PO 101
Photography 1
Asst. Professor: Juan Fernandez
Fall 2014
Course Information
Document Date/Semester
Fall 2014
Course Numbers
PO101.2086.F14
Class Time and Day
Classroom Building and Room Number
Monday / Wednesday 4:30 - 7:30
Rm 428 Main Building
Additional facilities, if applicable
Digital Imaging Lab Rm 407
College Name and Address
Grand Rapids Community College
143 Bostwick Ave
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Instructor Information
Name
Juan Fernandez
Department Phone
(616) 234-3948
Cell Phone
(630) 460-2843 *Email contact is preferred*
Email Address
Office Location
JuanFernandez@grcc.edu , or teaching@jmanuelfernandez.com
Monday and Wednesday 3p-4p & 7:30p-9p
Tuesday 3p-7p
Also By Appointment
Rm 364 Main Building
Mailbox Location
Rm 321
Office Hours
Required Texts and Materials
Class website
http://www.JManuelFernandez.com/teaching.html
Text
Light & Lens: Photography in the Digital Age
**Required**
Supplies/Materials
Supplemental Resources
Fernandez: PO 101, Fall 2014
by Robert Hirsh (2nd ed, 2012, ISBN 024081827X). Our textbook
is available in the campus bookstore and at other local and
online bookstores.
•A fully adjustable digital camera. A digital single-lens reflex is
suggested (DSLR) to achieve the best quality. However, other
types of cameras will be considered as well.
•Memory card for your camera of choice (at least 4gb capacity);
•USB memory card reader if using compact flash card.
•USB flash drive 16GB or more.
•Portable external hard drive, 500 GB or larger.
•Additional batteries and memory cards for your camera.
•Tripod *recommended*
• All essential handouts are located on our class Blackboard
page. Also check: http://www.JManuelFernandez.com/
teaching.html.
1
Course description
Designed to provide basic skills in technical processes of photography and equip the student with the skills to use
photography as an art medium. This class emphasizes the technical, but also explores the conceptual process as
related to photography.
Prerequisites
Consent of Instructor
Learning Objectives
This course introduces the photographer to the basics of Digital SLR camera operation. The student will develop the
skills and learn the appropriate techniques to produce consistent, high quality photographs. An understanding of the
conceptual, aesthetic and technical potential of the medium, and an awareness of how the photographer controls
them will be emphasized. Supported by critical conversation and theoretical readings, the student will utilize these
new tools to expand their individual artistic practices.
Understanding basic camera controls
•Shutter Speed
•Aperture
•ISO Rating
•Lens selection
•Creative Focusing
•Composition
Understand basic concepts necessary to navigate our photographic culture through theoretical readings.
•Readings pertaining to contemporary photographic theory.
•Contemporary Photographic book viewing.
Software Applications
•Adobe Lighroom
•Bridge
Digital Image Capture and Processing
•Camera Raw exposure, controls, global settings
•Digital workflow (use of Bridge / Lightroom, custom workspaces, job folders, batch renaming of digital files,
metadata, keywords, writing Actions for batch processing, Automate, Image Processor)
•DNG format
Color to grayscale conversion methods
•Adobe Camera Raw
Develop a Final Project that appropriately expresses your ideas, and explores the powerful potential of the
photographic image.
Reading the text, reading the prepared notes that I have made for you, and taking your own notes are essential—
without them you will simply not pass this course. You must work steadily and participate actively in all discussions.
You must be organized, able to work for long periods alone, and enjoy the process of creating images experimentally
with time devoted to building and rebuilding them. You will need to devote 6-8 hours per week to work outside class.
To pass this course you must actively take notes during Demo Days or lectures. Hint: The book contains ALL the
answers for the final exam. (Read it.) Also, read and apply the handouts and prepared readings that I give you. It is
imperative to be organized and self-motivated. Enjoy the process of creating images, but understand that Quantity is
important to the learning process (MAKE A LOT of photographs.) You will need to devote 6- 8 hours per week to work
outside class.
Fernandez: PO 101, Fall 2014
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Grading Policy and Evaluation Procedures
Credit hours:
3
Grading scale:
Grading Breakdown
100 points In-class Participation
50 points ea. - Six (6) Projects (300pts)
50 points - One (1) Presentation (50pts)
100 point - In-Class Midterm
150 point - Final Project
50 points - Readings
50 points - Final exam
800-744=A
743-720=A-
719-696=B+
695-664=B
663-640=B-
639-616=C+
615-584=C
583-560=C-
505-480=D-
479-0=E
559-533= D+ 532-506= D
GRADING SCALE. A 4.00, A- 3.67, B+ 3.33, B 3.00, B- 2.67, C+ 2.33, C
2.00, C- 1.67, D+ 1.33, D 1.00, D -0.67, E 0.00
(Failure to attend lectures or complete assignments will lower your grade)
E
D
C
B
A
Fernandez: PO 101, Fall 2014
If you are absent from your final presentation(s); incomplete course
requirements or four absences.
Below average quality of work and with below average participation.
Work of average quality and with average participation.
Assignments presented on time, regular attendance, good participation,
and steady significant efforts throughout. Many students receive this
grade.
“B” requirements, along with outstanding participation and work. A small
number of students normally receive this grade.
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Assignments:
1) Creative Camera Controls
2) Seeing the Light
3) Composition and Design Elements
4) Color Theory
5) In-class Midterm
5) Portrait
6) If I were You...
7) Artist Presentation
8) Final Project: Stories and Narratives
FINAL PROJECT. As a culmination of the class you will produce a cohesive
group of photos (minimum of 12 -15 final images) that investigates a sustained
idea, theme, topic or subject. Final projects may derive from assignments, but are
more thoroughly explored and developed. More details and examples of student
projects will be discussed and shown in class. I encourage you to start thinking
and investigating final project ideas as early as possible.
HANDS-ON MIDTERM. Hands-On Mid Term shooting project that will be
completed entirely in class covering technical, workflow and creative concepts.
Requirements and
assignments:
FINAL TEST. A final test will be given covering materials from text, lectures,
handouts, discussions and demonstrations.
Assignments and final project are listed above.
You should keep this document as well as your returned assignments because it
is your responsibility to know these written policies as well as your performance
to date.
Late Work:
Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the scheduled due date. Any
late work will automatically be dropped One letter grade. Late work must be
handed in by the next class period, any later will not be accepted and you will fail
the assignment.
Return student work:
All prints will be returned before the next assignment’s due date. After that time, I
cannot retain the prints. The Final Project will be returned on our scheduled Final
Exam date.
Extra Credit:
Students will be able to gain up to 40 points by attending two lectures or shows
and writing a one page review of each. Students must see the instructor to get
the shows/lectures approved and the reviews must receive a passing grade to
count. Quizzes and in-class writing assignments for extra credit may be offered at
anytime. The points accrued from extra credit will be added to your total points,
not your percentage points. Other options for extra credit may present
themselves through the semester.
Fernandez: PO 101, Fall 2014
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Academic
Integrity:
ACADEMIC HONESTY, INTEGRITY AND PLAGARISM:
The development, understanding and practice of academic honesty and integrity are
expected of all students at GRCC. Personal integrity is important in all aspects of life and
students are expected to conduct themselves with honesty and integrity both in and out of
the classroom. Acts of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Students engaged in
such conduct may be subject to classroom and/or institutional disciplinary actions.
Academic dishonesty (cheating) is defined as intentionally using or attempting to use
unauthorized materials, information, or study in any academic exercise or receiving credit
for work which is not their own.
• Fabrication is defined as intentionally falsifying or inventing any information or
citation on any academic exercise.
• Plagiarism is defined as intentionally or knowingly representing the words or ideas
of another person as one’s own in an academic exercise.
Attendance
policy:
The consequences of academic dishonesty may vary according to circumstances. Actions
that could be taken include, but are not limited to, a failing grade for the work involved,
failure in the course, and/or removal from the program.
The SIXTH absence results in an automatic “F” in the course. Regular attendance is
crucial for your success in this class. Attendance means being present for the entire class
period as determined by the professor. Attendance is taken every class period. I do not
remind students of the number of absences accrued. If you accrue six absences and earn
a failing grade you are still welcome to keep attending, working and learning.
Absences:
There are no excused absences with the exceptions of jury duty or military duty.
Please plan ahead for an unplanned absence by obtaining the email and telephone
number of a fellow student in order to contact them for notes and work due if you are
forced to be absent—especially since this syllabus will be changing from week to week in
response to your needs and learning pace.
Tardiness:
Tardiness is unacceptable because it disrupts learning. Arriving late and departing early
(more than 15 minutes) counts as half an absence. Students are expected to stay for the
entire class period and to participate in class discussions and critiques.
Late work and The technical assignments are pass / fail. You must pass these assignments to receive full
makeup
credit. The long term project will be graded by weekly participation.
assignments:
Disabilites:
DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES.
Students with disabilities who wish to request accommodations must be registered with the
Disability Support Services Office (DSS) in Room 368 of the Student Center. You may
contact DSS at (616) 234-4140 for more information. Once you are registered with the
DSS Office, you will receive an Accommodations Agreement to present to me to verify your
registration. Please see me as soon as possible so we may have a private conversation to
discuss accommodations.
Course
calendar:
Changes to the Syllabus
The instructor reserves the right to change the contents of this syllabus, schedule,
assignments and procedures due to unforeseen circumstances, inclement weather,
extenuating circumstances and class needs as determined. Students will be given notice
of relevant changes in class, through a Blackboard Announcement, or through GRCC email.
Fernandez: PO 101, Fall 2014
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Civility:
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT:
All GRCC students are held accountable to the Student Code of Conduct, which outlines
expectations pertaining to academic honesty (including cheating and plagiarism),
classroom conduct, and general conduct. The Code can be found in full at Student Code of
Conduct.
CLASS BEHAVIOR (Personal and Interpersonal skills): Good participation involves
coming to class on time and no early departures, being attentive, asking constructive
questions and offering solutions, reading the textbook, participating in class activities,
respecting the personal/property/rights of others, completing all assignments on time and
in a professional manner, following all printed and verbal instructions, and keeping track of
all scheduled assignments.
Disruptive, rude, or annoying classroom behavior will negatively affect your classmates’
performance (includes usage of cell phones). Usage of electronic devices, like cell
phones, i-pods and other devices for listening to music or watching films, and texting
devices are all prohibited.
Health and
Safety:
The traditional art classroom has many available hazards that are containable with proper
awareness and procedures. Safety hazards come in the form of tools and equipment
(paper cutters, drills, X-acto knives, kilns,…) and in the form of materials/chemicals (paints,
turpentine, clay, photographic chemicals,…). Common sense, awareness, training, and
proper processes diminish the dangers inherent to the art studio. WARNING: Anyone who
is pregnant, nursing, or has a respiratory condition should ask their doctor before
continuing with any class that uses toxic materials.
Equipment. Common sense in usage of equipment prevents problems. Students should
first be trained in proper usage of all equipment. Proper eye protection, respirators/masks,
gloves, and any other appropriate protection should be worn and used properly. In case of
accident Instructor should be notified immediately, the wound should be cleaned, and
dressed with a sterile bandage. If the situation calls for greater attention the Instructor will
send for help through the GRCC Police who are trained in Safety Procedures.
Materials and Chemicals. Awareness of the hazards begins with the LABELS on the
materials. Use as recommended. Whenever possible use non-toxic materials labeled AP
(Approved Product) or CP (Certified Product). Instructor will train students to utilize proper
protection (respirators, ventilation, …), and how to properly store, mix, and dispose of
hazardous materials. Eating is not allowed when these materials are used to prevent
ingestion of the chemicals. In case of accident Instructor should be notified immediately to
deploy appropriate action.
WARNING: Anyone who is pregnant, nursing, or has a respiratory condition should ask
their doctor before continuing with any class that uses toxic materials.
GRCC Email Students are responsible for all communications sent via Blackboard and to their GRCC
and Course email account. GRCC student email can be accessed through Student Email (http://
Communicati email.grcc.edu) and Blackboard (http://bb.grcc.edu). Please make sure your email account
ons:
and passwords are active for class and college communications. Updated or active
accounts will be needed for use in the digital photo lab.
Withdrawal
If you are thinking about withdrawing from class, first check about any financial aid
Policy:
policies concerning withdrawals – some financial aid plans require that you must pay back
all or certain percentages of aid monies for courses not completed (=dropped). You should
also be aware of some policy issues regarding dropping a class at GRCC. College policy is
that students may withdraw from classes and receive a "W" grade through their own
initiative prior to the 70% completion date of the course. Students will not be able to initiate
a drop (“W”) during the final 30% of the semester. After the 70% date the instructor can
only assign an appropriate grade, based upon work completed or missed. The 70%
withdraw date is ______, 2014. To drop a class you will have to do so thru e-grcc. A stop
in your attendance does not automatically withdraw you from the course.
Fernandez: PO 101, Fall 2014
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Audits:
An audit (V) indicates interest in the subject but without any performance expectations.
This option is only available during the first month of the course and you must inform the
instructor of your choice to change from a grade to an audit. The instructor needs to
declare Audits within the first 4 weeks of the semester. If you are taking
the class for personal growth reasons, I encourage you to audit the course. This
circumstance often applies to those who do not need this course for a degree requirement
or for transfer to another institution.
Incomplete:
For students who have had a documentable circumstance which interrupted their ability to
complete all assignments but have completed 90% of the semester’s coursework a grade
of Incomplete (I) if requested and agreed upon by the Instructor provides the opportunity to
finish the remainder of coursework within a specified period of time after the end of the
semester. If the work is not completed on time then the Incomplete reverts to a grade that
represents the student’s performance before the incomplete grade was assigned.
Classroom
Policies:
Cell phone usage, listening to music with headphones, watching videos, gaming and text
messaging are disruptive and will not be permitted during class sessions. During all class
sessions, phones must be silenced and kept out of sight. There will be time during breaks
to use your phone. No food or beverages allowed at the workstations in the digital lab. Use
of the Internet in the lab is allowed, ONLY if it pertains to specific goals and needs of this
class, i.e. researching photographic topics or specific photographers. However, other uses
of the Internet are not allowed during class-time, i.e. Facebook, Youtube, Tumblr,
#hashtagging, texting, emailing, etc. We are here for photography, not social media
networking, gaming nor endless web surfing for cute cat pictures.
Fall 2014 Calendar (Subject to Change)
Calendar
Notes:
Week 1
[ 8/25]
Introduction
Class website, texts, readings, assignments,
final project, your responsibility to know each of
the Photography 101 goals and objectives.
Digital Camera requirements (6 mega pixels or
higher) with manual controls (aperture, shutter, film
speed and focus) and a built in light meter.
To do: Read and sign the Statement of Understanding
at the end of the Syllabus. Bring it to the next class
period.
Obtain your camera. Bring it to class as soon as
possible. Get in the habit of bringing it to class.
[ 8/27 ]
-Short History of Photography Lecture / Demo of
different camera types
Fernandez: PO 101, Fall 2014
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Calendar
Week 2
[ 9/1 ]
Labor Day - NO CLASS
[ 9/3 ]
-What is a lens and how does it work?
Week 3
[ 9/8 ]
-Basic camera Principles / Principles of Design Bring
in Photos to Discuss / Getting ready to shoot /
Prepping your camera.
Notes:
-To do: Buy your camera or bring in one you already
own.
To do: Collect examples of photography. From places
like the library in photo books, magazines, or products
on September 8th.
-To Do: Download John Swarkowski’s Article to be read
by September 15th
[ 9/10 ]
Introduction Assignment #1 - Creative Camera
Controls
Week 4
[ 9/15 ]
-Due John Swarkowski’s Article to be read by
September 15th
[ 9/17 ]
-Basic Camera Operations DUE
Week 5
[ 9/22 ]
In-class discussion of Roland Barthes Punctum
[ 9/24 ]
-Introduction Assignment #2 - Seeing the Light / Using
your lightmeters
Week 6
[ 9/29 ]
-Screening: TBD
[ 10/1 ]
Seeing the Light DUE
Based on the Principles of Design Choose TEN of your
best Images for crit.
Week 7
[ 10/6 ]
-Adobe Bridge / LightRoom Lecture / Naming
Conventions / Storage
RAW Processing Demo / Bring in your RAW files!!
[ 10/8 ]
Assignment #3 Composition and Design
Fernandez: PO 101, Fall 2014
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Calendar
Notes:
Week 8
[ 10/13 ]
Work Day: Attendance Mandatory
[ 10/15 ]
DUE: Assignment 3
Week 9
[ 10/20 ]
Assignment #4 Color Theory
[ 10/22 ]
MIDTERMS
Week 10
[ 10/27 ]
Introduction: Assignment #5 Portrait Project
Screening: Brief Encounters
[ 10/29 ]
Assignment #4 Due
Week 11
[ 11/3 ]
In-progress individual crits
Handout: Artists for Presentations
Introduction: Assignment #6 If I Were you...
To do: Choose an artist for presentation. DUE 11/10
7-10 minute Presentation DUE 11/24
[ 11/5 ]
Due Portrait Assignment #5
Week 12
[ 11/10 ]
Artist For Presentations Due
Artist Book / Source for Project
Artist Resource Due.
In-Progress Individual Crit. Project Proposal and
Sketches Due.
[ 11/12 ]
Work Day: Attendance Mandatory
Week 13
[ 11/17 ]
Intro Final Project: Stories and Narratives
[ 11/19 ]
Work Day: Attendance Mandatory
Fernandez: PO 101, Fall 2014
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Calendar
Notes:
Week 14
[ 11/24]
Assignment 6: If I Were You… / Presentations DUE
[ 11/26 ]
*No Class
Week 15
[ 12/1 ]
Work Day: Attendance Mandatory
[ 12/3 ]
Work Day / Final Exam Review
Week 16 [ 12/8 ]
Final Exam
[ 12/10 ]
Final Project Due
PHOTOGRAPHIC SUPPLY SOURCES:
Local
Accents Supplies, 4073 Lake Michigan NW, Standale, 616-498-4377, accentssupplies@aol.com
Norman Camera, 954 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids, 616-954-9920, normancamera.com
Best Buy and Costco (Refer to their web page to locate a store)
Peter’s Camera Repair, 1171 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids 616-4544487
Online
bhphotovideo.com, located in New York City
adorama.com, located in New York City
freestylephoto.biz, located in Hollywood, CA
amazon.com
newegg.com, specialized in computer supplies
macsales.com, specialized in Mac products
academicsuperstore.com, educational discounted software but our bookstore should match any online student price
Keh.com Used camera dealer
***Photo Majors should consider a Professional DSLR and/ or appropriate camera medium.
Materials
Camera - Digital camera (6 mega pixels or higher) with manual controls (aperture, shutter, ISO and
focus) and a built in light meter.
500GB Portable Hard-drive
16GB thumb drive
Hand-held light meter - This is not required, but in the professional world these are a must!
Tripod - This is not required, but would be of great use to you especially if you are a photo major.
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STUDENT’S UNDERSTANDING
(Please sign, date, remove from the syllabus, and return to Juan at the Week Two class session).
I have read the Attendance and Grading Policies, Syllabus and Class Schedule for this class and understand what will
be expected of me throughout the semester. I understand that the sequence and content of individual class sections
are subject to change.
All images created by me are my sole responsibility. Neither Grand Rapids Community College nor any of its agents
or employees assume responsibility or guarantee or warranty the storage devices utilized throughout the course of the
class. My photographic materials and the backup of my materials are my sole responsibility.
NAME (PRINT)______________________________________________________________
SIGN _____________________________________________________________________
DATE______________________
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