Class Description:
In this class we explore the fascinating, ever changing world of the photographic studio. Building on lesson upon lesson, you will learn many lighting and camera techniques. This while using electronic strobe flash sources to make thoughtful, creative images under controlled studio conditions. Students are expected to produce work that reflects the knowledge learned through assignments and create a photographic portfolio for the Midterm and Final.

Course Objectives and Outcomes:
Learn Studio digital workflow in production of strobe based images
Explore the nature and sources of light both continuous and strobe
Show understanding of light, what it does and most importantly how to use it in the Studio in creation of imagery for homework/Midterm-Final projects.  
Utilize Color Exposure Card System in controlling color balance
Show proficiency in using hand held reflective light / incident light meter.
Selectively apply lighting techniques as Rembrandt, butterfly, loop, broad, short, rim, flat, and split lighting.
Demonstrate proficiency in balanced mixed lighting.
Demonstrate proficiency in ratio, high key, low key, direct and indirect lighting.
Employ various expressive and corrective posing when placing/composing the intended subject
Demonstrate knowledge of scrims, gobos, snoots, gels, reflectors, light boxes, and other hardware as appropriate
Emphasis on Photographic History to lay the frame work for assignments/projects
Produce a portfolio and prints for the Midterm and Final

Teaching Methodology:
My teaching methodology is to have the student, in class and in assignments, encounter the broad ideas/problems that photographic image creation brings up. Through a series of learning based step by step exercises students are confronted, provoked to produce work that is structured to improve their skills/critical knowledge.
 

This class is taught twice a week through lecture, critique and hands on learning. Beyond the first week, every class will begin with a critique. Groups or individuals will present work produced specific to the previous weeks assignment. A lecture will follow introducing the new methods and techniques that will be expected to produce work for the next week’s assignment.  Which will almost always be expected to be worked on the weekend. This will be followed by in studio time in which students will have a chance to explore these new methods and techniques for the assigned project.

 

Class Guidelines:

• There are no unexcused absences from critiques or lab.  No one should be working on projects in the lab during critique times.

• No Cell Phones are allowed to be used in class.

• Food or drinks are not permitted in the studio or computer lab

• You must have a student picture ID for lab access purposes or campus security will turn you away.

• It is the student's responsibility to meet with the instructor regularly to discuss their work. 

• Office hours TBD.

• Bring the required equipment and materials to class as instructed. Present each assignment on time.  Each assignment is due at the beginning of the due date class period. Works handed in late will not be accepted.

• Verbal abuse or sexual harassment will not be tolerated in the labs.

• It is expected that individual students when working alone or in groups are to keep the area in which they work clean. Before finishing a project students all must work to clean up the area before you leave. Please report any messes to instructor and/or studio supervisor.

• When it is reported that a student is repeatedly making messes, he or she may be dropped from the course or receive a grade reduction. The labs must be clean at all times!  

Grading & Attendance Polocy:

• Grades are based on class participation (attendance and participation in class discussions) homework/in class assignments, midterm and final project.  

• Your grade will reflect the amount of time that you devoted in the studio and the effort that you give to discussing the work of your peers during critiques.

• Tardiness and excessive classroom breaks (non-participation as noted in class rules above) will be noticed and will detract from your grade.  

• Attendance in both lecture and lab is required.  

• Students are expected to utilize time in studio and will be counted absent if the student leaves early.  

• An excused absence requires a note from your doctor.  Each unexcused absence will lower your final grade by 10%. No more than 4 absences are allowed.

 

     *Please review Class Rubric attached at the end of the Syllabus to see how each assignment is graded.


Information/Services for Students with Documented Disabilities:
If you have been approved for testing accommodations through the Learning Accommodations Center or have needs because of a disability, please feel free to discuss this with me and/or directly contact either:

Learning Accommodations Center:  Serving students with documented disabilities such as; learning disabilities, attention deficit disorders, autism spectrum disorders, brain injuries, chronic illness, low vision/blind, physical disabilities, psychiatric disabilities and seizure disorders. Visit us in the Student Center SC111, call: (978) 556-3654, or email: lacenter@necc.mass.edu

 

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services: Serving students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Visit us in the Student Center SC110, call (978)-241-7045 (VP/Voice) or email: deafservices@necc.mass.edu

Students please note:
Work produced by students may be displayed in public or digitally reproduced/displayed on campus or college/student websites for educational purposes.

This syllabus is subject to change. Plan on receiving updates/changes to assignments & course schedule as the semester moves forward.  Please check your email often.