Beginning Photography
22-245
Instructor:
Studio:
Don Stolley
E-mail: don@stolleystudio.com or stollej@uwosh.edu
E-mail is the best way to communicate.
231-2595 (Studio)
This phone is always manned at least with a machine.
Office hours @ 507 A/C (& by appointment): Tues/Thurs 12:30-1:30PM
436 N Main St
(Conveniently located across the street from Camera Casino & next
door to Oblios)
We will possibly have a class here.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is an introduction to photography. Students will learn the fundamental
techniques of the medium while studying the far-reaching impact and uses of photography.
This is also a studio art class, so attention will also be focused on the art of photography & the
artists who practice it. We will be working in traditional, classic, B/W film & print photography.
Trust me – this is the best way to really learn photography – digital can come later.
COURSE CONTENT:
In this class you will learn:
 How to control your camera and why you should want to.
 How to reliably process black & white film.
 How to make beautiful black & white prints.
 Why knowing the above will make you a better digital photographer.
 How to make decisions to achieve certain effects, to experiment or
solve problems you may encounter while shooting.
 How digital cameras work and what they mean for you.
 Real world Photoshop.
We’ll experiment with some special effects.
We’ll look at the history of the medium and how it relates to some other art forms.
You’ll hopefully hear and see the work of some other working professional photographers &
photographic artists and recent graduates.
Camera + Film + Processing Equipment + Chemistry (provided) + Darkroom
Space (provided) + Photo Paper + YOUR BRAIN + ME = LEARNING
PHOTOGRAPHY
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
 Everyone will shoot a minimum of 10 rolls of film during the semester. Each roll must
be processed and contact proofed.
 To be successful in this class, expect to spend 4-6 hours per week outside of class to
shoot & work in the lab.
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Everyone must maintain a notebook with your negs, contact sheets, notes, handout
sheets, and ideas. Some of this can overlap with your journal making for your other
studio classes.
Various online activities, including threaded discussions & responses.
There will be one test given after the middle of the term (date to be announced).
You must attend class. You must attend class. You must attend class.
YOU MUST ATTEND CLASS! Role will be taken. Lectures & demonstrations will not
be repeated.
I shouldn’t have to say this but turn off your cell phones, take out your ear-buds. You
can use your iPod or play CDs in the darkroom.
There will be numerous “work print” classes where we will compare & discuss the
results of individual assignments.
There will be 2 critiques: Mid-term & Final (dates to be announced). Don’t even think
about missing a critique, your grade will be affected seriously! You are required to
produce new prints for each critique and participate verbally. More info will be provided
as we proceed.
The final portfolio will consist of a minimum of 10-12 prints and the contact proofs from
all the rolls of film shot during the semester. At least 1 print must be matted/mounted.
COURSE EVALUATION:
15%
Attendance, Class Participation: EFFORT
20% Test Score
10% Online Content
25% Assignments
30% Final Portfolio
GRADING:
Assignments are graded based on the following criteria:
Content: Does the piece satisfy the requirements? (5 pts)
Complexity: How challenging or involved was the response to the assignment? (5
pts)
Craftsmanship: How well was the piece produced, attention to details? (5 pts)
Creativity: How unique was the idea, how personal? (5 pts)
Effort: How substantial was your work on this piece & your contributions to the
class discussion? (5 pts)
Grading Scale:
A 95-100
A- 90-94
B+ 87-89
B 84-88
B- 80-83
C+ 77-79
C 76-74
C- 70-73
D+ 67-69
D 64-66
D- 60-63
A= Excellent: All assignments completed on time. Work is of highest quality. Perfect
attendance. Participates in critiques & class discussions. Has shot well more than the
basic requirements. Has demonstrated outstanding progress in mastering the medium.
Work is above & beyond the call of duty.
B= Very Good: Goes beyond basic expectations. Projects are completed on time, under 2
unexcused absences and good participation. Works steadily & with improvement.
C= Average/Good: Meets basic expectations. Projects completed with good attendance.
Participation & work is average. Just “doing the job.” Everyone starts out with a C.
D= Deficient/Weak: Not really a part of this class, has several absences and is
consistently tardy. Low participation. Projects are incomplete, late and/or poorly
executed.
F= Inadequate: Usually this is reserved for “Missing-in-Action”. Incompletes cannot be
given without adequate University approved reasons & extenuating circumstances.
REMEMBER:
THIS IS NOT A DRESS REHEARSAL…
THIS IS YOUR LIFE!