J318 Photography I 2011.. Spring Semester Professor Eli Reed elireed@mail.utexas.edu and elireed@mac.com Class Meeting Times: 5 to 6:30pm CMA 6.168 Tuesday and Thursday 512-471-3938 (office) 512-626-5259 (cell) Office Hours: TBD Office 512-471-3938 Office hours: Tues/Thurs, 4 to 5pm, Office: 5.134A Lab Hours: 07370 Monday 1 to 5pm CMA A6.200 07375 5 to 9pm 07380 5 to 9pm Photo Lab and J325 Teaching Assistant - Office Hours during shift in the Photo Lab (6.200) Lab Manager / Equipment Checkout: Ray Ballheim, 471-1968, ray.ballheim@austin.utexas.edu Prerequisites: J310, J315 and J316 with a grade of at least C in each, a score of 45 or better on the Grammar, Spelling, Punctuation (GSP) test, a score of 29 or better on the Word Processing (WP) test, and admission to the Journalism Upper Division Photojournalism sequence or Consent of Instructor. SYLLABUS: Course Description and Course Overview Welcome to Photography I. This course is designed to provide a strong foundation in photographic technique, preparing you for the more advanced PJ courses in the sequence. The course consists of class discussions, shooting assignments, regular critique sessions, darkroom and digital lab work and a final project. Students should own or have regular access to a 35mm SLR camera body, a 50mm lens, and a flash that can be taken off of your camera. (You will not need a flash until the Flash Assignment). It suggest that you stick with Nikon and Canon equipment if possible. It is also recommended that you invest in a light meter, especially if you plan to pursue photography professionally.
Equipment is available (including Olympus DSLR s with lenses and strobes for check out from the photojournalism dept. (Ray Ballheim, Photo Lab Manager), but it is limited. You should meet with Ray and find out what available equipment is compatible with your system. Equipment may be checked out for 24 hours during the week and from Friday to Monday on the weekends. Check Ray s door for equipment check-out hours. For the digital assignment, digital cameras are available for extended check-out times. You may use your own digital camera only if it is equivalent to or better than the lab equipment. NOTE: You must have the manuals for your particular camera body and flash. If you don t have the manuals, download them off the internet. It is your responsibility to understand the functions of your equipment. Learning Goals By the end of the course, you should have a strong working knowledge of 35mm cameras and mastered the skills of proper exposure (metering), controlling depth of field (making equivalent exposures), flash, focus, using a variety of lenses, b&w darkroom printing, as well as working with subjects (posing and establishing rapport) and multi-image storytelling. You ll also be introduced to the process of digital photography shooting, manipulating and printing digital images. In the lab, you will learn the basics of Photoshop, Photo Mechanic, and negative scanning. Goals per assignment (each one building on the concepts of previous assignments) Assn 1: Shooting well-exposed, sharp images. Darkroom: film processing and printing. Assn 2: Metering natural light and making proper exposures. Working with subjects: posing. Darkroom: Burning and dodging, using filters Assn 3: Shooting: Controlling depth of field by making equivalent exposures. Assn 4: Shooting: Experimenting with wide, medium and long focal length lenses. Scanning negatives. Assn 5: Shooting an event with film. Storytelling through multiple images. Working with subjects. Basics of Photo Mechanic. Assn 6: Using fill flash in photojournalism and portraiture. Basics of Photoshop. Assn 7: Using flash indoors (techniques of bounce and slow-sync flash) Assn 8: Using Photoshop to produce quality image files. Digital printing. Assn 9: Shooting with digital cameras. Storytelling through multiple images. Download images. Assn 10: Final project: Picture story. In-depth assignment that utilizes all of the skills learned throughout the semester. Assignments will be returned in a timely manner. (Mostly within one week of receiving assignment.)
In keeping with the mission of the School of Journalism, the objectives of this course also focus on: 1) Ethics, Professionalism, Personal Integrity. This means meeting deadlines and being mature and responsible in the way you approach assignments and interact with your subjects. Photojournalists work with the public and their images are seen by the public. Be accountable for your own actions and respect the privacy of the people you photograph. NEVER make promises to subjects (i.e. I ll send you a print. ) that you do not intend to keep. 2) Writing skills. This is essential in photojournalism. It is imperative that photographers are able to write accurately and effectively in order to produce strong captions and describe their work for critiques, interviews, web sites, magazine articles and books. 3) Critical thinking skills. Not only through subject choice, but also in terms of strong picture editing with an appreciation of and sensitivity for diverse audiences. Supplies In Austin, you may purchase supplies at Precision Camera, University Co-op, and Holland Photo (take your ID and ask for a student discount). You should call first for supply availability. You may want to purchase some items, especially film, from larger photo outfitters who have better prices and may not charge tax. Several I can recommend are: B&H in NYC - www.bhphotovideo.com Roberts Imaging in Indianapolis - www.robertsimaging.com East Coast Photo in Brooklyn - www.eastcoastphoto.com Freestyle Photographic in Hollywood - www.freestylephoto.biz In this class, you will be using 35mm black-and-white film exclusively. I recommend that you use Kodak Tri-X or Ilford HP5 (both 400 ASA films). Only shoot 36 exposure rolls. Rolls with 24 exposures will not be accepted. It is a good idea to stick with one type of film until you are comfortable processing film and happy with your results. Note: When buying film, a brick of film is 20 rolls. Discounts should apply if you buy a brick. Other items you will need: 8x10 Photographic paper. I recommend Ilford Multigrade RC paper (matte, pearl, satin, glossy). Photo sponge. For squeegee-ing your wet, developed negatives before drying them. Fine point Sharpie-type pen for labeling your contacts,negatives and CDs. Clear plastic negative preservers that hold strips of FIVE negatives. All
negatives must be page sleeved in fives in order to make contact sheets on 8x10 paper. THREE folders for turning in assignments (must close with an elastic band or velcro). Paper for digital printing (not needed until the digital assignment and we will tell you the type of paper). Lock for darkroom locker 5B pencil for writing on the back of your prints Several CDs for burning your digital images. Canned air (Dust-off, etc.) for spraying dust off negs before printing. Optional, but highly recommended: two 35mm film reels and a glass thermometer. Items you can share: Spotone and a brush, Negative cleaner and Q-tips Assignments (You cannot photograph the same person twice.) We will have a variety of assignments throughout the semester, each designed to help you master different aspects of photography while developing your own style. Some of the assignments are more tedious and technical than others. However you should strive to be creative with every assignment, through your composition, posing, and choice of subject matter. Look for interesting settings, lighting, and remember to move around. Don t shoot everything from the same angle. I encourage you to experiment beyond the assignment requirements. Assignments are due at the beginning of each class, and all images must have been taken by you in the week the assignment was due (with the exception of the event and final project, which must be shot during the semester, but you will have more time for these assignments). Late assignments are not accepted. Do the best you can in the time you have. All film must be processed by you. Redoes Assignments may be redone for a better grade only if the assignment was originally turned in on time. Redoes must include all requirements of the original assignment, including written statements and technical logs. Redoes must be turned in by the end of the semester (see syllabus for date). If you do not hand in an assignment on time, it may not be redone. You may not redo the final project. Be sure to hand in your original assignment and grading comments along with your redo. Assignment Turn-In Procedure 1) Use a pocket-style folder (velcro or elastic band) for turning in each
assignment. Put ALL work for the assignment in the folder: written documentation, negatives, contact sheets, CDs and enlargements. The folder should be labeled with your name, course #, assn. number and semester. For example:susan Smith, J325, Assn 7, Fall 2008. Contacts, negatives, prints and written statements must also have your name and assn. # on it. If you don t wish to write on the back of your prints, you may type or clearly print this information on a piece of paper or label and attach it to the back of your prints. 2) Include Negatives.They must be cut in strips of fiveand put in clear plastic negative preservers with the first shot on the roll in the upper left and last shot in the lower right position. Have the base side of the film facing up so the negative numbers read correctly left to right. Using a Sharpie, label the top of the negs with your name & Assn. #. Also indicate R1 for roll 1, R2 for roll 2, etc. 3) Include Contact Sheets. On the back of each contact sheet, print the same information you put on the negative preserver, including R1, R2 etc. Make readable contacts of good exposure. If your negatives are consistently exposed there should be no problems. If a good part of your roll is of a different density (exposure) from the rest, you may want to make two contact sheets - one of optimum density for each part. Make sharp contacts! Unsharp contact sheets occur when there is not enough pressure on the glass. 4) Required Enlargements. Unless otherwise instructed, make required prints on 8x10 paper using the dimensions given in class. Print everything full frame (the whole image) preferably with a black border. You have the option of using a filed-out negative carrier if you want your prints to have a sloppy black border. (Cropping of prints is not allowed until the final project). If you have an image that you really want to crop, make an extra print with your cropping and bring it to class for the critique. Minimize dust spots by using canned air or spot-tone. Do not mount prints. Everyone is expected to dodge, burn and use filters to produce high-quality prints. 5) Written Statement /Technical Data. For every assignment include a one-page, typed statement that indicates any comments, questions, observations or problems you had regarding the assignment. Consider where the assignment went well, where it did not, and why. Include technical information when required. This is a professional program, so spelling and grammar count. 6) If you redo an assignment, write redo on your materials and include your original assignment and grading sheet in the folder as well. Grading There are ten assignments in this class. For each, you will be graded on
technical (exposure, sharpness, compositions that enhance the subject) and aesthetic quality (images that communicate a mood, moment or convey information about a subject or event), print quality (good tonal range, burning and dodging as needed), as well as how well you experimented with your shooting style (varying exposures/depth of field, using both horizontal and vertical formats, trying different lenses) and explored your subject (interacting with them when necessary, moving around to improve composition, and shooting an appropriate amount). Written comments accompany all grades. Assignments (8) - 1 unit each Event Assignment - 3 units Picture story - 5 units The following point system will be used to determine your grade: A+ = 17, A=16, A-=15 B+=14, B=13, B-=12 C+=11, C=10, C-=9 D+=8, D=7, D-=6 F=5 Work not turned in = 0. To determine your grade, divide the number of points obtained by the number of total units. Grading Comments Following critiques, your assignments will be returned to you with grading comments. KEEP these comments until you have received your final course grade. In case of a grading problem, they are your evidence of an assignment grade received. If you turn in an assignment redo, remember to include the original work and grading sheet along with your redo. Attendance and Participation Attendance is mandatory, in class and the lab. If you are going to miss class, let me know in advance either by phone or email. I expect everyone to participate in discussions and critiques. You are allowed three absences without comment during the semester. Any more than that will cause your grades to be negatively addressed. Things to keep in mind Be professional. This is in regard to your work ethic as well as your conduct
and presentation. Be professional in the way you deal with your subjects and during class. Plan ahead and be prepared for the unexpected. Things will go wrong when you least expect it, so have a back-up plan. Subjects not showing up, bad weather, batteries dying, etc. are not excuses for late or incomplete work. Pay attention to detail. The minutest detail (waiting another second, moving one step in a different direction) can be the difference between a boring image and a compelling image. Challenge yourself. What you get out of this class depends significantly on what you put into it. Select good subjects and locations. Give yourself plenty of time to complete assignments. The Honor Code The core values of The University of Texas at Austin are learning, discovery, freedom, leadership, individual opportunity, and responsibility. Each member of the University is expected to uphold these values through integrity, honesty, trust, fairness, and respect toward peers and community. To learn more about the creation of the Honor Code, visit: http://www.utexas.edu/president/speeches/hc_042904.html. Updated: 20090120 v2 CSCIV Course Schedule for J325 This is a guide for the course. Schedule may change as guest speakers or exhibits become available. Week 1 Tuesday, Jan. 18 No Labs this Week Course Introduction / Questionnaire Darkroom Orientation sign-up Thursday, Jan. 20 Attend Darkroom Orientation (sign-up for times) Due Questionnaire Topic B&W darkroom, film processing, & printing Hand out Assignments 1 and 9 (Final Project) (Assn 1: Shooting well-exposed, sharp images. Darkroom: film processing and printing. Five prints) Picture Story Proposal 3 Ideas due Feb. 15 Tuesday, Jan. 25 Topics: Aesthetics, Making Equivalent Exposures
Exposure and Metering handout Thursday, Jan. 27 one) Tuesday, Feb. 1 Bring camera, camera manual, 50mm lens, light meter (if you own Topic: Exposures and Meters Metering demostration outside. Attend Lab Workshops with TAs during lab time: Using filters for printing Due Assignment 1 Topic: Portraiture / Looking at Light Hand out Assignment 2 (Assn 2: Metering natural light and making proper exposures. Working with subjects: posing. Five prints) Thursday, Feb. 3 Critique Assignment 1 Tuesday, Feb. 8 Attend Lab Workshop with TAs: Burning and Dodging Due: Assignment 2 Topic: Depth of Field Hand out Assignment 3 (Assn 3: Shooting: Controlling depth of field by making equivalent exposures. Five prints) Thursday, Feb. 10 Critique: Assignment 2 Tuesday, Feb. 15 Attend Lab Workshop with TAs: Split Filter Printing Technique Topic: Photo Essays and Multi-image Storytelling Discuss Final Project Assignment Picture Story Hand out assignment 4 (Assn 4: Shooting: Experimenting with wide, medium and long focal length lenses/ Scanning negatives.) Thursday, Feb. 17 Tuesday, Feb. 22 Thursday, Feb. 24 Critique: Assignment 3 due Sign up for meeting times ------- Attend Lab Workshops with TAs: Negative Scanning Due: Three Picture Story Ideas with Shot Lists Meet with students one-on-one to discuss ideas Lecture Topic: A look at classic photographs that are considered to be important in the history of photography.
Assignment: Write one page essay on what defines a great photograph and what is the effect on ongoing photography. Tuesday, Mar.1 Assignment 4 due. Basics of Photo Mechanic. During Lab time, TAs available to assist with use of flash Hand out Assignment 5 (Assn 5: Shooting an event with film. Storytelling through multiple images. (Five prints and contacts of picture story images) Thursday, Mar. 3 Topic: Flash, Part 1 Optional: Bring camera, flash & flash manual to class Tuesday, Mar. 10 Due: Assignment 5 critique (contacts of picture story images) Topic: Flash, Part 2 Optional: Bring camera, flash & flash manual to class During Lab time, TAs available to assist with use of flash Hand out Assignment 6 (Assn 6: Using fill-flash in photojournalism and portraiture.) Thursday, Mar. 8 Tuesday, Mar. 22 Working with subjects (Human and otherwise) Individual student meetings Scanning negatives and Basics of Photoshop.) Attend Lab Workshops with TAs: Digital Printing Thursday, Mar. 24 Due: Assignment 6 critique Hand out Assignments 7 & 8 Assn 7: Using flash indoors (techniques of bounce and slow-sync flash) Assn 8: Using Photoshop to produce quality image files. Digital printing Sign up for Picture Story editing meetings Tuesday, Mar. 29 Thursday, Mar.31 Tuesday, Apr. 5 Thursday, April. 7 Lecture topic: Photographing movement and action/sports/dance Attend Lab Workshops with TAs: Using Digital Cameras Due: assignment 7 critique Due: Working with contact sheets of picture story images (have your edits marked) Individual student meetings Attend Lab Workshops with TAs: Photoshop Due contacts of picture story images (have edits marked) Individual student meetings
Tuesday, Apr. 12 Thursday, Apr. 14 Topic: Photoshop imagery in search of an individual style Attend Lab Workshops with TAs: Photo Mechanic Due Critique Assignment 8 Tuesday, Apr. 19 Lecture topic: Night Photography/Practical shooting in digital Assignment: three night images on tripod with long exposures Thursday Apr. 21 Work on Single image and Picture Story selection in Class Assn 9: (Shooting with digital cameras. Storytelling through multiple images.) Tuesday, Apr. 26 Assignment due: Night photography Thursday, Apr. 28 Assn 9: Due on April 28 (Storytelling with digital cameras shooting multiple images of eight photographs) Editing /Review work prints Tuesday May 3 Thursday May 5 Work on Final Project (Assn 10: Final project: Picture story. In-depth assignment that utilizes all of the skills learned throughout the semester) Along with final single photos Last day of class Extended Lab Hours: Check Lab for times Presentation of Final Project (Assn. 10) Attendance Regular attendance is critical to completing this course successfully. I will take attendance in class and count this towards your class attendance and participation grade, which represents 20% of the final grade. Absences due to serious documented illness are excused. Medical documentation consists of a note from your Doctor on official letterhead, indicating the dates you must miss class. It is your responsibility to provide this documentation and to keep a copy for your records. Please consult Student Disability Services if you have a long-term illness, chronic health condition or disability requiring accommodations. See note below. Attendance is essential on dates scheduled for special presentations. Otherwise, you are allowed two absences during the semester to cover situations that you judge to merit an excused absence, but that do not involve serious illness. I require no explanation, as it is your responsibility to decide what circumstances merit missing class. My responsibility is to apply course policy consistently without exception. Based on prior experience, my recommendation is to save the two permitted absences for unanticipated circumstances, which may occur later in the semester. Each additional absence (without medical documentation) will result in a two point deduction from your final grade. Five or more unexcused absences may result in your automatic withdrawal (WA) from the class.
Student athletes who anticipate missing class meetings due to participation in competition should contact me at the beginning of the course so I can provide them with the respective policy statement. Important note for students with disabilities: The University of Texas at Austin provides upon request appropriate academic accommodations for qualified students with disabilities. For more information, contact the Office of the Dean of Students at 471-6259, 471-4641 TTY. All work done in this class must be original work done by you for this class alone. The goal is creation of images and text that are journalistically sound but represent your personal vision and voice. For information on academic integrity and plagiarism, see http://www.utexas.edu/depts/dos/sjs/academicintegrity