Course

20815239 Digital Photography
Course Information
Description
This course introduces the photographic process through the use of digital cameras to produce images for presentations, the world wide web, and electronic publication. This course covers basic principles of effective composition, lighting, exposure, and control of motion and focus. Students provide their own digital cameras.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Create photographs using the DSLR or Mirrorless camera
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration, Visual Product
    Criteria
    Use basic functions of the DSLR or Mirrorless camera
    Apply basic camera settings
    Photos show effects of aperture on depth of field
    Photos show effects of shutter speed on motion

  2. Practice effective habits with the medium
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration
    Criteria
    Commit to a plan for set assembly, subject selection, and image design
    Practice operating buttons, dials, and menus of the digital camera
    Prepare charged batteries, memory cards, and camera accessories
    Calculate image capture
    Apply the Exposure Triangle
    Adjust for proper exposure in Manual mode
    Develop both artistic vision and technical execution

  3. Employ tools for exposure
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration, Visual Product
    Criteria
    Determine the effective metering mode for scene/subject matter
    Describe the role of metering and exposure in photography
    Demonstrate manual exposure control and meter reading
    Increase ISO to gain exposure in low light situations
    Examine tonal density of histogram and how to alter its range
    Implement exposure bracketing for maintaining detail
    Photographs render a balanced histogram in Adobe applications
    Photographs maintain resolution quality with lower ISO

  4. Follow the digital workflow process
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration
    Criteria
    Image capture aligns with project goals
    Avoid applying image edits to files in camera
    Explore image manipulation when using Adobe editing programs
    Apply edits with Photoshop Capture Raw or Lightroom Develop Module
    Practice non-destructive editing methods with adjustment layers
    Manage digital assets with duplicate back-up storage
    Produce accurate digital output with Epson printer
    RGB color image is produced effectively
    Grayscale image is produced effectively

  5. Control motion and focus
    Assessment Strategies
    Visual Product
    Criteria
    Determine effective method (AF/MF) and mode (AF-S/AF-C) of focus for scene/subject matter
    Determine appropriate autofocus area within the frame
    Four images show stop action, creative blur, selective focus and large depth of field
    Use panning method effectively for subject focus and blurred background
    Enlist high shutter speed to freeze action and maintain focus
    Engage telephoto lens to reduce background and narrow DOF
    Enable AI servo or AF-C (continuous autofocus) to keep focus on moving subjects
    Photographs show blur of subject in motion among wide angle, static scene with greatest DOF

  6. Recognize qualities of natural light
    Assessment Strategies
    Visual Product
    Criteria
    Seek large, bright windows for indoor photography
    Seek open shade for outdoor photography
    Photographs show evidence of compositional technique
    Photographs achieve soft, flattering light for portraits
    Photographs emphasize form and gravity of objects for still life

  7. Identify main light source
    Assessment Strategies
    Visual Product
    Criteria
    Apply effective lighting techniques as specified by the instructor
    Incorporate a reflector, backdrop, and small objects
    Photographs display light direction, shadow reduction, and light modification
    Journals show evidence of compositional technique and subject development
    Photographs exhibit slow-sync flash technique in basic zone mode

  8. Align photographic approach with experience and/or inspiration for meaningful imagery
    Assessment Strategies
    Self-Assessment
    Criteria
    Trace historical photography methods to modern methods
    Differentiate evolutional phases of photographic arts, from chemical to electronic
    Reference the modalities of successful photographers when considering your own process
    Develop own ability of seeing photographically

  9. Identify effective composition
    Assessment Strategies
    Verbal critique, written product, visual product, and/or quiz
    Criteria
    Recognize the core Rules of Composition
    Judge use of Rules in photos
    Photographs demonstrate Rules to identify subject, build interest, and guide the viewer
    Photographs demonstrate Rules to emphasize a statement or enhance the narrative
    Identify compositional methods

  10. Practice critical thinking through critique
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product and/or verbal critique
    Criteria
    Produce constructive analysis of personal work and the work of classmates, per instructor guidelines
    Write or speak about aspects that are working well and what can be improved, within the context of camera functions and compositional approach
    Evaluate photographic success based on student’s intentions for the image
    Make decisions about project quality

  11. Implement effective habits and computer lab etiquette
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration
    Criteria
    Practice responsible port connections, data transfer, image upload and file storage among respective devices
    Adhere to photographic processing guidelines and non-destructive editing methods within Adobe programs, as specified by the instructor
    Follow classroom etiquette during in-person meetings and computer or print labs
    Use shared lab time efficiently

  12. Practice time management skills
    Assessment Strategies
    Self-Assessment
    Criteria
    Implement strategies to assist with meeting deadlines
    Apply techniques to effectively manage stress
    Exercise access to campus advisors for scheduling support
    Practice respectful behavior
    Self-assess