lincolnwood: NTC Publishing Group,
1996.
Shore, Steven. The Nature of Photographs. New York: Phaidon Press Limited, 2007.
Snider, Lesa. Photoshop CS6: The Missing Manual. Pogue Press, 2012.
Sontag, Susan. On Photography. New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 1973.
Steacy, Will, ed. Photographs Not Taken. Daylight Community Arts Foundation, 2012.
Szarkowski, John. Looking At Photographs. New York: The Museum of Modern Art, 1973.
Thompson, Jerry L. Why Photography Matters. Cambridge: MIT Press, 2013.
Traub, Charles, Steven Heller and Adam Bell. The Education of a Photographer. New York: Allworth Press,
2006.
Suggested Workbooks for students and faculty:
Noble Desktop: Adobe Photoshop CS6, and Photoshop CS6 Advanced Workbooks
APPENDIX I: NEW YORK STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS
APPENDIX I: NEW YORK STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS
New York State Education Department (NYSED) Requirement: NYSED requires that there be 15 hours of
instruction and 30 hours of supplementary assignments for each course credit.
Students are expected to complete 90 supplementary hours of research and class work per semester.
APPENDIX II: RATIONALE FOR A UNIVERSITY-WIDE CORE CURRICULUM
N/A