The Photography Option
The Photography option integrates personal artistic development with an intensive focus on technical skills. Students explore contemporary photographic applications of digital technology; black-and-white, color and alternative processes; Photoshop and finishing techniques; studio and location lighting; as well as studio and business practices. Each student creates a traditional printed portfolio, a web portfolio and an E-portfolio upon completion of the program.
DIGITAL EMPHASIS: Applicants should be aware that this option puts particular emphasis on digital media. There are no courses within the degree program requirements that incorporate darkroom/wet-lab processing or traditional 35 mm cameras. These traditional courses are available for students to take for personal enrichment, and are listed in the catalog under the ART prefix.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK: A graduate of this program can expect to find employment within the creative services in a wide variety of settings related to photography or digital imaging averaging $15 an hour. Many graduates who actively seek employment find work before or shortly after graduation. Current entry-level job titles include Photography Assistant, Videographer, Digital Imaging Specialist and Photoshop Operator.
PHOTOGRAPHY CORE COURSES FOR 2012-13:
IM150: Digital imagingFALL TERM - 5 credits
This beginning digital photography course covers camera operation, exposure and software for capturing and storing digital still images. Students focus on image capture as they explore the fundamentals of color, light, and composition. Students learn basic Photoshop skills and prepare files for digital delivery. Critical viewing skills are developed through discussion and critique.
im152: Photographic Lighting I WINTER TERM - 5 credits
Students learn basic lighting skills including metering, exposure control, lighting judgment and light control techniques. They work with lighting equipment such as strobes, on-camera flash, and light modifers in both studio and natural light settings. Emphasis is placed on portrait and tabletop photography. Students organize and process their images using Photoshop and Lightroom.
im153: STUDIO Lighting I SPRING TERM - 5 credits
Further exploration of lighting concepts and principles for photography. Emphasis is on portraiture and product photography. Utilization of electronic flash and lighting tools in the studio and on location.
DP160: PHOTO EDITING I WINTER TERM - 5 credits
This course introduces Photoshop as the premiere editing software used by commercial photographers. All aspects of the program are covered including discussion of hardware, image-capture, file formats, color space and output management. Photoshop tools, retouching, compositing and filters are among areas covered. Students work with their original photography.
DP165: PHOTO EDITING II SPRING TERM - 5 credits
Students gain more advanced skills in editing and retouching digital images using Photoshop, printing and publishing to the web. Students learn to master digital workflow and asset management in preparation for image enhancement, file delivery and ouput.
DP249: PHOTOJOURNALISM FALL TERM - 5 credits
This course introduces the basics of photojournalism including historical, ethical, legal and aesthetic issues. Students develop skills in photographing news, portraits, features and sports. As photojournalism now transcends print media, additional emphasis is placed on visual reporting techniques that encompass digital camera video, sound/slide recordings and web distribution. Use of strobes in photojournalism is also addressed.
DP250: Photographic Lighting IIFALL TERM - 5 credits
This course emphasizes the advanced lighting techniques used in speciality interior and exterior digital photography applications. Tethered capture is employed where the camera is connected/controlled through the computer in both in-studio and on location. Students explore advanced strategies for composition, content and style and articulate their decisions during critique.
DP251: Digital Retouching and Output WINTER TERM - 5 credits
This class provides an opportunity to explore and experiment with digital images, software settings and printing papers to obtain high quality output. Students master digital workflow and asset management in preparation for image enhancement, file delivery and output.
DP252: Digital Media Studio SPRING TERM - 5 credits
Students develop the skills to produce videos from digital SLR cameras for both commercial photography and photojournalism applications. Students discuss intellectual property implications, identify potential markets, develop and storyboard project ideas. Instruction covers DSLR video camera operation, non-linear editing software, proper file preparation as students prepare media for a final, cohesive digital presentation.