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ARTS 363

ARTS 363
Digital Photography II

1. Catalog Entry

ARTS 363
Digital Photography II

Credit hours (3)
Prerequisites: ARTS 262 with a grade of "C" or better

Builds intermediate skills in digital art photography.  Topics covered include studio lighting, portrait photography, digital editing as an art-making approach, photographic applications, analysis of photographic artists and their work.  Students will investigate both artistic and professional aspects of photography.  Emphasis is on the creation of portfolio works showing the student’s artistic vision and the development of a professional workflow.  May be taken twice for a total of six hours credit.
 
2. Detailed Description of Course

This course provides a more in-depth approach to digital photography as an artistic medium and as a professional practice.  Current aesthetic trends and practices in contemporary fine art and commercial photography are explored.  Skills in studio lighting and portrait photography are learned through both creative, personal expression and through professional-quality image-making.  Students develop stronger skills in digital image editing for how it applies to fine art and commercial applications.  

3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

This course consists of advanced work with digital cameras and computer image editing through explorations in both creative and commercial techniques.  The possibilities of studio photography and controlled lighting are a major component.  Instruction includes demonstrations and explanations of equipment usage and technique as well as presentations of relevant artists.  Laboratory work includes technical assignments and portfolio projects that develop both skills and a unique, independent approach to image-making.  Projects range from creating professional fine art to commercial portfolios, and might include:
    1) Portrait photography, both environmental and in the studio.
    2) Product and still-life photography, as applies to commercial needs and to artistic
       pursuits.
    3) High dynamic range imagery and digital photo stitching.
    4) Creating the fabricated image using tools in Adobe Photoshop.
    5) Advertising imagery.
    6) Fine-art printing, including specialized Piezography black and white digital inks as
       well as large format roll-paper printer possibilities.

4. Goals and Objectives of the Course

Through completing this course, each student should be able to:
    1) Demonstrate improved skills with digital cameras and image capture.
    2) Understand how to work with studio lighting and equipment.
    3) Develop skills in lighting a variety of subjects, from portraits to objects.
    4) Produce photographs that are technically and aesthetically appropriate for the
       subject.
    5) Improve digital image-editing techniques in the creation of either artistic or
       commercial works.
    6) Develop a professional workflow that is efficient and effective for the practicing
       artist or professional photographer.
    7) Clarify vision and intent through the development of project proposals and artist
       statements
    8) Create professional bodies of work of both artistic and commercial merit using
       high-quality printing and presentation techniques.
    9) Learn to analyze work in writing and orally with a clear, correct, coherent and
       persuasive language appropriate to art discourse.

5. Assessment Measures

Students will be assessed on:
    1) Creative photography projects that incorporate the student's own interests and
       style, together with technical components that further the students understanding
       of the medium.
    2) Technical assignments and exercises through which students develop and refine
       their understanding of photographic and digital techniques.
    3) Tests and written evaluations of course materials.
    4) Participation in class discussions and critiques.

6. Other Course Information

Students need to own a Digital SLR and are encouraged to have their own laptop with Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom.