Please review the syllabus below and complete the form above.

PHOTOGRAHY I SYLLABUS

National Board Art Instructor: Benjamin Jaffe

Creative Director / CRib Productions

Email: bjaffe@ucls.uchicago.edu         

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The Fine Arts Photography I curriculum is project-based. Considerable attention will be given to the development of visualization skills. An extensive study centered around the study of light with its scientific and aesthetic properties forming the core of study. Core principles of Art & Design will be covered: The Elements of Design: line, Shape, Color, Texture, Space and Value and the Principles of Composition: Unity, Harmony, Variety, Contrast, Movement, Balance, Emphasis, Repetition, Rhythm. Art History will include an overview of all art with an emphasis on Photography.

This class will introduce students to 35mm cameras and their operation; including films and film development, and black and white darkroom skills.*  An extensive study of the computer-based “digital” darkroom; including image manipulation, file management, and printing. This course also introduces students to exhibition preparation as well as presenting one’s own artwork. Students will do written photographic research, including reading articles relating to visual culture, image context and consider the power of an image. Assessment will include an emphasis on Critique and in particular its use in the development of the language of Art.

As an integral part of this course we will investigate examples of art and photography in the form of slide lectures and occasionally documentary films. Some of these images contain imagery that deals with issues important to the dialogue and history of art. These may include artist images that explore sex and sexuality, race and racism, violence and war, etc. If you do not want to see imagery that directly deals with issues such as these, please let me know right away, so that I can create an alternative research project for you.

OBJECTIVES:
Participation in the process of art making in the visual arts and fine art photography.
Develop an awareness of  careers in art, photography and related fields.
Strengthen an understanding of the story of art and the history of scientific innovation in the field.
Preparation for the college curriculum.
Establish a foundation as a life long learner in the arts.

INSTRUCTIONAL REFERENCE:

Digital Institute of the Arts

How to Critique Art 

PhotoMontage Asssignment

Hand Colored Photograph Assignment

     SUGGESTED TEXTS:

     The Ansel Adams Photography Series (Volumes I,II,III)
     Photography by Barbara London and John Upton
     Introduction to Photography by Marvin Rosen


GRADING SCALE:

60% Projects

20% Homework

20% Assessment (Quizzes / Exams / Critiques)

TIME DISTRIBUTION:

60% Studio time

15% Small group

15% Conference

10% Interactive & Traditional Assessment

Students are highly encouraged to appropriately apply themselves to earning the best grade possible in this course. Students exhibiting initiative above and beyond requirements specified by the teacher will be appropriately rewarded for their efforts.

As an instructor  I value diversity and inclusion and I am committed to a climate of mutual respect. My goal is to create learning environments that are accessible, equitable, inclusive, and welcoming. If there are aspects of the instruction or design of this course that result in barriers to your inclusion or accurate assessment or achievement, please notify me as soon as possible. If you have classroom accommodations that support access and inclusion, please plan to have a conversation with me soon so that we can manage logistics as needed and ensure that I can provide you with what you need to be successful in this class.



EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENT:

Students must provide their own:
--35mm film camera - 1st semester (used Pentax K100 or equivalent/see links to examples at the bottom of this page)
--Digital camera - 2nd semester (see links to examples at the bottom of this page)

Students unable to provide their own camera can request to borrow a camera from the instructor( I have a limited number of loaners so the cameras will be loaned first come first serve). Any borrowed equipment must be returned at the request of the instructor, in the same condition as it is given or pay for a replacement/repair.

Students do not have to regularly bring their equipment to school with them. Most often they will only have to transport their film, or memory card, and the cameras themselves can be left safely at home. I do expect the bulk of shooting to be done on the weekend during daylight hours. This is the primary form of homework and can most often be done in an hour or so per week.

Conduct:

1. Students are expected to follow the policies of The University of Chicago Lab School.
2. Students are expected to come to class ON TIME and PREPARED to work.
3. Students are responsible for keeping up-to-date Cornell notes in their Digital Journal.
4. Students are responsible for respecting each other, the classroom, materials (Lab’s and
    each other’s), and equipment* (Lab’s and each other’s).
5. Students are responsible for cleaning up after themselves.
6. ABSOLUTELY no food or drink allowed in the photo lab.
8. When a classmate or the instructor speaks, students should be respectfull and LISTEN.
9. During a demonstration, students should WATCH and ASK QUESTIONS when you need clarification.

10. Plagiarism -  All work must be executed by the student. Incorporated artwork as well as any derivative sources must be properly cited and approved by the instructor. Consequences for plagiarism may include failing the class, and/or the project depending on the severity of the offense




Topics:

History of Photography
Elements of Design
Priniciples of Composition
Sensory Biology of the Human Eye
Physics of Light
Properties of Traditional Cameras
Darkroom Technique
Properties of Digital Cameras
Photoshop Technique
Mixed Media Technique
Collage

Projects:

1st Semester (Darkroom)

Photogram

Film Processing

Camera Settings (Aperture & Shutterspeed Assignments)

Still Life / Macro

Abstract In Camera

Dodge & Burn

Portrait Analog

Solarization

Landscape Analog

Alternative Process

2nd Semester (Digital)

Abstract Photoshop

Studio Lighting

Portrait Digital

Landsacape Digital

HDR

Photomerge

Texture Wrap

Digital Illustration

Hand Colored Photo

Digital Collage

Hommage

Personal Inquiry Paper (click here for guidelines)

Pinhole Camera

Cyanotype

Individual Personal Project

*The student is responsible for repair and/or replacement of any borrowed, damaged, or utilized photography equipment and books.