Photography 1 - Arts 130-02 Georgetown University

Spring 2004- Georgetown University
Photography I - Arts -130-02

Instructor: E. Brady Robinson
Office Hours: By Appointment/E-Mail: er39@georgetown.edu
Syllabus online: http://www.gobrady.com/arts130.html
Class Meets Tues/Thursdays from 3:15-5:05, class meets in Walsh 203
prerequisite: drawing 1, design or photo 1

Course Description: For the beginner student. Covers all primary skills required for
the production of black-and-white photographs, including camera operation, exposure, film developing, printing, spotting, and mounting prints. Emphasis will be placed on the expressive use of photography. Students will also learn how to criticize evaluate and discuss work produced during the semester through critiques.

Course Objectives: A comprehensive beginning black and white photography class covering an introduction to the camera, and the process of exposing, developing and printing 35mm black and white film. The emphasis is on the expressive means of photography and proper procedure with the camera and in the darkroom. Guided weekly assignments will be given to develop camera and darkroom skills as well as personal technique. Students will also work individually with the instructor to develop a final portfolio of prints representing one idea or theme.

Course Overview:
1. Use a manually operated 35mm camera. You will choose f-stops, shutter speeds, and types of film appropriate to the type of image you are making.

2. Expose and develop black and white film. Make black and white photographs.

3. Conceive and execute a final series of 6 mounted prints representing one idea/theme.

Requirements:
1. Attendance is mandatory. You are expected to be present for the entire class, including lab time. Beyond 3 unexcused absences constitutes an entire letter grade lower for the final semester. Additional unexcused absences result in an automatic F for the final semester grade. Open darkroom time does not serve as a substitute for class time. Lateness/leaving early is not tolerated and will lower your grade.

2. To have all the necessary materials at each class. Read required textbook.
You are also responsible for all required readings listed on syllabus.

3. Respect the area you in which you are working. Develop good dark room habits. Clean up after you work in the darkroom. You must carry a hand towel when working, use trays when carrying wet photos, and return equipment and work stations as they were found before using. No eating/drinking. Cell phones off.
No visitors in the darkroom or film processing area.

4. Assignments are submitted when due.

5. To complete a final portfolio of images consisting of 6 prints based on one theme/idea, edit down from at least 6-8 contact sheets and work prints.

6. To attend 2 contemporary photography exhibitions at a museum or gallery.
Methods of Instruction: The methods of instruction for this class include demonstration of proper camera and darkroom procedure, weekly-guided assignments, and individual final projects. Slide lectures will be given throughout the semester. Students will learn how to accept and give constructive criticism during the course of the semester in the form of group critiques.

Remember this is an ART course; therefore you will be expected to apply the technical skills learned toward the production of fine art. Photos of friends hanging out in your room, bottles piled on tables and squirrels on the Mall are usually very dull. Keep these in mind;
-Look for a unique perspective
-Create independent solutions to ideas
-Strive for the highest quality possible through proper film exposure & development and printing techniques.
-Look at the work of other, more accomplished photographers

Grading:
1. Just doing the assignments does not mean that you will earn an “A” in this class. You must complete the goals for each assignment, execute at the expected level of technical proficiency, and give a professional presentation to the final portfolio. Grades are a reflection of how well you accomplished objectives set out for the course. You will be evaluated on both technical and aesthetic values. When you have completed all assignments and course work at an excellent level of performance, you will earn a grade of A. When you have completed all assignments at a good level of performance, you will earn a grade of B. When you have completed all assignments at an average level of performance, you will earn a grade of C. When you have failed to accomplish the course objectives by not completing assigned course work, not participating in classes and/or labs, or missed more than 4 classes, you will earn a grade of D or F.

A=Excellent -thorough understanding in all technical areas as well as inventive and well executed solutions to all assignments.
B= Good - above average understanding in all technical areas, most solutions to assignments are thoughtfully executed, some need improvement.
C= Average - adequate understanding in all technical areas, most solutions do not yield significant interpretation or insight to the problem.
D= Poor - inadequate understanding in most technical areas, portfolio is incomplete and finished work is mostly of poor quality (out of focus, contrast problems, spots, poor presentation)
F=Failure - lack of understanding in all technical areas, portfolio is incomplete and student lacks ability to submit work of any significance or quality.

2. Your personal contribution to class is also taken into consideration. Each student is partially responsible for the success of the class. Contributions include:
A. Regular Attendance. Being on time. Staying for the full class.
B. Completion of assignments on time. Projects will be accepted one week late, but will be lowered by one letter grade. Projects will not be accepted any later than one week after due date. If a portion of an assignment is late, the entire assignment will be considered late.
C. Willingness to participate in class discussions, this includes preparation both in terms of completion of projects & coming to class with ideas & opinions that will promote discussion. A missed critique may result in a reduction in the project’s grade.
D. Participation in the orderly functioning of the lab...set up/clean up, respect/ care of equipment, proper return of borrowed equipment.

Criteria for Evaluation:
1. An acknowledged understanding of the assignment and seeking of unique solutions.
2. Demonstration of sensitivity of the camera as an image-making tool.
3. Individual initiative and an effort to carry assignments as far as possible with creativity and originality.
4. Willingness to discuss openly all solutions to the visual problems you face with the class as well as the ability to respond to constructive criticism from classroom critiques.
5. Technical proficiency - skills in processing, printing and final presentation are judged by industry standards in craftsmanship. Technique should be appropriate to the image& idea.
6. Compliance with written and oral instructions.

More on Grading:
-A tremendous amount of time and energy will be spent on grading by your instructor.
-The assigned grades will be based on the criteria stated above and will be a reflection of the quality of your work in relation to other student’s who are taking the same course.
-The amount of time spent on a project does not have a direct correlation with the grade. (A lot of time spent on a project does not always result in a high grade.
-The instructor will help you make the best possible prints from your negative, but this does not insure that the work will receive an “A” when it is graded along with and in relation to all of the other student’s work.
-Contrary to popular belief, grading photographs is not a subjective process

Hand in Procedure: (this applies to all assignments)
-Label all assignments clearly (name, date and assignment # on back of mat board)
-Everything requires a cover. A grocery bag is not acceptable
-A contact sheet with negatives is due with all projects
-Dry mounted work needs to be on 11x14” white acid-free mat board
-Final photos need to be retouched with spot-tone pens
-Projects may not be resubmitted for a better grade

Professionalism, attitude, effort, participation and attendance: Have all materials needed for class and participate in keeping the photography areas clean and organized. Have all reading assignments completed prior to the class lecture. Class time and open labs should be used efficiently. Photography courses are very “hands-on” and dependent on instructor/student interaction. Missed classes are missed opportunities that cannot be made up by reading a textbook. Learning is accomplished through experience and observation. The student is responsible for missed information; lectures will not be repeated.

Grade Breakdown:
1. All assignments (excluding your portfolio work) plus class participation and lab/facilities conduct count for 50% of your final grade.
2.The Final Test counts for 25% of your final grade.
3.Your final portfolio work counts for 25% of your final grade.

Instructor/Student Communication:
Please contact me at immediately if you are experiencing any problems throughout the semester. I expect and rely on good student/instructor communication. Meetings can be arranged by appointment.

Disability Support Services: Any student who is registered with the Disability Support Services must inform the instructor on the 1st day of class so the appropriate accommodations can be arranged.

Honor Code of Academic Integrity:
Student will independently produce original work during the semester. All assignments (written, verbal, visual) in this course will be completed in compliance with Georgetown University’s code of academic integrity.
-It is the student’s responsibility to be familiar with the code of academic integrity
-Images from negatives created from previous semesters will not be accepted
-Collaborations must be approved in advance; negatives and prints may not be shared
-Suspicious assignments will be brought to the attention of the appropriate authorities

Class Policy and Disclaimers:
-Each Student will need a 35mm camera with manual settings, not a point and shoot camera. Equipment problems should be resolved quickly to avoid falling behind in coursework. If your camera breaks, it is your responsibility to get it fixed or get another camera to use. All late penalties will apply
-If you do not have adequate time outside of class to complete assignments or if you have conflicts with open lab hours, do not stay in the course – no exceptions
-Photography is expensive. Unfortunately, photography is an expensive medium. Therefore, in addition to your lab fee you will be responsible for the items on the supply sheet and other incidental costs. A reasonable expectation of your expenses is $250.
-Photography courses are very time consuming
-Expect to spend a minimum of 4 additional hours a week working in the darkroom outside of your regularly scheduled class time.
-Plan on shooting approximately 1-2 rolls of film per week – the number of rolls necessary and the time needed to expose them will vary.
-ALL STUDENTS MUST HAVE HAND TOWEL, DODGING/BURNING TOOLS AND GLOVES TO PROCESS FILM AND PRINTS
-Photography chemistry is potentially hazardous and must be handled with caution and respect
-Darkroom time is a privilege. Misuse of equipment or chemistry may result in temporary or permanent suspension from working in the darkroom. All late penalties will apply
-Be polite and courteous to your instructor, other instructors, lab assistances and EACH OTHER. Disrespectful or disruptive students will be asked to leave and will be suspended from open lab. Any class time missed will be counted as an absence, which may affect final grade. All late penalties will apply.
-Misplace syllabus or handout? Copy it from another student
-It is the student’s responsibility to ask questions, take verbal instructions, and receive the proper information so that assignments are completed and presented correctly. If you are unsure of anything, please ask.
-Turn off all noise making devices when entering class/darkroom and keep them off until you leave. This includes but is not limited to cell phones, beepers, palm pilots, etc.

Materials Needed:
Optional Text: Black and White Photography, a basic manual. 2nd edition by Henry Horenstein Copyright 1983. Little, Brown & Company, Canada. ISBN# 0316373141

Required Text: Photography, 6th edition by Barbara London and John Upton.
Copyright 1998 Addison-Wesley Educational Publishers, Inc. ISBN# 0-321-01108-2

35mm Manual Camera (new or used) You must have a camera with manually adjustable f-stops and shutter speeds.
Preferred Cameras: Electronically Timed Shutters:
(with mechanical shutters) (with manual functions)
Canon F1 Canon A-1, Canon Program, T-70
Nikon FM2 Minolta x370, x570, x700
Olympus OM1, OM3 Nikon F-3, FG 20, FA
Pentax K 1000

35mm Film -15 rolls of Tri-X 400, 36 exp.
-2 rolls of T-Max 100, 36exp
-2 rolls of T-Max 3200, 36 exp.
Photo Printing Paper -Ilford Multi-Grade RC paper,
Pearl Finish. No Matte Finish Please. 8 x 10”, 100 sheets.
-Beseler Dust Gun (Compressed Air), Ethol Negative Cleaner and small box of Q-tips
-Towel, Apron, and Thick Gloves
-Plastic 35mm Negative Sleeves, and sleeves for 8 x 10” prints
-Thermometer, Scissors and Can Opener
-Spot-Tone Pens
-Large Plastic 3-ring binder
-Small notepad to keep a log of exposure readings
-Photo Mounting Board (15 sheets of 11x14”, white)
-Dry Mount Tissue (Seal Colormount Brand for RC paper. 8x10” 25 sheets)
-“Blotter Book” to take home damp prints

Optional Materials: skylight filter to fit your lens, tripod and magnifying glass/lupe.
-18% Grey Card
-Lens Cleaning Tissue and Fluid
-Antistatic Cloth - Ilford Brand

Local Photo Stores:
Ace Photo, 46950 Community Plaza, Sterling, VA 703-430-3333 www.acephoto.net
Penn Camera, 18th & L St, NW, Washington, DC
Pro-Photo, 19th & I St, NW Washington, DC
B&H Photo, NY, NY. bhphotovideo.com #800.606.6969, #212-444-6615

Photography I - ARTS 130-02
Instructor: E. Brady Robinson
Course Outline, Fall 2003

January
Tuesday 13: Introduction to class. Syllabus handout.
Lecture: Introduction to the Camera, Photo Terms, Basic Camera Operation.
Use of aperture/shutter speeds to control light & make proper exposures.
(Read Chapters 1-6 in Horenstein text.) Chapter 1-2 in London/Upton text
Begin Assignment #1 Point of View. Bring Camera & Tri-X 400, 36 exp.

Thursday 15: Intro. to the Darkroom.
LAB- Developing Film. Bring in your exposed film from assign. #1, scissors, bottle opener, negative sleeves, and towel.
Demo: Making Photograms.
Bring all required materials-photogram materials, printing paper. Start Assignment #2 Photograms.

Tuesday 20: Demo: Making Contact Sheets
Read Chapter 3-5 in London/Upton

Thursday 22: Lecture: Depth of Field. Shooting Assignment #3 Depth of Field. Read Chapter 6-7 in London/Upton text.
Invite: Curator Lecture + Artist Preview of Select 2004 wpa/c auction

Tuesday 27: Demo: Making B&W prints. Review Contact Sheet with Instructor.

Thursday 29: Lecture: Using Multi-Grade Filters to Increase Contrast.
Demo: Spotting and Mounting.

February
Tuesday 03: Review Filter Tests. Lab Time..

Thursday 05: Assignments #1-2 Due. Critique on #1 & #2.

Tuesday 10: Lecture: Shutter Speed. Motion/Action Techniques.
Begin Assignment #4 Motion Studies. Work on #3.
Read: Chap. 4 in Horenstein text.

Thursday 12: Lab Time. Process Film. Review Contact Sheets with Instructor.
Work on Assign. #3-4

Tuesday 17: Handout/Discussion on Final Series.
Lab Time. Process Film. Work on #3 & #4.

Thursday 19: Lab Time.

Tuesday 24: Slide Lecture: Photography and Light.
Begin Assignment #5. Light and Low Light T-Max 100 and T-Max 3200

Thursday 26: Lab Time

March
Tuesday 02: Critique on Assignment #3 & #4. Read: Chap. 15 London & Upton

Thursday 04: Individual Meetings Concerning Midterm/Final Series. Open Lab

Tuesday 09: No Class. Spring Break

Thursday 11: No Class. Spring Break

Tuesday 16: Slide Lecture/Demo on Special Techniques.

Thursday 18: Open Lab

Tuesday 23: Individual Critiques on Final Portfolio Work in Progress
Review Work Prints/Contacts.

Thursday 25: Lab Time.

Tuesday 30: Critique on Assignment # 5.
Read Chapter 9 in Horenstein Text. Chapter 8 in London/Upton.
April
Thursday 01: Slide Lecture/Review for Test.

Tuesday 06: Lab Time. Review Prints.

Thursday 08: No Class. Easter Break.

Tuesday 13: Lab Time. Review Prints.

Thursday 15: Photography 252 Test.

Tuesday 20: Lab Time. Review Final Prints.

Thursday 22: Mount/Spot Final Work

Tuesday 27: Mount/Spot Final Work

Thursday 29: Final Critiques. All Work Due at this time. No exceptions.

May
Tuesday 04: Final Critiques. All Work Due at this time. No exceptions.

May 5-6: Study Days

May 7: Exams Begin

May15 : Exams End.