Active Outline

General Information

Course ID (CB01A and CB01B)
PHTGD005.
Course Title (CB02)
Intermediate Digital Photography
Course Credit Status
Credit - Degree Applicable
Effective Term
Fall 2023
Course Description
Further study of digital photography and digital imaging processes. Gain greater control over the quality of your digital images through shooting RAW,organization and development through Lightroom, and/or image editing with Photoshop. Create a work flow for producing high quality prints. Discuss and analyze current trends in photography.
Faculty Requirements
Course Family
FD - Digital Photography

Course Justification

This course is designed to meet the requirements for an AA Degree in Professional Photography. The course is the intermediate level of study in digital photography. The course is CSU and UC transferable and part of our CTE program.

Foothill Equivalency

Does the course have a Foothill equivalent?
No
Foothill Course ID

Course Philosophy

Formerly Statement

Course Development Options

Basic Skill Status (CB08)
Course is not a basic skills course.
Grade Options
  • Letter Grade
  • Pass/No Pass
Repeat Limit
0

Transferability & Gen. Ed. Options

Transferability
Transferable to both UC and CSU

Units and Hours

Summary

Minimum Credit Units
3.0
Maximum Credit Units
3.0

Weekly Student Hours

TypeIn ClassOut of Class
Lecture Hours2.04.0
Laboratory Hours3.00.0

Course Student Hours

Course Duration (Weeks)
12.0
Hours per unit divisor
36.0
Course In-Class (Contact) Hours
Lecture
24.0
Laboratory
36.0
Total
60.0
Course Out-of-Class Hours
Lecture
48.0
Laboratory
0.0
NA
0.0
Total
48.0

Prerequisite(s)

PHTG D004.

Corequisite(s)

Advisory(ies)

ESL D261. and ESL D265., or ESL D461. and ESL D465., or eligibility for EWRT D001A or EWRT D01AH or ESL D005.

Limitation(s) on Enrollment

Entrance Skill(s)

General Course Statement(s)

Methods of Instruction

Lecture and visual aids

Discussion of assigned reading

Discussion and problem solving performed in class

Quiz and examination review performed in class

Homework and extended projects

field trips

Guest speakers

Other: Lab activity and evaluation

Assignments

  1. Reading from assigned chapters of textbook.
  2. Weekly exercises that demonstrate an understanding and application of class concepts.
  3. Photographic exercises that demonstrate an understanding and application of class concepts and culminates in the completion of 6-8 finished, cohesive, digital images.

Methods of Evaluation

  1. Completion of class exercises by applying class concepts covered from reading or lecture.
  2. Submission of print assignments demonstrating skills and techniques covered in class.
  3. One, one-hour, mid-quarter examination (multiple choice, true and false, short answer) requiring students to apply core concepts and demonstrate a working knowledge of lecture and lab course material.
  4. Final exam: oral and visual presentation of final print assignment requiring students to explain concepts appropriate to their work and demonstrate successful control of process and techniques learned in class.

Essential Student Materials/Essential College Facilities

Essential Student Materials: 
  • Digital camera with camera RAW file capability and storage media
Essential College Facilities:
  • Computer lab with Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop

Examples of Primary Texts and References

AuthorTitlePublisherDate/EditionISBN
Faris-Belt, Angela, "The Elements of Photography" Focal Press/Elsevier, 2nd Edition, Waltham, MA, 2012

Examples of Supporting Texts and References

AuthorTitlePublisher
Hirsch, Robert, "Light and Lens Photography in the Digital Age" Focal Press/Elsevier, Waltham, MA 2012
Other suitable texts, articles, or Internet sites at the instructor's discretion.

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

Course Objectives

  • Define camera RAW format and the RAW conversion process.
  • Define the grammar of photography.
  • Create and conceptualize a cohesive series of images using the grammar of photography.
  • Organize, process, and output imagery using either Lightroom or Photoshop or a combination of both.
  • Compare and contrast traditional photographic methods with new digital methods in a rapidly changing technological world.
  • Analyze a variety of photographic works to develop, refine, and understand diverse and multicultural communities.
  • Critique classmate's work to understand the visual and communicative value of the medium and articulate individual response and expression.

CSLOs

  • Apply digital camera skills to create images.

  • Demonstrate a working knowledge of the digital darkroom integrating Adobe Lightroom and/or Photoshop.

Outline

  1. Define camera RAW format and the RAW conversion process.
    1. RAW sensor data
    2. Proprietary RAW formats such as: .NEF, .TIF, .CRW, .CR2
    3. The digital negative (.dng format)
    4. RAW processing considerations
      1. Color spaces: ProPhoto, sRGB, Adobe1998
      2. Bit depth: 8 bit vs. 16 bit
      3. Histogram: linear capture and the range of tonal values in an image
  2. Define the grammar of photography.
    1. Concept: derived meaning
    2. Content: identified subject
    3. Composition: aesthetic including formal arrangement, technique and overall quality
  3. Create and conceptualize a cohesive series of images using the grammar of photography.
    1. Use of appropriate digital camera RAW settings
    2. Identify influences from viewing imagery online, in newspapers, books, advertising, galleries, museums, or other visual media
    3. Discuss personal work in relationship to historical and/or current practices in the medium
  4. Organize, process, and output imagery using either Lightroom or Photoshop or a combination of both.
    1. Dry darkroom practices
      1. Organization of imagery: Catalog, Quick Collections, Folders Panel, Collections Panel
      2. Keywording
      3. Metadata
    2. Development in Lightroom or Adobe Camera RAW
      1. Parametric (nondestructive) editing
      2. Viewing methods: loupe, before/after, flags, rankings, labels
      3. Basic development including: white balance, temperature, tint, exposure slides, recovery, fill light, highlights, shadows, brightness, contrast, vibrance, saturation, tonal curve, HSL, grayscale, sharpening, noise, cropping
    3. Editing and image manipulation in Photoshop and/or Lightroom
      1. Retouching
      2. Color or B&W tonal adjustments
      3. Image composites in Photoshop
      4. Image cropping
    4. Preparation for large format printing.
      1. Image permanence
      2. Print sharpening
      3. Color profiles
      4. Output formats and resolution
    5. Advanced techniques
      1. Multiple exposures
      2. Color effects such as: cross processing
      3. Panoramas
      4. Diptychs, triptychs and sequencing layouts
  5. Compare and contrast traditional photographic methods with new digital methods in a rapidly changing technological world.
    1. Worldwide developments in the medium throughout its history such as: the invention of photography, camera and materials, technology, photography and the other arts, fine art, documentary, and commercial work
    2. Image evaluation in camera, on screen, in print, and in other media
  6. Analyze a variety of photographic works to develop, refine, and understand diverse and multicultural communities.
    1. Presentation of work created by diverse image-makers with equally diverse concerns (ethnic/cultural, political, gender, etc.)
    2. Consideration of what makes a successful image
      1. Conceptualization
      2. Skill and execution
      3. Message communicated
    3. Description, evaluation and interpretation of imagery as understood individually and/or collectively
      1. Subject identified
      2. Process and composition
      3. Influences and ideas
  7. Critique classmate's work to understand the visual and communicative value of the medium and articulate individual response and expression.
    1. Presentation of individual imagery
    2. Description and evaluation of techniques learned
    3. Examination of and sensitivity towards diverse photographic expressions
      1. Valuing varied viewpoints
      2. Active listening
      3. Thoughtful questioning
    4. Develop individual thoughts and ideas regarding one's creative output
      1. Origin of idea
      2. Process
      3. Level of success

Lab Topics

  1. Digital camera
  2. Digital darkroom: Lightroom and Photoshop
  3. Scanning
  4. Large format printing
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