DC 125 Digital Still Photography for Non-Majors
Summary
This course is an introduction to the principles and history of digital still photography. Students will both create and analyze digital still images in the greater context of major compositional and aesthetic principles. In-class projects will help students develop a tool set that will assist them in completing the 3 main projects, which will serve to emphasize the foundational pillars of still photography. Students will learn to compose, edit, composite and compress digital still images. Students will also learn to analyze and critique existing photography.
Students are required to use their own digital still cameras and have access to photo editing software. Adobe Photoshop is highly recommended, as that is what we'll be using in all of our tutorials.
Texts
Books:
Required (and available digitally through the library): Light and Lens: Photography in the Digital Age
By Robert Hirsch
Optional: Adobe Photoshop CS5 One-on-One
By Deke McClelland
You will also need access to Adobe Photoshop for this class.
You are welcome to use a different image editor,
but our class tutorials are based on photoshop.
Grading
Project 1: 20%
Midterm: 20%
Project 2: 20%
Project 3: 30%
Participation: 10%
Parameters for all projects will be discussed in the lectures.
Participation includes in-class projects.
Prerequisites
None.
Class schedule (subject to change)
Class 1
Introductions. Discussion of syllabus. Overview.
Assignments:
1) Read your camera manual.
2) Bring in cameras and manuals next class.
Class 2
Image file formats (JPEG, RAW, ETC.)
- Setting up image import
- In Class: Shoot the same shot with different settings, compare
Photoshop: Setting up projects, "save for web", basic tools, resolution, image size, canvas, layers.
Assignments:
1) Read Light and Lens (Chapters TBA)
2) Read Photoshop book (Chapters TBA)
Class 3
Camera operating modes, sensors, lenses.
Difference between optical and digital zoom. Camera types. Lighting.
Photoshop Tools.
Project #1 Assigned: Light. Video screening (TBA)
Class 4
Project #1 due, view and discuss. Review for Midterm.
Guest speaker
1) Read Light and Lens (Chapters TBA)
2) Read Photoshop book (Chapters TBA)
Class 5
Composition, balance, rule of thirds, line, perspective.
Shooting around the school.
Photoshop: Image adjustments, color, levels, saturation, white balance.
Project #2 Assigned: Composition.
Class 6
Project # 2 due, View and discuss. Mid-term quiz.
Assignment: Begin final project proposal.
1) Read Light and Lens (Chapters TBA)
2) Read Photoshop book (Chapters TBA)
Class 7
Watch La Jetee by Chris Marker.
Assignment #3: Story.
Final project proposal due. Discuss.1) Read Light and Lens (Chapters TBA) 2) Read Photoshop book (Chapters TBA)
Class 8
Final project proposal due. Discuss.
Watch video: TBA
Assignment: Have materials to work on in class next class.
Class 9
Guest speaker.
Photoshop: Clone Stamp tool, image removal, masks.
Work on Final Project.
Class 10
Project #3, (Final Project) due. Review.
This syllabus is subject to change as necessary during the quarter. If a change occurs, it will be thoroughly addressed during class, posted under Announcements in D2L and sent via email.
Evaluations are a way for students to provide valuable feedback regarding their instructor and the course. Detailed feedback will enable the instructor to continuously tailor teaching methods and course
content to meet the learning goals of the course and the academic needs of the students. They are a requirement of the course and are key to continue to provide you with the highest quality of teaching. The
evaluations are anonymous; the instructor and administration do not track who entered what responses. A program is used to check if the student completed the evaluations, but the evaluation is completely
separate from the student’s identity. Since 100% participation is our goal, students are sent periodic reminders over three weeks. Students do not receive reminders once they complete the evaluation.
Students complete the evaluation online in CampusConnect.
This course will be subject to the university's academic integrity policy. More information can be found at http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/ If you
have any questions be sure to consult with your professor.
All students are expected to abide by the University's Academic Integrity Policy which prohibits cheating and other misconduct in student coursework. Publicly sharing or posting online any prior or current materials from this course (including exam questions or answers), is considered to be providing unauthorized assistance prohibited by the policy. Both students who share/post and students who access or use such materials are considered to be cheating under the Policy and will be subject to sanctions for violations of Academic Integrity.
All students are required to manage their class schedules each term in accordance with the deadlines for enrolling and withdrawing as indicated in the University Academic Calendar. Information on enrollment, withdrawal, grading and incompletes can be found at http://www.cdm.depaul.edu/Current%20Students/Pages/PoliciesandProcedures.aspx.
Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss their specific needs. All discussions will remain confidential.
To ensure that you receive the most appropriate accommodation based on your needs, contact the instructor as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), and make sure that
you have contacted the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at:
Lewis Center 1420, 25 East Jackson Blvd.
Phone number: (312)362-8002
Fax: (312)362-6544
TTY: (773)325.7296