Chabot College
September 1998
Replaced Fall 2010
Course Outline for Photography 50
INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOGRAPHY
Catalog Description:
50 - Introduction to Photography
3 units
Introduction to photographic processes and light sensitive materials. Camera controls and their use in
making pictures. Developing black and white negatives and prints. Print finishing, presentation, and
critique. 2 hours lecture, 4 hours laboratory.
[Typical contact hours: lecture 35, laboratory 70]
Prerequisite Skills:
None
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:
1. demonstrate an understanding of how light and chemicals interact with film and paper to create
photographic images;
2. demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the essential mechanisms of the camera and the functional
relationships of those mechanisms;
3. demonstrate a working knowledge of various photographic materials, including film, printing
paper, and photo chemicals;
4. develop black and white film and make contact prints and enlargements from negatives;
5. spot and dry mount black and white photographs;
6. demonstrate an appreciation for the importance of a well conceived and executed photograph;
7. articulate critical responses to photographic images.
Course Content:
1. The Camera
a. Basic camera construction
b. Basic types of cameras
c. Lens and camera care
d. Camera controls, Panning, Stop action, Blurring for motion
2. Exposure
a. Basic types of meters and metering techniques
b. Equivalent exposures
c. Depth of field
d. Exposure/development relationships
3. Lenses
a. Focal length
b. F numbers
c. Basic types of lenses
4. Light Sensitive Materials
a. Films
b. Papers
5. Basic Photo Chemistry
a. Developer
b. Stop Bath
c. Fixer
d. Hypo Clearing Agent
6. Composition
a. Basic guidelines
b. Seeing photographically
7. History of Photography
8. Flash Photography
Chabot College
Course Outline for Photography 50, Page 2
September 1998
a. Electronic flash units
b. Calculating flash exposure
c. Flash accessories
9. Mounting and Presentation
a. Print spotting
b. Dry mounting
c. Window mats
Methods of Presentation:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Lecture
Laboratory demonstration
Audio/visual materials
In-class critique
Selected readings
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1. Written examinations
2. Critiques of photographs submitted
Textbook(s) Typical:
None
Special Student Materials:
Photographic supplies as required by instructor
DL:GG:kh Photo 50
Revised: 12/15/98 gg