10203105Photo Composition
Course Information
Description
A survey of composition is an important tool of the photographer that helps to establish purpose and meaning to visual statements. Includes an introduction to the history of photography and the field of professional photography through the work of some noted photographers. Written and photographic assignments are required.
Total Credits
2
Prior Learning Assessment
  • Experiential-Portfolio
Course Competencies
  1. Explore evolution of photography and its relationship to current practices within the field
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration (submitted photographs), Written Product and/or Reflection
    Criteria
    Identify major influences within American photography
    Trace the development, technology, and compositional trends within the field of photography
    Identify "Graphic Controls" used in photographic compositions
    Describe composition in the visual arts, such as painting, graphic design, photography and sculpture

  2. Apply the composition rules to photographs
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration (submitted photographs), Written Product and/or Reflection
    Criteria
    Describe effective use of the following in given photographs:
    • Line
    • Shape/Form
    • Space
    • Value
    • Texture
    • Color
    Follow the “rule of the thirds” in photograph composition
    Differentiate the placement or arrangement of visual elements or ingredients in a work of art and the subject of a work
    Submit six photographs or another quantity specified by your instructor

  3. Analyze the importance of establishing purpose and meaning to a photograph
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration (submitted photographs), Written Product and/or Reflection
    Criteria
    Compare what is seen and what is expressed
    Identify photographs that make a statement
    Interpret various meanings of a photograph
    Describe how photographs evoke emotions and meaning
    Differentiate purpose and meaning in given photographs

  4. Create photographs following a specific style of chosen photographer’s work
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration (submitted photographs), Written Product and/or Reflection
    Criteria
    Use a digital camera
    Create five digital photographs
    Photographs and concepts show similarities between your work and the artist you are emulating in subject matter, style, and composition
    Participate in a peer critique
    Photographs are organized and shared with peers and instructor
    Photographs are accompanied by a biography of the artist
    Final images are submitted in jpeg format

  5. Participate in a peer critique
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product and/or oral presentation (feedback on peer work throughout the term)
    Criteria
    Evaluate peer artifact using provided criteria for basis of judgment
    Respond to/write feedback to peer in language that is inclusive and respectful
    Feedback identifies areas that meet criteria
    Feedback identifies areas that need improvement according to criteria
    Respond to the feedback and interpretations offered by peers and instructor
    Engage in constructive/actionable communication with peers and instructor

  6. Conduct research on your chosen photographer
    Assessment Strategies
    Interview, Written Research Report, Presentation (Final Project)
    Criteria
    Biography meets requirements as specified on the "Final Assignment: Paper & Presentation" and is 3-5 pages double spaced
    Presentation is 8-10 minutes and includes images and/or websites of your chosen photographer
    Photographer is someone you admire
    Photographer is currently working in the field you are interested in pursuing after graduation

  7. Manage photographs and files
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration
    Criteria
    Transfer your images onto a computer
    Create folders on the desktop and label them as specified by your instructor (for example, YYYY-MM-DD-first initial last name-assign-3)
    Save your images in the folder
    Copy the folder with your final, labeled images into student folder
    Copy/Backup this folder to your portable hard drive for future use