Chabot College
October 1999
Removed Fall 2010
Course Outline for Photography 52
BEGINNING CAMERA USE
Catalog Description:
52 - Beginning Camera Use
2 units
Camera handling techniques, basic exposure principles, camera accessories, photographic
composition, and slide presentation. 2 hours.
[Typical contact hours: 35]
Prerequisite Skills:
None
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course, the students should:
1. identify the various types of cameras and their operation;
2. correctly use his/her own camera and the various camera controls;
3. demonstrate his/her knowledge of depth of field principles by producing slides which show the use
of selective focus and maximum focus;
4. demonstrate his/her knowledge of exposure principles by producing correctly exposed color
slides;
5. use the principles of composition to create a coherent visual statement;
6. demonstrate the ability to use different shutter speeds to control the rendering of moving objects
in different ways.
Course Content:
1. Camera handling techniques
a. Types of cameras
b. Basic camera controls
c. F/stops and shutter speeds
2. Exposure principles
a. Light meters
b. Equivalent exposures
c. Depth of field
d. Selective focus
3. Movement
a. Stop action
b. Panning
c. Special effects through long exposures
4. Characteristics of films
a. Slide films
b. Print film
c. Film speed and related characteristics
d. Choosing the appropriate film for a specific task
5. Composition
a. Elements of an effective picture
b. Seeing with the camera
c. Elements of composition
Chabot College
Course Outline for Photography 52, Page 2
October 1999
6. Accessories
a. Tripods
b. Filters
c. Flash devices
Methods of Presentation:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Lectures and demonstrations on camera usage.
Exhibition of work by fine art and commercial photographers.
In-class critique of student photographs.
Viewing of exhibits of original photographs.
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1. Typical Assignments
a. Production of photographs demonstrating technical proficiency with camera and darkroom
controls
b. Production of photographs demonstrating the ability to create a coherent composition
c. Critique of photographs demonstrating an ability to analyze a photographic image and
communicate that analysis to others
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
a. Critique of photographic work
b. Examination
c. Evaluation of students' written and/or oral critiques of photographic work
Textbook(s) Typical:
Creative Camera Control. Laytn and Ferreira, Focal Press, 1996
Special Student Materials:
35mm camera, film, and processing
EG:kh Photo52 Revised: 1/21/00