ARTS 363
Digital Photography II
1. Catalog Entry
ARTS 363
Digital Photography II
Credit hours (3)
Prerequisites: ARTS 262 with a grade of "C" or better
Builds intermediate skills in digital art photography. Topics covered include studio
lighting, portrait photography, digital editing as an art-making approach, photographic
applications, analysis of photographic artists and their work. Students will investigate
both artistic and professional aspects of photography. Emphasis is on the creation
of portfolio works showing the student’s artistic vision and the development of a
professional workflow. May be taken twice for a total of six hours credit.
2. Detailed Description of Course
This course provides a more in-depth approach to digital photography as an artistic medium and as a professional practice. Current aesthetic trends and practices in contemporary fine art and commercial photography are explored. Skills in studio lighting and portrait photography are learned through both creative, personal expression and through professional-quality image-making. Students develop stronger skills in digital image editing for how it applies to fine art and commercial applications.
3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
This course consists of advanced work with digital cameras and computer image editing
through explorations in both creative and commercial techniques. The possibilities
of studio photography and controlled lighting are a major component. Instruction
includes demonstrations and explanations of equipment usage and technique as well
as presentations of relevant artists. Laboratory work includes technical assignments
and portfolio projects that develop both skills and a unique, independent approach
to image-making. Projects range from creating professional fine art to commercial
portfolios, and might include:
1) Portrait photography, both environmental and in the studio.
2) Product and still-life photography, as applies to commercial needs and to artistic
pursuits.
3) High dynamic range imagery and digital photo stitching.
4) Creating the fabricated image using tools in Adobe Photoshop.
5) Advertising imagery.
6) Fine-art printing, including specialized Piezography black and white digital
inks as
well as large format roll-paper printer possibilities.
4. Goals and Objectives of the Course
Through completing this course, each student should be able to:
1) Demonstrate improved skills with digital cameras and image capture.
2) Understand how to work with studio lighting and equipment.
3) Develop skills in lighting a variety of subjects, from portraits to objects.
4) Produce photographs that are technically and aesthetically appropriate for
the
subject.
5) Improve digital image-editing techniques in the creation of either artistic
or
commercial works.
6) Develop a professional workflow that is efficient and effective for the practicing
artist or professional photographer.
7) Clarify vision and intent through the development of project proposals and
artist
statements
8) Create professional bodies of work of both artistic and commercial merit using
high-quality printing and presentation techniques.
9) Learn to analyze work in writing and orally with a clear, correct, coherent
and
persuasive language appropriate to art discourse.
5. Assessment Measures
Students will be assessed on:
1) Creative photography projects that incorporate the student's own interests
and
style, together with technical components that further the students understanding
of the medium.
2) Technical assignments and exercises through which students develop and refine
their understanding of photographic and digital techniques.
3) Tests and written evaluations of course materials.
4) Participation in class discussions and critiques.
6. Other Course Information
Students need to own a Digital SLR and are encouraged to have their own laptop with Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom.