Course Syllabus: Introduction to Photography
Course Description:
This course provides an introduction to the history, techniques, and aesthetics of photography. Students will explore the fundamental concepts of photography, including camera operation, composition, lighting, and image editing. Through practical assignments and critical analysis, students will develop a basic understanding of the medium and its potential for creative expression.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
1. Understand the historical development of photography as an art form and a cultural practice.
2. Operate a camera effectively, utilizing various settings and controls.
3. Apply compositional techniques to create visually engaging photographs.
4. Demonstrate a basic understanding of lighting principles and their impact on the photographic image.
5. Use basic image editing software to enhance and manipulate photographs.
6. Analyze and interpret photographs from a technical and aesthetic standpoint.
7. Communicate ideas and concepts through visual storytelling.
Course Duration: 14 weeks
Week 1: Introduction to Photography
– Course overview and expectations
– History of photography: From camera obscura to digital era
– Discussion: What is photography? Exploring different perspectives
Week 2: Camera Operation and Basic Techniques
– Understanding camera anatomy and controls
– Exposure triangle: Aperture, shutter speed, and ISO
– Practical assignment: Exploring different exposure settings
Week 3: Composition and Visual Elements
– Rule of thirds and other compositional guidelines
– Exploring visual elements: line, shape, form, texture, and color
– Critique session: Analyzing composition in photographs
Week 4: Lighting in Photography
– Natural light photography techniques
– Introduction to artificial lighting: on-camera flash and off-camera flash
– Practical exercise: Capturing different lighting scenarios
Week 5: Image Editing Basics
– Introduction to image editing software (e.g., Adobe Lightroom)
– Adjusting exposure, contrast, color balance, and other basic edits
– Assignment: Editing and enhancing photographs
Week 6: Introduction to Genres and Styles
– Exploring different genres of photography: landscape, portrait, documentary, etc.
– Discussion: Influential photographers and their unique styles
– Analyzing and discussing iconic photographs
Week 7: Visual Storytelling
– Understanding narrative in photography
– Constructing a visual story: sequence, series, and photo essays
– Practical assignment: Creating a photo story
Week 8: Ethics and Copyright in Photography
– Ethical considerations in photography: consent, privacy, and representation
– Copyright laws and intellectual property rights
– Class debate: Ethical dilemmas in photography
Week 9: History of Photography
– Photography movements and significant artists: from Pictorialism to Street Photography
– Guest lecture: Influential photographers and their contributions
Week 10: The Digital Age: New Possibilities
– Digital advancements and their impact on photography
– Exploring experimental techniques and emerging trends
– Research project: Investigating a contemporary photographer
Week 11: Critique and Feedback
– Peer critique session: Presenting and discussing student work
– Providing constructive feedback and incorporating it into future projects
Week 12: Photography Exhibition
– Planning and organizing a class photography exhibition
– Preparing prints and curating the display
– Public exhibition of student work
Week 13: Career Paths in Photography
– Exploring diverse career options in photography
– Guest speaker: Professional photographer sharing their experiences
– Q&A session: Navigating the photography industry
Week 14: Final Portfolio Review and Reflection
– Final portfolio submission and review
– Reflecting on personal growth and progress throughout the course
– Course recap and farewell
Reading List:
1. “The History of Photography: From 1839 to the Present” by Beaumont Newhall
2. “On Photography” by Susan Sontag
3. “Camera Lucida: Reflections on Photography” by Roland Barthes
4. “The Photographer’s Eye” by John Szarkowski
5. “Ways of Seeing” by John Berger
6. “Photography: A Cultural History” by Mary Warner Marien
7. “The Genius of Photography: How Photography Has Changed Our Lives” by Gerry Badger
8. “The Photograph as Contemporary Art” by Charlotte Cotton
9. “The Digital Photography Book” by Scott Kelby
10. “Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with Any Camera” by Bryan Peterson”
Introduction Welcome to Week 11 of our Introduction to Photography series! As we continue to explore the multifaceted world of photography, this week we’re honing in on a critical aspect that can make or break your journey as a photographer: the role of critique and feedback. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a budding enthusiast, […]
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Introduction Welcome to Week 10 of our ongoing series, “Introduction to Photography.” If you’ve been following along, you know we’ve journeyed through the rich history and diverse techniques that make photography the captivating art form it is today. This week, we’re stepping into the present and future as we explore the revolutionary impact of the
Introduction to Photography: Week 10: The Digital Age: New Possibilities Read More »
Introduction Photography has always been more than just a hobby for me; it is a passion that shapes my life and fuels my creative spirit. For over a decade, I have immersed myself in the world of photography, using Nikon DSLRs and Mirrorless cameras to capture the beauty and essence of the world around me.
Introduction to Photography: Week 9: The History of Photography Read More »
Welcome to Week 6 of our photography course, where we delve into the captivating world of genres and styles in photography.
Introduction to Photography: Week 6- Introduction to Genres and Styles by ChatGPT Read More »
Introduction Photography is the passion that guides my life. I am a self-taught photographer, and I have been using Nikon DSLRs and Mirrorless camera since 2008. I wanted to up my photography game, but I didn’t have the time or money to head back to school. Instead I asked ChatGPT to create a course plan for
Introduction to Photography: Week 5- Image Editing Basics Lesson Plan by ChatGPT Read More »
Introduction Photography is the passion that guides my life. I am a self-taught photographer, and I have been using Nikon DSLRs and Mirrorless camera since 2008. I wanted to up my photography game, but I didn’t have the time or money to head back to school. Instead I asked ChatGPT to create a course plan for
Introduction to Photography: Week 4- Lighting in Photography Lesson Plan by ChatGPT Read More »
Introduction Photography is the passion that guides my life. I am a self-taught photographer, and I have been using Nikon DSLRs and Mirrorless camera since 2008. I’ve taught myself the art of photography by reading books, taking online courses, watching YouTube videos, and years upon years of practice. I wanted to up my photography game, but I
Introduction Photography is the passion that guides my life. I am a self-taught photographer, and I have been using Nikon DSLRs and Mirrorless camera since 2008. I’ve taught myself the art of photography by reading books, taking online courses, watching YouTube videos, and years upon years of practice. I wanted to up my photography game, but I
Introduction Photography is the passion that guides my life. I am a self-taught photographer, and I have been using Nikon DSLRs and Mirrorless camera since 2008. I’ve taught myself the art of photography by reading books, taking online courses, watching YouTube videos, and years upon years of practice. I wanted to up my photography game, but I
Introduction to Photography: Week 1- Introduction to Photography Lesson Plan by ChatGPT Read More »