ARTS 262: Digital Photography I
Credit hours (3)
Instructional Method: One hour lecture, demonstration or critique; three hours studio.
Introduces the student to digital art photography. Students develop skills with digital
cameras, image-editing software, fine-art photographic printing, and scanning. Students
explore digital photography as a fine art medium through the examination of relevant
artists and the creation of portfolio works.
Detailed Description of Course
In this course, students explore the camera controls of digital SLRs, digital editing,
scanning, and digital printing techniques. Emphasis is placed on developing the technical
skills needed to explore digital options in the creation of photographic art. Coursework
and projects include: basic camera usage, using the scanner as a source for photographic
art, research for and creation of a cohesive themed body of work, and the creative
options available to the artist through the use of photo image-editing software.
Students learn how to present their work on screen as well as through the fine-art
photographic print.
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
This course includes lectures in the history of digital photography and its aesthetic
possibilities. Demonstrations of technical skills in scanning, digital camera work,
software usage, and printing are incorporated together with hands on lessons to direct
student learning. Students will be guided in applying technology to aesthetic choices
and making expressive artistic works for a variety of presentation possibilities.
Having a digital SLR camera is recommended, but not required.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
Through completing this course, each student should be able to accomplish the following:
1) Develop a deeper understanding of light, how it effects exposure, and its
implications for color digital photography.
2) Gain competence in: operation of a digital SLR camera, digital image capture,
scanning, digital darkroom, digital workflow, and digital printing.
3) Build upon the student’s understanding of elements of visual design and
composition through slide lectures of historical and contemporary photographic
artworks.
4) Learn to interpret and evaluate photographic works through written reports,
group
evaluations, discussions, and critiques.
5) Explore how the arts can be a vehicle of expression of human and cultural values
through creative thinking and problem solving.
6) Create portfolios of artistic work in digital color photographs through high
quality
printing and other digital presentation techniques.
5. Assessment Measures
This course may be assessed through portfolio projects showing artistic intent, technical
assignments demonstrating acquired skills, quizzes and reading responses, and various
homework exercises.
Other Course Information
Digital Photography I is a component of the photography, video art, and graphic design
programs. Other art or non-art students interested in the possibilities of digital
photography as an art form will benefit in this class.
Reviewed and revised
June, 2023