CRAIG HAVENS Intermediate Digital Photography: Finding Your Eye

Transcription

1 CRAIG HAVENS Intermediate Digital Photography: Finding Your Eye It is putting one s head, one s eye and one s heart on the same axis. As far as I am concerned, taking photographs is a means of understanding which cannot be separated from other means of visual expression. It is a way of shouting, of freeing oneself, not of proving or asserting one s own originality. It is a way of life. - Henri Cartier-Bresson Course Number: ART X Class Structure: 7 Lecture Sessions/ 2 Lab Sessions / 1 Shoot Session Course Instructor: Craig Havens / craig@studio642.com CATALOG DESCRIPTION For students who have taken X Introduction to Digital Photography, or with equivalent experience on a digital SLR, this course focuses on gaining control of all photographic variables, while attempting various creative assignments. The use of manual controls is emphasized, along with the capture and processing of.raw image files. Course assignments involve defining a point of view, emphasizing figure versus ground, storytelling, portraits, and the use of artificial light. Three computer lab sessions cover the Raw workflow, Photoshop for photographers, monitor calibration, and printmaking. Enrollment limited to 18 students. Students must be familiar with such basic computer operations as opening and saving documents, file management, and copy/paste functions, etc. Students are encouraged to bring their camera and instruction manual to the first class. WINTER 2010 SESSION This course is offered in 10 sessions. Two of these sessions are computer labs and one is a field trip/shoot on location. Participants should plan to attend all sessions in order to fully access the benefits of course materials and lectures. 1/11 7to10pm Session 1 Intro/Best Images 1/25 7to10pm Session 2 Space/Architecture 1/31 10am to 1pm LAB I Advanced Adobe Photoshop & Lightroom Techniques 2/1 7to10pm Session 3 RAW Format / Portraiture 2/8 7to10pm Session 4 Concepting / Narrative Structure 2/21 10am to 1pm LAB II Digital Workflow / Printing 2/22 7to10pm Session 5 The PhotoEssay 2/28 10am to 1pm SHOOT Malibu Canyon Creek & Dam 3/1 7to10pm Session 6 Scouting/Prelight Critique 3/8 7to10pm Session 7 Final Photostudy Critique

2 OBJECTIVES This class will explore the new photographic paradigm of digital imaging. It will provide both intermediate and advanced photographers with a complete skill set regarding the following facets of digital photography: mechanics of digital image capture, camera functions, file management and workflow, post-processing and printing, composition & lighting for digital photography. Students will gain insights into approaching subject matter and concept development, professional photographic practices, history of photography, development of visual sensitivity and generating personal insights into individual experience through the medium of photography. Upon completion of the class students will have completed a fullyrealized photostudy. EXPECTED OUTCOMES The general goal for this course is to provide photographers with a foundation of information and experience with digital image-making. In addition, the course will facilitate a transition from the process of film-based image making for those with prior experience in that discipline. Specific objectives are that participants will be able to: -Accurately identify shutter speed and aperture settings and successfully master the basic principles of their balance and control -Demonstrate an awareness of professional digital asset management and archiving -Control and correct color balance of digital image files -Demonstrate an understanding of good digital image exposure and RAW format capture -Articulate a personal aesthetic rationale within the practice of image composition -Successfully demonstrate a personal creative interest and vision in class assignments -Accurately adapt lighting techniques to the distinct nature of digital imaging sensors -Demonstrate competence regarding the principles of linear/non-linear image editing -Complete culminating experiences demonstrating competency in the discipline of fine digital printing techniques and practices -Complete culminating experiences demonstrating competency in environmental photography including portraits and location studies -Successfully write, concept and complete a personal Photographic Essay demonstrating a personal vision and competency in course material -Meaningfully review classmates course projects and participate in group critiques -Develop respectful and congruent interpersonal skills and abilities to work successfully with groups and individuals from diverse backgrounds within the program coursework -Correctly use vocabulary specific to the technical and creative facets of digital imaging -Engage in positive and meaningful dialogue with classmates concerning course topics and student projects -Express interest in further study in photographic and artistic practices

3 DESCRIPTION OF CONTENT This course is offered in 10 sessions with 9 on-campus sessions. Two of these sessions are computer lab sessions. There is one on-location class shoot. Participants should plan to attend all sessions in order to fully access the benefits of course materials and lectures. Classroom Sessions Session 1: Intro/Best Images An introduction to the course will be given, previewing the subjects to be covered. An overview of digital photography and its progressive development will also be presented. Activities will include personal introductions by students, a review of the instructor s work, individual and group work in exploring the distinct functions of each student s digital camera, a diagnostic pretest (not counted in course grade). A vignette of digital camera mechanics will be given. A group activity will calibrate each students camera to standard settings. Assignment 1: Upload Examples of Current Work Session 2: Space/Architecture Class critique of Assignment 1 will be held. Basic principles of effective image capture will be studied in the context of describing a space through photographic documentation. An introduction to architectural studies and techniques will be presented. Lens characteristics in regards to studies of constructed space will be discussed. A slideshow of examples of architectural and space studies will be shown. Assignment 2: Describing a Space / Architectural Constructs Session 3: RAW Format / Portraiture Class critique of Assignment 2 will be held. A vignette will be presented on working with the portrait study to achieve compelling images in both individual and group settings. Shooting principles for RAW files and JPG files will be discussed. Principles of exposure bracketing & effective metering will be presented along with a description of RAW controls available in post-processing. Assignment 3: Advanced Portrait Techniques / RAW + JPG Shooting Session 4: Concepting / Narrative Structure Class critique of Assignment 3 will be held. A lecture on the practice of identifying and constructing photographic narratives will be given with examples of photography from this area of practice. Areas of inquiry will include revelation of character, location as character, connecting with people, directing the subject, and effective character/place studies. Comparison and contrast of strict linear storytelling and non-linear studies will be presented. Assignment 4: Storytelling Linear, Non-linear

4 Session 5: The PhotoEssay Class critique of Assignment 4 will be held. A lecture will be given on the principles and practices of the photographic essay with visual references to historic and current photographic studies. Areas of focus will include concepting, working styles, editing a story, ethics, and personal creative investment in a chosen area of study. Models of effective photostudy concepting and execution will be presented including: identifying your intention, writing a project proposal/artist statement, Preproduction (Scouting, Scheduling) and Shooting Techniques. Two defining photostudies from the history of photography will be presented and discussed. Assignment 5: Three Study Proposals / Scout Photography Session 6: Scouting/Prelight Critique A review of each student s first week of shooting will be held. A discussion concerning problematic issues in the execution of student concepts and techniques will be conducted. Students will raise questions of concern and share insights into the unfolding of their personal experiences during shooting. A lecture on dealing with the fluidity of the shoot will be given. Assignment 6: Personal Study Shooting / Processing / Upload Session 7: Final Photostudy Critique Activities will include in-class display and presentation of final photographic essays by students. Group critique and review of each essay will take place with instructor and each student providing feedback and insight into the work. A summary of subjects presented in the class will be given and an open discussion forum regarding further exploration of digital imaging will be held. COMPUTER LAB SESSIONS LAB I: Advanced Adobe Photoshop & Lightroom Techniques Principles of image editing will be presented including organizational tools in Lightroom/ Bridge (file transfer, batching, renaming, rating) and custom folders in Mac OS. Activities will include a lecture on the basic principles of constructing an effective edit from a body of images and an in-class demonstration of editing selected student work. A review of historic photographic imagery that has set precedents for effective editing techniques will be given. LAB I Assignment: Editing with Intention/ Defining A Narrative / 3 Distinct Edits LAB II: Digital Workflow / Printing A lecture will be presented on the basic principles of RAW file processing and how they specifically relate to the preservation of the highest quality image. Activities will include an in-class demonstration of processing RAW files and taking the image through final color, contrast and cosmetic post treatments in Lightroom. Discussion of interpretive color balance and contrast will be conducted. Activities will include a lecture on inkjet printing and an in-class open print lab. A lecture will be presented on file preparation for digital output, color spaces and color calibration, printer settings, media selection, and archival issues. LAB II Assignment: At-Home Correction / Retouching & Printing

5 FIELD TRIPS FIELD TRIP I: CLASS SHOOT Malibu Canyon Creek & Dam FIELD TRIP Assignment: Personal Study Shooting - Bring Models, Shoot Landscape, Environmental Studies, Hiking/Nature/Wildlife REQUIRED MATERIALS Supplies: Textbook: 35mm Digital SLR Camera w/ manual setting capabilities Built-in or On-camera TTL strobe 50mm fixed Lens or equivalent zoom lens 1 Gigabyte Portable USB Flash Drive "Photography" by Barbara London and John Upton ISBN is COURSE REQUIREMENTS -Attending all lectures and reading assigned materials -Completing in-class activities -Responding to discussion questions regarding session topics -Completing shooting assignments -Completing final project assignment GRADING Participation 30% Each participant is expected to take an active part in activities. This includes presenting and sharing information, ideas, and thoughts in class discussions. The participation component of your course grade is based on: Frequent attendance Completing activities Contribution to class and group discussions Cooperative and collaborative effort Completeness and accuracy of contributions and presentations Professional and respectful behavior Class preparation (e.g., completion of readings and activities by posted deadlines) Shooting Assignments 30% Three shooting assignment are due at various times during the course and are each worth 50 points (8% of the course grade). The assignments are designed to help you make meaningful connections among the pieces of information presented and your prior knowledge, as well as to assess your progress and understanding. The assignments build toward your final project. Each assignment is graded for completeness and accuracy. See the course schedule for assignment due dates.

6 Final Project 40% A final photographic study to be presented in group critique at the last course meeting. Sample photographic studies will be reviewed during the course. The final project is designed to aid in your understanding of photographic studies and applying the principles of digital image-making in a generative way to your personal artistic practice. Incomplete Course Grades Incomplete course grades must be arranged with the instructor prior to the last week of the course. Course incompletes are only allowed in cases of documented, justified circumstances. Instructor Contact Information You may contact me by at ucladigi2@craighavens.com if you have any questions or concerns. Please DO NOT contact me through personal/business or phone. UCLA STUDENT STORE / SOFTWARE DISCOUNTS Extension students who are enrolled in For-Credit classes are entitled to the same academic discounts as University students. In addition, students enrolled in designrelated certificate programs can take advantage of a further discount for Adobe software (it s something like 80% off list price). The upshot is that a student enrolled in one of my classes (but who is not enrolled in the certificate program) can bring their receipt in to the student store and purchase software at the regularly discounted price. A student who enrolls in the certificate program will receive the super-discount that was recently bartered with Adobe.