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 the evolution of photography and its relationship to current practices within the field
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product
    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, Photographs
    Criteria
    Differentiate the placement or arrangement of visual elements or ingredients in a work of art and the subject of a work
    Follow the “rule of the thirds” in photograph composition by placing the important elements along the lines or at the intersection points instead of dead center
    Photographs show effective use of the following: line, shape/form, space, value, texture, color
    Each photograph is labeled with an element
    Six photographs are submitted in jpeg format

  3. Analyze the importance of establishing purpose and meaning to a photograph
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product
    Criteria
    Analysis differentiates purpose and meaning in given photographs
    Analysis compares what is seen and what is expressed
    Analysis identifies photographs that make a statement
    Analysis interprets various meanings of a photograph
    Analysis describes how photographs evoke emotions and meaning

  4. Create photographs following the specific style of your chosen photographer’s work
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration, Photographs
    Criteria
    Use a digital camera
    Photographs show similarities between your work and the artist you are emulating in subject matter, style, and composition
    Photographs show similarities in concepts
    Five photographs are original (yours) and five images are from the photographer you have chosen to emulate
    Final images are submitted in jpeg format
    Photographs are organized and shared with peers and instructor before the critique

  5. Conduct research on your chosen photographer
    Assessment Strategies
    Interview, Presentation
    Criteria
    Presentation is 8-10 minutes and includes images and/or websites of your chosen photographer
    Photographer is someone you admire or find inspirational
    Photographer is currently working in the field you are interested in pursuing after graduation
    Presentation is organized according to instructor guidelines

  6. Write a biography of your chosen photographer
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product
    Criteria
    Biography includes a rationale as to why you chose the person
    Biographical information comes from three or more sources; all facts are cited
    Biography includes the person’s full name and date of birth
    Biography includes background information, such as early life and education
    Biography includes most notable or memorable accomplishments
    Facts and opinions are clearly stated
    Biography is organized according to instructor guidelines
    Biography evidences correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling

  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

  8. Participate in a peer critique
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product and/or Oral Presentation (feedback on peer work)
    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