Basic Photography B&W PHOT 31AB 70832; Rm#PCC-OO1 Fall 2011, T & Th 8:00-11:50am

Long Beach City College 1305 E Pacific Coast Hwy Long Beach, CA 90808

Instructor: Brian Doan E-mail: bdoan@lbcc.edu Office Hours: PCC-MM 124a, T & Th: 12-2:30pm. Appointments recommended. Telephone: 562.938.3036, PCC Lab: x3030, LAC Lab: x4001 Photography blog: http://briandoan31.blogspot.com

"Finding the right subject is the hardest part."

Mary Ellen Mark
COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is an introduction to the breadth of photographic practice. Through the development of critical thinking and technical skills, students will learn how to visualize, create, and evaluate photographic images. Techniques covered will include all aspects of camera functions from depth of field to shutter speed, film exposure, film development, and black and white printing; alternative darkroom techniques; digital resources; darkroom safety, and final presentation options. Through critical readings, class discussions, presentations of artists work, films, galleries visits, and critiques, students will learn how to evaluate, interpret, and critique photographs and ideas.
OBJECTIVES

1. Identify safety aspects of working with photographic equipment. 2. Manipulate traditional and digital photographic processes to produce finished photographs of professional quality. 3. Explain how to plan a photographic idea from conception to the finished photograph. 4. Demonstrate the use of the camera in manual, program, and automatic modes. 5. Chose the correct camera lens for a proposed photograph. 6. Analyze and understand the differences between different photographic films and printing papers. 7. Explain the use between direct and diffused natural light and predict the result of each on the finished photograph. 8. Operate on-camera electronic flash. 9. Discuss contemporary and historical commercial and fine art photographers and the various career paths available. 10. Evaluate the final print for content and technique. 11. Select a suitable method for mounting and display of a photograph A Short Course in Photography by London and Stone (required). Criticizing Photographs by Terry Barrett (optional). You need to purchase a package of 50 sheets 8x10 RC variable contrast photographic paper (Pearl or Lustre); a package of 25 sheets 8x10 FB (fiber-based) variable contrast photographic paper, 10-20 rolls Kodak Tri-X 35mm 24 exposure film, 20 sheets 35mm negative sleeves, 15-20 sheets of 11x14 mount board (white or ivory); scissors, caned air, anti-static negative brush, three ring binder, notebook, an 11x14 portfolio box. Our stockroom has limited number of 35mm cameras; however you are encouraged to use your own camera if it meets with your instructor approval.

TEXT

SUPPLIES

Merchants:
Local Photo Stores Freestyle Catalog Center 12231 S. Florence Ave, Sante Fe Springs 323 - 660-3460 X620 (let them know youre from LBCC) Hours: M-F 8-4 Tuttle Cameras 4019 Atlantic Ave., LB 562 - 424-8633 LBCC Bookstore PCC and LAC locations carry film/paper & other basics L.A. Photo Stores

Calumet 1135 Highland Ave., Hollywood 323 - 466-1238 Freestyle 5124 Sunset Blvd. Hollywood 800 - 292-6137 Samys Camera Fairfax & 3rd, Los Angeles 213 - 938-2420
GRADING

Each project or exam is worth 100 points according to the following scale: A+=100; A= 95; B+ = 90; B = 85; B- = 80; C+ = 75; C = 70; C - = 65; D+ = 60; D = 55; F = 45 and below. Each assignment must be turned in on the date due in order to receive full point value. One letter grade will be deducted for each week that an assignment is late. Any assignment that is submitted on time may be redone in order to try and raise the letter grade. All assignments will be turned in mounted on 11x14 mount board. The mount board must be black, white, or gray. All assignments will be accompanied by a contact sheet taped to the back of the mount board. Each assignment should have your name, class day and time, instructor's name, and the assignment title written legibly on the back of the mount board. Final grade evaluation: Projects: 50% Written assignment: 10% Quizzes: 10% Final Project: 15% Attendance and class participation: 15%

ATTENDANCE

Because the success of this course greatly depends on the exchange of ideas through class participation and group discussion, attendance is critical and it plays a considerable role in determining student grades. Three unexcused absences will lower a students grade by one letter. Three consecutive absences or a total of five during the semester will result in failure of the course. When an absence is necessary, students are responsible for obtaining information covered in the missed class, and for completing all assignments on schedule. Medical absences are excused only with a doctors note. Failure to bring work to a scheduled lab time will be considered an absence. Three tardies will equal one absence. Assignments will include: Readings from the textbook, A Short Course in Photography by London and Stone. Reading and writing assignments based on field trip and research. Five photographic projects using approximately twelve to twenty rolls of film. A final portfolio of mounted photographs. Assignments are due at the beginning of class on critique days. No Late work will be accepted. An unexcused absence on a critique day will result in an F for that assignment. Students are expected to work a minimum of six hours outside of class time per week.

ASSIGNMENTS

EXTRA CREDIT

Each student will be allowed to complete one extra credit assignment for the semester. The manner in which credit will be given will be explained by the instructor. If you would like to do an extra credit assignment, please consult with your instructor about the nature and scope of the project needed.

METHODS OF INSTRUCTION

Lectures and demonstrations in the classroom, studio and the darkroom by the instructor. The student will execute a certain number of assignments both on and off

campus. The student will have required readings in the assigned text.
REGULATIONS

Each student is responsible for the piece of equipment they are using. Loss or damage to the equipment must be paid for by the student. No unauthorized visitors are permitted in the class and darkrooms. No food, beverages or smokes are permitted in the studios, darkrooms, finishing area or gallery.

Cell phone must be turned off in class. There is no text messaging allowed.
Failure to comply with any of the above regulations is sufficient grounds for your dismissal from the class.
SCHEDULE

(please note that this schedule is subject to change) http://briandoan31.blogspot.com

Week 1 8/28 Review of course syllabus and supply list Introduction and definition of photography Getting materials Bring camera and manual to class Introduction to camera Lab tour/check out Bring images collection

8/30

Week 2 9/4 9/6 Lecture: Lab: Lecture: Lab: Slice show Demo - Photogram Pinhole Project Making pinhole camera

Week 3 9/11 9/13 Week 4 9/18 Pinhole Project Due Lecture: Slice show Lab: Shooting outdoor Lecture: Lab: Film Processing/Making Contact Sheet Open Lab Lecture: Lab: Lecture: Lab: Cameras/Camera Function/First shooting assignment Bring camera and manual to class. Movie/Discussion Shooting First Roll of Film

9/20

Week 5 9/25 Due First Roll of Film Lecture: Using Filters Lab: Open Lab Due Contact Sheet Lecture: Depth of Field (DOF)/Discussion of Assignment 1 Lab: Mounting and Matting

9/27

Week 6 10/2 10/4 Week 7 10/9 10/11 Week 8 10/16 10/18 Lecture: Lab: Midterm Discussion/Lighting Lecture (cont) Open Lab Flex Day No Class Lecture: Lab: Lighting Open Lab FLEX DAY COLLEGE CLOSED Assignment 1 Due Lecture: Critique on Assignment 1 Lab: Open Lab

Assignment 2 Due Lecture: Critique on Assignment 1 Lab: Open Lab

Week 9 10/23 10/25 Week 10 10/30 11/1 Week 11 11/6 11/8 Assignment 3 Due Lecture: Critique on Assignment 3 Lab: Open Lab Lecture: Lab: Lecture: Lab: Artist Profile Open Lab Window Light Open Lab Lecture: Lab: Lecture: Lab: Class taking midterm /Field Trip Planning Open Lab Film Scanning / Discussion of Assignment 3 Open Lab

Week 12 11/13 11/15 Week 13 11/20 11/22 Week 14 11/27 Assignment 4 Due Lecture: Portfolio Lab: Open Lab Museum Report Due Lecture: Online Publishing Lab: Open Lab Lecture: Lab: Final Project Introduction Open Lab Museum Trip (TBD) Bring notebook & your camera Lecture: Lab: Slice show Open Lab

Thanksgiving No Class

11/29

Week 15 12/4 Final Project Statement Due Lecture: Slide Show Lab: Film Scanning

12/6 Week 16 12/11 12/13 Lecture: Lab: Final Critique Individual Meeting Open Lab