Course Description and Prerequisites. Course Objectives. Safety. Instructor Information. Resource Materials

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1 ARTS 310 Spring 2011 MW 5:45-7:50PM Langford C307 Course Description and Prerequisites This course is designed for the beginner "digital" photographer. We will cover the basics of photography as well as digital techniques. The course is designed to be a mixture of technical instruction, shooting, and discussion of peer work. TAMU Catalog Description: Creation, manipulation, and critique of the digital image; composition and aesthetics; digital camera controls; exposure refinement; lighting techniques; digital work-flow; image conversion and control; color management; post-processing techniques; layering and compositing; printing technology and processes. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification. Course Objectives The purpose of this course is to help you become a "better" photographer and photographbased image creator. The first thing you will do is develop an understanding of the technical aspects of photography and then use that knowledge (coupled with computer-based editing) to create images that communicate, motivate, inspire, perplex, or entertain. Safety As you go from location to location to shoot photos for your assignments, BE CAREFUL. Don't trespass onto private property. Make sure you have permission to shoot at that location and follow all safety guidelines (example: Wearing a hardhat at a construction site). You, and you alone are responsible for your personal safety. Instructor Information Name Glen Vigus Telephone number address gvigus@viz.tamu.edu Office hours call or for an appointment Office location Langford Building C416F Resource Materials TEXTBOOKS: All reading materials will be available FREE online.

2 VIDEOS: Instructional and software-tutorial videos will be available online via TAMU's MediaMatrix Internet Media Services. HARDWARE: You will need access to a camera with MANUAL CONTROL. Instead of spending money on text books, this course provides you the opportunity to invest in a digital camera. Techniques taught in this course are not limited to any specific type of camera, make or model. However, to take full advantage of this course, you should purchase (or have access to) a digital camera that allows manual control of shutter speed and aperture. New compact digital models that have manual [M] control options can be purchased for as little as $180. For some assignments you will need to use a tripod (make sure your camera can mount on a tripod). If you cannot borrow a tripod, you can purchase an acceptable one for approximately $20-$40. You will also need access to a computer and the Internet. Assignments will be submitted online. Throughout the semester, you will have access to the computers in C109 when the room is NOT being used for other classes. You can also use other on-campus computer labs. Check for more information. SOFTWARE: Image manipulation will be performed using Adobe Photoshop. This software is available on the machines in C109 and all Open-Access-Labs on campus (oal.tamu.edu). SUPPLIES: There will be one "printing" assignment during the semester. The cost of this project will be determined by the size of your final print and any additional materials you might use to mount and display your work (<$20). CONTESTS: You will be required to submit one of your images to a photography contest. Prices per entry can be as little as $5.00. Grading Policies Throughout the semester, you will earn points by successfully completing photographic assignments, self critiques, peer evaluations, and correctly answering quizzes. Your grade will be based upon your % of total possible points earned. Instead of taking a final examination for this course, you will submit a photographic-essay worth 300 points (10% point deduction if essay topic deviates from topic proposal). 90 to 100% A 80 to 89% B 70 to 79% C 60% to 69% D 59% or Lower F Weekly photographic projects are uploaded twice per week. The first "draft" version is uploaded for peer reviews every Monday by 9:00AM. The second "final" version is submitted for grading every Wednesday by 9:00AM. Peer evaluations must be posted by noon every Tuesday. Late uploads will result in a 10% project point reduction per day until the assignment is submitted.

3 IMPORTANT: *All photos must be shot and post-processed AFTER each photo-assignment has been given. Photos taken prior to this semester cannot be submitted. *No self-portraits unless instructed to do so. *If you photograph a nude subject for one of your assignments, inform your team BEFORE posting your work for peer-review. Doing so gives others the ability to decide whether or not they want to view/critique such work. Also have your model sign a release form. Weekly Schedule Attendance Policy This is a web-supported course. We will meet every Wednesday "in person" for lectures, guest speakers, and informal peer-critiques. The rest of our interaction in this course will take place via TAMU's elearning System. The University views class attendance (online and in-person) as the responsibility of an individual student. Attendance is essential to complete the course successfully. University rules related to excused and unexcused absences are located on-line at Course Topics, Calendar of Activities, Major Assignment Dates *the following assignments are subject to change Week Topics/Activities/Assignments 1/18 Topic: What to expect - course overview Assignment 1: Getting to know YOUR camera.

4 1/25 Topic: Introduction to Photography and Photoshop Assignment 2: Line, Texture and Shape 2/1 Review of Student Work: Crit. 1 - Line, Texture and Shape. Topic: Composition Assignment 3: Rule of Thirds 2/8 Review of Student Work: Crit. 2 - Rule of Thirds Topic: Light and Shadows Assignment 4: Types/Styles of Light Assignment 5: Match the Light 2/15 Review of Student Work: Crit. 3 - Types of Light & Match the Light. Topic: Lenses, Perspective, Blur, and Depth of Field Assignment 6: Point-of-View Assignment 7: Step-Back-Zoom-In 2/22 Review of Student Work: Crit. 4 - Point-of-View & Step-Back-Zoom-In Topic: Motion and Moment Assignment 8: Motion Blur Assignment 9: Action Sequence 2/29 Review of Student Work: Crit. 5 - Motion Blur and Action Sequence Topic: Monochromatic Assignment 9: Classic Black and White Mid Term 3/7 Review of Student Work: Crit. 6 - Classic Black and White Topic: Landscapes and Environments Assignment 10: Standard Panoramic

5 3/14 SPRING BREAK 3/21 Review of Student Work: Crit. 7 - Panoramic Topic: Color Theory Assignment 11: Color Theory Applied Assignment 12: The Lone Color 3/28 Review of Student Work: Crit. 8 - Complimentary Colors and The Lone Color Topic: Portraiture Assignment 13: Standard Portrait Assignment 14: Character/Creative Portrait 4/4 Review of Student Work: Crit. 9 - Portraiture Topic: High Dynamic Range Assignment 15: HDRI 4/11 Review of Student Work: Crit HDRI Topics: Beauty & Photographic Essay - Telling a Story with Pictures Assignment 16: Beauty / Photo Contest Assignment 17: Photographic Essay Proposal Assignment 18: Photographic Essay 4/18 Review of Student Work: Crit Photo Contest / Beauty Essay Proposals Due Topic: How is done?...other photographic techniques Shoot, Edit Photographic Essay 4/25 Review of Student Work: Crit Photographic Essay FINAL REVIEW Assignment 19: Never Stop Learning 4/30 The 25th should be our last class meeting. However, if we run into any scheduling conflicts, Monday the 30th (last day of spring classes) may be used for our final review.

6 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Policy Statement The following ADA Policy Statement (part of the Policy on Individual Disabling Conditions) was submitted to the University Curriculum Committee by the Department of Student Life. The policy statement was forwarded to the Faculty Senate for information. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Department of Student Life, Services for Students with Disabilities, in Cain Hall or call For additional information visit Academic Integrity Statement An Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate those who do. Acts of academic misconduct will be reported to the Honor Council. Rules and Procedures can be found on the web College of Architecture Property Statement "It is unlawful for any person to damage or deface any of the buildings, statues, monuments, trees, shrubs, grasses, or flowers on the grounds of any state institutions of higher education (Texas Education Code Section )" The words damage or deface refer specifically to any and all actions, whether direct or indirect, that either diminish the value or mar the appearance of the physical environment.